Taken from… February 23                                       A River of Hope

Many of us hope for the future. We make plans and entertain dreams that will someday lead us where we want to go. Sometimes in the midst of our expectations, we forget to enjoy the present. We miss the essence of life. Our greatest hope lies within the moments before us.

We can ask God to help us live out this hope day by day. Instead of scattering our thoughts across an unseen future, we can place our attention in the here and now. There are infinite possibilities in any given moment. We can be attuned to these opportunities and treat them as gifts. One by one, they contribute to a brighter tomorrow.

All good things require time and patience. When we quit leaping foreward, we can appreciate the blessings in front of us. Each day contains endless miracles. We can stop and appreciate the treasures of the present as we nurture our understanding of tomorrow. Together, they make hope shine! 

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There is no greater beauty than that in the moment. We can rest here. We can dream here. We can see our destiny here.

January 11                                      A River of Hope

We all stumble-some more than others-but, nonetheless, it is something we all have in common.  We don’t enjoy it, and yet stumbling is a necessary part of life. It helps us become who we are meant to be. It brings us closer to our destiny. Most importantly, it leads us nearer to God.

Although stumbling is inevitable, there are things we can do to gain discernment. One of the most effective means to clear away obstacles is learning to make good choices. The decisions we make all eventually lead to one of two outcomes-either positive or negative. We must make our choices carefully, holding our dearest hopes and beliefs in the forefront of our minds. Our choices ultimately determine who we become.

And becoming is what life is all about. One way or another, we will get there. We will discover the magnificence of who we are created to be. We are all children of God. We can spend our lifetime on earth living out His destiny. We can be lights where there is darkness and despair.

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Choices do not always come easy. Sometimes the best we can do is to be still and silent, raising our thoughts for heaven’s light to illumine our hearts and minds.  The more we turn it over, the more beautiful we grow. This is the magic of the universe. It is the story of our soul…

Peace and Love

Amy Lynn

A River of Hope   January 5

We love to see our plans unfold as we expect. We are challenged emotionally and psychologically when things do not go our way. We also like it best when the end is in sight. It is hard to journey toward an unseen future.

The unknown stirs fear within us. When we are unsure of outcomes and solutions, we get scared. Thankfully, we can consider alternatives. Instead of surrendering to fear during uncertain times, we can trust in God’s perfect guidance. We can surrender to love. God is moving us in the direction we must go. We can trust his care and inspiration.

Embracing the unknown is far better than running from it. The places that have made us comfortable are not necessarily the roads we need to follow. When we step into new avenues, even when we are unsure, it allows God room to work within us. During times of uncertainty, he can show us his ways. And his ways are so much better than our own!

We can even learn to treasure times of ambiguity. Instead of throwing up our arms in frustration, we can reach out our hands in faith. God sees the big picture. He understands and loves us completely. He designed the journey we travel. He handcrafted it especially for us, to bring us peace and joy. He will not let us down! Embrace him…

January 1  A River of Hope

Life provides a wide array of feelings that we can experience, express, and fianlly, release. Some of our encounters bring joy and others sorrow. We grow when we allow time and space in our heart for our feelings- both pleasant and not so pleasant. It is then that we discover our true identity.

Feelings mirror our choices. We can open our inner landscape to them, or shut the door. We can explore the wisdom they bring, for we create the garden from which they bloom. We might choose to turn the other way, but not without consequence. When we face them openly, they grace our path. We learn more about ourselves. We learn to love.

But there comes a time for tender release. Feelings can only be held for so long before we must let them go. Life is ever-changing and so are we. Each day we receive the opportunity to experience a new range of emotions, yet our ability is dampened if we hold onto yesterday. Releasing the past creates room for light to shine into our future. We can move on.

Emotions are God-given. When we bow to the innter-voice, we are filled with peaceful guidance. Our path becomes clearer each time we pause and take personal inventory. We gain perspective during times of reflection. God is leading us toward serenity and life anew. Feelings bring us nearer to God.

I wish you all a Happy and Peaceful New Year filled with many blessings!!!