The Source of Hope

This week has completely gotten away from me, apparently. Here I sit on a Wednesday night, realizing that I have yet to post any sort of a blog article, which I like to have done and ready for you on Monday mornings.

I'm also realizing that I haven't even thought about what ought to be in this week's post.

You know what I do when I don't know what to do?

I go back to God's Word.

How could I not? That's my Source for Truth. Hope. Comfort. Direction. Guidance. Love. Faith. Encouragement.

So let's revisit some verses from earlier this year. Enjoy! And please share some favorites of your own in the comments.

A Dash of Hope {Focus on Jesus}

Who needs a dash of hope heading into the weekend?

All week, I've come back to these verses. They've inspired me and lifted up my heart when I felt overwhelmed by the negativity of being in pain more often than not recently. These verses have helped me hold on to hope. I pray they do the same for you.

If you're like me, you'll want to read these beauties out loud and pray they soak into the walls of your heart as you do.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

(HCSB)

7. "Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

8. We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair;

9. we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.

10. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

11. For we who live are always given over to death because of Jesus, so that Jesus' life may also be revealed in our mortal flesh.

12. So death works in us, but life in you.

13. And since we have the same spirit of faith in keeping with what is written, 'I believed, therefore I spoke,' we also believe, and therefore speak.

14. We know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and present us with you.

15. Indeed, everything is for your benefit, so that grace, extended through more and more people, may cause thanksgiving to increase to God's glory.

16. Therefore, we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.

17. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

18. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

What Bible verses have given you hope lately?

Timely Encouragement {Dust Treasure Hunt Results}

Hey, friends. So I went on a virtual treasure hunt last month in support of Kara Swanson's sophomore book, Dust, which is a Peter Pan retelling of sorts. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and there were lots of interviews and fun blog articles along the way. The neat thing about this treasure hunt was that everyone who participated would win something. That's completely rare in anything other than peewee sports.

There was also a grand prize pack for the person who was first to put in the quote from Dust that was pieced together along the way with each blog article's clue.

Here's the announcement as delivered by Kara Swanson on her Instagram page:

Cast Out All Fear

Hello, friends! Thank you so much for your patience as I'm figuring out how to fit everything into a condensed sit-down schedule, due to my current back discomfort.

{Remember when I mentioned an article on color-coded editing, to be looking for that in June? Well, my schedule did not go as planned in June. I have not forgotten about that article, and it will be coming. My new goal for that is before summer is over (so before the end of August). I'm hopeful that I'll be able to get it to you sometime in July.}

How many of us have experienced fear in the last few months? We've had lots of reasons to be afraid, and I don't think I have to list them all out. Just scroll through any social media site or mainstream media news feed if you want details. (I don't recommend this, for your sanity. Search for conservative news outlets instead. There's more truth and less fear in these outlets.)

I wonder if we've forgotten what the Bible says about fear.

The Card {a short story}

Scalding tea wasn’t fun to wear on one’s shirt, but it was better than frying another keyboard. Marla grabbed her “It’s definitely a Monday!” mug from her lap and settled it back atop the round coaster not too far from her shiny, new keyboard on her cubicle’s desk. With her other hand, she pulled the cotton material away from her stomach, which immediately felt the relief of cool, fresh air that whooshed at her from the fan she had blowing from a corner of the desk.

Earlier, she’d been freezing and had to pull on two sweaters. Why did her hormones have to choose today to go wacky? It wasn’t like she had a meeting in—she checked her wristwatch—Goodness!—only eight minutes or anything.

She grabbed one of her sweaters and blotted at the spot on her shirt and the few clusters of damp dots on her calf-length skirt. With that task done as best she could in a pinch, she tossed the sweater under her desk to reclaim later and focused on sending the right document to the communal printer across the large room. She pulled on her other sweater—thankfully, she’d not used the one with buttons to mop up her mess—and it did a decent job of hiding the majority of the stain that might or might not come out in the wash. After sticking her swollen feet back into her two-inch pumps, she spun her chair halfway around and rose.

Two steps forward and her ankle gave out, rolling to the right. She caught her balance with flailing arms, but the pain radiating through her leg with each new step indicated she’d be grabbing ice on her way back to her desk after the meeting.

This meeting was crucial, life or death for her year's to-do list really. Yet, she was having a horrible day from top to bottom. Honestly, what else could go—

The Lady of Tarpon Springs

I'm still on deadline this week. It's crunch time now! Any prayers you'd like to offer for concentration, focus, determination to cross the finish line... those are definitely much appreciated. Thank you, dear readers!

Here's a review of a book I recently had the pleasure of reading an early copy of (thanks, NetGalley!). I think you'll enjoy this story.

FTC DISCLOSURE: I received from NetGalley an electronic copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

A lady lawyer, Greek divers, and an expressive author voice combine to create quite an entertaining and enrapturing tale of maneuvering through life’s trials while striving toward one’s dreams with hope for a brighter future than one’s past.

I love that this book featured Greeks without the mention of false gods. That is such a difficult thing to find!

Happy Verses

by Andrea Renee Cox

Have you ever needed a pick-me-up but didn’t know where to find it?

I’ve been in that same situation many times. Over the years, though, I’ve discovered a great source for that boost of energy or change in attitude. This source is available 24/7.

When I’m down in the dumps, I open up my Bible and read the “happy” verses. They don’t necessarily have the word “happy” in them, but they cheer me up just like saying that word does.

STREET TEAM OPPORTUNITY

by Andrea Renee Cox

What is a street team?

It is a select group of people who support a writer on their publication journey. They often get behind-the-scenes looks at an author’s work-in-progress or soon-to-be-released novel(s), special giveaway opportunities, and “little extras” if the author can afford to send them.

Why am I talking about street teams today?              

Because I’m starting one.

That’s right, y’all. I’m starting a street team. Be sure to read this article all the way to the bottom, because there will be some instructions for those of you interested in joining my street team.

Bit O' Inspiration: Part Two

by Andrea Renee Cox

One thing on my mind today:

The Dallas Stars

My favorite hockey team is playing well to start their season. As of Sunday afternoon, they hold the best record in the entire NHL, at 12-3-0 (for those of you who aren't hockey fans, that's twelve wins, three losses, and zero overtime losses).

Friends for Life

by Andrea Renee Cox

When I was growing up, my family lived out in the country and had few neighbors. My only playmate was my sister; we quickly learned how to get along well and have been the closest of friends ever since. Once I was in school, I made friends, but none were close enough to call “best friend.” Switching schools a few times didn’t help, and neither did being really shy. So I’ve wondered practically my whole life what having close friends (other than my sister) would look like.

Are We Really Broken If We Have Flaws?

by Andrea Renee Cox

We all have flaws.

You know, those things that annoy us about ourselves. Those things we wish we could fix.

But I ask you: Are we really broken?

More Encouragement To-Go

by Andrea Renee Cox

Hi y'all. This will be short and sweet this week as I'm down in my back. Hopefully I'll be back to my regular self before too long.

Here's another verse I'm studying for the Siesta Scripture Memory Team I told you about last week.

Encouragement To-Go

By Andrea Renee Cox

Since my computer is being worked on this week, I’m borrowing one that doesn’t have the same version of Microsoft Word. Therefore, all the articles on my thumb drive can’t be accessed this weekend. Instead of trying to remember and retype one of them, I thought I’d give you a bit of inspiration in a to-go size.

Teen Mom: You're Stronger Than You Think -- GIVEAWAY

by Andrea Renee Cox

Teen moms.

They’re often looked down upon in today’s society. But what’s so terrible about lifting these young women up, letting them know they are loved by the God who created them?

Tricia Goyer

Author Tricia Goyer was once a teen mom. Now she’s a wife, mother to six (soon to be ten, if her current adoption goes through), and a leader in the Little Rock Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. Her passions include God, family, writing, and sharing her faith and experience with others.