All Things Hope: February Edition
“Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting–a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, And thank God for it as a cup of His blessing.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sometimes it’s easy to miss hope filled things.
The pace of our life, the chatter in our social feeds, and the atmosphere of our heart, home, community, and country make it difficult to see hope.
For the new year, I wanted to find ways to challenge my life’s tempo and mood. To seek out hope even in the smallest and most unexpected places. So on January 1st, I decided to be more intentional about reading, collecting, and cultivating all things hope.
My goal is to become a curator and guide of hope. For you. For me. And for any soul out there who’s desperate for it.
I’m dedicating the first post of each month to all things hope-related. I’ll share the most relevant articles, books, quotes, photos, and thoughts to help you grow and gain encouragement. My prayer is for us to be people who guard our hearts, minds, and steps in the hope of Christ – always.
Blog Posts:
The Future… by Sharon McKeeman
Marching was the thing to do in January. Yet, this beautiful piece tells of a different kind of march through life, grief, and the hopes of a mother for her newborn daughter.
Dear kids, When I fail… by Jessica Johnston
Maybe it’s because my daughter turned eighteen last month, but I’ve been thinking a lot about being a mom. The ups, the downs, and dealing with my own insecurities. This post is an honest anthem for mothers everywhere.
The Believer’s Prayer by Micca Campbell
Micca shows us a model for praying in times of adversity found in Acts 4:24-30. She is no stranger to adversity and deep pain, and knows how to lift up those who are hurting.
Free Printable:
I am the Work of Your Hand coloring page by Raye Wortel
We are a continual “work in holy progress” which means we’ve got to keep surrendering over and over to God. This printable will help you meditate on an important “surrender” verse in Isaiah 64:8. Plus, it’s a fun way to use your creativity while pondering God’s creativity.
Books:
I Am by Michele Cushatt
Michele is one of my favorite authors. Her first book, Undone: A Story of Making Peace With an Unexpected Life, was so good I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I Am, addresses the question of, “Am I enough?” plus, she makes you feel like she’s known you forever.
Quotes:
Notice the word ‘hope” (in Psalm 62:5). The Hebrew term literally means “a cord, as an attachment.’ Every one of us is hanging on to something or someone for security. …if it’s someone, or something, other than God alone, you’re hanging on by a thread – the wrong thread. -Beth Moore, Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer
I hope you enjoyed this inaugural edition of All Things Hope. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
May His hope fill you to full this week.