Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of heart.

I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.

We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.

I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience. I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude, he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game, but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering them on and encouraging them to do their best.

When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong and have courage. And he did.

Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer. God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m thankful for God’s love and encouragement.

Take heart, and be strong and courageous.

Hope Remains

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

“The hope is in the yes, when times go bad.” -Tim

Tim and I sat in the tour boat waiting for the rain to pass. We’d been in Maine a few days and had planned a trip to see the puffins, a fun little bird with a colorful beak who lives at sea. As the drizzle continued, I wondered if we were going to get to go out to the island they lived on. To see the puffins, we needed to travel by boat about a half-an-hour out into the Atlantic Ocean. The guide warned, due to fog, we might not have the best view. Even with these hindrances, my hope of seeing these adorable birds kept me afloat. Instead of doubting and grumbling, I held on to my dream of watching these birds bob in the water.

In time, the rain stopped, and our tour boat took us into the waters, and we watched the puffins bob up and down, plus an array of other ocean birds on Eastern Egg Rock Island. I’m thankful I didn’t give up and go home, but waited for the yes from the guide to move ahead.

I could have pouted or given up while I sat in the boat and waited. Instead, I hung on to the hope we’d get to go out on the water. When life takes a difficult turn, or circumstances feel unbearable, instead of blaming God, reach out to Him and hope in the yes. Yes—meaning I trust you Lord in all my circumstances. He promises to be with us in all things. 

As long as we turn to God and not away from Him, hope remains.

Be strong, take heart, seek Him, and wait for Him.

Take Heart

We are living in a time of high stress, unexpected circumstances, and constant change. 

To navigate the choppy waters of 2020, 

I'm squeezing tight to the anchor of hope I have in Jesus. 

If I didn't, I might drown. 

My hope is in the Lord.

Take Heart

Psalm 31:24 is a great reminder of hope. 

As we wade the waters of uncertainty and change, keep your eyes on the one who offers hope. No matter what's going on each day, God remains the same, a light in darkness, joy in distress, peace in turmoil. Take heart and trust the Creator of life.