The Passover Lamb

Welcome back for my Easter series! If you missed yesterday's post, "Part of the Crowd" click HERE. I hope these words about the passover lamb lead you to think about Jesus, the One who is our passover lamb. 

From April 10, 2017

"Do you want to try and sell those lambs?" My husband's words in the early morning had my attention. He had mentioned this briefly earlier in the week, but this time instead of going to my head his words went to my heart.

Our kids have been raising 4 orphan lambs and they will eventually grow up and be sent to market, but my reaction to putting them up for sale now, while they are still young and kind of like a pet, hit me. The thought of someone using them - Skittle, Beefy, Oreo and the lamb with a changing name, for a passover meal made me sad.

The conversation didn't go any further, but my thoughts continued to run and they led me to the Word. Friend, we are in the midst of holy week and for the first time in 41 years, I find myself thinking about the Passover lamb in a real personal way. I encourage you to do the same in the days to come.

Did you know during the original Passover, the lamb played a significant role? First of all in Egypt, a lamb was sacred, it was considered to be a god of sorts and was worshipped by the Egyptians. Clearly, the Lord had their attention when He commanded the Isrealites to "take a lamb for their family" (Exodus 12:3). The Isrealites exercised their faith and courage by obeying this command.

They didn't just take any lamb...it had to be a year old male without defect. (Exodus 12:5) These animals were in their prime and were the best of the flock.

The lambs weren't simply selected and quickly sacrificed...they were chosen on the 10th day and slaughtered on day 14. (Exodus 12:6) In between they were cared for...typically in the home. Think about what took place in that time. I'm sure there were messes and noise. There was also time to grow attached and hours set aside to inspect. The people were surrendering normalcy and eventually something they loved.

This story mirrors what took place years later in Jerusalem - Jesus rode into the city and was welcomed as the One who would save. For the next 4 days, He too was set apart and inspected. Just like the lamb, He was found to be spotless and without defect. (1 Peter 1:19) During that time, the people saw him work, learned from His teachings and grew to know Him more.

Friend, chances are you celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday and like the people of years gone by said, "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" You may have plans to attend a Maundy Thursday service or a Last Supper Remembrance meal later this week. Countless services are scheduled for Friday and Sunday of this coming week as well. These events are important and powerful, but I challenge, and encourage, you to treasure the days to come.

We will not be bringing a lamb into our home, but I've invited thee Lamb into my heart. In the days to come I long to learn from Him and grow closer to Him as I prepare to reflect on His sacrifice and praise my Savior. I hope you will consider doing the same.

Heavenly Father, 
Lord, thank you for continually speaking into my heart and revealing more of yourself. I'm humbled to know you care and know me in such a personal way. As this Holy Week unfolds, may it be a time of reflection and relationship building. Draw me closer to Yourself as I sit with you, study your Word and experience your presence. Thank you for being my passover Lamb - your sinless life saved me from the sin in mine. Increase my understanding of this and gratitude for it. Today I struggled with the thought of giving up one of our lambs for a meal, but Father God you gave up your Son for me - thank you. May I give up my life for you. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Part of the Crowd

It's Palm Sunday - a reason to rejoice! This Palm Sunday looks different than any I've ever celebrated because in the midst of Covid-19, we are worshipping at home. I'm grateful though much has changed, some things remain the same. The Word of God is unchanging. Our reason to celebrate will forever remain. Our ever present God is always with us. 

God's put it on my heart to share a post each day this week. Reflections of the past. It's crazy to think I've been sharing on this blog for almost 12 years. Much has changed and my faith has grown. God led me to start it in 2008 and He's spoken to me through each and every post. He's led me to write because He knows I need to read it. And as the faithful God He is, He works through the work He asks us to do. I pray He continues that work as you join me this Holy Week to prepare our hearts for Resurrection Sunday. 

As you read, if He puts something on your heart, leave a comment. I'd love to hear what He's speaking to you. We can't gather together physically, but He's brought us here and we can praise Him for the work He's doing and seek Him together. Friend, I pray this week is a powerful one as you journey towards your Jerusalem with Jesus! 

From April 16, 2019

Crowds aren't my favorite thing. I'd rather visit with you one on one, but I've found in a big group of people it is pretty easy to blend in. In a crowd, it's tempting to go with the flow and simple to lose yourself in the masses. Friend, this holy week I'd like to encourage you to think about something that's been on my mind - Are you part of the crowd?

Jesus dealt with crowds as well and he was never wrongly influenced by them. Let's make sure we aren't either.

Mass groups of people played a role in Christianity back then and they still do today. Let's take some time and get a closer look. Matthew 21:6-11 paints the picture for us. Here we read -

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” 

Did you notice a mention of crowds? What's your takeaway?

To me it seems Jesus' triumphant entry was met by many. They were welcoming him, cutting branches and announcing his coming. The whole city was stirred. That's a lot of people and activity and excitement.

In our world, Easter and Christmas morning might look a bit like this. We have more people than usual attending church services. Though Christianity is under attack, the world still recognizes these days and celebrates them as well. There is an excitement in the air and joy fills our hearts as we think of the newborn King and our risen Savior.

Let's fast forward in the story just a bit. Join me in reading Matthew 27:55-56 -

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Let's also look at John 19:25 -  

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

Do you notice a difference? What has happened? Where's the crowd?

Friend, this may be a simple thing to overlook in the story of Jesus' last days, but I think it holds a lesson for us. The number of people at Jesus' side has surely changed and so have his circumstances.

What happens when our circumstances change? When the excitement of Christmas prep and Easter fun fades does our zeal for faith do the same? When trials come do we run from God or cling to Christ? When life is busy do we go with the flow and put our faith to the side? Are we content to be part of the crowd and praise Christ when it's convenient?

You don't have to tell me your answers, but I hope you take time to think about these questions. This holy week let's spend time reflecting on the Word and preparing our hearts for Resurrection Sunday, but may we also commit to following Christ wherever the road leads. Let's celebrate His coming and stay by His side always!

An Opportune Time

There is much going on in our world today that we don't understand and can't control. I can say this is unlike anything I've experienced; chances are you can say the same. This can leave us scared, anxious and fearful. Some are upset and disappointed. At times our emotions change as fast as the CDC's recommendations, but I want to encourage you to use this time for your good and God's glory. Take a few moments to consider the following -

Check Your Heart

Last week as this all started to hit a bit closer to home we, as a sports loving family, had a discussion. First the Big 12 Tournament was cancelled and then March Madness. When the NCAA cancelled spring sports, I told my daughter it was possible her freshman track season may not happen. She was upset. 

It was then we had to step back. It was a great opportunity to check our hearts and truly see what was number one. Sports are good and teach countless life lessons, but they can be an idol in our lives. This break in our normal routine and our response to what is missed is a good opportunity to check our hearts. Do we truly live out Deuteronomy 6:5? It says, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." How about Exodus 20:3? "You shall have no other gods before me."

Remember

In this time of unknown, we must remember TRUTH. It can be easy to be consumed with what we don't know and worry about what is to come, but it is helpful to remember what we know. A few verses that bring me peace and perspective are - 

And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done." (Genesis 8:21)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

As we look to the future it's powerful to remember God's faithfulness in the past. Remembering who God is (faithful, powerful, present, good, etc...) helps us trust Him more and equips us to live out the suggestions that follow. 

Pray

When events are being cancelled and our lives aren't as busy, we must remember there is always something we can (and must) do. Friend, we can pray. We can cry out to God, the creator of the world, the one who has planned the future and understands what we don't. He instructs us to cry out to Him. We can ask for help, wisdom, patience, whatever it is we need. Pray for your family, your church, your friends, doctors, leaders, all who come to mind. God hears and answers. 

"Then you will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." (Jeremiah 29:12)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Practice

As I mentioned we are a sports loving family, so we understand the importance of practice. Every competitor knows they must improve their skills and work on them daily; the same can be said for believers. It's one thing to know what the Bible says, but it's another to do it. As I thought about this today a few of the first things that came to my mind were about using my words wisely, controlling my thoughts and being content. God provides endless directions and priceless wisdom, it will benefit us and those around us if we live out His Word. Here are a few verses to get you started -

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Know God and Make Him Known

Our lives for the next few weeks will most likely look different than we expected. The change in schedule will most likely give us time to do things we normally don't; as we wait we can waste our time or make the most of it. One of the best things we can do in this time is get to know God more. Without the need to go to another game or event, we can spend time in God's Word and prayer. We can cultivate the relationship we have with one we never have to be seperated from. 

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ... (Philippians 3:8)

As we get to know God it is important to remember we can also make Him known. In a time when others are anxious and losing hope as believers it's important to live out 1 Peter 3:15 - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." 

Friend, the situation we all face should leave us grateful for the faith we have. Times like this remind us we are not in control, but hopefully they will turn more to the One we know has everything under control. I write these words for you and me because this isn't a winter storm that will be over in a few days. We're all in the unknown together, but through it all may we remember the One we know. Our world has changed, but our God has not. 

Someone's Watching

AP Photo

This weekend the Cyclones enjoyed one of their biggest wins in program history. Iowa State defeated Baylor and ended their 58 game win streak in the Big 12 Conference. Added to the excitement was the fact that the back and forth game was tied with 0.1 seconds left.  It was then ISU headed to the free throw line and Ashley Joens hit the game winner. Then the celebration began.

Cyclone fans everywhere were thrilled! Including those gathered around the screen in my house. Earlier in the game, my daughter Jaylyn was disappointed because she wanted to be in Ames, but as the intensity increased on the court hers did the same in our home. It truly was a fun game to experience even from afar.

There was more than joy from a win. Our pastor often encourages us to let life preach because if our eyes are open God is always at work. This was true even as I watched a basketball game. My daughter Jaylyn wanted to be in Ames because she wanted to watch her favorite Cyclone, Maddie Wise, play in her last home game.

As the 3rd quarter began Maddie wasn't playing and Jaylyn strayed from the screen and joined a Nerf gun war with her brothers. We called her back when we saw Maddie checking in. From that point on, Jaylyn was locked in...even when Maddie returned to the bench.

The intensity increased. Our nerves kicked in. Even my wrestling boys were watching. There were big shots and big defensive stops. There were lots of things to see and comment on, but Jaylyn's words were about Maddie. She wasn't noticing a great drive or an important pass, but her response on the bench. Every time her team had success, she was the first to cheer or offer a high five. Jaylyn saw every reaction and pointed it out to us. 

AP Photo

As her mom, and coach, I was grateful. She can watch highlight videos anyday and see great plays, but being a great teammate isn't something as easy to observe. All season we've been talking to our kids about this - reminding them WE > me and encouraging them to play together with their teammates. It's one thing to hear it from me, but so much more powerful for my girl to see it lived out by one she looks up to. 

Later that night I found myself thinking about this again. Initially, I was grateful for the important picture that had been etched on my daughter's heart, but then God took the thoughts deeper. Clearly, I'm not the basketball star, but my girl is watching me too. My every reaction doesn't excite her, but she sees what I do and hears what I say. 

My actions are sending a message too. Not only to Jaylyn, but her sister and 3 brothers as well. Friend, the same is true for you. You may not be a "Hero" in a young girls eyes, but even more important you can be a witness for Christ. It's not just the young people who are watching - family members, co-workers and strangers too are impacted by what we say and do. 

When Jaylyn watches Maddie and other favorite players in action, she sees them shoot, pass, play D, rebound and cheer on the bench. When they see you and me as believers, they watch us walk thru trials and interact with others. When we have the opportunity to choose humility over pride, they are watching. When it's time to trust or doubt, their eyes are on us. 

Read the following verses and pause for a moment to think: Does the one who's watching see you live this out?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

"Am I now trying to win the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

"Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I could continue, but I'm guessing you get the idea. Pause for a moment and pray asking God to search your heart and bring to mind what others see when they watch you. If something needs to change, ask Him to give you guidance from His Word and help from His Spirit to make the change. 

I'm sure a competitive division 1 athlete like Maddie would much rather have Jaylyn watching her hit the game winning shot or make a key defensive play, but the lesson she taught from the bench is priceless. Some of the things God asks us to live out will be challenging as well, but may we remember they will serve a purpose!!

What to do with a loss...

Last Sunday we enjoyed a family trip to Ames to watch the Iowa State women play basketball in the afternoon and then saw our first wrestling meet in Hilton. Jaylyn was excited to not only watch the game, but also for the opportunity to say hi to her favorite Cyclone, Maddie Wise. The game was intense and entertaining. The home team fell behind, but fought their way back only to lose on a questionable foul in the final seconds. It was a heartbreaker.

Following the game, we met up with Maddie. Everyone enjoyed the conversation, took some pics and had some laughs. Jaylyn was thrilled and our little wrestler was Maddie's new #1 fan! Our time together came to close, but soon a lesson would unfold.

This morning there was much on my mind, but it seemed losing was on my heart. This past week my daughter's high school season ended with a loss and so did my son's wrestling season earlier in the month. A good friend's high school career was ended as well. And now the Cyclone loss.

Losing is part of sports and really it's part of life. It's never something we set out to do, but it's something we must handle rightly. This is never easy and it's especially been a struggle for Jaylyn, so this morning I asked her, "Are you glad Maddie met up with us?" Without hesitation she smiled and said, "Yes!" Then I questioned, "Do you think it was kind of hard after a loss like that?" The girl who tends to go into the sad and silent mode with every defeat simply shook her head.

She was so focused on seeing her friend that I don't think she'd really thought about how Maddie was feeling. I was grateful we could use her example to help my girl learn to walk thru a defeat a bit better. As I shared the lesson with my young people, God urged me to pay attention as well. So friend, you may not be an athlete and perhaps you're not even a coach, but I trust you experience losing in your life. If so, read on; if not, celebrate your success!!

When it comes to losing I've learned there are three important things we must do -

ACKNOWLEDGE IT - I will never forget my varsity coach saying these words to me, "You should feel bad when you lose." I already felt bad and in the moment his statement didn't make me feel any better. Thru the years, I've gained a better understanding and appreciation for what he was implying. As a competitor, losing is not your goal. In life, falling short is not what we set out to do, but sometimes it happens. When it does, it's OK to feel bad. We should feel bad. I tell the girls I coach I'm thankful they feel bad after a loss because then I know they care. When a loss comes, respond to it and own it.

LEARN FROM IT - This same coach offered the following insightful words, "Sometimes losing is better than winning. You can learn more from a loss." Again these words baffled me before they ever benefitted me, but now I understand there is some truth to what he was saying. Losing gets our attention and opens our eyes to weaknesses. It helps us refocus and increases our intensity. If we move past the poor me mentality that can come with a loss, we can learn from it and become better because of it.

MOVE ON FROM IT - It can be tempting to get stuck in our loss. Losing can create fear and doubt; it can mess with our heart and our mind. After we've acknowledged the loss and learned from it, we must turn the page. Our focus has to be forward. We can't change the loss, but we can control what we do because of it.

Our quick visit with Maddie gave my daughter a picture of what to do after a loss and reminded all of us to keep a loss in perspective. Like my grandma always told me, there are worse things in life than losing a game. And like my volleyball loving sister always reminded there's more to life than basketball.

Friend, both those statements are true, but sports and losing can and do impact our life. As believers they also impact our walk of faith. So the most important and powerful encouragement I can share with you comes from God's Word. In the Bible we find instruction on what to do with a loss -

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

 not lacking anything."

 (James 1:2-4)

More than a Game

I found myself in the gym yet again today...I've been there a lot these last few months, but today I wasn't a coach or a mom, I was a fan. The change of pace was good and I was reminded of much. I had plenty of time to reflect on our 2+ hour drive home from Ames and I'm grateful for all I learned. Perhaps there's a lesson for you as well!

First of all, basketball is more than a game. It is a form of entertainment...especially at the D1 level with the pep band, jumbotron and constant noise. The game brings joy as well...a big shot, nice defensive play and all out hustle bring smiles to faces and creates claps in the crowd. Deeper joy comes when you see the bench celebrate the starters' success and watch a gal offer her opponent help getting up.

Secondly, basketball is not just about X's and O's or winning and losing, it's about people. Without the responsibility of coaching and nervousness of watching my children, I had more freedom to observe. What I saw reminded me of the relationships that are built on the basketball court. The old saying is true - "You won't remember all the games, but you'll never forget your teammates." Bonds are built as you strive to win. People are impacted when you play together. It's vital to remember that the things we say and do are impacting others.

Following the game, my almost 13 year old daughter, Jaylyn had the chance to meet up with her coach from summer camp. She's been looking forward to this for days and enjoyed every minute she spent with Maddie. This reminds me of the importance of role models. At camp, Jaylyn learned skills for the game and today in our conversation with Maddie she heard about life and saw an example of a young woman she can someday be...maybe on the court, but more importantly off of it.

Finally, basketball is something God can use. Driving down today I had a flashback to June when Jaylyn first met Maddie. God clearly connected them that day and blessed Jaylyn immensely through Maddie's enthusiasm for the game and love for the campers. He then kept them connected via social media. Jaylyn even asked her to pray for me last fall when I was in the ER and this winter we've been praying for her as she's dealt with migraines. And today He blessed us as we shared time together following the Cyclones win.

Our visit brought back memories of conversations I had in the bleachers when I was 20 as well. Back then I wasn't yet a born again believer, but God used the game to connect my heart with a mentor who pointed me to Him. Basketball was just a tool God used to draw me to Christ.

Basketball truly is more than a game. It creates joy, connects people and is part of God's plan. But friend, that's not just true for basketball. It's true for your hobby too! And not just your hobby, but your job as well. What you do is important!

Today was an early birthday celebration for my girl, but also served as a wonderful midseason perspective check for me. In the day to day grind it can be easy to go through the motions and focus on the work, but may we remember more important than the what is the who and why. Going forward may we truly see the people on our path, intentionally pour into them and purposely trust the One who is leading us and we are praying to.

Friend, I hope this look at basketball being more than a game has encouraged you! I pray we're all reminded to live out Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Joy and Grace - A Connection

Today, December 29th is my oldest daughter, Joy's 15th birthday. As I reflect on her life, this post came back to mind. It was good to revisit, I pray it is a blessing for you as well. 

From December 29, 2015 -

December 29th...an important day in our house - the birthday of our oldest daughter. Today we celebrate Joy's 11th birthday...my little girl is growing up. Though this is a day of joy and celebration it is also a day that marks another anniversary. On July 29th, our niece, Grace was killed in an accident, so today we've been grieving her loss for 5 months.

I'm grateful God has blessed Joy with another year of life, but we still don't understand why it seems Grace's life was cut short. I know Scripture tells us God knows the number of our days (Psalm 139:16) and I believe that to be true, but in the grieving process we do wonder why. I trust that's why Scripture also tells us to lean not on our own understanding, but to trust God with all of our heart. (Proverbs 3:5)

It's obvious there are many things in this life we don't and won't understand, but as I think about Joy and Grace today I'm reminded of something I've been learning.

The night of Grace's funeral I remember Joy saying to me, "Mom, Grace was like a big sister I never had. I want to play basketball like her. I want to love people like she did. I want to tell them about Jesus like she did."

Death is hard...grieving is a process. And when you're a mom something is added to this - pain for your personal loss and hurt for your kids as they grieve. Joy was 10 and Grace 20 at the time of her accident and Joy did look up to her, enjoyed being with her and liked laughing with her. Grace was a role model, who took the job seriously and included little people in her life. She shared grace and brought joy.

Awhile back as our pastor preached from Philippians, he made this statement, "Joy and Grace aren't cousins. Joy is a sister to grace." He was not talking about two people in my life, but about things you and I both need.

He came to this conclusion by studying the words in original language. In the Greek, the word for grace is "charis" which means grace, favor and kindness. In the same language, we see the word for joy is "chara", which means joy or gladness.

I'm no scholar, but I've dug into this a bit deeper...do you see how similar these two words are in the old, original language? There is a connection between the two and it's more than a base word or similar spelling. One commentator kept it pretty simple - joy is grace recognized, while another explained joy is being properly aware of God's grace. Ultimately they both come from Him.

Friend, I know death can diminish our joy and Satan will try to steal it, but when we remember God's grace nothing can destroy it. This isn't some superficial, happy all the time joy, but a fruit of the spirit. A joy the world can't offer and doesn't understand. A joy that still sheds tears and experiences all kind of emotions. A joy that comes from the Lord because of God's grace.

Today, on the 29th of December, I remember Grace with Joy. She's a girl we all loved and now miss. We remember gifts she gave and things she said. Joy dreams of doing things she did and living a legacy like hers too. I also remember Grace with joy. Because of God's grace, our Grace is with Him today and one day we'll all celebrate together again.

Until then, I pray God will continue to pour out His grace on us. As we receive it, experience it and share it, I hope we will be filled with joy because of it. Today, we'll celebrate Joy and remember Grace, but I pray all of us embrace God's grace and experience His joy!

"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." (Jesus' words in John 16:22)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)