hope ministry: Amazed By His Grace
- 06/01/10 06:07 AM
It's been said to me before that 'GRACE' is God's Riches At Christ's Expense yet how many of us have failed to really grasp what this means? When I remind myself that He is the creator of heaven and earth or when I consider His greatness and power or that He can speak into being any situation or circumstance I am always left amazed. This past weekend I had the absolute priviledge to move into a new space that quite honestly I had my eye on for almost 1 1/2 years. This beautiful new construction was meant for me I would tell myself … (6 comments)
hope ministry: Thermometer or Thermostat?
- 09/26/09 12:43 AM
My thermostat is probably the most versatile item in my house because it allows me to maintain a constant environment effortlessly with the touch of a finger. Unlike a thermometer that changes constantly a thermostat keeps things steady. When I speak with women who are experiencing challenges it is amazing how some change their attitude and words even their countenance to reflect their circumstances. There are also others who go with the flow of life's ups and downs and like a see-saw, they hold on while riding the highs and lows without falling off. If you're like me, I smile at the risk of … (0 comments)
hope ministry: The Ministry Of Motherhood
- 02/06/09 09:34 PM
After surviving experiencing motherhood for 25 years, I used to think this state of being a mother would lead me to a state institution... seriously! (only a mother can understand this)
But as we all know, the blessing of children is in fact, the most wonderful gift that God gives to women. I also believe that motherhood is a ministry -- one in which mothers have a tremendous responsibility and opportunity to shape the lives of their children. They set the standard of excellence in the home through example (or should), provide unconditional, unfailing love (or should), and shape the world around their children to become wonderful human beings … (25 comments)
I will celebrate my birthday this coming Saturday and unlike my oldest son who claims he can remember when he was in my womb (no kidding!), today during my time with the Lord, I thought about the reason why I was created. Having lived 50 years on this earth, the answer as to why The Father made me came quite effortlessly. Opening my bible I went to Psalm 20:4. I noticed this verse was dated last year in 2008 when He first spoke these words to me. "May the Lord grant you according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your purpose." Psalm … (22 comments)
hope ministry: MySpace is HIS space.
- 01/21/09 11:54 PM
Living with kids can be challenging especially as a single parent. Yet challenging is probably an understated word, more like treacherous at times especially in those golden moments when it's a toss up between watching the newest Hanna Montana episode, Man vs. Wild or Flip This House. Regardless, one universal word comes to mind when I think of my space -- exhausting. Thank goodness my space has become His space; that abiding shelter of His Presence where peace and rest are found in abundance. My choice to live with God in His space relinquishes the demands of time and energy once … (6 comments)
hope ministry: Real Estate and God. What's LOVE got to do with it??
- 01/13/09 01:58 AM
The Bibles tells us in Jeremiah 29:11,"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." NKJV Our clients all have plans when it comes to their real estate goals. Some are experiencing foreclosure, divorce, death of a spouse or illness and must sell their homes. Compound this with the current market and it truly is an arena for the Lord to show Himself as our strong and mighty tower. But what about God's plans? I work largely with clients who are experiencing life challenges. Compound … (4 comments)
hope ministry: A Prayerful Quest For God
- 12/23/08 03:20 AM
The life of the Cross carries with it "an obedience unto the death of the self-life" -- that is; reaching the place of total dependency on God in all things. It is not feasible, possible or desirable to 'depend upon our own understanding' rather to be filled with the continual presence of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God. In John 4:34, "Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish this work." (NKJV) Jesus lived to do God's will. He is the only pathway to our spiritual satisfaction. When … (4 comments)
hope ministry: TERMINALLY ILL 4 YR OLD's CHRISTMAS WISH.
- 12/18/08 10:07 AM
Tonight as I tuned in to my local television station, I heard the story of 4 yr old Hannah Garman who lives in my town. She was diagnosed in late October with terminal cancer. Her mother also died of cancer two years ago so I can only imagine the deep grief and heart wrenching pain this family is experiencing at this time. When asked, this child's only Christmas wish is for Christmas cards, period. As I read her online journal (found here) I sat at my computer shaking my head in disbelief repeatedly asking God to heal this child. My thoughts … (12 comments)
hope ministry: Snowflakes Are Like Kisses From Heaven!
- 12/17/08 01:29 AM
I love the snow especially when someone else does the shoveling! Just kidding. I actually enjoy the extreme workout. My heart loves it, my neighbors love it and my landlord too! I told my friend this morning that snowflakes are like kisses from heaven. The reason being is that each one is unique, they are appointed to fall directly upon our face when we least expect it plus they create an insulated blanket of love that buffers the stress of life with uniform purity. All that from one simply snowflake kiss from heaven. As for my friend, I heard a blizzard … (4 comments)
hope ministry: God Blesses The Broken Road
- 11/29/08 08:38 AM
Psalm 147:3- "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (NKJV) God loves the brokenhearted. He understands their pain and the anguish of a heart broken by shattered dreams, unfulfilled promises, mistaken identities and loss. Many hoping to find true love along their broken road are left alone and lost in both time and emotion. But God tracks the many days and years lost because of choices made along the way -- a way marked by emotional stop signs and one-way highways not pointing in the direction of His saving grace and mercy. He redeems time lost along one's broken … (18 comments)
hope ministry: Simple Needs In Difficult Times
- 11/26/08 11:53 PM
With Thanksgiving Day upon us, the holiday season too often becomes a busy and stressful time of year for many. In this challenging economy I have witnessed my clients lose their home's equity to buyers, suffer repeated price reductions and deal with the hardship of foreclosure and short sales. But in the midst of their struggles, God faithfully opened doors and hearts for me to minister to others His peace and encouragement to weather the storm and remain steadfast in their real estate goals. The Secret Place and HOPE Ministry will be entering its seventh year of ministry in 2009 and with this comes an expanded … (4 comments)
hope ministry: The Point Of Grace
- 11/18/08 12:39 AM
The Point Of Grace In early October some of us with the Lancaster Community Choir were asked to sing with Point Of Grace at their Christmas concert being held in December. On the way home from practice last night I thought about the phrase 'point of grace' and its meaning in my life. What is this marvelous grace that was given to us by God? By definition grace is "unmerited favor" or good will. Another definition is "a manifestation of favor, esp. by a superior." Manifestation being that which has already been revealed. In the point of grace, it is the love poured out … (4 comments)
hope ministry: More Time To Love!
- 11/05/08 06:25 AM
It comes as no surprise to anyone aware of the current housing crisis that sellers aren't selling and buyers are taking their time trying to find the best deals. Maybe it's just me, but I have more time on my hands than ever before. Today as I thought of other ways to earn money I was reminded by The Holy Spirit that God always has and always will provide for my need. Not that He expects me to sit around waiting for some angelic lottery to be deposited into my bank account but surely He prefers that I utilize this slow … (18 comments)
hope ministry: Waiting On God.
- 11/01/08 11:53 AM
Think about this the next time someone tells you they are waiting on the Lord. Scripture tells us in Isaiah 40:31 to wait on the Lord meaning, "to expect, look for, and hope in Him." But I also believe that we are to wait on God as a waitress does her customer. Dictionary.com defines 'wait on' as "to supply the wants of a person, as serving a meal or serving a customer in a store." Interesting. So what this indicates is not only do we delay decisions, or postpone action until we know God's will in a situation -- which by the way, … (21 comments)
hope ministry: FIREPROOF!
- 10/25/08 01:13 AM
On Thursday night I watched the new movie, "Fireproof" at a local theatre. Starring Kirk Cameron, (Mike Seaver from "Growing Pains"), this movie is both amazing and heartwarming affirming the covenant of marriage and what it takes for two people to do marriage God's way. Although I am not married now, I urge everyone to take the time with your spouse to see this movie. It is an incredible display of perseverence, and unconditional love. I have been encouraged as a single person and without giving too much away I left the theatre with these thoughts. 1) You never leave your … (23 comments)
In it he describes the five love languages that people speak in order to better express and receive love. He outlines them as follows: 1) Words of Affirmation - demonstrated through verbal appreciation and encouragement. 2) Quality Time - doing quality activities that the other person enjoys while keeping a positive attitude in the process. It's focused time on the other person not on the activity but always on what they like to do. 3) Receiving Gifts - giving visual symbols of love including the gift … (20 comments)
hope ministry: The Artist's Makeup.
- 08/26/08 11:22 PM
I thought about makeup on my walk last night. Yeah, I know, odd right? Before finishing prayer I looked up to the clouds and thought, "Lord, I want to put on Your makeup."
My words went like this. "Let my eyes sparkle as a woman deeply in love, my cheeks blush as when she receives a beautiful and unexpected bouquet of flowers, hold my head up high as one going forth to receive an accolade, and let my smile reflect the joy of a new mother upon the birth of her child. With my foundation set and the colors of my Kingdom wardrobe already chosen, … (25 comments)
I saw a cross and thought of it as a loving reminder of the blood Jesus shed for me. I owe my life to Him and want to always proclaim,"Lord, here I am." I bow down to Him and to all He is ... simply because He is God. He is my only worth and beauty. On my knees I will bless Him and lift Him high -- on my knees I will treasure Him and give thanks for what He has done in my life. I ask, "How may I … (16 comments)
hope ministry: Be still and know that He is God.
- 08/15/08 11:40 PM
Be encouraged today to ‘be still' before the Lord. Whatever it is today and in all of your tomorrows that you are experiencing and will walk through, find your trust in Him. Rest your soul in Christ only and not in the things of this world and the desires of the flesh. Take the letters you read in His Word, lift them off the pages and paste them to your heart. You will then come to a place of quietness and rest and you will soon discover His power when you are still. Petition God with these words, print them out if … (26 comments)
hope ministry: What About God?
- 08/13/08 12:20 PM
My favorite thing to do during my daily 2 mile walk is communicate with God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray without ceasing" so every opportunity I have in my day I talk with the Lord. When I share my heart with Him I'm letting God know how much I trust Him and depend upon Him. Just today I was telling Him what a beautiful life I have. I said, "Lord, my life is so wonderful and so beautiful, I couldn't imagine anything better" -- expect perhaps having a husband and a pint of sticky-toffee pudding ice cream in my freezer. … (21 comments)
It's been said to me before that 'GRACE' is God's Riches At Christ's Expense yet how many of us have failed to really grasp what this means? When I remind myself that He is the creator of heaven and earth or when I consider His greatness and power or that He can speak into being any situation or circumstance I am always left amazed.
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