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Showing posts with the label hope

New Year's Renewal Message: INUTILIA TRUNCAT!

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It is evident that 2020 has brought many changes and hardships to the whole world.  And it looks like 2021 may bring more uncertainty than hope. How can we navigate into the NEW YEAR? I am reminded of a phrase I learned in Literature class: INUTILIA TRUNCAT. Inutilia truncat (Latin) means "cut that which is useless," as in cutting off useless leaves and branches. But why should we do it, and how does that apply to our daily lives in the New Year?   Why? Because the essential is what brings and keeps life. And the unessential stands in the way of life. But first, we must determine what is 'useful' and what is 'useless'! (We must have the ability to discern one from the other). Thus, these questions remain:  What is essential? (And what is not?) I will illustrate my answer with two pictures of my "Euphorbia Pulcherrima," aka Poinsettia: Picture 1: Cutting off (pruning) the excessive branches and leaves that detract nourishment (sap) from the main stem...

Where is my hope found?

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What beautiful words in this hymn by Getty/Townend! To God be the glory for the hope it brings... In Christ Alone  In Christ alone, my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid Ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ, I stand. In Christ alone! - who took on flesh, The fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ, I live. There in the ground, His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave, He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin's curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine...

New Wave

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Morning brought a wave of despair No air to breathe, I'm drowning in this sea of fears Panic attacks my soul, and no one seems to care Castaway with my pain, my screams, my tears   No island in sight, no plane in the sky I kick and scream, try to swim, stay alive I need a lifesaver, a chance to survive   I cry Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ I cry Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ   A new wave of hope takes hold of my soul White sails of salvation begin to unfold You are here, no more fear, I'll survive   I cry Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ I cry Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ   ............................................................... Originally written in 2009