The Gift of Hope

A few weeks ago, the Lord spoke to my heart specifically about something. He said that He wanted to teach me about hope.

As I walk along in my journey of life, at times I become discouraged without even consciously realizing it. Little thoughts of doubt, disappointment, and weariness work their way into my heart and I wonder why I am not finding it easy to enter into joy and rest. So when Jesus spoke to me that He wanted to teach me about hope, I was excited.

The first thing He impressed on my heart was to begin reading the Bible with the idea that I was using it to cleanse myself. I remembered the verse that says Jesus nourishes and cleanses His church, the bride, with the washing of the word. As I read and listen for His voice, I find areas where my thinking has been wrong and a doubt or something untrue has crept into my heart. As I realize it, I can proclaim the truth about my Father and about who I am in Christ. This is what I mean by cleansing.

After the Lord spoke this word to my heart, a succession of little things came up that were amazing to me, confirming what Jesus spoke to me and encouraging me on in my journey of hope.

I received a letter in the mail from TWO, an organization which ministers to Turkish people. The director began with a simple story to illustrate hope. A little girl wanted to draw a picture, but she couldn’t think of anything to draw. So she asked her Daddy what she should make. Her father told her the name of an animal, but it was an animal she had never seen before. She was puzzled, but eager to draw the animal. She looked to her daddy for help. So he gently took her hand in his, and helped her to draw the unknown animal. “Faith-inspired hope is like that,” Shawn Gardner says. God gives us a vision, and we might have some idea of what it looks like, but as we wait and allow Him to direct us, the full revelation unfolds and we are able to carry out what we have never even seen done before.

Along with other verses and words of encouragement from others, one more thing came along that almost made me laugh for joy because it was so appropriate.

I opened another letter (this time from Derek Prince Ministries) and enclosed was a bookmark. I scanned it and realized it was full of verses of hope. Then I saw the title at the top: “The God of Hope.” It was a sweet gift to me from my loving Father, the Father who holds my life, my past, and my future in His strong arms.

Christmas Cookies

My favorite Christmas cookies would have to be Italian Chocolate Balls. I’ve made them twice this month already and am going to have to make them again soon. My mom’s recipe is on an old card, given to her by a friend long ago. I like it because the ingredients aren’t expensive, they’re quick and easy to make, and the flavor of these cookies is so good with the chocolate and the spices together. Enjoy!

Italian Chocolate Balls

6 cups flour
1 tsp. cloves
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. nutmeg
6 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup chocolate chips
1 ½ cups raisins
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp water (approx.)

Mix all the dry ingredients together with the butter, then add the milk and vanilla. Mix well, then add the chocolate chips and raisins. Roll into small balls and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. For frosting, mix powdered sugar with enough water to make a very thick syrup consistency. Spread on the cookies while warm.

A First Post...

I’m sitting here at my desk on a quiet evening. I was too tired to go anywhere with my family tonight, but after a warm meal, a book, and washing up the dishes I feel a little more like myself. I’ve wanted to start a blog for awhile, and last week while I had some extra time at the library waiting for my brother I set this one up. I haven’t been writing much lately, at least not where anyone can see it. But I’ve had lots of thoughts going around in my heart and many times I’ve wished to take the time to sit down and write some of them down for my own clarification and to let those I don’t see often know what I’m thinking and learning. I really love to write, and hope that I can be faithful to do it more often.

The title Pleasures Forever came to me as I was looking for an available name. Pleasures Forever! In the midst of the joys and disappointments of life, my Abba Father has supplied me with everything I need, plus the most amazing little gifts that He knows I love. My temptation is to not take the moments to enjoy the pleasures that are at His right hand… to not even take the time to enjoy HIM. I am learning so much right now to delight in His love. As I do that, I’m finding pleasure everywhere… not just in the “spiritual” activities, but in so many little common things.

So I look forward to sharing little pieces of my journey with you, as many of you have shared yours with me.