Trudy

April Hope Whispers

“For I know the plans
I have for you,”
declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope
and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

SAFE
by Victory Worship

“You are never far away
Always reaching out to save
My weakness covered by Your strength
And I am found forever safe
I found my fortress in You
And my soul is anchored with You
My resting place is in Your name
Forever safe”

Hope-Breathing Quotes

“I know the world is crazy right now, but I’m so thankful that God knows our names, understands our emotions and is intimately involved with the development of our faith.” ~ Lois Flowers

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” ~ John Piper

“Hope is the silver shaft of sun breaking through the storm-darkened sky, words of comfort in the intensive care unit, the first spring bird perched on a snow-covered twig, and the finish line in sight. It is a rainbow, a song, a loving touch. Hope is knowing God and resting in His love.” ~ NLT Life Application Study Bible: Zephaniah introduction

Nature is a Retreat of Hope

““Be as a bird perched on a
frail branch that she feels
bending beneath her,
still she sings away
all the same,
knowing she has wings.”
Victor Hugo

Thank you to my brother John for these beautiful bird photos.
(🙂 Please respect copyright laws. 🙂)

Black-Necked Stilt
Roadrunner with a Lizard for His Lady
As part of the mating ritual, he carried the lizard from tree to tree and made a cooing sound.
Green Heron
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron
Great Horned Owl

 

34 comments

    • I’m so happy the Scriptures and photos brought you comfort, Heidi. They bring me hope, too! Blessings to you, too! May we cling to God’s promise that His thoughts towards us are for good and to give us hope and a future!

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  2. Oh my gosh, envious of the bird pictures, particularly the owl! Wonderful! The Victor Hugo quote evokes a brilliant image of hope in all that we have. We can still have joy even in the unsteadiness of life. May you feel God’s steady presence in your daily moments today, Trudy.

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    • That owl is fascinating, isn’t it, Lynn? If I remember correctly, weren’t you going to look for owls to photograph before you broke your arm? I love that Victor Hugo quote, too. And I love your words of how it “evokes a brilliant image of hope in all that we have. We can still have joy even in the unsteadiness of life.” Now I love it even more. 🙂 Thank you! Also for your prayer! I pray you may also feel God’s steady presence in your daily moments! May we both cling to the truth of His presence being with us, so steady in the midst of the unsteadiness of life!

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    • Thank you, Martha. I’m so happy you felt breaths of hope! Yes, John’s photography truly is stunning. He loves nature. As a little sister six years younger, I often shadowed him. He taught me so much as we grew up. Still does. Once he retired and he and his wife moved to Arizona, he has more time to devote to what he loves, so he takes photography classes and often goes on nature hikes. He has become quite adept at capturing the right light and angles. And he is very patient as he waits to capture the best shots. 🙂 I don’t mean to sound like I’m bragging here, but I am proud of him. 🙂 I’m so blessed he shares his photos with me. They brighten my days. By the way, your husband takes some excellent shots, too! 🙂 May we open our hearts to God’s whispers of hope each moment of our day!

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  4. Dear Trudy,
    Oh thank you for bringing such comfort to me here today. God is so good. That song is hugely important to me, as I shared it with my Granddaughter when she was going through a particularly scary time on the other side of the world. HE is still our safety now too. And then, the owl picture. Just tears. I’m going to have write to my niece and ask if she still has the sketch that my brother made, and ask her to take a photo for me. God knew the reminders that I needed today. Thank you for being His gift to me today. Love and blessings to you. xoxo

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    • It warms my heart, Bettie, that God cares so much for us and knows exactly what we need. Also how He directed me to include that song and that owl. Yes, God is so good! I’m so happy you were comforted here today. Love and blessings to you, too! May we cling to the truth that we are forever safe and anchored to our Fortress of Strength in all our weaknesses!

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  5. Trudy, thanks so much for these whispers of hope! And I just love the bird photos! Your brother is so talented. Thanks for sharing them with us. Blessings and love to you! xo

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    • Thank you, Gayl. Yes, I agree my brother is so talented. 🙂 I am so grateful he allows me to share his gift so readers here may also find refreshment in his nature photos. Blessings and love to you, too! May we be still and open our hearts to the whispers of hope God surrounds us with in the midst of all our troubles!

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  6. God seems to speak peace to us through His creation. It sure beats endless news viewing and hand-wringing. I am trusting that the sun will return to us soon … I plan to live outside!

    You, my friend, are a hope-giver. I hope you’re doing okay …

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    • Thank you for your kind words, Linda. It truly is my desire to be a hope-giver. 🙂 I am doing okay. Thank you. We had some warmer days and it helps so much when I can go outside. Today is colder though. I hope the sun will return to you soon! You have such a beautiful view where you live. The image of the sea gull in front of the water still rests in my mind. And for some reason, I always love the sea glass. Maybe because it becomes more beautiful as it weathers in God’s creation. Creation always does calm my spirit and it has become an even more-appreciated avenue of God’s peace. May we open our hearts to rest and bask in the sunshine of God’s love!

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  7. Ahhh, Trudy. This post is a refreshing breath. Thank you for sharing the quotes, the song, the photographs. This quote ministered to me:
    “Hope is the silver shaft of sun breaking through the storm-darkened sky, words of comfort in the intensive care unit, the first spring bird perched on a snow-covered twig, and the finish line in sight. It is a rainbow, a song, a loving touch. Hope is knowing God and resting in His love.”

    I love that hope can break through the most severe storm and remind us that God is with us. Sending you hugs and blessings, friend.

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    • I’m so happy you felt a breath of fresh air here, Jeanne. That quote breathes so much encouragement, doesn’t it? I’m so with you in loving that hope can break through the most severe storm and remind us of God’s Presence. May we surrender our control and rest in His love and faithfulness! Hugs and blessings to you, too!

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  8. I love John’s photos as always. I especially love the one of black-necked stilt and the way he has captured the reflection in the water. Nature is one of the things that has encouraged me a lot through this time. Even though I haven’t; been able to go far from home I’ve noticed things a lot more – like different flowers in the park and in people’s gardens – and somehow it always gives me hope. Thanks for the rest of the encouragement you share here to. Love and blessings to you!

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    • I had two photos of the black-necked stilt and I chose this one because of that reflection, Lesley. 🙂 I know what you mean about noticing things in nature even more. Yes, God’s creation truly gives hope! Love and blessings to you, too! May God wrap us in His arms of love and give us peace and comfort through this difficult time!

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  9. Trudy, these Hope Whispers have a strong resonance that sings out loud in my soul. The Hope-Breathers are excellent soul exhales, and I love the poetic description in the NLT Life Application Study Bible. Victor Hugo’s words are really comforting too as they suggest we are already freed to fly even as we feel more confined than ever before. Our wings of faith may feel papery or brittle as twigs, but God has gifted us, nevertheless, with the ability to soar with them. Oh how gifted your brother John is as a wildlife photographer! His images are amazing and quite calming. I also appreciate the song reminding us how God keeps us safe through every storm. Thank you so much for the thoughtful selection of beautiful resources here! Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear friend! xo 💜

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    • Oh, I’m so happy these Hope Whispers sing out in your soul and give you comfort, Joy. I love and am encouraged by your reflections on Victor Hugo’s quote – that “we are already freed to fly even as we feel more confined than ever before. Our wings of faith may feel papery or brittle as twigs, but God has gifted us, nevertheless, with the ability to soar with them.” Thank you! Blessings, love, and hugs to you, too! May God anoint our wings to soar wherever He may lead us, no matter what is happening in this world and in our lives!

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    • I’m glad you stopped, too, Jennifer. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed your visit. I agree my brothers’ photos are incredible. 🙂 I’m so grateful he shares them with me and all of you. May God’s creation breathe hope into our hearts and remind us He is still in control!

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  11. Good afternoon, Trudy. As always, I love your brother’s photos (especially that owl). And that Piper quote? “He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive.” What a comforting thought this is. Hugs, friend.

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    • Good afternoon, Lois! That owl seems to be looking us straight in the eyes, doesn’t he? 🙂 I’m so happy you were comforted. I love Piper’s quote, too. He acknowledges there is darkness and that the temptation to quit is huge but opens the way to our God of impossibilities. Hugs to you, too! May we cling to God’s power to deliver us from the pits and trust His plan of how and when, however difficult it may be!

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  13. Thank you for this theme of hope. It is perfect for right now. I love the quotes especially from Lois and John Piper. The bird photos are stunning. Coming by here was a treat today.

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    • Thank you for your kind words, Mary. I’m happy you found hope here. Yes, we certainly need it in this crisis. Those quotes are truly comforting, aren’t they? May God give us grace to give all our burdens into His Almighty power and plan!

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