Finding Encouragement

From Joshua 1:9:  “I hereby command you:  Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

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Challenges rolling in

On waves of ceaseless tides

Searching for faithful hope

Jesus shall be thy guide

 

Universe seems empty

Darkness never takes rest

Seeking encouragement

Jesus hears each request

 

Faith walking toward light

Hope growing from His love

Filling heart with fresh grace

Jesus comes from above

 

Optimism descending

Day’s outlook shining bright

Finding encouragement

Jesus shares trusted light

 

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From Romans 15:5-6:  “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Monday Memories: God’s Promises

From Matthew 7:13-14:  “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it.  For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

white concrete building beside concrete stairs

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Life tempting us with enticing shortcuts

Most of these never seem to bring success

Gods speaks honestly, always asking us

Did we burrow deeper, rather than guess?

 

Clever world flooding us with remedies

Formulas for a more successful life

Simple, surefire, easy to use, guaranteed

God’s formula, always true without strife

 

Never shy from following the Father

He doesn’t promise a road without bumps

God offers promises with blessed love

His way leading us forward, our hearts jump

 

Requiring patience, life’s a marathon

God remains our Rock, faithful and steadfast

His blessings fill our lives in countless ways

Our ship sails, with eternal hope amassed

 

Losing hope at times, seeking a quick fix

Encouragement and trust arrives from God

Offering us Grace, filled with peace and joy

Grateful, He accepts us, totally flawed

pair of white and orange nike sneakers

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From the words of Saint Teresa of Avila, “We ought to make some progress, however little, every day, and show some increase of fervor.  We ought to act as if we were at war–as, indeed, we are–and never relax until we have won the victory.” 

 

Originally published March, 2020.

Albert Schweitzer Quotes

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Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by another encounter with another human being.

Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was a French-born theologian, writer, humanitarian, and philosopher.  He received the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize for his philosophy of “Reverence for Life.”

Monday Memories: Called to Persevere

From Hebrews 10:19-20:  “Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh).”

optical glass triangular prism

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Sharing these words of eternal hope

Living with hope-filling optimism

Gathering with positive people

Persevering through God’s bold prism

 

Living as faithful children of God

Hearing our Father’s message of hope

Realizing now, hope springs from our Lord

Praising His Word, helping us to cope

 

Joining into a New Covenant

Filling with assurance from His Creed

Approaching with hearts, clean from evil

Washing with His pure water, indeed

 

Recalling our earlier struggles

Showing compassion through hopeful hearts

Maintaining endurance, life’s ahead

Remaining faithful, as life restarts

 

Holding fast to God’s blessings of hope

Encouraging daily, each other

Blessing with our love and gracious deeds

Standing with our sisters and brothers

built structure against sunset sky

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From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Jim Cymbala:  “We urgently need people who encourage and inspire us to move toward God.”

Originally published May, 2020.

Heart’s Reflections

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Looking through honest lens

Working from novel ways

Encouraging chorus

Filling every hour with praise

 

Setting aside worries

Embracing revisions

Writing life’s next chapter

Seeing tomorrow’s vision

 

Stepping forward with hope

Gazing at clouds afar

Embracing each treasure

Reaching for another star

 

Tasting sweeter moments

Moving from perfection

Pursuing unique path

Mirroring heart’s reflections

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Matt Haig Quotes

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The thing that looks the most ordinary might end up being the thing that leads you to victory.

If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail.  Aim to be you.

Matt Haig (born 1975) is an English writer and journalist.  Much of his writing focuses on novels with fictional themes for adults as well as children stories.

Triple Blessings (Elfchen Series #127)

Blessed Conversation

Listening

Without ceasing

Holy heavenly Father

Sharing His lasting Word

Prayer

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Blessed Encouragement

Growing

Spirit within

Enduring with patience

Overcoming power of darkness

Hope

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Blessed Harvest

Praising

Savior Jesus

Living godly life

Bearing His divine fruit

Strength

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Jim Valvano Quotes

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There are 86,400 seconds in a day.  It’s up to you to decide what to do with them.

Enjoy your life, the precious moments you have.

Jim Valvano (1946-1993) was an American college basketball coach.  Born in Queens, New York, he brought his indefatigable spirit wherever he went.  

Positive Affirmations

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Sharing affirmation

Bringing life tender smiles

Instilling confidence

Overcoming trials

 

Echoing words of praise

Focusing on kindness

Speaking positive words

Removing fear’s blindness

 

Spreading more peace and joy

Helping each other out

Expressing happiness

Casting away life’s doubts

 

Watching out for darkness

Lighting up someone’s day

Affirming yet again

Sweetening life’s sorbet

 

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In writing this poem, my creative juices challenged my poetic pen to quickly craft meaningful prose filled with positivity.  Today, may your thoughts and actions toward others share plenty of positive affirmation.

Faith’s Encouragement

From 2 Timothy 1:3-4:  “I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.  Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.”

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Witnessing God’s desires each day

Growing in faith, kneeling to pray

 

Coming to our Savior in faith

Sharing blessings of the Good News

Telling others about Jesus

Understanding the Gospel’s views

 

Calling on the name of the Lord

Believing in His divine Grace

Saving us through body and blood

Walking with Christ, our special place

 

Studying Biblical teachings

Guiding others, led by God’s love

Drawing ever closer to Christ

Coveting His peace, from above

 

Abiding in Christ, the true vine

Encouraging our daily walk

Building stamina and our faith

Lighting our path, around the clock

 

Living under God’s righteousness

Trusting our Father day and night

Submitting to sacred commands

Transforming lives through faith’s daylight

 

Breathing with Savior’s peace and joy

Running to Jesus, faith’s convoy

 

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From Philippians 4:19:  “And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”