Where Do We Go When Hope Runs Out?
When We’re Empty?
When There’s Nothing Left?
“Something More”
by Nick Vujicic
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
When they are troubled, we will be able to give them
the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
✎ When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without
“IS IT POSSIBLE THAT GOOD THINGS CAN COME OUT OF OUR BROKEN DREAMS? Worship leader and recording artist Laura Story’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Martin, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Their lives would never be the same. Yes, with God all things are possible. But the devastating news was that no cure existed to restore Martin’s short-term memory, eyesight, and other complications. The fairy-tale life Laura had dreamed of was no longer possible. And yet in struggling with God about how to live with broken dreams, Laura has found joy and a deeper intimacy with Jesus. Laura helps us understand we aren’t the only ones whose lives have taken unexpected turns. She examines the brokenness of some of the heroes of our faith, and shows how despite their flaws and flawed stories, God was able to use them in extraordinary ways. And it was not because of their faith, but because of the faithfulness of their God. God may not fix everything. In fact, although your situation might not ever change or get better, with Jesus you can.” (Amazon Review)
✎ The Hardest Peace: Expecting Grace in the Midst of Life’s Hard
“Kara Tippetts knows the ordinary days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow … and the devastating reality of stage-four cancer. In The Hardest Peace, Kara doesn’t offer answers for when living is hard, but she asks us to join her in moving away from fear and control and toward peace and grace. Most of all, she draws us back to the God who is with us, in the mundane and the suffering, and who shapes even our pain into beauty.” (Amazon Review)
“Emotional abuse is a form of brain-washing that slowly erodes the victim’s sense of self-worth, security, and trust in themselves and others. In many ways, it is more detrimental than physical abuse because it slowly disintegrates one’s sense of self and personal value. It cuts to the core of your essential being, which can create lifelong psychological scars and emotional pain.” (Definition from 30 Signs of Emotional Abuse in a Relationship)
❀ Emotional Abuse Test – Take this emotional abuse test to find out if you’re in an emotionally abusive situation. You’ll also find other information and resources for help at this “Leaving Abuse” site.
❀ Healing the Wounds of Emotional Abuse – “Some general principles, gleaned from professional Christian counselors, for breaking the cycle of abuse in your life and for beginning the recovery and healing process”
❀ Finding My Identity in Christ – Article by Joyce Meyer – “I had made the frustrating, tragic mistake of trying to find the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace and joy (see Romans 14:17), in things and other people. I didn’t realize the kingdom of God is within us, as the apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 1:27. My joy—and my identity—had to be found in Christ alone.”
“There is not one blade of grass,
there is no color in this world
that is not intended to make us rejoice.”
~ John Calvin
➺ Paying Ready Attention – Photo Gallery – If you love birds, Wild Bird Wednesdays are awesome. Stewart posts amazing photos of a bird, and many other bird-watchers link up to share their bird photos.
➺ Rich Proctor Photography: My World Through a Camera Lens – Spectacular nature photography
➺ Philip Schwarz Photography Blog – Nature photography in the Upper Midwest
❤︎ “Suffering isn’t a mistake and isn’t the absence of God’s goodness — because He’s present in pain.” ~ Kara Tippetts who won the battle of cancer when she went to Jesus
❤︎ “When Christians stay focused on the cross, their suffering becomes a ‘megaphone of hope’ to the world.” ~ Louie Giglio
❤︎ “Real freedom is freedom from the opinion of others. Above all, freedom from your own opinions about yourself.” ~ Brennan Manning
Linking up with:
Holley – Coffee For Your Heart
Jennifer – Tell His Story
Kelly – Cheerleaders of Faith
Barbie – Weekend Whispers
Freed to Fly 
Hi Trudy! First of all, what an amazing singer! And what a life he conquered and has such hope. I want to be like him.
The books you discussed seem to fit right in to the theme of the music. Overcoming. Wanting to live. Taking what God has given and trying to run with it. I think that’s what we all try to do. And your nature photos? I just love that, because nature calms me. I love taking nature walks (which you know!) and just walking outside for exercise.
May I always remember that God is present in my pain. Because He won’t leave me. EVER.
Blessings!
Ceil
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Hi Ceil. Yes, Nick Vujicic is quite an inspiration. Have you ever seen any of the videos where he encourages all ages and brings them the Gospel? They’re awesome. I’m glad you enjoyed the nature pics. Nature calms me, too. 🙂 What unfathomable love God has that He will never, ever leave us, no matter what our circumstances! May God guide you and keep you in His loving embrace! Hugs!
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Hi Trudy, What an inspiration Nick is, thanks for sharing it. Stopping by from the #RaRaLinkup.
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You’re welcome, Katie. I’m glad you were inspired by Nick’s example. He certainly is an example of God’s grace, isn’t he? Thank you for stopping! May God be with you and keep you in His tender loving care! Hugs!
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Hi Trudy,
Been thinking of you this week and hope you’re feeling some improvement! I’ve heard Nick Vujicic several times at my church and he is such a powerful speaker with an incredible story! He truly lives an incredible life! I can see why you included such a hopeful story in your round-up of links! Praying for you and hoping you’re enjoying the fall season out there! 🙂 xo
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Thank you so much for thinking of me and praying for me, Valerie. You are such a caring person. Yes, I’m feeling some improvement. A lot less pain is such a blessing. 🙂 You remain in my prayers as well. That’s neat that you heard Nick in person. Yes, he has an incredible story, and it’s so amazing how God brought him through so much and is now using him. The fall colors are beautiful, but the leaves are falling quickly the last few days. May God hold you, guide you, and lead you day by day! Hugs!
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Trudy,
Thank you for sharing such a wealth of great resources and inspiration!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
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You’re so welcome, Lori. 🙂 I’m glad they were inspiring to you. God bless you and keep you day by day! Hugs!
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I always love your roundups, Trudy! I’ll definitely need to read the article on healing wounds of emotional abuse. Thank you for sharing. Nick Vujicic is so incredibly inspiring. His story is just breathtaking and he continues to not only persevere, but too thrive as well. I hope all is well with you, my friend!
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Thank you, Candace. I’m so sorry you have to deal with wounds of emotional abuse. Praying Jesus will hold you close and give you ever deeper healing! That you will cling closely to who you are in Christ – a precious, beautiful person! Hugs!
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Such a powerful song and testimony from Nick Vujicic! How motivating and inspiring, especially these words:”If you don’t get a miracle, become one.” Now there’s a thought… because there’s purpose in the pain and grace for the grittiness of life. We receive and we give out to others. I loved your nature shots too, Trudy. They provide life, hope and vibrancy right before our eyes. Much to ponder here as always. You serve up a veritable feast for our souls. Thank you. Blessings and hugs! Xox ❤
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Thank you for your kind encouragement, Joy. Yes, Nick’s testimony certainly is powerful. I love how you say “there’s purpose in the pain and grace for the grittiness of life.” Amen. Praying you will have special strength and peace in the coming days when you have visitors! Hugs!
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The Laura Story book sounds like a must-read! I get a lot of encouragement and hope from others who have walked with The Lord among the mess and heartache. I love all your images – especially the growth covering the tree stump!
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Thank you, Carrie. I get hope out of others’ stories, too. When God turns ashes into beauty. I am glad I found your site as I already have been given hope and encouragement. 🙂 Praying God will give you ever deeper healing from all the pain you have had in your life! Hugs!
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