Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

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Friday

10

March 2017

Hope Reflected | Bitterness

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

 

bitterness

 

Cain and Abel. Saul and David. Hillary and Donald (OK maybe not so much the latter as Hillary did handle herself gracefully after Donald won the election). Bitterness. It dates back as early as the book of Genesis, and it’s still consuming people to this very day.

Just saying the word sounds sharp. Bitterness blinds, blocks, hurts, and steals. Like its cousin comparison, bitterness is a thief. If you let it creep in, bitterness will steal your joy. You may think you’re above being bitter, but guess what? You’re not. Who can blame you? That person last week who gave you a back-handed compliment, you’re right! It was rude and it wasn’t fair. That person who purposefully tried to sabotage you and throw you under the bus? Of course you feel completely justified in not speaking to them. Bitterness. It’s the antithesis of sweetness.

Last week when I came home ranting and raving about some rude comments that someone made, Wes (almost always the voice of reason) reminded me that while others may speak out of spite or selfishness, as Christians we’re called to be careful about our reactions. While it may be tempting for me to get upset, or to carry hard feelings, ultimately the only person that it’s going to hurt, is me.

Here’s what I know about bitterness:

  1. Bitterness makes you lonely.
  2. Bitterness hurts other people.
  3. Bitterness hurts you more than it hurts other people.
  4. Bitterness blinds your eyes to beauty.
  5. Bitterness bars your soul from love.

When it’s put like that, bitterness kind of loses its attractiveness, doesn’t it? So when we’re feeling wronged or like someone’s hurt us, or like the situation we’re in just won’t get better, what should we do instead of becoming bitter?

 

  1. Pray about it. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25) Is it another person or a certain situation that’s caused you to feel bitter? Pray about it! Take it to the Lord and pray for the person who hurt you, and pray for the situation of which you’re in the middle. Pray that God will help you forgive and move forward.
  2. Put your faith and hope in God and trust His power. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) No matter who hurt you, and no matter how huge that situation you’re in may seem, God is bigger. Seriously. He made the sun, moon and stars. He is the One Who knows every grain of sand and every bird of the sky. He created you. Though you may not know it – or think it – He’s got a reason for everything (Isaiah 55: 8-9).
  3. Focus on the good – and right – things. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) Don’t let your mind go where it shouldn’t. Is it easy? Not always! Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to focus on the negative, but harbouring bitterness will only hurt you. When you catch yourself focusing on the negative, bring it back and focus on the good.
  4. Let go, and let God. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21) Only the Lord can free you from your bitterness, so it’s only by seeking Him that you will ever be free from your bitterness.

Don’t get bitter; give it to God and get better. As Dave Willis says, “Bitterness and love can’t live together in the same heart. Each day, we must decide which one gets to stay.”

Originally published as “Bitterness.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. March 2, 2017: 8. Print.

Monday

6

March 2017

Encouragement | Rest | Matthew 11:28

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

matthew 11:28 encouragement rest

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

You know how sometimes Monday morning can roll around and you wonder how on earth you’re going to make it through another week?

More often than not, it seems that each of us has too much going on, that we’re always running from place to place, just trying to get things done. While we’re busy being busy, it can be so easy to forget that there is One who sees all and knows all. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” There is no rest like the rest that Christ provides. There is no peace apart from Him.

You may recall in Isaiah 40:31 we are promised that “those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

A.W. Tozer once said, “Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big God is.” No matter how much is going on this week, or how many tasks you have on your to-do list, fix your eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ, and He will give you rest.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Friday

3

March 2017

Hope Reflected | Sharing Your Faith

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

sharing your faith psalm 96:2

 

As a young child, I can remember hearing stories of missionaries who traversed the world over, taking the Gospel to the farthest-reaching places of the globe, and sharing the “Good News” in a country that wasn’t their home. Historical figures such as Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, and Amy Carmichael dedicated their entire lives to spreading the Gospel of Christ and serving others. Even sitting and listening to the letters being read at our own church, – the weekly updates and reports of teaching, preaching, and building, – seemed unending coming in from those serving the Lord in other countries. “How do they do it,” I wondered. “I don’t even think I could share my faith with my friends here at home!”

 

Sharing your faith may seem like a daunting task, however there are a few things to keep in mind when you feel led to share your testimony with someone else.

 

  1. Sharing your faith is something you can do right at home. “Sing to the LORD, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96: 2) Sharing your faith isn’t something that you need to travel the world over to do. Sharing your faith starts right at home with your family, friends, and neighbours. We are called to proclaim the Good News from day to day. We are called to be missionaries wherever we are. Where does each day find you? Whether at school or at work, or even in recreation; sharing your faith is something you can do right in your own backyard.

 

  1. Sharing your faith is about Christ and what He did for you. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Your salvation is not about you or anything you did. This is a reminder that we can all use, is it not? How often do we find ourselves caught up worrying about not having the right words to say, or fearful that if we stand up for our Faith, other people will judge us or not want to be friends with us? Well, here’s a reality check: Sharing your faith is not about you, and it’s not about me. It’s about Christ. I love what Billy Graham says on the topic: “Remember that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called – and as Christians, we are all called to share what Christ has done.” When it comes to sharing your faith with others, things don’t have to be complicated; while some individuals may have an incredible story and testimony about how they came to know the Lord, others may not; and there’s nothing wrong with that! Remember, sharing your faith is about what Christ has done for you, not about anything you have done.

 

  1. Sharing your faith is more than speaking words from a Bible. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15) When it comes to sharing your faith, remember that your testimony is more than speaking words; it’s living them. Your testimony is demonstrated practically in the life you live. Anyone can do some research and recite Scripture. The real proof is in the pudding. Is your life indicative of a close walk with Christ? It is a daily challenge to live right. As Wes says, “we’re all a mess and the only way we can make it through each day is by God’s grace.” In my own life, having the right attitude, being consistent, and guarding my tongue are not always easy tasks – the struggle is real. It is hard to live the fruits of the spirit, especially when some days I feel like I’m failing lesson after lesson on patience, kindness, and goodness. Sharing your faith is about your actions just as much as your words.

 

We are called to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6) We are also called to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) God makes no mistakes, and He brings people across each of our paths for a purpose. Grow where you’ve been planted!

Originally published as “Sharing Your Faith.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. February 23, 2017: 8. Print.

Monday

27

February 2017

Encouragement | Psalm 139:3

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement

encouragement psalm 139:3

“You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:3-4

Sometimes it may seem like you can’t see the path just ahead of you, and you’re afraid to take the next step. Rest assured and be encouraged knowing that God knows your path, He knows your lying down, and He is acquainted with all your ways.

Psalm 119:105 tells us that God’s Word is “a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” If you’ve ever held a candle-lit lamp, you understand that it doesn’t provide a whole lot of light. Rather, it provides just enough light for the stairs in front of you.

That’s the beauty of having a relationship with God. We don’t need to see all the stairs; we can trust that He’s in complete control and will provide the light we require. Just like we’re told in Psalm 139:3-4, God knows our path and He knows all our ways. We can rest in that.

“You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:3-4

Friday

24

February 2017

Hope Reflected | Jealousy

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

jealousy proverbs 14:30

 

It was at the age of eight when I was gifted the Barbie Fold ‘n Fun House, and that Barbie house was amazing. Three different rooms, a rooftop patio, a couch that turned into a bed, and ‘outdoor’ sitting area with a street light that actually worked; my Barbie collection was complete now that Barbie, Ken, and friends had a place to live. Or so I thought. Enter the Barbie Dreamhouse, gifted to one of my best friends. Not only did it have a rooftop patio, it also featured six rooms spread over two stories, a Jacuzzi tub, and a ‘functioning’ fireplace. It made my Barbie Fold ‘n Fun House look more like a cottage. I would have loved to have that Barbie Dreamhouse as my own. It wasn’t until I stopped comparing my Barbie accessories to my friend’s that I actually started to appreciate and enjoy what I already had.

 

Jealousy. It happens to everyone at some point, and if you say it hasn’t happened to you, you’re lying. The key is that we shouldn’t dwell on jealousy or let it consume us. That being said, there are two types of jealousy of which we should be aware. There’s a rightful jealousy (that occurs when you have ownership of something that you’re trying to guard or protect), and there is an unhealthy, sinful jealousy (that occurs when we covet something we don’t have that belongs to someone else).

 

The Bible talks about both types of jealousy. You’ve likely read in the book of Exodus where God is described as a jealous God. That’s not a bad thing! You see, we belong to God. He created us, and when we take our focus off Him and put it on ourselves and on earthly things, that’s not right. God has a right to command our full attention, because we belong to Him. Interestingly, when we take our focus off Christ, that’s when we are at the greatest risk of going astray and falling away. Enter the bad type of jealousy (among other sins). Alternatively, when we keep our focus on God, and desire to do His will and live for Him, God wants nothing more than to see us happy, living in love and enjoying Him (the exact opposite of jealousy).

 

How do you guard yourself or catch yourself when you’re jealous? An important thing is to take the focus off yourself. We tend to get jealous or envious when we focus too much on what we have – or don’t have. Comparison to others is a dangerous game, and you won’t win. You’ll either come away with a false sense of pride, or you’ll feel inadequate.

 

  1. Admit jealousy for what it is. “You are still wordly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (1 Corinthians 3:3) Each of us is human, and none of us is above jealousy or envy, but that doesn’t make it OK. Jealousy is wrong, and the first step to overcoming your jealousy is admitting it.
  2. Put your focus in the right place. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) We tend to get caught up in jealousy when our focus isn’t in the right place. As Christians, we’re called to act with love, and love’s attributes do not include jealousy (1 Corinthians 13:4). When we put our focus on the Lord, He’ll help us put things in perspective. (Psalm 37:1, 3).
  3. Choose contentment over comparison. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30) You’ve likely heard the adage, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and there is great truth in these words. When we start comparing ourselves to others and going through all the haves and have-nots, there’s not doubt we’ll get jealous. It’s important to remember that God makes no mistakes. When we let jealousy take control, we’re essentially saying that God makes mistakes and that His gifts aren’t enough. When we choose contentment, however, we’re resting in God’s grace and His goodness.

 

Don’t let your coffee get cold because you’re so busy looking at someone else’s mug. Make the conscious choice to count your blessings, and remember the Lord “who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)

 

Originally published as “Jealousy.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. February 16, 2017: 7. Print.

Thursday

23

February 2017

For the Home | 3 Outdoor Living Spaces to Make You Swoon

Written by , Posted in Gardening

There’s just something about an outdoor living space with comfortable, fluffy chairs, a welcoming layout, and a warm fireplace that I just LOVE. If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ve seen some of the inviting spaces that inspire me. Today, I’m sharing 3 outdoor living spaces to make you swoon. Complete with all the essentials — lots of cushions, covering, and greenery surrounding, — these outdoor spaces are sure to inspire your outdoor living area this spring and summer season.

 

1. Ode to tradition. There’s something about an outdoor living space that’s completely covered and yet completely open that is absolutely beautiful. I can picture summer Saturdays spent in this space reading and summer evenings spent lounging by candlelight with family and friends.

outdoor living spaces

img src athomearkansas.com

 

2. So many spots to sit. Especially when you’re looking to entertain outdoors, having more than one sitting area is an appealing (and functional!) idea. This space has a great layout: A fireplace at the helm, a casual lounge area under a shade pergola, and a more formal dining space.

outdoor living spaces

img src Architectural Digest

 

3. A firm foundation. While this look wouldn’t work in every yard, this outdoor living space is anchored by four strong, sturdy, white pillars that really complement the other elements of this set up. The fireplace in this space is equally as strong, and acts as a focal point in this gorgeous garden space.

outdoor living spaces

img src Traditional Living

Looking for more inspiration for your own outdoor living space? Be sure to follow my Outdoor Living board on Pinterest for fresh ideas!

Wednesday

22

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Faith

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

faith

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

We know from reading the book of Hebrews that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Facts about faith:

Prayer, fellowship, and quality time in God’s Word are the essentials of a strong faith.

Trust, assurance, confidence, and a firm foundation in Christ are the results of a strong faith.

Looking to strengthen your faith and your relationship with God? Get into His Word. Having a relationship with God doesn’t always make things easy, but it makes them possible.

“Faith does not make things easy; it makes things possible.” Luke 1:37

 

Friday

17

February 2017

Hope Reflected | Love

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

hope reflected love

Ah, love. February, long touted as “the month of love”, can be a sensitive time of year for some people. You know, you get those who say they don’t care about Valentine’s Day or commercial holidays; there are those who say that they don’t want flowers and they don’t eat chocolate; and there are those who say that they’d rather their significant other demonstrate love randomly on some other day of the year. There’s also the growing popularity of “Galentine’s Day”, (which started thanks to Amy Poehler in an episode of “Parks and Rec”), a day dedicated to celebrating love with your girlfriends.

As a traditional romantic, I love the idea of flowers and love letters and I’m thankful to be married to and in love with a man who also believes that love should be celebrated throughout the entire year.

The interesting thing about human love is that it’s conditional. Notice how the popular dictionaries define love, “arising from” or “based on” certain criteria being met. Human love is conditional because we base our love on our feelings – and we all know that feelings change. Have you ever heard of couples who, “fell out of love” or “lost that feeling”? Marriage requires a more firm foundation than that of one based on “feelings”.

On our wedding day, one of the best pieces of advice that Wes and I received – besides “happy wife, happy life” – was that to maintain a fulfilled and true marriage, we need to remember that our love is an act of our will. Even in the moments when you don’t “feel” like it, you’ve got to will yourself to love the other person. We can’t do it without God. I’m thankful for a husband who shares that foundation.

While I cherish Wes, his love, and his will, I also am thankful for the love of my Heavenly Father, who loves me unconditionally; Who’s love for me isn’t based on feelings or emotions. So how does God’s love differ from our human love?

  1. God’s love is unconditional. “God is love.” 1 John 4:8 God’s love is unconditional because God is love. He doesn’t love us because of how we make Him feel or something we did for Him; God loves us because God is love. Think about it.
  2. God’s love is giving. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Another attribute of God’s love is His generosity. He sent his only Son to die on the cross so that we can have eternal life. There was nothing we did or said that could have influenced this. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We didn’t do anything to deserve this; He did everything. As it is written in 1 John 4:10, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
  3. God’s love is ours. “Let us love one another, for love is of God…In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:7, 9 God’s love is a free gift that’s available to anyone and everyone who believes in Him. All we have to do is acknowledge Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and accept His gift of love. “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” (1 John 4:15-16)

If you’re looking for love, the best place to start is a relationship with God. Only He will love you wholly, unconditionally, and no matter what. He will encourage you and uplift you, and provide for you in ways beyond anything you can ask or think. God will love you more in a moment than anyone can in a lifetime. Spoken from experience, you can search the world over and try to fill your life with people, activities, and “stuff”, but nothing can compare to the love that God has for you, and nothing can fill that place in your heart like our Heavenly Father can.

Originally published as “Love.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. February 9, 2017: 7. Print.

Wednesday

15

February 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | A Firm Foundation

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

firm foundation wednesday wisdom a purposeful life is built on a foundation more than mere possessions

“A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions.”

A few weeks ago, my Wednesday Wisdom post resonated with many of you. I heard several comments from several readers who agree with the adage that “when you love what you have, you have everything you need”. An attitude of gratitude certainly is one of the components to a joy-filled life. On another, deeper level, we also have to realize that in order to live a purposeful (or purpose-filled) life, we need to build our lives on a foundation that’s stronger than mere possessions.

Life isn’t about how much ‘stuff’ you have; life is more than an accumulation of ‘things’. Each of us was created for a unique purpose, and until we start building on the foundation that God formed us and created us and has a plan for us, we’ll just be wandering through this life without real purpose.

You may think that love, or success, or even sunshine and warm weather, will help you live the life you want to live, however without the proper foundation, ultimately your life will amount to nothing. As we’re told in 1 Timothy 6:7, “After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.” Your life is about more than mere possessions.

A purposeful life is built on a foundation stronger than mere possessions. What foundation are you building on?

 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7: 24-27

Tuesday

14

February 2017

Gardening | How to cut roses

Written by , Posted in Gardening

how to cut roses gardening

Singin’ in the Rain Floribunda rose | Img src Hope Reflected

There are thousands of rose varieties in the world. Some natural, some hybrids, roses can be separated into three groups: Species roses, old garden roses, and modern garden roses. Species roses are natural, old garden roses were cultivated before 1867, and modern garden roses were cultivated after 1867.

how to cut roses gardening

White Bolero Floribunda rose | Img src Hope Reflected

In our garden, Wes and I have started a collection of hybrid roses, each of a different colour and variety. A hybrid rose is created by the cross-breeding of two types of roses. While some hybrids are more hearty than others, hybrid roses make for a beautiful addition to any garden in full or partial sun.

how to cut roses gardening

White Bolero Floribunda roses | Img src Hope Reflected

If you’re looking to trim back your garden roses to enjoy indoors or to give away, there are some steps you’ll want to take to ensure you get the most out of your cut roses.

Tips for how to cut roses:

  1. Make sure your garden shears are clean. This can affect the quality of your cut roses. If you’ve been working with plants in your garden that have disease or bacteria, you don’t want that to spread to your rose bush (either the cut rose or the rose bush that remains in the ground).
  2. Cut the roses at the right stage. A good rule of thumb is to cut roses from your garden just after they’ve matured from a bud to a flower, when the petals are starting to blossom. This can vary depending what variety of rose you’re working with.
  3. Cut your roses first thing in the morning. If you can’t cut your roses before 9:00am, the second best time would be in the evening after the sun has gone down. You want to catch the rose bush when it’s still cool and holding water. This will not only make your cut roses last longer, it will also assist the remaining rose bush in recovery and regrowth.
  4. Cut your roses at the right angle and place. Don’t cut the rose stem straight across, you’ll want to trim the bush at a 45 degree angle. This will assist in drinking when you put the cut roses in a vase. Cut the stems as close to the base of the rose bush as possible.
  5. Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line. A good rule of thumb for any cut flower (not just roses) is to remove any leave that could potentially sit in the water of your vase. It’s important to leave some leaves higher up on the stem to assist the flower in drinking water, however any leaves that would fall below the water line should be removed before you put the roses in the vase.
how to cut roses gardening

Red Ten-Ten hybrid tea rose | Img src Hope Reflected

 

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