Category: Inspiration

THE DIFFERENCE

This past weekend I felt very fortunate to hear a sermon on a familiar gospel story that I have already written on. The speaker shared a little different view on the story that I believe is a valid interpretation that was very enlightening to me~~great truth that we can all reflect on and rectify in our lives if necessary.

The gospel story is from Luke 10:38-42:

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village.

And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,  but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”   (ESV) Continue reading “THE DIFFERENCE”

FAMILY

The theme of family struck me recently as I was attending a dance recital of a friend of mine that I have gotten to know through work, who in addition, is a dance instructor.  We don’t work in the same building or even in the same city but communicate daily via email each day.

If I asked you to define “family” I would think your first response would probably be “those people near and dear to you that are blood related.”

To an extent that is obviously true but I believe there is an even deeper definition to the term “family.”  Especially in today’s society with familes often living far from grandparents and extended families, finding “family” is so important. Continue reading “FAMILY”

BROKEN

A simple text from a sweet friend inspired these thoughts this week.

You see, this friend, like me, is in her happy place when she is at the ocean.  She was texting me from the beach as she and her family was blessed with an unexpected trip to a beach for a few days! I was so happy for this opportunity that came up for them.

 

Photo courtesy of Laura Sage

 

The text said,

“I was thinking of you while walking because there are a lot of broken shells on the beach and I remember telling you once how people are kind of like those broken shells.  Broken but still beautiful!”

The other thought she shared at that time was that

“And the cool thing about these broken shells is that they’ve all had an amazing journey!” Continue reading “BROKEN”

THE LABYRINTH OF LIFE

This week I am sharing more thoughts and insights I received from a weekend retreat at one of my favorite Holy Places. I am always so grateful for an opportunity to travel the 2 1/2 hrs to either experience a retreat or to assist in the dining area serving others.

 

 

 

The beauty of the grounds and especially peering out at the lake and all the greenery in the spring and summer is spectacular!  An added bonus this particular weekend was some sunshine and warmer temperatures.  How I enjoy soaking up His Presence, His Spirit while viewing His beautiful creation!

 

 

 

The theme of the weekend was “Our Spiritual Journey” and the visual was a labyrinth.  A perfect symbol for the theme; one I had never really given any thought to before. Continue reading “THE LABYRINTH OF LIFE”

ONE WEEK or ONE WEAK

One week or one weak?

 

Are you a little confused by that question?

An interesting question, is it not?

Let me explain what I mean with the main idea of these thoughts this week coming from a church bulletin that was shared with me.

 

I thought it was indeed something worth pondering though maybe a slight stretch with the names of the week; a little different way of looking at your week.

 

May it remind you of the importance and privilege that we have walking with God each and every day! Continue reading “ONE WEEK or ONE WEAK”

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

What great truth there is in the good ole saying,

 

 

 

At a retreat I recently was grateful to attend, silence is one of the first things that is introduced and then implemented for the rest of the evening.

 

As the leader pointed out,

 

Photo courtesy of Marco Verch under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0); words added by hopetoinspireyou.com
Continue reading “SILENCE IS GOLDEN”

GOD IN THE ORDINARY

 

Four simple words that a lady I was talking with this past weekend repeated from something I had just said.

 

I loved the thought she shared that made the light turn on in my head to enlighten me and see another parallel. Continue reading “GOD IN THE ORDINARY”

A DRINK OF WATER

I am always in awe of God’s perfect timing of events in our lives and it makes me want to shout it from the rooftops!  Experiencing it once again one day this week, I have to share so I guess this platform is my rooftop!  🙂

This day was a “different” day for me as it didn’t follow my typical Friday.  I usually get up and workout first, then proceed with the day and at noon volunteer at the Pre-K 4 yr old class for a few hours.  Continue reading “A DRINK OF WATER”

WHY ME

Hearing a sermon the day before Memorial Day this year brought back some memories of many years ago for me (though I’m still only 23!)  The sermon was centered around the theme of “good bye.”

You see Memorial Day this year, 5/27, was the date my great Aunt Hazel died 32 years ago.  Remembering her was on my mind but it wasn’t until I was emailing the preacher to thank him for his inspiring words, that again brought tears to my eyes, did this one particular memory pop back into my head. Continue reading “WHY ME”

WORDS TO LIVE BY

During the past few months, I keep hearing some sermons/reflections on  one set of Bible passages that are familiar to me and probably are to you as well.  At last I am penning thoughts on them as they are great words to live by!

In true God moment fashion, for a third time confirmation, the one day I turned on our Christian radio station, just as there was a part of the passage once again!  It went like this….”Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  –Philippians 4:6 Continue reading “WORDS TO LIVE BY”