Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

inspiration Archive

Wednesday

22

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: The Best Way To Get Things Done is To Get Started

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wednesday wisdom: the best way to get things done is to get started

Call it wisdom, or call it a life hack: The best way to get things done is to get started.

We’ve all been there. The most important task we should be doing is the last thing we feel like getting started. Whether it be house work, cleaning, or final exams, sometimes getting started is so hard.

But that’s the key.

Get started.

Getting started on something is often the hardest part, but when you make the decision to dive in and begin, you’ll find you’re able to get more done.

Increase your productivity by helping yourself out along the way. Don’t leave things until the morning of; take steps the night before to make your life easier. Set up the coffee, plan your outfit, take notes. Do as much prep work in advance of your task as possible, that way, when it comes time to actually beginning the work at hand, you’re better prepared, ready to work, and more apt to remain focused.

Sometimes, you just have to simply begin.

Monday

20

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Psalm 18:30

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psalm 18:30 God is a buckler to all those who trust in Him

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

Ever wonder what a buckler is? A buckler is defined as being “a portable shield”, “a shield surrounding the person”, “a large shield protecting the whole body”.

If you’re going into this week (or this month, this year) wondering how you’ll ever make it through, just remember: God is our buckler. David tells us right in Psalm 18! “He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” All you have to do is trust God. He’s got this!

David wrote Psalm 18 in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and specifically from Saul (who was seeking him out to kill him). If the great King David could utter these words when he was on the run in the wilderness, surely we can claim God as our buckler, too!

“As for God, his way is perfect:” God’s way may not always be our way (read: His way is most of the time completely not our way, for real). Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

We may think we’ve got it all together, we may think we’ve got the best plan, but when it comes right down to it, God’s way is the best way, and His plan for our lives is the best plan. We’ve been in His mind since the day we were born, and God knows every single circumstance, relationship, job, career, pursuit, joy, sadness, and love before it’s even a thought in our minds. Until we completely surrender to God’s will, we’re just wandering nomads.

“…the word of the LORD is tried:” God’s Word is tried, tested, and true. If you’re in need of encouragement (aren’t we all?!) then flip open your Bible to one of the Psalms. Proof of God’s truth is everywhere throughout the Bible, and it’s not religion; God’s Word is full of historical facts!

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.”

If you’re entering this morning feeling unsure, or filled with doubt, or afraid, or sad, or unloved, remember this: God’s way is perfect, and He will be your buckler if you put your trust in Him. 

Tuesday

14

June 2016

Hope Reflected: It Is What’s On The Inside That Counts

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it is what's on the inside that counts 1 Samuel 16:7b

It is what’s on the inside that counts.

Recently, Wes and I have been spending several hours each week out in the yard; I’ve been working in the garden, and he’s been tending to the lawn (where we have a serious thing with dandelions – anyone have suggestions for how we can eradicate them?). We’ve been spending a record amount of time outdoors this season, weeding our garden faithfully and working on other outdoor living projects. Regardless of the day, I am always struck by the amount of weeds that pop up overnight in our garden, and how when I pull them, although the top part of the weed is small, the roots are huge and deeply settled in the soil.

When I was first started pulling the weeds, I thought to myself, “They’ll come out easily enough,” only to be surprised with how deep-rooted they were. How often do we look at things on the surface and think we know what lies on the inside, only to delve deeper and be surprised when things are completely different than we expected? It’s kind of like looking at an iceberg. What we see above water is only about 10% of the total iceberg; the other 90%, the greater mass, lies beneath the waters.

How often do we, as human beings, just look at the surface, when so often there is so much deeper-rooted beneath in the spirit!

1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) says, “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Take King David, for instance. The Lord looked on David with favour, while in his early days mere mortals thought of David as the least regarded and good only for tending sheep (rather than defending a nation). If we as humans got it wrong then, who’s to say we don’t often get it wrong now?

How often do we see a homeless person, or encounter someone with less than we’ve been blessed with, and pass judgment? How often do we look on our circumstances and feel bad, comparing ourselves to others, when really we know nothing of what’s really going on in their lives? When we take time to look past the surface, we’ll learn not to judge a book by it’s cover, and that it is what’s on the inside that counts:

  1. Be interested. Philippians 2:4 (KJV) says that we should, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Instead of looking in, take time to look out. Be sincerely interested in those around you. When you’re interested in others, others take interest in you. This is a great way to build true friendships and also to get to know those around you.
  2. Don’t judge. Matthew 7:1-2 (KJV) says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Quite often, we look on the appearance of others and form our decision from just what we can see. The beauty of it is, that God looks so much deeper than just looks. He looks into our heart.
  3. Search your heart. In Psalm 139: 1-3 (KJV), David asks the Lord to search his heart: “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.” Ask the Lord to search your heart. While we should all spend more time looking out and up rather than in, a little bit of self-analysis and prayerful consideration can go a long way. What are our motives? What do we truly feel? What is our real condition?

I’ll close with this quote, which is a good reminder, from Proverbs 11:27 (KJV): “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief it shall come unto him.” Choose to be one who looks past the surface; don’t judge a book by its cover.

 

Originally published as “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.” Minto Express. June 1, 2016: 6. Print.

Monday

13

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Philippians 4:19

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Monday encouragement Philippians 4:19

There are some simple yet powerful truths found in the Bible, and Philippians 4:19 is no exception. God shall supply all your need. Simple words, but when you think about the truth behind the words, it’s a real encouragement!

The beginning of the week always brings along with it new tasks, ongoing projects, and sometimes a sense of overwhelm like, “How am I supposed to get everything done?!” You’re not alone!

In Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, we are reminded of a very important truth; God knows our needs and will supply all that we need.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Be encouraged. When you start feeling overwhelmed, remember, God’s got this, and He will supply all your need when you trust in Him.

Wednesday

8

June 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: Speak Beauty

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

speak beauty. wednesday wisdom

Wednesday Wisdom: “If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.” (Ruthie Lindsey)

Sharing “feelings” isn’t always something that comes naturally to every person. Let’s be honest; it requires a certain level of vulnerability to offer a true compliment. Rather than finding out how someone else is doing out of genuine care, too often we get caught up in the almost robotic “How are you?” “I’m fine,” script.

Why not take some time this week to be authentic with another? Speaking beauty doesn’t mean acknowledging how someone looks; speaking beauty is acknowledging something beautiful in someone that you observe — a kind word, an open door, a helping hand.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says that we should encourage one another and build each other up.

When you get the opportunity, speak beauty. You won’t regret it.

Monday

25

April 2016

Flower Container and Planter Inspiration

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I think it’s safe to say that Spring has sprung, and that means people everywhere are readying their yards and porches for the agreeable weather ahead. If you’re looking for front porch inspiration, check out these flower container and planter ideas. There are so many beautiful planter combinations out there!

  1. Bright Potato Vineflower container and planter ideaWith any planter, a good rule of thumb is to include some plants with height, and others that hang and add interest. Enter the vivid green potato vine. Easy to combine with almost any other flower, potato vine adds contrast in this planter.

2. Rainbow of Colour

flower container and planter idea

While sometimes it’s cool to keep colours classic (think whites and greens), filling a container with flowers of several shades is like an instant encouragement! The pops of purple, yellow, and red in this planter are so bright! And remember, a great container garden has height as well as hang — and this planter is a perfect example.

3. Cabbage!

flower planter and container idea

While this container is more suitable for the cooler fall months, I’ve gotta say, I’m LOVING the colourful cabbage and ornamental kale in this planter! Add to that the white pumpkins, and you’ve got a container that’s as interesting as it is beautiful.

4. Unlikely Flowersflower container and planter idea

If you’re like me, when planning a flower container garden, tulips aren’t the first flower that comes to mind as a good candidate. That being said, I’m loving the look of these planters, filled with lots of seasonal favourites, including several varieties of tulips. These containers are also a great example of the rule of threes: Try combining three planters of varying heights, filled with complementary flowers.

For more flower container and planter inspiration, visit my Pinterest.

Monday

11

April 2016

Tulips

Written by , Posted in Gardening

A couple of years ago, I purchased some tulip bulbs, which sat in my kitchen through the winter, until one day when my Mum was visiting, she planted them. Last Spring, when the tulips bloomed, they were the most vibrant red.

Those same tulips in our garden started to sprout up with the warm weather we had a few weeks back. Wes and I both intended to cover them, however — as frequently happens in life — things of more importance took precedence.  Since then, we’ve had sleet, snow, ice, rain, more snow, and as a result we’ve been questioning whether or not the tulips will bloom when Spring finally makes an appearance.

red tulips bouquet

Being the incredible man that he is, Wes brings me home flowers every Friday. This past Friday, he picked up the most beautiful, fresh tulips from Elora St. Flowers — and they’re red, just like the ones in our garden. *sigh* I’ve been enjoying these beauties the past few days, and I have to say, they make me eager for warmer days and to see our outdoor flowers!

Like robins, tulips are a sure sign of Spring. Part of the lily family, tulip flowers come in a wide array of colours, and there are more than 3,000 varieties of the flower. You may associate tulips with Holland, and rightfully so, however tulips are thought to have originated in Central Asia.

red tulip flowers

While the tulips in our garden are midseason bloomers (late April/early May), you can purchase tulips that bloom as early as March and as late as mid-May. These attractive flowers offer a lot of vibrance for very little maintenance.

On a more important note, April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and the tulip is the symbol of hope for a cure.

red tulip flowers

Wednesday

2

March 2016

Hope Reflected: The Importance of Attitude

Written by , Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

Maya Angelou quote

It was Captain Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp) in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise that said, “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem. Do you understand?” Many a true word is said in jest, and Captain Sparrow sure shared some dingers.

It’s true, though; a lot of how we walk through life has to do with our attitude and our outlook on circumstances. I’ll be the first to admit that my attitude isn’t always the greatest; like many people, I go through waves of positivity, only to get down in the dumps at the first sign of something discouraging. That’s life. Much like choosing joy, we’ve got to make the choice to have the right attitude. Our attitude can make or break us.

There’s a ripple effect when we make the choice to have the right attitude, and here are three ways the right attitude can help each one of us:

  1. The right attitude helps us maintain a focus on edifying and uplifting things. Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) lists six virtues that we should focus on – “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report…”. This can be really hard, especially if we’re in the midst of conflict or have received discouraging news – no one ever said having the right attitude was easy, but our attitude can help us keep things in perspective and keep our focus on the positive.
  2. The right attitude helps us become more selfless. In our world, there’s an ever-growing movement that focuses on self and instant gratification. That’s a dangerous path to walk along, as the more we focus internally, the more likely we are to become discouraged, down, or even depressed. The right attitude helps us put our focus where it should be: Less on me, me, me, and more on how we can best serve God and others. In Galatians 5:13 (KJV), we’re encouraged to put the needs of others before our own: “…by love serve one another.”
  3. The right attitude brings peace. There’s no comfort like recognizing that even in the midst of threshing and discouraging circumstances, God has a plan for each one of us. Having the right attitude while we’re walking through life’s valleys gives us power over our circumstances and peace that passes all understanding. In chapter 4 verse 7 of his letter to the Philippians (KJV), Paul wrote, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I’ve written before about purposefully choosing joy, that happiness isn’t just something that happens to us, and the same principle applies to our daily attitude in life. Maya Angelou said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” A positive attitude doesn’t always come naturally – quite often the right attitude is something we need to choose. Every. Single. Day.

Originally published as “The Importance of Attitude”. Minto Express. September 23, 2015: 5. Print.

Tuesday

16

February 2016

5 Truths for Life from Proverbs 29

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Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honour. Proverbs 29:23

About ten years ago, I was given some of the best advice: Read a Proverb a day. For anyone just starting their spiritual walk, or even for those who are mature in their faith, there are so many simple truths for life found in the book of Proverbs.

Each chapter of Proverbs contains so much wisdom, which is just as practical today as when some of the Proverbs were first written as early as 900 B.C. Last week, I was inspired by five simple truths I found in Proverbs 29:

  1. Be compassionate towards those less fortunate than you. Proverbs 29:7 (NKJV) “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge.” No matter how bad you think things are, there is always someone less fortunate than you. We can’t all be Mother Teresa, but we can all show compassion and lend a helping hand to others.
  2. Watch your mouth. Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV) “A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” Ever meet someone who is constantly talking, and doesn’t seem to know when to be quiet? There’s always someone who loves the sound of his or her own voice, and never takes the time to listen to others and learn from them. Don’t be that person.
  3. Plan ahead, set goals, and pursue your dreams. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” To accomplish anything in life, each of us needs to plan ahead and set goals. Sometimes spontaneity is good, however proper planning demonstrates responsibility. That’s not to say you’ve got to be super serious and no fun – it’s all about living a balanced lifestyle.
  4. Think before you speak. Proverbs 29:20 (KJV) “Seest thou a man hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” [See also #2 above.] There’s something to be said about knowing when to speak and when to listen. Ever left a conversation and thought, “I shouldn’t have said that!” – yeah, pretty sure we all have. There’s a proper time and occasion to express your emotions. Be mindful of what and when you share. If we’re always talking all the time, we can’t hear what others have to say.
  5. Learn to control your emotions. Proverbs 29:22 (KJV) “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” You know that feeling when you just can’t hold back the ugly cry? UGH! We’ve all been there. It’s important to remember that how we display our emotions can have a direct effect on those around us – family members, friends, co-workers – that’s why it’s important to keep our “feelings” in check. It’s way easier said than done to control our actions – and our reactions – to what others say and do, but it sure is important!

Originally published as “5 Simple Truths for Life from Proverbs 29”. Minto Express. April 8, 2015: 5. Print.

Friday

12

February 2016

Hope Reflected: What Goes In, Must Come Out

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Inspire definition

Whether it’s the snow melting, or the birds singing, several people have said over the past week that they’re feeling invigorated and inspired.

Inspire. What a word! First used in the 1300s, the word inspire comes from the Latin inspirare, meaning, “inspire, inflame, blow into,” from in “in” and spirare “to breathe”.[1]  Another definition comes from the French inspiracion, meaning “inhaling, breathing in; inspiration.” When we are inspired – whether by a person, place, or thing, – we are stimulated, excited, and influenced. The word inspire is the breathing in of something and actually being affected by it. When it’s put in such vivid terms, I can’t help but think about what inspires me. There are so many people, so many places, and so many things that I would count as inspirations. And while I’m a person who by nature has a fairly positive outlook on life (my name is Hope, hello), I can’t help but think about what inspires angry people, or those with a particularly pessimistic attitude. Sure, some of it might be built into their nature, but ultimately, we’re all influenced and inspired in some way, by something.

If you’re a computer science type, you’re familiar with GIGO (garbage in, garbage out). The information a computer outputs depends entirely on the input. Not to draw a parallel between computers and humans, but same story when it comes to us. What we allow into our minds and our hearts through the gates of our eyes and our ears will inevitably come out and be displayed through our actions and the words that come out of our mouths. Have you ever met someone who has a bad attitude or who’s “mad at the world”? Chances are, they really don’t censor much of what they let their eyes see and their ears hear. If you listen to intense, anger-filled music, be prepared to have an intense, angry outlook. Watch violent and profanity-filled films? You put yourself at risk to become desensitized, or even a producer of those behaviors and words in your own life. It’s like food poisoning, really. If you eat contaminated food, well, be prepared for what’s going to come out…

It’s inevitable through life that we’re going to see things that we’d rather not see, and hear things we’d rather not hear, but does that mean we shouldn’t be proactive and protect ourselves? Absolutely not! We should all establish safeguards against potential negative influences. If you know that certain genres of music elicit feelings of depression, anger, or sadness in you, don’t listen to that music! Same with movies and TV; if you know that show will cause you to think about things you’d rather not consider, then don’t watch it. Each of us has a responsibility to protect and nurture our hearts and minds. That goes for real life, too. If you’re someone who enjoys listening to the “coffee shop talk” and hearing critical assessments of your peers, you put yourself at risk to pick out the faults in others and speak critically. If you wouldn’t say it to that person’s face, you definitely shouldn’t be saying it behind his or her back.

Just like the law of gravity, (what goes up must come down), we’ve all got to be careful the spiritual truth of what goes in must come out. There’s a verse that I love that talks about dwelling on the right things. In chapter 4 verse 8 of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he encourages them to think positively, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy – mediate on these things.”

Originally published as “What Goes In Must Come Out”. Minto Express. March 25, 2015: 5. Print.

[1] inspire. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/inspire (accessed: March 20, 2015).