Bit by bit we allow ourselves to let them go. They are always with us, just on a less sad, more hopeful level. We know they are truly happy in heaven and we will see them again.
Happy New Year, Joanie. Just this morning I read in volume two of Alistair Begg’s devotional a verse from Romans 15:13 “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
As you well know, this is not the same hope as “I hope it doesn’t rain today!” This is a sure and certain hope because God is both the source and the object of our hope. This sure and certain hope cannot be found outside of ourselves, but rather this encouragement, endurance, this hope as it were, wells up inside of us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
This verse encouraged me to, as I read through Scripture, to write down all of the verses that have the two words, BUT GOD in them. It is usually a stark contrast that is illustrated and I find that I need to keep the BUT GOD verses in mind as I face situations in everyday life.
Our church is also reading through the Old Testsment this year and I was reminded of the first question in all of Biblical history, “Where are you?” This is what God asked Adam after Adam had sinned and hidden himself from God when God walked through the garden in the cool of the day. God did not need to know Adam’s location…an omniscient, omnipresent God knew his location, his “eifoh” rather He wanted to know his “ayekah”, that is , where Adam was in relationship to Him. We were never created to live in isolation…God decreed that “it is not good that man should be alone…” and so He created the woman for him. And in the New Testament, we are told that Jesus was to be called, “Immanuel” meaning “God with us.” From the beginning the expectation was that we would be in a relationship with the Creator of all. When Adam sinned, that relationship was broken, but notice who pursued whom in order to reestablish the relationship! Adam hid, BUT GOD, in His grace and mercy, pursued Adam in spite of his disobedience in order to redeem him and bring him back to Himself.
It is my prayer in this New Year that we remember, in spite of the craziness of the world in which we live, and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, that we will remember that God is both the source and object of our hope and that He is unchanging….”He is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Happy New Year Joan, I’m thankful that I got to be part of Morgan’s ceremony, when you told me what happened all I wanted was to take away your pain but I knew I couldn’t and it leaves you feeling helpless but I’d like to think I helped just a little. I’m thankful I got to visit you and meet some of your beautiful friends that have supported you and Greg through this difficult time. Love you 💕
Happy New Year Joanie. I was thinking last night that we are here to make much of God. And I know you don’t see the impact you are making, but you are a beautiful picture of God’s grace and are making MUCH of Him. May He continue to bless you with more of Him in 2024. I’m so thankful for you and our friendship.
Bit by bit we allow ourselves to let them go. They are always with us, just on a less sad, more hopeful level. We know they are truly happy in heaven and we will see them again.
Happy 2024, my friend!
Happy 2024 back at ya. Bit by bit, yes. I'll take the couple bits I had. It's much nicer.
We hope 2024 will continue to see you progress forward in your journey you have been required to do. Proud of you and hubby . We love you.
Jane and Kit
❤️
Happy New Year, Joanie. Just this morning I read in volume two of Alistair Begg’s devotional a verse from Romans 15:13 “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
As you well know, this is not the same hope as “I hope it doesn’t rain today!” This is a sure and certain hope because God is both the source and the object of our hope. This sure and certain hope cannot be found outside of ourselves, but rather this encouragement, endurance, this hope as it were, wells up inside of us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
This verse encouraged me to, as I read through Scripture, to write down all of the verses that have the two words, BUT GOD in them. It is usually a stark contrast that is illustrated and I find that I need to keep the BUT GOD verses in mind as I face situations in everyday life.
Our church is also reading through the Old Testsment this year and I was reminded of the first question in all of Biblical history, “Where are you?” This is what God asked Adam after Adam had sinned and hidden himself from God when God walked through the garden in the cool of the day. God did not need to know Adam’s location…an omniscient, omnipresent God knew his location, his “eifoh” rather He wanted to know his “ayekah”, that is , where Adam was in relationship to Him. We were never created to live in isolation…God decreed that “it is not good that man should be alone…” and so He created the woman for him. And in the New Testament, we are told that Jesus was to be called, “Immanuel” meaning “God with us.” From the beginning the expectation was that we would be in a relationship with the Creator of all. When Adam sinned, that relationship was broken, but notice who pursued whom in order to reestablish the relationship! Adam hid, BUT GOD, in His grace and mercy, pursued Adam in spite of his disobedience in order to redeem him and bring him back to Himself.
It is my prayer in this New Year that we remember, in spite of the craziness of the world in which we live, and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, that we will remember that God is both the source and object of our hope and that He is unchanging….”He is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Beautifully written
Happy New Year Joan, I’m thankful that I got to be part of Morgan’s ceremony, when you told me what happened all I wanted was to take away your pain but I knew I couldn’t and it leaves you feeling helpless but I’d like to think I helped just a little. I’m thankful I got to visit you and meet some of your beautiful friends that have supported you and Greg through this difficult time. Love you 💕
💕
Happy New Year Joanie. I was thinking last night that we are here to make much of God. And I know you don’t see the impact you are making, but you are a beautiful picture of God’s grace and are making MUCH of Him. May He continue to bless you with more of Him in 2024. I’m so thankful for you and our friendship.
I pray this New Year brings you a little more peace. It’s a day by day journey that you are navigating so well for all that you have been through.🙏🏼❤️