The end of a year brings a lot of reflection, and often is a time of setting goals and renewed hope. For the person that has suffered great losses, though, this can be a time of painful reminders of all that has been lost. The words “Happy New Year” have an off-tone ring for the person who is grieving.
As we reflect and look back, it is always good to take time to remember the many ways that God has been by our side and given us an anchor to hold onto when we’ve felt like we were lost and floating out to sea. God’s love is never changing, and He remains faithful in His promises to us.
Look to the stars and see the darkness of evening wrapped in the twinkling light. Wake up and look to the heavens to see the faithfulness of a new day being ushered in. Take a deep breath and feel the air filling your lungs with new energy. Rest your weary head upon your pillow and allow your guardian angels to watch over you. Feel the peace that only God can give as you allow Him to touch your heart with new hope.
This is the end of the old year, and the beginning of a new one. Let us hold fast to the hope that God is faithful, and He has a special blessing chosen for us every day of the coming new year! --Clara Hinton
“Every day miracle waiting to unfold!” --Clara Hinton
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Don't be Afraid to Face the Holidays!
The holiday season is here, and for many this is a time of special family gatherings, festive occasions, and getting together for meals and laughter. For others, though, this is a season of sadness, tears, and sorrow. When a loved one is no longer with us, we feel the emptiness even more during those special days called “family days.”
Gathering the strength to get through the holidays can be difficult. At times, we feel overwhelmed and so lonely that we think we will not be able to make it through the day. A tear falling from our heart stains every minute of the day and night.
God, in His infinite wisdom, seems to know exactly the right moment to place hope in our lives. He knows when we need to hear His voice whispering in our ear that He loves us. He knows when to send the rainbow to paint the sky so that we will be reminded of His promises. He knows when to give us rest from our heavy burdens by sending a friend to give us a strong shoulder and a listening ear. He knows when to give our weary souls rest from the heaviness of grief by sending the bright sunshine to warm our souls.
Don’t worry about facing the holidays alone because you have a Friend that is always with you. He is your Father, your Shepherd, and your Friend. His promises are true, and he cannot leave you because you are made in His image. And, above all else, He is your hope! --Clara Hinton
“There is relief from this wound we call grief, and that relief is hope!” --Clara Hinton
“Cease striving, and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:10
Gathering the strength to get through the holidays can be difficult. At times, we feel overwhelmed and so lonely that we think we will not be able to make it through the day. A tear falling from our heart stains every minute of the day and night.
God, in His infinite wisdom, seems to know exactly the right moment to place hope in our lives. He knows when we need to hear His voice whispering in our ear that He loves us. He knows when to send the rainbow to paint the sky so that we will be reminded of His promises. He knows when to give us rest from our heavy burdens by sending a friend to give us a strong shoulder and a listening ear. He knows when to give our weary souls rest from the heaviness of grief by sending the bright sunshine to warm our souls.
Don’t worry about facing the holidays alone because you have a Friend that is always with you. He is your Father, your Shepherd, and your Friend. His promises are true, and he cannot leave you because you are made in His image. And, above all else, He is your hope! --Clara Hinton
“There is relief from this wound we call grief, and that relief is hope!” --Clara Hinton
“Cease striving, and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:10
Monday, December 10, 2007
Comfort and Peace Will Arrive!
When the clouds are hanging heavy above us like huge billows of tears ready to fall, we often become afraid that we will never see the light of the bright sunshine again. Loss takes so much away from us that we fear the sun is dying, too.
During the winter of our lives, we live in anticipation of those moments when we will be welcomed into a safe, warm haven and feel secure. We long for our tired bodies to get some rest from the heavy burdens of grief we’ve been carrying, and we yearn for the feelings of loneliness to go away. We want to taste the sweetness of life again, but we fear that the day of joy will never return.
The predictability of the changing seasons becomes part of our hope that we will taste laughter and abundance in our lives. Our season of comfort and peace will arrive, and we will be able to feel the warmth of sunshine comforting our soul. Friends will engage in lively conversation with us, and we will know that we are not alone. There will be a day when the clouds part and the bright, blue sky appears with the sun’s light giving new hope to our soul.
Look to the heavens. Gaze at the stars. Take in a breath of fresh air, and be filled with new hope! --Clara Hinton
“A little bit of hope added to what you’ve already got is a little bit more, and soon that will equal a whole lot of hope!” --Clara Hinton
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.” --Psalm 62:5
During the winter of our lives, we live in anticipation of those moments when we will be welcomed into a safe, warm haven and feel secure. We long for our tired bodies to get some rest from the heavy burdens of grief we’ve been carrying, and we yearn for the feelings of loneliness to go away. We want to taste the sweetness of life again, but we fear that the day of joy will never return.
The predictability of the changing seasons becomes part of our hope that we will taste laughter and abundance in our lives. Our season of comfort and peace will arrive, and we will be able to feel the warmth of sunshine comforting our soul. Friends will engage in lively conversation with us, and we will know that we are not alone. There will be a day when the clouds part and the bright, blue sky appears with the sun’s light giving new hope to our soul.
Look to the heavens. Gaze at the stars. Take in a breath of fresh air, and be filled with new hope! --Clara Hinton
“A little bit of hope added to what you’ve already got is a little bit more, and soon that will equal a whole lot of hope!” --Clara Hinton
“My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.” --Psalm 62:5
Monday, November 19, 2007
Giving Thanks in the Midst of Pain
It’s difficult. It’s very difficult to be thankful when your heart is hurting. It’s difficult to be thankful when you are in the presence of happy, busy people and you feel so sad and alone. Life can be brutally painful when we are expected to say thank you but we cannot even begin to mouth the words.
How can we give thanks in the midst of job loss, illness, broken relationships, and death? How is it possible to thank God, our Father, when we have been pummeled by the storms of life? How does a heavy heart find the strength to look heavenward and say, “Thank you” during moments of doubt?
We can only say thank you when we understand who our Father is. We can only feel peace when we are aware of the blessing of hope. We can only whisper words of praise when we understand that the pain will not last forever.
We have a Father watching over us, and He has promised to be faithful and never leave us. He has given us the blessings of the sunrise and the sunset, the starry skies, and the changing seasons. He also knows when we need our heart to be held, and right at that moment He sends help to carry us through.
Who is your help today? The kind voice of a friend. A strong shoulder to lean on. A person to hold us close and dry our tears. The warm sunshine against our face. The rainbow painting the heavens with splendor.
Yes, even at the deepest point of our pain, God assures us that He is near, and we can face the day with hope! –C. Hinton
“A day without hope is a day without sunshine.” --Clara Hinton
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” --Psalm 23:1
How can we give thanks in the midst of job loss, illness, broken relationships, and death? How is it possible to thank God, our Father, when we have been pummeled by the storms of life? How does a heavy heart find the strength to look heavenward and say, “Thank you” during moments of doubt?
We can only say thank you when we understand who our Father is. We can only feel peace when we are aware of the blessing of hope. We can only whisper words of praise when we understand that the pain will not last forever.
We have a Father watching over us, and He has promised to be faithful and never leave us. He has given us the blessings of the sunrise and the sunset, the starry skies, and the changing seasons. He also knows when we need our heart to be held, and right at that moment He sends help to carry us through.
Who is your help today? The kind voice of a friend. A strong shoulder to lean on. A person to hold us close and dry our tears. The warm sunshine against our face. The rainbow painting the heavens with splendor.
Yes, even at the deepest point of our pain, God assures us that He is near, and we can face the day with hope! –C. Hinton
“A day without hope is a day without sunshine.” --Clara Hinton
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” --Psalm 23:1
Monday, October 15, 2007
You Are Never Alone!
Sometimes it feels like there is no end to the problems and pain that come along each day. Bills piled up. Trips to the doctor. Broken relationships. Depression. Feeling all alone. The death of a loved one. Wandering through life without any real purpose at all.
There are times when it seems like nothing makes any sense. It is during those mixed up moments when we have nothing but questions that we need to remind ourselves Who is in charge. We have not been left alone in this world. We have a loving Father that cares. His thoughts are far above our thoughts, and His wisdom is far beyond ours.
Hold on. Just when you think all hope is gone, someone or something will come into your life to remind you that you are not forgotten. A butterfly landing on your arm. A calm voice saying, “I’m your friend, and I will listen.” The moon shining to light a darkened path. The beautiful sunrise. The far off sounds of the birds singing. A rainbow bursting forth with colors following the threatening storm.
You have not been forgotten – not even for one moment. Hold on! Look for your special sign. Hope is near! --Clara Hinton
“Darkness is always followed by a glorious sunrise.” --C. Hinton
“The very hairs of your head are all numbered, therefore do not fear; you are of more value than the many sparrows.” -- Matthew 10: 30-31
There are times when it seems like nothing makes any sense. It is during those mixed up moments when we have nothing but questions that we need to remind ourselves Who is in charge. We have not been left alone in this world. We have a loving Father that cares. His thoughts are far above our thoughts, and His wisdom is far beyond ours.
Hold on. Just when you think all hope is gone, someone or something will come into your life to remind you that you are not forgotten. A butterfly landing on your arm. A calm voice saying, “I’m your friend, and I will listen.” The moon shining to light a darkened path. The beautiful sunrise. The far off sounds of the birds singing. A rainbow bursting forth with colors following the threatening storm.
You have not been forgotten – not even for one moment. Hold on! Look for your special sign. Hope is near! --Clara Hinton
“Darkness is always followed by a glorious sunrise.” --C. Hinton
“The very hairs of your head are all numbered, therefore do not fear; you are of more value than the many sparrows.” -- Matthew 10: 30-31
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
From Ashes to Hope!
May we take this special time to reflect on the many losses that took place on September 11, 2001 and the way so many have risen from the ashes to a place of hope.
This has been a six-year journey, and will continue to be a journey for thousands upon thousands of people who lost loved ones on that tragic day in history. Life has gone on, but it will never be the same. As individuals we have been made aware of the way tragedy and death can strike when we least expect it. We also are made aware that people truly do care, and when hearts are bound together by compassion the flame of hope is ignited and gives us the strength to go on.
Many, many lives have been lost since that dark day in September. There may not have been headlines in the news, and reporters probably were not knocking at the homes of those who experienced loss in anticipation of “getting a story.” Instead, many have endured the pain and hardship of loss quietly, and often feeling very alone.
May we never, ever forget that we have a heavenly Father who watches over us day and night. He never leaves us alone. He is always there, calling out to us to come to Him so that we can be embraced in the shelter of His arms. We are told that we have angels watching over us, and that is such a comfort during our times of pain. We have wondrous signs of God’s love all about us as we look at the expanse of the heavens and see first-hand the care He gives to the tiniest of creatures.
May we always feel the closeness of God. May we rest in the arms of our loving Father and allow Him to carry us when we feel too weak to go on. Hope is alive! God is good, and He truly cares! God is waiting in the depths of my being to speak to me if only I will be still enough to hear His loving, tender voice! --Clara Hinton
“I am never alone because God abides in me.” --Clara Hinton
“Be still, and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:10
This has been a six-year journey, and will continue to be a journey for thousands upon thousands of people who lost loved ones on that tragic day in history. Life has gone on, but it will never be the same. As individuals we have been made aware of the way tragedy and death can strike when we least expect it. We also are made aware that people truly do care, and when hearts are bound together by compassion the flame of hope is ignited and gives us the strength to go on.
Many, many lives have been lost since that dark day in September. There may not have been headlines in the news, and reporters probably were not knocking at the homes of those who experienced loss in anticipation of “getting a story.” Instead, many have endured the pain and hardship of loss quietly, and often feeling very alone.
May we never, ever forget that we have a heavenly Father who watches over us day and night. He never leaves us alone. He is always there, calling out to us to come to Him so that we can be embraced in the shelter of His arms. We are told that we have angels watching over us, and that is such a comfort during our times of pain. We have wondrous signs of God’s love all about us as we look at the expanse of the heavens and see first-hand the care He gives to the tiniest of creatures.
May we always feel the closeness of God. May we rest in the arms of our loving Father and allow Him to carry us when we feel too weak to go on. Hope is alive! God is good, and He truly cares! God is waiting in the depths of my being to speak to me if only I will be still enough to hear His loving, tender voice! --Clara Hinton
“I am never alone because God abides in me.” --Clara Hinton
“Be still, and know that I am God.” --Psalm 46:10
Monday, August 20, 2007
Facing the Future with Hope
When loss comes into our lives, dreams are snatched away and we are left wondering how to face the future. We feel like we’ve been thrown into a deep, dark hole with no way out. Loneliness becomes our only companion, and we lose all interest in the daily routine of life. The very things that used to occupy our time and bring us pleasure no longer have any significance at all.
Grieving is hard work, and it takes lots of time to travel our journey of grief. There is no road map to follow, so we don’t know when the next bend or twist in the road is coming. We can’t tell where there are steep hills or flat terrain. When we seem to be traveling along okay, suddenly we find that we’ve hit a mountain that seems almost like it’s impossible to climb. Grief is new, unexplored territory.
There is some amazing about our grief journey, though. It’s hard to explain; yet it happens all of the time. A rainbow appears out of nowhere and gives us hope. A butterfly lights upon our windowsill and we find ourselves smiling. A meal appears on our table from a neighbor and we suddenly feel less alone. An invitation to dinner comes and we feel loved. The telephone rings and we have a much needed listening ear.
God never allows us to travel this journey of grief alone. He sees to it that we have help all along the way. He gives us rest when we are weary, and hope when we feel lost. Just knowing that we have this added inner strength keeps us going until one day we find that we are no longer in that lonely hole, but we are sitting among the flowers and we can once again see beauty in life! --Clara Hinton
“Hope is the friendly, unexpected voice pulling us back to a warmer world.” --Clara Hinton
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” --Psalm 23:1
Grieving is hard work, and it takes lots of time to travel our journey of grief. There is no road map to follow, so we don’t know when the next bend or twist in the road is coming. We can’t tell where there are steep hills or flat terrain. When we seem to be traveling along okay, suddenly we find that we’ve hit a mountain that seems almost like it’s impossible to climb. Grief is new, unexplored territory.
There is some amazing about our grief journey, though. It’s hard to explain; yet it happens all of the time. A rainbow appears out of nowhere and gives us hope. A butterfly lights upon our windowsill and we find ourselves smiling. A meal appears on our table from a neighbor and we suddenly feel less alone. An invitation to dinner comes and we feel loved. The telephone rings and we have a much needed listening ear.
God never allows us to travel this journey of grief alone. He sees to it that we have help all along the way. He gives us rest when we are weary, and hope when we feel lost. Just knowing that we have this added inner strength keeps us going until one day we find that we are no longer in that lonely hole, but we are sitting among the flowers and we can once again see beauty in life! --Clara Hinton
“Hope is the friendly, unexpected voice pulling us back to a warmer world.” --Clara Hinton
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” --Psalm 23:1
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