Hope

I don't have much to say today. My soul is filled with joy and grief at the same time. But I am greatly encouraged by the hope that I have in my God. A few days ago I felt so completely broken and sad. I was and am overwhelmed by Christmas this year. Not by the celebration of Christ's birth, but by the magnification of the loss of the one I loved. Oh sad Christmas songs--you and your gleeful melodies and ironically heart breaking lyrics--I never understood you, but oh how tragically I comprehend you now!

I am trying my very best to focus on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas; to keep Him at the center and still find joy in the wonderful holiday. But I must also allow myself to grieve this loss. It is only natural for me to feel lonely at this time.

I was driving and feeling like the weight of this world might just crush my shoulders at any moment. I felt lonely. I was listening to Klove radio and in between songs a man shared a story that made me stop the car and burst into tears. His word gave me such encouragement--such hope--and I want to share that with you too. The man said that although we might be experiencing such incredibly hard times--the fact that we are still breathing and on this earth is proof that God's will is not yet complete for us. Proof that God has marvelous things in store. He said that if God's will is not yet complete for us, that means that the most wonderful best times of our lives are yet to come! So even through these trials we can have HOPE because our great loving God has so much better in store for us!

I just burst into a flood of tears! What a message my soul needed! Times are hard. My heart is broken. I am lonely and sad. BUT...this is NOT the end! I am still here--I am still fighting this battle and living this life! There are so many marvelous things in store for me. Jesus loves me and has planned incredible things for me. To be used to further His kingdom and find fulfillment is it. Wow...thank you Lord!

This is not the end for you either. I don't know where you are today--how you are feeling or what troubles are knocking at your door. But please be encouraged my friends. The LORD your God has gone before you and has planned marvelous things for you. Even through pain and suffering, He will bring great joy--and that is how much He loves us!

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Fortress, I will not be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

This song "My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust is my song of the day. Please listen and be encouraged! Where is your hope?

Glimmers of Hope

Today was a beautiful day. Church was an amazing fresh breath of air. As I sat in the aisle and cried my eyes out, I looked around me and saw all these smiling people thanking God. I thought to myself, “Am I the only broken person here?” “Am I the only one who is hurting?” The beautiful women around me held me close and let me cry all over them. As I listened to my brothers and sisters thanking Christ for trials of many kinds, I remembered something amazing—although I am going through an unimaginable trial, I have more blessings than I could possibly ever think of! 

So I began “counting my blessings” and remembering all of the incredible things I have to be thankful for. Then God gave me a special surprise, a glimmer of hope. I only pray that the glimmer starts to shine brighter every day. Thank you Lord for your blessings and for hope!

Photo from http://sherriejohnson.blogspot.com
/2011/04/fire-in-belly.html

Today we celebrated my parents’ 50^th birthdays. I was surrounded by my beautiful family and my baby niece calling my name and telling me she loved me all day. We cuddled in bed and she showered me with kisses. Thank you Lord, for my family and the love of little children.  What a beautiful healing love.

I heard a great song on KLOVE radio. It’s called “Fall Apart” by Josh Wilson. Sometimes it amazes me the songs they play on KLOVE. I wonder to myself, “God, did you write that song just for me?” Nothing could describe my situation more right now. I hope that you will listen to the words and the truth they speak. (Click here to listen to the song.)

“Fall Apart” by Josh Wilson

Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise

Now it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

Blessed are the ones who understand
We’ve got nothing to bring but empty hands
Nothing to hide and nothing to prove
Our heartbreak brings us back to You

And it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

I don’t know how long this will last
I’m praying for the pain to pass
But maybe this is the best thing that
Has ever happened to me

My whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when
You will find me when I fall apart

Today was a blessing, and I know tomorrow will be too. I don’t where God will take me tomorrow, but I know that everything will be okay.

Be encouraged my friends, and be encouraged my soul!

With love,

Amanda Q

Psalm 43:5

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
   Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
   for I will yet praise him,
   my Savior and my God.