Checking on my word of the year H O P E

I thought it was time to be reminded of my word of the year. When I choose this word I really had no idea that I would need its reminder so often. This has been a crazy few months with lots of twists and turns. I have found some scripture that help describe my word and some images too.

Psalm 31:24 Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon.

Psalm 33:18 Watch this: God's eye is on those who respect him, the ones who are looking for his love. He's ready to come to their rescue in bad times; in lean times he keeps body and soul together.

Psalm 119:114 You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my God's commands. Take my side as you promised; I'll live then for sure. Don't disappoint all my grand hopes. Stick with me and I'll be all right; I'll give total allegiance to your definitions of life

Romans 5:5 There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Isaiah 40:31 Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles,They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.

My life is complicated. Some of you have been with us this last year and have read about Mike and his battles with depression, and mom and her constant battle with pain. Those are just a slice of the fun pie called "my life" I have the chance each day to work for the government and make the difference the lives of hundreds of children, I thought it would be a breeze to then work in the store, but what I have learned is that many things suffer from a full schedule. For instance, I have dust bunnies, and piles of laundry but that doesn't top making an album last nite with Dana and Bren, I may not get to attend every function that I am invited but I do have time to get creative. My car isn't always washed or full of gas but I document a memory here and there for generations to come.

This last month threw me some serious curve balls, our son moved out, he is just 15 and got into some trouble. (this is a whole 'nother post) Savan is puking again, we don't know why but its been 4 straight days, Mike is going to see his mom (this is a whole 'another post) but hey it didn't snow today.

See H O P E in its finest creeps into my life. Its a gentle reminder there I have a Savior who is involved in my life and cares, that if I hold onto the HOPE of Jesus I will make it. I may feel strung out and exhausted at times but I still have H O P E.

I just thought today was a good day to remember who I am, where I came from and where I am going. (I know some of you don't necessarily believe the same as I but we can all have HOPE)