Thursday, December 13, 2012

Thankful Thursday



"Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.” Stephan King

Hope...just a four letter word.....but packed with incredible power. Fear is the same...and also packed with incredible power. 
One gives life....the other destroys it. 

Something I noticed about hope.....when I grab onto it....it always trumps fear. And the thing about it....the longer I hang on to hope...it somehow becomes a rock solid faith...that whatever it is I need will happen. Not could or might anymore....but a strong solid WILL happen. It seems to me that hope is a first step.....faith the next..... Grateful this week for....

-the little things....cuddling with my kids...and chatting about everything and nothing.   
-the freedom in this country to say and do and be whatever I want....so many around the globe don't have that. 
-the holidays.....there's something magical about Christmas and Hannukah. I love the music...the sights...the lights...the friendliness of people at this time and mostly...the excitement of the kids. 
-nature...it's beauty overwhelms me....and gives this incredible calm and peace. I go into the woods or down by the lake often b/c it's there I hear His gentle whisper...it's there I find courage...and hope...It's there I'm reminded....everything okay.....so no fears. 

-Mostly for faith. It's the thing that grounds me....gives me something solid to stand on. It always helps me hang onto hope and push away fear. Faith....it's the thing I'm most grateful for. 

Happy Hannukah Guys!

11 comments:

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Happy Hanukkah, Nikki! And a big Amen! to your post today. It's the woods and the beach where I go to steep in His presence. As much as I enjoy being with my brothers and sisters at church or bible study groups, I enjoy the peace and quiet of God's nature around me.
Have a beautiful day, my friend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Dianne ... Walking In His Grace said...

Hello Sarah. It's been awhile since I left a comment. I often read your encouraging ,faith based messages. As I text this message I am just starting to get over the flu. I know there will be better days ahead and soon will be feeling better again and go on with my daily life. Today is a good day inspite of being sick and I will make the best of it. As I lay here with phone in hand you have encouraged me and made my day a brighter one. Thank you and God Bless you and your family . Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you. That is my Hope for you and your family.
Your Sister In Christ Jesus
Dianne:)

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Happy Hanukah...we are enjoying the fullness of its meaning this season...
HOPE ...that was my devotional this week and it grabbed my heart, I needed to read on hope again, and grasp what the Lord promises He gives us...Hope

Just Be Real said...

Nikki, Simcha Chanukah!

Thank you dear one for your continual encouragement! Blessings and hugs.

Michelle Holderman said...

Beautiful Nikki! Love what you wrote. Thanks for sharing it with us. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you and your family! Love to you always.

~ Michelle

Anonymous said...

Happy Hannukah.
Such an encouraging post Sarah (Nikki). I feel a lot of fear at the moment and your post reminded that indeed it is the hope and faith that help me face that fear and turn to face the fear. It is always good to reflect on what we are thankful for and are blessed by. Thank you and Blessings to you.

Nana Jul said...

Faith...it's what I reached for this morning before heading off to work! I "put on FAITH" Like the clothes I choose and put on, I choose faith! Faith in the One who can - even when I can't.
I'm thankful for Faith and hope!
Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas Sister!
Love
Jul

Wanda's Wings said...

Hope is such a wonderful thing! Happy Hanukkah!God bless you and your family.

joy said...

Lovely inspirational post. Yes, faith moves mountains:)

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I agree, this time of year is just so pretty. I pray that everyone can have a special Christmas this year. It would be so wonderful to have this spirit all year long.

Connie said...

Such a lovely post. I don't know how we would get by without faith.