It's hard to believe it's December and we are almost into the second week of Advent. For our family, Advent is a time to reflect, prepare and pray about Jesus' love. A big part of celebrating Advent is thinking about the Hope you have in your life and how to make it stronger.
Personally, I love the word "Hope." It just makes me feel positive and like I can take on the world. It hasn't always felt like that though. For many people Christmas is hard. It is extremely hard when you are experiencing a rough season. I've been there. I've had many Christmas' the past few years when I wanted to hide under the covers and wait for it to pass. Then, I thought about the three pairs of eyes I have watching me and learning from how I respond to this tough time in life.
Hope is putting your faith to work even when it's hard. Hope is getting out of bed in the morning when you'd rather pull the covers over your head. Hope is going to the gym again because you know persistence will pay off. Hope is stronger than fear.
In my own life, I have struggled with hardships I never could have imagined. My heart has been shattered at the loss of my loved ones, my faith has been tested but I never gave up HOPE. It is what carried me through the dark, lonely nights where I have cried for answers. It has been the light in my life.
Hope can work miracles if you let it. When we choose Hope nothing can hold us down. Life is hard, there are no guarantees. We often feel weary and defeated by circumstances that come our way. When we have HOPE, we win. Always.
May this Advent season bring you renewed HOPE.
Personally, I love the word "Hope." It just makes me feel positive and like I can take on the world. It hasn't always felt like that though. For many people Christmas is hard. It is extremely hard when you are experiencing a rough season. I've been there. I've had many Christmas' the past few years when I wanted to hide under the covers and wait for it to pass. Then, I thought about the three pairs of eyes I have watching me and learning from how I respond to this tough time in life.
Hope is putting your faith to work even when it's hard. Hope is getting out of bed in the morning when you'd rather pull the covers over your head. Hope is going to the gym again because you know persistence will pay off. Hope is stronger than fear.
In my own life, I have struggled with hardships I never could have imagined. My heart has been shattered at the loss of my loved ones, my faith has been tested but I never gave up HOPE. It is what carried me through the dark, lonely nights where I have cried for answers. It has been the light in my life.
Hope can work miracles if you let it. When we choose Hope nothing can hold us down. Life is hard, there are no guarantees. We often feel weary and defeated by circumstances that come our way. When we have HOPE, we win. Always.
May this Advent season bring you renewed HOPE.
"Hope" is the thing with feathers-
That perches in the soul-
And sings the tune without the words-
And never stops- at all....
~Emily Dickinson, c.1861
That perches in the soul-
And sings the tune without the words-
And never stops- at all....
~Emily Dickinson, c.1861
