Life Group Notes! So Timely!

February 29 - Defeating Doubt

[For Abraham, human reason for] hope being gone, hoped in faith that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been promised, So  [numberless] shall your descendants be.   He did not weaken in faith when he considered the [utter] impotence of his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or [when he considered] the barrenness of Sarah’s [deadened] womb.   No unbelief  or  distrust made him waver  (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong  and  was empowered by faith as he gave praise  and  glory to God,  Fully satisfied  and  assured that God was able  and  mighty to keep His word  and  to do what He had promised.  That is why his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).  But [the words], It was credited to him, were written not for his sake alone,  But [they were written] for our sakes too. [Righteousness, standing acceptable to God] will be granted  and  credited to us also who believe in (trust in, adhere to, and rely on) God, Who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, (Romans 4:18-24 AMP)

And the effect of righteousness will be peace [internal and external], and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. (Isaiah 32:17 AMP)

All we have to believe is that God has got an answer even when we don't see it. Double blessings for your former trouble!

When you have a new problem remember the victories you had in the past. 

Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me  and  be disquieted within me? Hope in God  and  wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God. (Psalm 42:5 AMP)

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow  and  destruction of strongholds, (2 Corinthians 10:4 AMP)

Praise and service is a spiritual weapon...not losing your focus and keep being a blessing to others..don't sit home and nurse your wounds..but get out there and be a blessing. 

Before you get promoted you're gonna have to pass some tests.

The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat [for nourishment]? says the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:28 AMP)

Speak life. Feed your faith not your doubt.

We have to get rid of the lazy passive apathetic attitude and put on a bold victorious attitude that is from God. 

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow  and  destruction of strongholds,  [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments  and theories  and  reasonings and every proud  and  lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought  and  purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 AMP)

Praise = telling a story of what God has done and giving a voice to what we are thankful to God for.

Iron...The Good Kind

"As iron sharpens iron,
so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17

I'm so blessed...to have so much love in my life. Women who love God, their husbands, and their children...and are just all so different and beautiful. AND EVERY ONE of them are special and dear to me.

As a friend we also must come out of our emotional comas and be sure that what we say and how we feel radiates life and hope. The last thing we need is another life sucker.

If it's true....that at any hour Jesus may come...I want to know I honored Him by honoring others. That I sharpened others...

This verse is intriguing because I feel like we can sharpen our friends for the best but also the worst. We can sharpen their hope or we can sharpen their bitterness. We can sharpen their ability to forgive or sharpen their inability to let go.

Our spouse is suppose to be our best friend...and if that's the case...how amazing... to be in a relationship that is committed and sharpening...always being challenged and given hope, love and care...

I want to be a sharpening wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister and woman. Because God is worth it.

Couldn't of Said it Better..

Praise the LORD!
How joyful are those who fear the LORD
and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted. (Psalm 112:1-10 NLT)

A CONFIDENT Hope

Confidence defined as a feeling or conciousness of one's power or of reliance on one's circumstances. A faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper and effective way. A relation of trust or intimacy.

Confidence. It's the word that keeps making a drive by in my mind. This word that God has added...to be placed in front of the first word He gave me to rest on...hope....confident hope.

"I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

We talked with someone with Children's Cup this weekend and got a lot of questions answered. I walked away even more excited but also, if I'm gonna be honest..a bit defeated. We have to raise a lot of money...and I was reminded more than once that my organized OCD personality will be a bit stretched when I'm there and I will have the hardest time adjusting...even though I had hopes that I was gonna have the easiest time...I have to be real with myself..it's gonna be hard..it already is.

I know we're called here. But with tears in my eyes I'm getting afraid.

I'm scared. Terrified that both God will act so extravagantly and fearful that He won't act at all. Not that He can't but that He won't...there's a difference. Yes, I'm here again.

I refuse however to be like many and live hopelessly. I was created to be different and so I will choose to remain in character and stay faithful.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." Hebrews 10:35

I have to speak it. We can get there...to Africa...and soon. God is for us and His call is urgent..because souls are involved. So we remain in this journey and choose confident hope...sure that He will act..exceeding what we ask.

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." 1 John 5:14

And I will remain obedient. Drawing near..because I don't wanna re-live a life someone else has lived I want to LIVE this life AUTHENTIC...inspiring..ALIVE! CONFIDENT! HOPEFUL! At peace knowing with all CONFIDENCE that Im doing exactly what I'm suppose to do. We're doing all were suppose to be doing. Living, resting, speaking, acting, loving CONFIDENTLY!

"The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17

God Loves Trash!

My son has some serious issues with trash. He enjoys the banana peel more than the banana, he likes finding a toy that is much like a cup to scoop water FROM THE TOILET!!! This kid enjoys playing with trash cans with lids that swing...and if no one is around you can find him sticking his hand in it...!!! I'm sure a lot of one year olds are like him...

"People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:15-17

Childlike.

In my small small frame of mind and totally not denying God's thoughts are way higher...

....dare I say that I think God is childlike!

And just like my son totally unphased by germy gross trash...and what it "looks" like to be digging in the garbage - so God doesn't see our trash and sin..but our potential..He doesn't disregard us and walk on by - He reaches in and doesn't care who sees..He is unlike most "church insitutes" that people don't go to in fear of being judged..He takes great delight in delivering us and setting us free!

God is incredible! My son reminded me of that.

"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16

Thank God! Because I seem to be in deep garbage a lot!

Honor One Another

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10

I love Valentines Day. And I'm sure I annoyed some people I worked with today..but I can say I was genuine in my love for the day..the day that causes us whether we want to or not to reflecton on our relationships..

I'm so blessed. Because of Jesus I have no unsettled debts with anyone. He has justified me and convicted me to make things right with people.

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Ephesians 5:2

I'm not perfect and I've yelled at an authority figure or two and spoke unaffectionately towards those I'm suppose to honor. However God has reconciled me and helped me make peace. I never in all my years thought I would be able to say this with such confidence..because for most my life I've used my tongue as a sword rather than a band aid or a fresh drink of water. God is working on me.

I don't celebrate Valentine's Day because I'm married - I celebrate Valentine's because I'm blessed to have such loving and life giving relationships with everyone God blesses me to meet. I love those I work with, my family, my church, my clients, my mentors, my pastors, my friends...all of it. God has richly blessed me...

Today I feel truly like the wealthiest woman alive! Happy Love Day everyone. I honor you - the one reading because you have blessed me! I LOVE you!

Love & Marriage - Horse & Carriage

Oh St. Valentine..

Historical facts as resourced on Wikipedia (emphasis mine)

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine. The Valentines honored on February 14 are Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni. Valentine of Rome was a priest in Rome who was martyred about AD 269 and was buried on the Via Flaminia. His relics are at the Church of Saint Praxed in Rome, and at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna about AD 197 and is said to have been martyred during the persecution under Emperor Aurelian. He is also buried on the Via Flaminia, but in a different location than Valentine of Rome. His relics are at the Basilica of Saint Valentine in Terni.

The Catholic Encyclopedia also speaks of a third saint named Valentine who was mentioned in early martyrologies under date of February 14. He was martyred in AFRICA with a number of companions, but nothing more is known about him.

No romantic elements are present in the original early medieval biographies of either of these martyrs. By the time a Saint Valentine became linked to romance in the 14th century, distinctions between Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni were utterly lost.

Saint Valentine's head was preserved in the abbey of New Minster, Winchester and venerated. But there is no evidence that Saint Valentine was a popular saint before Chaucer's poems in 14th century, not even in the area of Winchester.  Saint Valentine's celebration didn't differ from the celebrations of many other saints, and no church was ever dedicated to him.

In the 1969 revision of the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints, the feast day of Saint Valentine on February 14 was removed from the General Roman Calendar and relegated to particular (local or even national) calendars for the following reason: "Though the memorial of Saint Valentine is ancient, it is left to particular calendars, since, apart from his name, nothing is known of Saint Valentine except that he was buried on the Via Flaminia on February 14." The feast day is still celebrated in Balzan where relics of the saint are claimed to be found, and also throughout the world by Traditionalist Catholics who follow the older, pre-Second Vatican Council calendar. February 14 is also celebrated as St Valentine's Day in other Christian denominations; it has, for example, the rank of 'commemoration' in the calendar of the Church of England and other parts of the Anglican Communion.

Legends

The Early Medieval acta of either Saint Valentine were expounded briefly in Legenda Aurea. According to that version, St Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II in person. Claudius was impressed by Valentine and had a discussion with him, attempting to get him to convert to Roman paganism in order to save his life. Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity instead. Because of this, he was executed. Before his execution, he is reported to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer.

Since Legenda Aurea still provided no connections whatsoever with sentimental love, appropriate lore has been embroidered in modern times to portray Valentine as a priest who refused an unattested law attributed to Roman Emperor Claudius II, allegedly ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine arrested and thrown in jail.

There is an additional modern embellishment to The Golden Legend, provided by American Greetings and widely repeated despite having no historical basis whatsoever. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he would have written the first "valentine" card himself, addressed to the blind daughter of his jailor Asterius, signing as "From your Valentine."

I included that as more interesting than relevant to where I'm going.

I love LOVE. I love being loved by my family and my friends - who doesn't? And as cynical as most people can be about this "hallmark" holiday...I continue to appreciate a day that makes you conciously evaluate your relationships emotionally and mentally. We can choose to be cynics and say everyday you should love those around you not just this day, and I get that, however, I choose LOVE. And still others don't enjoy the holiday because they're single. Cynic or single..you can't deny that this day can make you think about your relationships. 

Our church is currently doing a series on Marriage. Last week Ben and I both could confidently say we are "good." We know each other..and in areas, we have settled in our mind that this is just how its gonna be. But for the last few months we've said we've wanted extraordinary. So we asked God, last Sunday to bring to the surface anything we need to work out, enhance, and deal with. And boy was God faithful. Last week things were brought to our attention! Wow! We're not heading to the courthouse, but rather to God's house. We're not mad and it's not the end of the world. However, we believe God is sharpening us to a higher level of intimacy..because He is taking us to a new season that will require a higher level of faith. God's words to me after church yesterday, in my laundry room of all places - I am your HOPE. I have not revealed these matters in a desire to destroy you but rather to elevate you two. I'm taking you to a deeper level of faith in Me..and by doing that I'm enlarging your capacity of love, respect, faith, hope and trust in your marriage, your friendships, and in your walk with Me. I have overcome, remain in Me. I'm taking you higher...closer..to Me. 

"...and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:19

I don't want our marriage to look like anyone elses. We want it 'elevated in Him'... I asked to be enlarged...It takes courage and humility. And as I've felt for many months that I need to fall more and more under my husband's lordship...I... must fall..more. 

Are there any women - who will be honest (heart and soul) and fall with me?

La Familia Update..

Aren't you all just so excited about VALENTINE'S!?! Well for the cynics out there...I'm not really interested in your response..I say as lovingly as possibly.

This weekend and the next week is very tender for us. Our first child..Paxton Oliver will 1 on Sunday. Next tuesday, Valentine's Day..was the first day a year ago that we brought our son home..and our life with him began. God did that for us. The next saturday we will celebrate his birthday with family and friends. Ben's sister will see him for the first time and family coming in from out of town and state...including Paw Paw Allen.

Even after a year...We're so in love with our birthmom Lesa. We adore her! She gave extravagantly.

Such huge blessings she and Paxton are. We grew by two not just one.

And now were on an adventure. Studying another culture, praying about the journey to come - while staying faithful on the journey now. It makes me think...if every year is going to bring such great opportunity..well one..I'm sticking with Jesus always...and...AND I'm so eager to know what else He has in store!

The last few days I've felt a little lazy though..I need to kick it in gear again. I need a day of rest though...hopefully Sunday. I'm in full fledge fast pace mode. As if in hopes it will speed up the waiting process.

God doesn't work that way though..bummer.

Next week we not only celebrate Paxton's Birthday..we will hopefully..HOPEfully meeting a coordinator with Children's Cup that weekend.

I'm requesting some prayers. That I can manage to get my head out of my booty. That my body feels better...I'm getting that feeling of sickness..blah and prayer for steadfastness, a focus..to be God focused - TRUSTING God to get us to where were going..not me.

I Was Wrong to Justify Him

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. (1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT)

I'm convicted. I'll be honest. I wrote a blog this morning in fury and arrogance...justifying it as boastfulness in the Lord. As if the Lord needs me to defend Him.

However it is not how I want to reach my family and friends, and it is not the model Jesus inhibited while here. If I had just continued to read 1 Corinthians rather than stopping in the first two chapters I would of known better. If you read this mornings blog I deleted it and I'm sorry.

I want to live a life that I would be proud of other followers of Jesus to imitate. Just as Paul to the church in Corinth.."So I urge you to imitate me." 1 Corinthians 4:16

I don't need to prove with words and theology that God is real..Proverbs often talks about how you can't rebuke a fool and you can't change them with words...

I'm determined that this life I live will represent the Lord well...the same power that rose Christ from the dead lives in me. His power and faithfulness to me will speak more than my "scriptural attacks" on those who call me foolish for following Jesus.

EXPECTANCY is Thy Word of Thy Day

"[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14

Expectancy...being expectant!

I've never been physically expecting...as far as a baby in my belly. However...

I'm expecting. I don't only believe God will do something..I'm expecting it. And my life is reflecting it.

I'm no Jesus or Apostle Paul...who lived their life expecting God to show up. Moving from place to place with great favor and performing miracles and changing lives.

I'm so expectant...things I love and have had for years are going in boxes to be sold or given away. I'm so expectant I've put all our things for sale and got a second job to pay off small debts and save for our transition.

Expectant. Just as my son expects me to give him a bottle and food when he's hungry..I expect God to provide and I just lift my hands to recieve...God doing all the work...I'm open to trusting He will provide for every need.

Words too...that flow out of this mouth..Are expectant. Because I'm HOPE-FULL!

"Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You." Psalm 33:22

IN PROPORTION TO OUR WAITING AND HOPING IN THE LORD.

What's your portion of HOPE? How long are you willing to wait? To wait in a mindset of HOPE and trust...?

What's that song..?? You're Love Never Fails??... God is Love...and He never ever fails!

YOU-n-I-que: The Difference Between You & I

Unidue. I'm still here. Yesterday I talked about and I'm just gonna cozy right on up to the subject again today. Gods teaching me something and I haven't quite got it yet..

Unique.

God has been using my son to teach me expectancy and trust in Him. I take much pride in the fact thwt my son is unkike most kids...he's laid back and independent, musically inclined, and very very reflective..he acts much older than what he is. He's also my first and very dear to me. In this God is showing me how dear I am to Him and also that He desires me to be much different from His other children.

I remember this time in the 6th grade I was coming into my own. I was a bit awkward until about 9th grade. Very unsure of myself..at home I was a spit fire and assertive and opinionated...at school I was just awkward. I made this friend and I was drawn to her..we eventually became inseparable...however when she first visited my house I followed very closely behind her..constantly asking her if she liked it...what the???? The 26 year old me wants to punch my 12 year old me in the face..

But what I remember the most is my mother's facial expression...she was use to seeing this vibrant, vastly opinionated and dominant girl now cower in desperation behind a perspective friend. As if she was disappointed and even a bit hurt that I had stooped so low..that what she provided didn't seem to fit the bill....to be so concerned of the approval of another about things my parents worked so hard to achieve and give us.

Even in this memory (which the Lord brought to my mind on the way home today) God is showing me that He is much like my mom. He's seeing me and knows me...my potential, the real me...but often when put to the fire I wonder if Im still that little girl...am I unique or do I find myself sometimes walking a life not made for me? Because it is approved by our culture...am I proud of where I call home in Jesus.. 100% of the time?

And do I honor God by fleshing out His own unique story for me? When He looks at me does He see me being like everyone else..or does He see me be me...?

I don't want to shame God. I deeply want what He uniquely has for me...not anything I've read or look to as success...but what He has for me to do...and I want to do it well. I want God to be glorified..even before the "well done, my good and faithful servant"..I want Him to embrace me firmly and say it with great boast...because I brought Him my very best, my everything.

And God has something for you too...You and I are different..on the same journey to drawing closer to Him...but still very different. It's God's creativity and BIGness that is glorified when we live God's exactly yet different and unique story out. He wants originals...one of a kinds... He boasts in them and is boasted the most through them.

Desiring YOUnique

I'm convinced that the Lord wants people to live their potential - to flesh out their calling..THEIR individual, unique, unlike anyone else, God's holy divine calling.

I believe it flatters God and brings Him MORE glory when we flesh out our life's calling through His eyes NOT the perspective of books we've read, people we look up to, great spiritual mentors....but the Lord...God of individuality. He's authentic.
We can easily want spiritual giant's stories...even refer our lives to stories in the Bible (as it is suppose to be used as a training tool).. We can dream with the help of others stories and covet what others have accomplished...we can flesh out our callings while trying to ailign our life in the back of our mind with those we desire to be like. However God wants to write NEW STORIES OF FAITH AND MIRACLES. HE WANTS TO BE IN THE FOREFRONT OF YOUR MIND AND HIS WORDS AND DIRECTION TO EMCOMPASS YOUR WHOLE MIND. HE WANTS YOU TO BE LIKE HIM...LIKE WHAT HE WANTS FOR YOU.

Be cautious not to seek out others life...God has specific uniqueness solely for you to flesh out. When we find ourselves being much like others rather than God's fulfillment..we will grow weary FAST!

"Do you know the saying, "Drink from your own rain barrel, draw water from your own spring-fed well"? It's true. Otherwise, you may one day come home and find your barrel empty and your well polluted." Proverbs 5:15

Be cautious to share your calling and dreams with others, but rather fulfill them and be faithful to DAILY WALK JESUS TALK. Get your daily bread and flesh out each day...

"Do you know the saying, "Drink from your own rain barrel, draw water from your own spring-fed well"? It's true. Otherwise, you may one day come home and find your barrel empty and your well polluted." Proverbs 5:16

I repeat - I do believe God is the MOST glorified and flattered when we walk in His perspective, which can only be gotten when we seek Him daily, be still and know He is God and walk in obedience.

Let's praise an authentic God as we flesh out our OWN STORY.

Circling Promises

"So-join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried and true paths. It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here. The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good." Proverbs 2:20-22

I've been reading Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. Such a convicting and very motivating book..a call to MUCH action and great faith. I can only read it in doses...because Im a believer that once you know something you are now responsible to being obedient to it....otherwise you are being negligent and most people know how I feel about being negligent. The book refreshes my eyes to scripture..when I want my Jericho..I must circle it and have faith that God will hand it over..I'm responsible for my HOPE and trust in Him.

I'm praying with intention...because I desire God to act with intention. I'm doubly circling my dreams and promises with prayer & fasting. In doing this God has been tenderly bringing some dross to the surface...as His refining always does. This gross stuff I've hidden that needs to be dealt with otherwise I'm being negligent and God WILL move on to someone else to get the job done if I'm unWILLING to change and remove things from my life.

And I'm actually finding myself a bit upset at myself. Who am I to be dealing with stuff like this...oh the arrogance...God really should find someone else to use. I'm thoroughly convinced (well was for most of the middle of the night) that I'm am irrevocably screwed up..and it was intensified because until the Lord had brought some of this up - I really thought I had it semi-together...what the heck!

Then I reached for my HOPE, I searched the tablet of my heart for truth that God had hidden there for me refer back to and I CHOSE to find my delight in Him...even though I'm so ashamed. He knows me better than myself and even the things I haven't yet recognized that I need work on - He already knows AND YET He still chose to purchase, and chooses to use and put me on display for His Glory.

I loved this verse in the message verse. I'm connecting so deeply with verses that talk about men and woman (as Im married and were about to take on a whole new land)...I love that in this verse 'Men who walk straight will settle this land, the women with integrity will last there'...

I need to have integrity. I want it so badly. I want to last in God's land that He has for those He loves.

So I'm circling that promise...this verse. And I'm being specific with God. Because when we're specific - we know when God has acted and others know He has - it removes the questioning of whether God acted or it was coincidence..I encourage you to be specific in your prayers to God. Dont be generic...God is not a generic God, not in the least.

I want integrity in the way I love my husband. I want integrity in how I raise my son and future children. I want to have integrity when I speak and in my friendships. Integrity in how I serve Jesus in public and in private.

I love what Mark said in Circle Makers "I want the people who know me the best to respect me the most"...

I want that. I want my husband and children to respect me because I'm actually genuine and I have integrity...in the places I'm the most comfortable in...my home. That's when I know the Lord got a hold of me and I let Him refine me. Then others will know...and give God the credit.

So what things would you like to circle? What scriptures fly out at you that God wants you to pray and believe for? More children? More territory? To be moved? To see happen?

HOPE: it's worth repeating

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

I wrote about hope a few weeks ago. It was one of the most clear and timely words I've been given from the Lord.

HOPE. Such a pure word.

Tonight at life group we talked about the power of the tongue, speaking life, speaking Gods favor...we talked about living out the Hope that the Lord gave us...when He bought us and gave us His Holy Spirit.

I love that HOPE was the opening to our study.

HOPE is a feeling, and is necessary before FAITH can be born. Hope conceives faith.

Hope is necessary for there to be persistence, it is necessary in keeping us enduring!

When we are HOPEFUL AND REMAIN HOPEFUL that we will lose weight we continue to eat right and work out even when in those weeks where there is no number change. When we are HOPEFUL AND REMAIN HOPEFUL that we will get out of debt, our mind stays on track because we are HOPEFUL and we make choices that will benefit us financially...because we FEEL like we can get out of debt. When we are HOPEFUL AND REMAIN HOPEFUL even when we see no change in our marriage, we become mindful of Him who is the GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE!

When we are daily walking in HOPE our faith is increased and we lay ground work for God to move extravagantly!

I want extravagant moves of God...so you will find me HOPE-FULL!