Hope Archives - Page 5 of 27 -

Schedule and Budget meet Reality

This was not a Minor Leak

“Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.” Psalm 4:5 KJV

My schedule and budget have been filled with more than time should allow. Today was to be a much-needed free do-what-you-want-day for me.

Munching on another cookie, I gathered my mailing list, gifts and packaging, and books to autograph as I settled down for some tea and planned my strategy.

There was a plumber on his way to fix what surely was just a slow drip under my kitchen sink. That should not interrupt my schedule and budget. I was organized and ready to enjoy the rest of the day as soon as he fixed my little leak and left.

An hour later: “Ma’am, could you bring me a few towels? How long has this water been dripping? You have a serious problem here.”

He has to be wrong. I need him to patch the thing and let me get on with my day! Not only did I not have time for a major problem, it sounded a bit expensive. Can’t he wrap some tape around the pipe until the holidays are over?

Friend, have you had days like that? Do they seem to be more strenuous during the Christmas season? I seriously believe the devil pulls us down at every opportunity, especially as we are preparing to celebrate our Saviour’s Birth. I don’t know about you, but I seem to have a shorter fuse during the holidays. I want everything to be perfect; with no surprises.

Today our scripture for the day hit my heart. I think The Message says it best. “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.“

Yes, it was an interruption in my schedule. Yes, it was costly. It has been drizzling (not dripping) long enough to rust the pipe! Who knows how long it will take the cabinet floor to dry? And, yes, some of my wants for the day were left unattended. But…

YES, Jesus spoke directly into my heart. Only by His grace, I could offer the following prayer as the plumber worked.

“Thank You, Jesus, I have a home! Thank You, Jesus, I knew someone to call. Thank you for him, and please bless his family as he helps others. Thank You, Jesus, for providing for me so I can pay him.”

I continued to breathe prayers of thanksgiving for a warm fire, a filled pantry, friends and relatives who are healthy; for my health, and plentiful provisions. For family and more friends than I ever deserve. For Jesus. For a Father that loves me just as I am.

Sweet friend, if you are having an abundance of bumps and detours in your holiday, trust God to work through it. And, if you want a shoulder to cry on… I am here and I am praying for you.

Hugs,

Your Father Knows What You Need

God’s Immeasurable Bounty

“… your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.” Matthew 6:8

“Mom, I’m going to Sam’s Club on Monday. Do you want to go with me?” Daughter, Debbie Cardwell’s timing was perfect. I had been putting off the drive to Sam’s Club in Springfield for their good fresh fruit and rotisserie chicken.

The idea of spending the day with my older daughter was exciting enough; however, God had more in store for me. I headed to the chilly produce room while she shopped the entire store.

As I assured an employee I didn’t need help with produce, he smiled and said “Blessings” as he turned to leave. “Wait,” I said. “I have something I think you will want.” As I handed him a copy of the Jesus storybook, he immediately returned to inquire where I went to church.

“I actually attend several Southern Baptist Churches in Dallas County. My husband was Director of Missions there for twenty-one years; they are all my family.”

His smile broadened as he replied, “Russell Adams! I knew him. I was so sorry to hear he had passed. I’ve been to your home. He gave me my first opportunity to speak in one of your churches after I surrendered my life to preach. His support had a lasting impression on my call and my life.” He continued describing exactly where I lived and sharing what Russell had meant to him and his ministry.

We stood a long time in that cold produce room talking about his family, exchanging phone numbers, and vowing to get together after The Rebel and Preacher Man was published. He has stories that need telling in the next book (prayers, please)! A co-worker took our picture before he left!

Do you realize God has such blessings for you as well? His love for you cannot be measured. My earnest prayer in sharing this story is that you, dear reader, will open your eyes and your heart to what our Loving Father has for you. And, if you have any doubts or questions that He is your Father, please drop me a note.

Free Beautiful Story of Jesus

I have given away hundreds of these beautiful little books. They tell the chronological story of Jesus’ life with a section in the back for you to look the scripture up in your own Bible.

I want to challenge you, whether you want to order books or not, to go to their page and pray for this ministry.

You can order one or more individual books or a case of 120. I ordered ten cases last time and carry them with me wherever I go. We must get Jesus’ story out to our lost and dying world.

My personal challenge to you. Whether you have a book to give or not, you can always give a smile. Our world desperately needs to understand how much God loves them and we can help.

I’m looking forward to hearing how God has touched your life this week.

Hugs,

You Can Change a Life Today

Pretty Card or Plain Paper – Just Send It

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” I Thessalonians 5:11

God has given you the ability to change a life today. You can easily encourage someone every single day the Lord gives you breath.

It’s a wicked world. Life is tough and getting tougher for many. Time is short. None of us know when our last day will be.

How is my encouragement working so far?

While writing our memoirs, I sent over one hundred letters to people across the United States asking for memories and stories about Russell to put into a scrapbook for our family. (Have you sent yours yet?)

My heart breaks as I read the responses, he had no idea of his influence. It would have been a much-needed encouragement for him to hear those words in his final days.

I can hear you. “I don’t write letters anymore, postage is so high!” Oh, Please! Do you know how many stamps you can buy with the money spent yesterday on that latte or soda? Seriously! Where are our priorities?

I have a personal challenge for each of you. Think of someone who has meant something special in your life and take time (MAKE TIME) to send them a card–yes, a real card/letter they can get in the mailbox! Get well and anniversary cards are often expected. Go the extra mile, and do the unexpected.

Need inspiration? Click here for encouraging scriptures.

Drag out your old address book and look at it each morning. Ask God who needs an encouraging word from you today. Mail them a note even if you see them each day. Give them something to hold on to when storms assail.

One of the most precious notes I received this week was handwritten scribbles on a scrap piece of paper. Priceless!

Think outside the box. I put a tiny bag of candy and a note on the top of my dumpster occasionally on trash day. Same for the postman. Hand a scripture card to the grocery clerk.

As always, praying for you as I write.

Hugs,

Thanks for dropping a note below! You bless my heart and encourage me to keep on keeping on ’til Jesus comes.