A River of Hope

It is tempting to run away when life gets tough. The road before us seems too treacherous and long. We quickly jump to another path, a different time and space, one we think might be easier. We hate conflict. We desperately try to get back to a place where everything is easier, softer because we can’t stand the pain. Our present circumstances may engulf our very soul, and there seems no way out but to run and run fast.

The journey is designed for our souls to mature. Trials in life season our spirit. We grow to one day comprehend more than just what is here on earth. We learn to look beyond life’s circumstances through the eyes of our soul. Our attitude and vision begin to include the divine. Although our journey ahead might seem difficult, and fear is telling us we cannot handle it; walking through our present circumstances can lead to spectacular outcomes. We don’t always know what blessings and joy lie waiting for us one the other side of the turmoil. It is well worth our while to hang in there.

The next time we are faced with a series of events that seem insurmountable, let’s not run. Instead, let’s pause and consider the benefits of walking through this difficult time. If it seems overwhelming and fear seizes our spirit, we can reach up for God’s help. He is constantly willing to offer his strength. He will carry us through.

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From         A River of Hope

We often get stuck in narrow-mindedness. Human instinct positions us to view situations from a selfish, limited perspective. We hone in on how things affect us. It is refreshing to expand our vision and consider that there is a much bigger painting being created in and through our lives. There are things far more important than the trivial pursuits that generally occupy our thought patterns.

When we open our minds to the big picture, we embrace a higher state of living. We become more effective and creative. Everything that happens in our lives eventually evolves to form a miracle. We will begin to see this through our own experience. We can see how problems, turned over to the care of God, are resolved better than we could have ever imagined.

God is painting a destiny for us that is beyond our wildest dreams. We do not always see the beautiful strokes of his brush, and yet we can trust that his masterpiece will one day be unveiled in vivid beauty. We do not have to let life’s troubles bring us down. We can keep our eyes on faith and the knowledge of a heavenly process that is not yet revealed. God is omnipotent and will not let us down. He is the Creator of light, the Author of eternity, and our greatest companion and friend. 

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Praise God we are painted with experiences along our journey, both good and bad, that help us become the beautiful masterpieces we are meant to be!  

From   A River of Hope 

No one likes failure. We enjoy success. It hurts when we cannot accomplish something that we set out to do. We usually end up feeling like a failure. It is enlightening to look upon these situations simply as outcomes that did not go our way. Our misfortune does not have to become us. There is an easier, better way to live.

We can learn to view failure as a self-defining experience. It is unrealistic to expect that we will achieve every goal. Failure helps us discover our true talent. It encourages us to exercise our natural abilities and gifts. Failure shows us which way to go and, more importantly, which way not to go next time.

Failure also keeps us honest. We develop a healthier perception of who we are and where our capabilities lie. When we reach the end of a road, there is no other way but to turn around. We come closer to the path we were meant to travel from the beginning. We learn to admit our weaknesses along the way. We identify shortcomings and develop spiritual strategies to avoid allowing them to overcome us in the future. We mature. 

When we learn to deal with failure, we grow immensely. In looking back, some of our toughest times have brought forth the most light. Even through the darkest tunnels, God’s wisdom and guidance permeate our surroundings. He shows us the way and leads us to a better future.

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May God bless your journey today and give you the strength to turn around when necessary.                          

From  A River of Hope                         

Praise God for opportunities. In this modern era, we are blessed with the freedom and gifts to do many things. We can chose what we want to do. We can learn to use good judgment as we travel along life’s paths. We gain discernment that is critical to our well being.

Good judgment comes through a developed conscience. Deep down, we all have a true sense of right and wrong, good and bad. The key is to become aware of our purest senses. Spiritual nudges can guide us through tough situations. When we make a conscious effort to seek God, we are filled with the empowering feelings of satisfaction, security, and direction. When we deny our conscience, we wind up apprehensive and confused. We make bad decisions. And eventually, poor choices can destroy us.

We can practice good judgment daily. Before long, our whole experience is changed. We are reinforced by the positive actions that result from letting our spirit guide us. When we do what’s right and avoid activities that are detrimental to our souls, we are given one more day of inner comfort. Discernment brings peace of mind.

Making healthy choices is not always easy, and yet using good judgment and listening to the conscience ushers in the dawn of serenity. No matter what happens around us, love will dwell within. Love is everything. It is perfect direction and total peace and comfort. It is the beacon in the storm. It is God’s presence….

• February 24  Taken from A River of Hope

     Sometimes our struggles defeat us emotionally. They test our faith and challenge our spiritual strength. We might feel like giving up or at least wish life could be easier. We can take comfort in the thought that struggles are an intricate part of the journey. They add substance to our personalities. They help us mature and grow along our way.

     As we face each struggle and work our way through the pain, we eventually discover victory over despair. We are given the confidence and grace to overcome all obstacles. At each and every corner, victory is at hand. We can reach toward it. It is not as far as it might seem. In fact, it lies within.

     Our lives are filled with many tough circumstances. In facing our challenges and accepting our burdens, we are equipped to begin on the road to victory. These are the first steps. We can see the hope that forever flickers in the distance. We can fan it to flame and embrace the light of its presence.

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We are learning. We can relax. We can breathe. We can be who we are.

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!!!

The year is quickly drawing to a close. We have learned much. We have come a long way. We have been through hard times. We don’t only think we have, we know we have. We have had faith, doubted, and then had faith again. We have been strong and weak. And now, the time has come. It is here. In this moment, we can surrender. We can turn our faces into the light. We can embrace the quiet spirit of freedom.

We have held on tightly to so many things. It is hard to let go. And yet, until we do, we cannot truly receive. We do not control our destiny. There is a loving Creator, much wiser and more powerful than we who has held us in the palm of his hand as we have struggled. He has longed to show us an easier, softer path. We can let God begin guiding our thoughts and actions today. This will prepare us for a wonderful new year.

Surrender is the key to inner peace and deep satisfaction. It is the handmaiden of freedom. All we need to do is to let go one last time and trust. God will see us through. He will carry us along the journey. He will help us climb steep mountains and lead us along quiet streams.

God, we surrender our journey to your care and protection. May we walk with you forever.

 Many blessings and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Lynn