Hope

Hope is one of my favorite words.  Right now I am hoping that the apple blossoms on our new little tree will mature into apples.  I am also hoping that I will figure out the ropes of this new blog.  This is my first blog and my first entry.  Finally, I am also hoping that the apple blossom photo I am trying to upload will appear on this post. So, if you are able to read this; then, it is a testimony to the user friendliness of Blogger.

Therefore, with hope in mind, I will continue this post. By the way, I decided to add a photo of some winter pansies instead.  What could be more hopeful then flowers that bloom when all else is asleep? These lovelies even continue through spring, summer, and late into autumn, then the little darlings bloomed again this spring shortly after I added more winter pansies to the planter.  I must show you the planter in another post.  It was a "good with wood" gift my generous husband made for me.  Are you curious?  Good, that means you'll be back.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Hope is potent.  It can make the difference between life and death.  It can enable us to say that we are living rather than we are dying; as indeed we are all approaching that day sooner or later.  But while we are here; however, may we live as people with a purpose.  A purpose that is higher than yourself is ideal.  When we have to reach higher we achieve more than we thought we could.  They say to aim for the stars is good be-
cause then if we only reach the moon - that is still awesome!

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

And, please, we must not rely completely on others to provide us with hope.  When I was considering homeschooling, our three children over 11 years ago, a friend suggested I might want to reconsider since it is a rather challenging prospect.  I felt a little hurt, but I secretly rebuked that comment by quoting the verse above.  Was the God I believed in asking me to do this?  And if he was-would He be able to help me do it?
So, it has been almost 11 years that we have been homeschooling, and yes it can be challenging; however, it has been so worth it to all of us.

Hope is empowering.  Why would anyone choose a steeper and narrower path when a wide level one is available? Perhaps, they have talked with others who have gone before them and their report was a Caleb style one that gave them hope. Let's be like Caleb who believed and therefore focused on the promised land rather than the road that leads to it. So when I have a tough spot on the path, I focus on the goal.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Well, I hope to be back next Sunday with a new post (and you can see the planter).  Meantime, fellow pilgrim, do not hesitate to choose the more difficult path if the Good Shepherd leads you there.  The view will be breathtaking and you'll be in great shape at the end!              

In Hope,
Wendy