This conversation that takes place between Elizabeth and the girls of Hope Valley I have referenced before (in fact using the exact same quote!) in the From Hope Valley Devotional Week 35 post (you can find it HERE). In that post I discuss the quote from the viewpoint of the girls and was encouraging us all to find the blessing that comes from extending grace to others as we learn to love unconditionally. As I re-read through what I wrote I was challenged to really examine the concept again.
Today, I wanted to touch base on a concept that I feel is equally as important that is discussed in this 5th episode of season 3... the hope of restoration when our hearts have been broken and we doubt that we can trust anyone to be our friend again.
Relationships are difficult aren't they? I know it can seem like we are one path and then all of a sudden you realize that you may be on two different paths and you wonder how you got there. You may have experienced the extreme pain and isolation and rejection of a broken engagement. You may be estranged from your siblings. You may be estranged from your family. You may be walking the difficult and painful path of divorce. You may be walking the path of singleness and another hopeful relationship has just ended. You may be feeling like you are loosing everyone around you as you struggle to walk the journey with elderly parents. Or you may be like dear people that I know that have just said goodbye to their 10 day old daughter. Or you may be like another young couple that I know that is fighting their hearts out for their young boy who is facing the staggering diagnosis of Leukemia.
In these moments of pain that are both emotional and physical it can be hard to feel like we can trust our hearts again with anyone else. We may doubt that we should even take the chance to reach out and try to form another relationship with a new person. It can be painful, it can be risky, and it can be complicated.
When our hearts are broken and shattered we often wonder if we can do the one thing that we most need to do... which is to trust.
Trust that in the moments of deepest pain that there is still hope that love can help restore our lost voices that may only want to cry.
Trust that somewhere and somehow hope still exists and that it goes beyond the lines that we have drawn and creates a bigger picture than we saw before.
Trust that there is still redemptive purpose that can be found no matter what the circumstances may tell us.
And most of all dear friends, trust that there is still a little hope to be found.
As we face the fears of trusting I pray that you find the hope and courage to reach out and take the risk to love again. To have the courage to risk big with your heart. And most of all to find that there is a beautiful hope that exists in restoration. I read the following quote on social media the other day and thought how apt of a prayer it is for this topic...
"May the last month of 2017 be the plot twist you have been dreaming of".
Dear friends, that is my prayer for you. May this last month of 2017 hold the beautiful plot twist that you have been dreaming of and show you in this season the hope of restoration.
"Lord, you know the hopes of the hopeless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them."
-Psalm 10:17-
-Psalm 10:17-
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
If you don’t mind not being tied down to one area, the life of a
travelling nurse might be very well suited for you. First, you actually have to
be a licensed nurse in order to pass muster. You can live in any state, attend Rutgers
Online, and complete a bachelors of science in nursing
to meet all of the requisites to be a traveling nurse. Although you will meet a
lot of great people and earn a fabulous salary, there are some factors that you
should be aware of prior to agreeing to work in this type of position. It will
be difficult for you to put roots down anywhere, and getting started can kind
of be hard. Here is some insight into the life of the real, live travel nurse.
Moving Again and Again
Moving can be fun and refreshing. Say that you get a travel nurse
position at a hotel in San Francisco, but you’re originally from Boston. You’ve
got to decide to do with your home as well as make arrangements to find a place
to stay while working in California. If you own your home, you might be able to
switch off your utilities and have a friend stop by every so often. If you’re a
renter, you’ve got to determine if it’s better to sublet your place out or end
your lease early and put most of your stuff in storage. In less than a year
after you’ve settled into your newest work location, you’ll probably be
summoned to pack your bags again.
Making Discoveries in Each New Position
Showing up in a new part of the country requires more than finding a
home. How will you get to work? Will you ride a bike, take your car, or learn
how the city’s public transportation system works? Then, you have to find where
the grocery stores are, deal with a new area’s local weather patterns, and last
but not least, make friends and work on your social life. Those who are open to
frequent changes and have a bachelor of science in nursing can do quite well
working as a travel nurse. On the other hand, if you thrive by following a
routine and being close to home you may end up getting burned out after a few
years.
The Reality of Fatigue
Whether your dream has always been to be a travel nurse, or it just
happens to be a career that you fell into, your body is going to feel tired. As
a travel
nurse, your shifts may be long and the tasks you are to perform will be
daunting. It is best to use your free time to rest up and recharge so that you
will always be raring to go when it comes time to come in for your next shift.
Travel nurses don’t often become bored and their days always include
welcome challenges. You might travel to a new region or stay closer to your
hometown as a travel nurse. In any case, you’ll get to do what you love, which
is caring for the public.
This may be a sponsored post but all of the thoughts I agree with and match the tone of my blog .
I wanted to share with y'all today because through November 30th on certain cruises Viking is having a 2 for 1 sale which is an incredible deal!! You can find out more about the cruises that this includes on their website HERE!
I hope y'all have a wonderful Monday!!
PS- Thank you so much to each of you that purchased items from my shop during the #shopsmall Saturday sale! There was such an overwhelming response that I have extended the sale through November 30th!
AND thank you to each of you that are rejoicing with me in the news that I shared on Instagram yesterday! It is truly a special time!
PS- Thank you so much to each of you that purchased items from my shop during the #shopsmall Saturday sale! There was such an overwhelming response that I have extended the sale through November 30th!
AND thank you to each of you that are rejoicing with me in the news that I shared on Instagram yesterday! It is truly a special time!
#shopsmallsaturday - use code THANKSGIVING to receive 15% off EVERYTHING in the shop today! Thank you so much for your support of my shop!! Click HERE to go directly to the shop!
And as we approach this holiday season with Thanksgiving before us tomorrow, I am well aware that many of you are having some "Abigail moments" in the kitchen like what was portrayed in this scene. You are bravely and courageously putting on a smile, cooking the huge thanksgiving meal, but inside you feel like weeping. This beautiful scene gently reminds us that in the midst of all of the sad and hurt the one thing that we can find thanksgiving for is that there is a plan even when we are not seeing it this year.
In my own life it seems like these past few weeks have been filled with watching some of my dearest friends walk through very difficult situations. From the loss of a 10-day old child to a new Cancer diagnosis to the heartbreak of unresolved family issues to once again dreams of what life would look like right now life is extremely difficult. As we lead up to the holidays I am seeing more and more grief than rejoicing as many are walking through some unbelievable challenges that could never be imagined.
I get it. I really do. It is hard to find thanksgiving when you are brokenhearted and when your dreams feel like they are turning to dust. Like Abigail you may be having a few crying sessions that come from the deep recesses of your heart.
Maybe you are a mama who longs to have reconciliation with a child and the holidays remind you of the deep wounds that still exist. You wonder if the holidays will ever hold joy again as you watch families gather and you see the empty seat of the child you raised before you.
Maybe you are in a marriage where you long to have things thriving and you find that instead of moving forward together you find yourselves drifting farther and farther apart. As you watch happy couples before you, you doubt if joy could ever be found again in your relationship.
Or maybe you are unemployed and have been trying so hard to find a job with no luck. You dread the upcoming holidays as you struggle to provide for daily needs let alone the "extras" and struggle to have hope.
Maybe you are struggling through the heartbreaking road of infertility and dread checking the mailbox for the holiday cards that announce more and more births. You weep as you hold the cards, longing for the child you have always prayed for.
Maybe you are heading to a thanksgiving family gathering that you are dreading. Maybe you are single and longing for the thanksgiving family gathering and find yourself alone again this holiday. Maybe, well maybe, there are reasons that are to painful to discuss and you want to have tomorrow and this holiday season pass as quickly as possible.
This week I was talking with a dear friend and she said something that I have been reflecting on ever since. She said (in tears) after a difficult situation has arisen, "I just don't understand Rebecca. Why is life so easy for some people and so hard for others?" I cried with her, understanding exactly what she means. Some of you reading this are nodding your heads as you are wondering the same thing.
Life is hard. In my own personal life these past ten years have been filled with difficult circumstance after difficult circumstance. Some of these things I have shared in my books and on the blog- like an ex-fiance' who walked out just a few short months before our wedding to fighting several diseases and illnesses to shattered pain and loss and to dealing with such severe pain and sickness that there have been days that I have wondered if I will be able to take another breath.
Other things have not been shared in such a public space because they are so incredibly personal and private. Recent days have brought its own challenges and heartbreaks. Life does. Things happen that seem so insurmountable that we think that we will never recover or heal and it often seems like there is tragedy at every corner and heartbreak instead of laughter is what our future holds.
And yet in this hurt... in these circumstances where it feels like we can't even breathe... there is a thanksgiving that can be found. Not in the food or the circumstances that we long or wish for but in the gift of faith.
I recently came across Psalm 26:3 which states; "For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance of your faithfulness." I have read this verse once a month for the past four years but this time it really jumped out at me. I was stopped in my tears and forced to ponder... Am I really always mindful of God's unfailing love? And... if I was wouldn't I be viewing some things in my life that I am going through in a different way?
In tears and hurt I can admit that yes, I would.
In admitting this I am forced to see the concept of Thanksgiving and gratitude in a completely different way then I have considered before. Instead of just listing out my thankfulness I am forced in the painful brokenhearted season to write lists etched deep in my heart of the Lord's goodness and mercy to me each and every day. To be always mindful - not just for this day or for Thanksgiving tomorrow but for each and every day.
Henry Ward Beecher once said:
"The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!"
Maybe right now in your grief there isn't anything that you can think of to thank Him for or to find the good in right now. That is okay friends. It truly is. I am reaching out across this space to give you a gentle hug. I promise that as you continue to look He will meet you in tender grace in your unique situation and circumstance.
For it is in this tender grace that we will find true thanksgiving. Not for a thing or a circumstance or a person. But for Him.
For Faith.
For love.
For Hope.
For Faith.
For love.
For Hope.
Each and Every day.
"So I never lose sight of your love, but keep in step with you, never missing a beat."
-Psalm 26:3, the message-
-Psalm 26:3, the message-
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
New Christmas Items Added to the Shop and A Thank You Discount Coupon for the Shop
November 18, 2017
Happy Saturday friends!
I hope that your week finished up well! Today I am so excited to share just a few pictures of new Christmas items that were added to the shop in the last couple of days!
One thing that I was really excited to add in were several Christmas storybook buntings! This adorable one featured above is from Frosty the Snowman! SO cute and I love the vintage pictures!!
Lots of cute wintery items also joined the shop! I am excited to share too that for a limited time you can receive a discount on your order by using the word "THANKSGIVING" at checkout! Click HERE to go to the December Caravan shop!
Happy Saturday friends and happy shopping!
There are so many different moments in life when, like Rosemary, we stop and ponder the different dreams that we once had. I am sure, like myself, this has happened to each of y'all in different seasons. Life in all of its beautiful unpredictability can throw situations and circumstances at us that make us question how we arrived at the point we are at and where things in life are going.
There are so many different circumstances that I could list here as examples, but yet, we all know what they are and what they could be. In each of our lives there are times where we have made plans, set our course, and in the middle of the journey, life takes a different plot twist than we could have seen coming.
It is wonderful isn't it? To look back and to realize that in the places you never thought possible you can build a life that you may never have imagined.
Sometimes in chasing one dream we discover a more beautiful dream exists.
There is a beauty in finding and living in the promise of redemptive change of dreams. It may not provide star recognition, but there is also a beauty that can't be found elsewhere. And you may face in that season the same thing that Rosemary faced... someone else suggesting that you are missing something because you have chosen a new road, a new hope, a new way of living and even a new dream. Don't allow someone else to make you feel inferior or incomplete if you find your dreams have changed. Listen to your heart.
Because dear friends, in this beautiful gift of finding new dreams we often discover that God's hand has been guiding us and that we can find a beautiful promise of redemptive change of dreams.
We can see and experience beautiful new stories that unfold and develop that we could never have imagined in our wildest dreams. God can and will write redemptive stories of changing dreams in our lives and in those spaces we can find not only new purpose and new experiences, but also new dreams.
"A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps."
-Proverbs 16:9, God's Word Translation-
-Proverbs 16:9, God's Word Translation-
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas over at the December Caravan Etsy Shop! As y'all know I start adding the Christmas items to the shop on November 8th through the 18th every year! I love adding them this time of the year so that it provides plenty of time to enjoy these one of a kind treasures and items for this season (and for future seasons)!
This season I will be offering a variety of different journals, buntings, cards, storybook Christmas buntings, and some fun surprises!
It is always so much fun to start adding holiday items to the shop!
I love this season and the special memories that are made around this cozy time!
It always seems that hope is a little bit more abundant during this time of the year which is a precious reminder these days.
I do understand though that for some, the holiday season can be particularly difficult and painful for a myriad of reasons. I myself have been there many times over the years and my heart breaks for each of you in this situation.
I know that many of you have heartbreak behind the scenes and are working up the courage to muster smiles and happiness for those around you.
I can only hope and pray that during these next days and months you will feel the tender grace of God meet you in your pain. You are not alone.
As with each of my items in the shop, the Christmas collection in the shop is designed to inspire hope and joy in every part of your life through handmade items. I hope that you have a chance to check out the different items that are currently available and don't forget to keep checking back throughout this week as more are added to the shop! You can go directly to the shop by clicking HERE!
Happy Sunday friends!
Two years ago, when the first edition of When Light Dawns was released in 2015 I remember laying in my bed, stunned that my second book was actually in print. I was in the midst of my first treatment round with IV antibiotics and was extremely sick so the book release at that point seemed unreal. In fact, just 11 days before the book release I had started an extremely intensive treatment round that included all day antibiotics. To be frank the book release was a whirlwind. There were no book release parties, no big dinner celebrations, and to be frank there were many tears behind the scenes due to being so sick from treatment.
In many ways, as I look back on that time, I see that it was very symbolic of the Christmas season when Jesus was born. It was difficult and it was messy, and in my own way I felt that I was in a stable. And honestly it makes me smile. When Light Dawns, the first edition will always have a special place in my heart. It was truly born out of love and a desire to encourage Lymies who were struggling in the midst of the "joyful" holiday season. I so related to this as I often wept through the days almost wanting the Christmas season to pass. When it is a struggle to breath and live this season can feel overwhelming.
As I think back to that season and to how far the Lord has brought me in these past two years, my eyes well up with tears. It has been a long and tiring battle but the Christmas season has remained for me a beacon of hope against many dark and moonless nights.
As I think back to having this book end up where it has I am truly overwhelmed that there are more than 10,000 copies of of this little book in print and that it is being translated into several different languages. It seemed fitting as we approach the Advent and Christmas season for a 2nd edition to come along. This second edition has been updated and expanded but still includes the 40 day devotionals that offer a reflection on the Advent and Christmas season, along with a song.
While this book could be read for anyone with a Chronic Illness, the book is the first and only Lyme patient specific book for Advent and Christmas. The book can be used as a simple encouragement to the weary heart or as a guided devotional study. My prayer remains the same that this little book will provide spiritual encouragement and give new meaning to the popular phrase, "Holiday Preparations".
I am SO excited to announce that it the 2nd edition of When Light Dawns officially released this morning!! You can purchase it where books are sold or on Amazon (also available in Kindle form) and you can click HERE to purchase it!
Thank you to each of you that have already purchased it!! If you have a chance will you take a moment and leave a short review? Thank you!! Thank you so much to ALL of you that have been walking this journey with me in prayer! TRULY you are a blessing!!
"The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has never extinguished it."
-John 1:5-
With Love,
These past few months I have really been considering this concept of how much truth and hope is found in Elizabeth's words in this journal entry. This past week, as I and so many of you wept at the tragedy that enfolded in Texas and other events around the world I have considered this a bit more deeply.
As we approach the end of 2017 and consider a new year I think it is fair to say that this past year has been filled with lots of emotional turmoil for this nation and this world that I love so much. Honestly, just even typing the words "emotional turmoil" seems to be a bit of an understatement.
But in these times of emotional turmoil and brokenness, we as a people are given a unique opportunity to show the love of God to those who need it most. To those who have been directly affected by a tragedy, to communities who are brokenhearted, or just to the children that we see who are scared for their futures.
This past week I have been so encouraged by the courageous and tireless work of hundreds of law enforcement officers who daily risk their lives to bring peace to an often chaotic world. I sent off a couple of thank you letters to soldiers I have adopted knowing that they and their families are sacrificing so much to serve our country. We have seen and witnessed heroic loving behavior as families offer forgiveness in the midst of their pain and grief. I see friends who courageously come together and loving address disagreements no matter their political beliefs or standings.
In these moments I am gently reminded that we have the opportunity to show love to each person that we encounter today.
Love that can speak grace to the hurting.
Love that offers kindness in the face of tragedy.
Love that rejoices with truth and holds on to hope.
Love that offers compassion to those who disagree with them.
Love that knows love always triumphs.
We live in a world that is often plagued by fears and terror. Today friends let's take our love into this world confidently knowing that by doing this- by courageously facing problems and fears together we are creating a legacy of hearts being at rest peacefully and safe.
"Tell those who are terrified, be brave, and don't be afraid. Your God will come... He will come and rescue you."
-Isaiah 35:4-
-Isaiah 35:4-
#hearties- Looking for a practical way to touch a child's life and create a legacy of love? I just read about this story this week and think it would be amazing for the #heartie community to flood this little boy with your cards and love. Jacob Thompson who is a 9-year old boy whose dying wish is to receive Christmas cards? What a beautiful gift to give to him and to his family in seeing his wish come true. You can read more about his story HERE or to send a Christmas card today mail it to the following address:
Jacob Thompson
c/o Maine Medical Center
22 Bramhall St.
Portland, ME 04102
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
Planning a birthday party can almost be as fun as the event itself, as you can enjoy many an hour selecting the perfect theme, finding the best decorative accessories, and arranging the delicious food and drink. Yet, you will want to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free experience from start to finish. Learn how to plan an unforgettable birthday party.
Create the Guest List
Once you have decided to throw a party, you will need to confirm the guest list. If you are planning a birthday party for your friend, reach out to their loved ones to identify if they can make it on a select date. Private Facebook groups have made it easier than ever to connect with large amounts of people in one quick swoop, so you will know who is coming and who isn’t.
Select a Party Theme
Party themes will ensure the event stands out in your guests’ minds. You can choose from a variety of themes, such as fancy dress, Hollywood, or an elegant affair. Think carefully about the birthday boy or girl’s personality, so you can create a party they will remember forever.
Find the Best Venue
You also need to consider the best venue to host a party. For instance, you can hold the party at home, or you can hire a beautiful venue to accommodate a large group of guests. Consider whether the birthday girl or boy would feel more relaxed with a party at home, or would prefer all eyes on them at an off-site venue.
Create & Mail Birthday Party Invitations
Once you know your numbers, you should create birthday invitations that detail the time, date, location, and dress code. Also, try to incorporate the party theme into the invites, which can build excitement for the big event. However, ensure you mail the invites a minimum of three weeks before the party, so people will have time to arrange their schedule and send back their RSVPs.
Buy Food & Drink
Ensure your guests are not thirsty or hungry throughout a party by stocking up on plenty of food and drink. For instance, you can hire a caterer to create stunning dishes the guests will love, and you could even provide an open bar. Alternatively, you can cater the event yourself with the birthday boy or girl’s favorite foods, and can buy alcohol in advance to ensure you have plenty of drinks for your guests.
Bring the Birthday Cake
A birthday is not complete without a delicious cake. Ensure the birthday girl or boy can blow out the candles at their party – and try to identify the best point in the event to turn down the lights and shine a spotlight on the special guest.
Ask for Help
If you are planning a birthday party for a friend or family member, don’t attempt to arrange the event alone. Enlist helpers to take some of the burden before, during and after the party. For instance, you can ask their parents to greet the guests, or can ask their friends to help set up or clean up the venue.
This may be a sponsored post but all of the thoughts I agree with and match the tone of my blog .
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