Where is the Hope?

For months, I have had a lot on my mind in regard to those who are hurting around me. When I find out someone I know doesn’t know Jesus or isn’t interested in knowing him, it breaks my heart. I always try to ask questions without seeming to pry too much. I just want to get to the root of the reasoning. I know that if I live my life as a faithful follower of Christ that the seeds are being planted. I just know that sometimes I might not be the most fruitful, in that I don’t always represent my faith well…

When someone reveals to me that they don’t consider themselves a Christian, my first couple of questions are, “Do you believe in Jesus, and do you believe that he died on the Cross and rose back to life 3 days later?” Their answer typically gives me a starting point. If they say that they don’t believe, my next question is,  “what is it that keeps you from believing in Jesus?”

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In the Middle of Life’s Raging Storms

One morning this past week, our German Shepherd jumped in our bed before it was time for my alarm to go off, so a little earlier than preferred… but I digress.

He usually only does this when there is a storm where thunder and lightning are involved. I’ve always had a heart for dogs who are afraid of storms. Just being a soothing voice and set of arms to wrap around the ball of fur, gives me a sense of purpose. During storms that might normally frighten me, I’m able to stay calmer because my focus shifts to caring for him.

However, that morning, neither my husband nor I thought it was supposed to storm, and we didn’t hear any thunder.  I decided to go ahead and get up for the day and check on the weather. Could I let our anxious pup outside? Sure enough, when I opened the door I saw that it might have rained some but not enough to be considered a storm. At that moment, it was safe for him to go out. 

I’ve realized that dogs who have fears like this are prone to perceive the danger before it even arrives. Every now and then, like this morning, they pace and pant only for nothing bad to happen. And oh aren’t we so similar sometimes?!?

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