Our Future Hope in God - Part 2

Dearest Saints, I would like to continue with the last message about seeing yourself as a product of the future by what God is able to do for you and through you. It's always a desire within me to bring the strength of having that Hope of God within you. I like to be reminded of Gideon when an Angel of the Lord came to Gideon and declared that he was a mighty man of fearless courage (Judges 6:12). In the natural, he should have been the last man to be called that as he was so fearful of the enemies and showed much cowardice towards an army that were coming against them. But God didn't see Gideon as he is, but saw him to what he could become when he chose to trust fully in the Lord. It reminds me about the greatest verse of Love, that if we have Gods love working in us, we will always believe the best for ourselves and others. If we fail in this, we have failed in fulfilling the greatest commandment (love) of all time which God has for us. I strongly believe that unless we believe the best for ourselves first, we can't expect to believe the best for others. We can't give out what we don't first learn to receive. When we look at this verse, often times, we will not believe the best for others because we often don't believe this for ourselves. Conditional love is based on past performances or present condition, it has nothing to do with any future Hope. When Gods Love Hopes for the best, it talks about the future. Remember that hope is not hope if it already has come to pass for who hopes in what has already taken place? But true Godly Hope will believe the best for others (1 Cor 13:7). Hoping the best for others relates to the future. This doesn't mean that we overlook their present condition to try and gently bring correction or much needed corrective action, but our attitude has to be to always believe and hope for the best regardless of what we have seen or see within a person. This means that we are always hopeful in the things we do not see in the natural. We are justified by faith (by trusting in Him) to always believe for better things to come in the future (Gal 3:11,24). Let's have that genuine hope within us that we will become like Christ all because of the work He wants to do and is willing to do in our lives. From receiving this for ourselves first, let's then encourage others that they can have that same hope within of becoming like Christ and be yielded to His Spirit to allow Him to do the work within each of us. This will help us to stop having this fickle worldly love as "conditional love" and instead, be able to continually develop that greater agape love that is "unconditional" all because we don't see others as they are, but as they can become through Christ. It's a liberation for myself to have that Hope knowing that He (God) is the One who is faithful that never stops short, but is so patient with me. He will complete the work He started within me a long time ago and continue to do so until He should return (Phil 1:6). Therefore, don't ever give up on the future Hope (believing for Gods best) for ourselves and for others simply because we can put our trust in the One who truly remains faithful. He doesn't have to do anything more to prove His love and faithfulness to us. He perfected that through His Son Jesus Christ when He walked this earth. I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. Phil 1:6 In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/

Our Future Hope in God

Dearest Saints. I enjoy the hope that Gods Word gives us in every detail of our lives. It reminds me that the measure of Hope we have in Christ and His Word will determine how much we love and trust in His Word. Just like the sermon from our Pastor we had this morning about paying attention to God. It was putting the difference between us paying attention and God receiving our attention. This was a reminder to me that God only receives the measure of our attention to Him of what we allow to give Him. When we give our full attention to Him, He receives our full attention. When we give Him only a portion of our attention, He can only receive that same measure of the attention we give Him. He will never receive less from us then what we are willing to give Him. Also, He can never receive any more from us than what we allow ourselves to give Him. He always receives the fullest of measure of what we permit to give Him. When we praise Him, He receives it!! This also tells me also that when we pray without having iniquity within us (Ps 66:18) according to His will, we can know that He inhabits our prayers (read 1 John 5:14,15). This is why we need to have faith and believe He is doing that work within us that we don't presently see. We only see the past and present while He sees all including the future but only chooses to forget our repented sins of the past. One scripture I have been giving attention to alot lately is found in 1 John 3:2,3. It mentions that we are to have that hope of becoming like Him and by this, we purify ourselves just as He is pure. I only thought that we should have that "Hopeful Expectation" of becoming like Him. We definitely "should", but I think it goes further. It reminds me that when we look at ourselves, we need to see ourselves by allowing God to shape us and make us become who He wants us to become. Therefore, we CANNOT afford to ever believe that we are a product of our past, no matter what! We ARE NOT to even consider ourselves as a product of this present, WE ARE the product of the future by what God is able to do for us and through us. He tells us that we are to come to Him just as we ARE because He doesn't see us what we were or what we are, but who we can become. Therefore, He doesn't want us to see ourselves presently, but to become what He alone is able to do in us. He doesn't see our past, nor does He see our present, He sees us to what we can become through Him. We need to have that same mindset. Too many people are making the mistake by holding on to their past and believing that they are by what they have done. The enemy wants us to believe his lies that we are a product of our past and present, which is why he only reminds us of our past and present. The devil is only as powerful to the measure we listen and believe his lies. When Eve started to listen to him and believe him, this is what gave satan power over Adam and Eve. The enemy never had any power over Christ because He never gave into his deceptions. In 2 Cor 5:17, God tells us as His Children that we ARE NEW creatures in Christ, the old has passed away and He has made something new within us. Not looking at our past or at our present, but looking joyfully and expectantly towards the future will always give us Hope. Having that true Hope that God gives us is always looking into the future of that wonderful expectation. Gods term of hope is an event that is SURE to take place and never "may/may-not" or based on any wishful thinking. He tells us in Rom 8:24 For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? Therefore, in order for us to carry that Hope (expectant joyful future) of God within, we need to believe that the future with Christ is nothing less than Beautiful beyond measure and eternal beyond comprehension. To make the best of our future and for us to have that hope to ever become like Him like it says in 1 John 3:3, we have to stop looking at our past or present condition. We have to stop listening to the lies of the enemy whether it be through other reading material other then what the Word says, or what other people say about our past or present condition. It's what God says that matters. We have to stop making excuses by saying something like "I can't help it, it's just the way I am". We have to turn that around and verbally declare something like: "God continues doing that wonderful work within me because He loves me". Or, "He is preparing me to become as His wonderful Bride". We will never be able to have this Hopeful expectation by our own effort. He is telling us to have that expectation by allowing Him to do that work within us that only He can do. It's verbally confessing our need of Him in every area and every moment of our lives. It's knowing that by His Spirit, He alone is going to make us become like Jesus that only He can do. From what I was thinking earlier, I believe that our need of Him will largely determine whether we will take any credit for ourselves or give the credit to God after the fact! This tells me we have to be pre-determined by Gods Grace that we will not ever allow any pride to have any place in our lives! Success in anyones life can be the most deadliest place to be because it opens the door for pride much easier which is often a stronghold in many lives. Just like Nebedcanezzar, he had to go to the field of oxens to come to his senses and know that the success of anyone was only by Gods Grace in the first place. Jonah had to find this out in a belly of a large fish! I am grateful by His Grace that I don't have to see myself as I was, or as I am, but my hope is allowing Him to do that work that I now do have that hope in becoming like Christ. I wouldn't want to see myself otherwise and thank God He doesn't either. He wants us to put our hope of the future in His hands. I pray that you will have this wonderful Hope within you as you allow Him to do a work that only He can do to become like Him. The amount He is able to do within us will depend on the measure we are willing to humble ourselves to Him so He can do that perfect work within each of us. God bless. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/

TRUST in His Love for You

It has been awhile with much to do between work, home duties for a spouse of mine that has very limited physical abilities. But we know that whatever God places before us, it is not wasted when we want to do the work of the Lord. I heard a testimony this morning at our service that a fellow had problems with the raccoons eating some corn from his field. He put his dog out on a leash and kept him near his dog house in the corn field for a time (how long...we don't know). But the dog kept all unwanted pests out from destroying his crop. He mentioned that sometimes God wants to keep us "tied-up" in His own way in order to have what He wants done for us in our lives. The dog didn't know he had a vital role being tied up while being vital to the masters use. So maybe He is setting us in our place of quiet time or keeping us "tied up" for a time so He can do His good work through us while we may be doing something vital, but not know it. Sometimes it is good that we don't understand everything that is going on, but we are called to Trust in Him. One of my favorite verses is in Prov 3:56 that tells us not to lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all our ways and we can trust Him that He will lead us and direct our path. When we do trust Him and believe Who He says He is, what He can do for us and through us and who we are in Him, we do the works that is required of us (John 6:28,29). Our works in God is first to simply believe in the One who is able to do the work in us before we actually do the work. God wants to put us in a place to let us know that what we "do" doesn't define us, but knowing Him and in the power of His Resurrection (Phil 3:10) and who we are in Him according to His Word. Gods Grace and Mercy are so rich in abundance, but many people don't benefit from His Goodness, His Grace and Mercy. Many people think they have to earn Gods love or think they are not worthy to receive anything good from God. There is no one on earth before, during this present time or ever will be "good enough" (other then Christ) who will ever deserve anything good from God. Even Christ Himself said to one of His Disciples "Why do you call me Good?, there is only One who is Good and that is God" (Mark 10:18). If Jesus said this, shouldn't we also say this that much more? This is why Gods Grace is so Good because we don't deserve it, but to humble ourselves to see our need to receive it is priceless. Don't ever think for one minute to fail to receive anything good from God just because you don't think you deserve it or think you are worthy of it or ever question God "Why"? His Goodness for us will always go beyond our understanding. I had one member believe that God is mad at them. For many who think this, God is not mad at you, but is gracious and wants to compel you to believe in His love, His Help, His Grace and His Mercy for you. We have to stop thinking God at our level. He wants us to depend on Him to receive His very best for us regardless of what we may have done in the past. That is why I can truly say that not only did He take the rubble from my life, but He truly has built and restored my life. One time in my life I didn't think I would ever measure up to anything or had any purpose in life. I was believing the lies of the enemy who is out to simply steal, kill and destroy lives (John 10:10a). Unfortunately, many peoples lives are likewise destroyed because these people believe the lies of the enemy and fail to believe the Grace, Mercy and Goodness of what God has for them. They fail to believe He is a Builder and Restorer of lives. I thank God I didn't remain believing satan, but knowing he is nothing but a liar and the truth is not in him at all (John 8:44). Don't ever get caught believing the lies of the enemy. Each of us has a wonderful and unique ministry as God tells us. We are ALL called to be ministers of the Good Word in one way or another (read Heb 5:12 and Isa 61:6). One of the Teachers I know mentioned one time that Her ministry at that one particular time was when she was making her kids bed. So the message is that ministers are not only on a platform, but we are All called to be ministers and we can be one to someone or to many depending on what God puts on your heart. There is always hope for each and everyone no matter what your past has been as long as are hope is in the One who is unfailing in His love for us (God through Jesus Christ). If God can create the universe and all that is in it from nothing, He can make something beautiful in our lives and from our lives if we will simply Believe He can and He will. When you believe and declare the truth of His love for you, you will like yourself much better in the light of His Word. You can be richer in all things (relationally, knowledge of the Truth of His Word, His Wisdom for you, greater understanding of His Word and be more effectively used by Him to do His good work) which is why He came to give us all in the first place (John 10:10b). In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/ www.helpingcopewithhope.blogspot.com Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders? (Exod 15:11)

QUIETNESS & CONFIDENCE is OUR STRENGTH

Dearest Saints, There is nothing like having that strong confidence in the One who loves us the most, Christ Himself. All too often, people relate others being strong in the natural by being physically stronger, or one who speaks more boldly and loudly then the others and don't back down in an argument. But this type of strength God talks about has nothing to do with any of that. I find all too often that a person who is vocally loud will often speak this way out of fear all because they have failed in putting their trust in confidence in the One whom we need to put our confidence in. They allow circumstances to agitate them all because they put themselves under circumstances instead of putting themselves under the loving hand of God. On the other hand, when a person who is often considered weak in the eyes of the world, I find that person is in fact the strongest because they are the ones who are able to remain at peace when turmoil or any unpleasant circumstances may be surrounding them. The strongest people I have met are the ones who have that inner peace within themselves. They have no fear of the circumstances that surrounds them all because they know the Lord loves them and will care for them when they learn to cast their cares to Him (1 Peter 5:7). Isa 30:15 mentions that being quiet before the Lord and having confidence (in the Lord) is a persons strength. People who are the strongest are at peace with God for several reasons: 1. They know without a shadow of doubt that God loves them and will care for them (Ps 100:5 and Ps 103:17); 2. God will take care of any injustices that they have been a product of no matter what (Isa 61:8; 2 Thess 1:6) because they will have Godly sorrow for others that brings forth life rather then having worldly sorrow that only brings forth death (2 Cor 7:10); 3. They know more about the truth of Gods greatness to care for them in every circumstance (1 Pet 5:7); 4. They have learned to trust in the One who has unlimited Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding rather then putting their trust in themselves or anyone else (Ps 34:8; Ps 40:4); 5. Because they know the love of God for them, they love the Word and delight themselves in the Lord by being so thankful to Him (Phil 4:6,7). They know He is true to His promises as long as they learn to follow Him. 6. They understand and come to appreciate Him so much because everything they have ever attained, every skill, ability they have within themselves and every good gift they have ever received is truly a gift from God in the first place (James 1:17); and 7. When they ask Him for every good gift that will bless Him, bless others, they know in their heart that He is true to His Word and will fulfill the promises that He will answer our petitions according to His Will and we can be confident of this (1 John 5:14,15). Even if He doesn't answer the way we want Him to, people who are strong in the Lord will always believe He has something better for them. Again, they don't rely on their understanding, they rely and put their trust in Him (Prov 3:5,6). When a Christian is strong, it's because they have all these attributes and they learn to put their confidence in the One who they know loves them the most by asking Him and relying on Him to impart every good gift that will benefit you so you can live to advance His Kingdom and give Him the glory. God inspired me to put the following note down and I am glad I have started to make it a habit of writing down any thoughts I believe God is giving me. The following is an excerpt: "If we are not attracted to Jesus like we should be, we don't know Him like we should. If we know Him and His love for you like we should, we will truly be attracted to Him". Do we truly know Him like we should? Having this confidence in Him is having that wonderful strength and inner peace that no money in the world could ever compare. When I think of what God says that in the beginning, it was totally dark and void (Gen 1:2) and everything we see before our eyes is because God spoke everything into existence (Genesis Chapter 1) and everything that man has created, God gave man the ability to do so (Exod 35:31-35). So when we think how everything that came into existence and is continually upheld, maintained, guided and propelled by His mighty Word of power (Heb 1:3), we should have that wonderful confidence in Him who truly is Awesome, God Himself. You can never expect a person who has any doubt or unbelief will ever have that inner peace and confidence that brings strength. The joy of the Lord will also fill our hearts that tells us is also our strength (Neh 8:10). With His help, let's invite Him to give us wisdom to benefit from His entire Word for us. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/

On CHRIST the SOLID ROCK We STAND

When I think of how so many people put their hope in anything this world offers, it is always that "wishful hope" that says: "I hope this comes to pass or I hope this/that happens or doesn't happen". They are never certain all because they are putting their hope in circumstances that will never stand. Just like Jesus talks about people who build their houses upon the sand or on a rock. As long as people continue to build their lives upon the sand (anything other then putting their hope in Jesus), their only hope is relying on having favorable circumstances which will one day fail and come crashing down. I certainly do not want to live my life that way with the future of uncertainty because we cannot ever expect to stand by relying on circumstances. So many people who fail to put their Hope in Christ live this way with no inner peace. Without putting our Hope in Christ, be certain that it will end one day sooner or later. When we come to learn more about the Awesomeness of God, we don't have that feeble hope that carries within uncertainties. I can't tell you what a privilege it is to be able to carry around that inexpressible HOPE that is SURE and STEADFAST when we build our lives upon Christ, the One who has proven His love for us beyond measure. If you forget this, just go back to Calvary and ask Him to give you a real life vision of the Roman Soldiers pounding those large spikes through His hands and He still asks His Father to forgive them. No money and all the richness of this world cannot ever compare to be able to carry that inexpressible HOPE that we are so privileged to have in Christ all because of His love for us. When a family or community is strong, it is because they love one another, pray for one another and know they are truly connected together relationally united as a family being mindful and having concern one for another. We, as the Church are called to be that. When you read about the early Church in Acts, they were strong because they were united in love towards one another which is the will of God. If we intend on being strong, we also need to love one another, pray for one another, being mindful one to another and refuse to allow anything that would divide us or allow any opposition to what Gods will is for His Church. When God tells us to think of others more highly then ourselves (Phil 2:3), we kick pride out of our lives and give no place for that. Everything God teaches us is always meant to bring us together as a unified body who loves the Lord first and loves one another because we are in this together. When we choose to live for the Lord, we need to be intentional to refuse to allow any other doctrine to have its way into the body that violates the law of love, peace, unity that promotes putting self above the rest. When division, strife, factions are present, we have allowed the enemy to rule and trespass into the body when we should kick him out and give him no place. We should see everything that opposes His law of love is a violation directly against Him because of the unmatched price He paid by for the great suffering He did for us. Afterall, God tells us if we love Him, it is because we love one another and fulfill the law of love by believing the best for others and seeking the interest of others (Phil 2:4). When we don't love one another, we don't love Him (1 John 4:20). Not allowing Gods Word to rule in our lives is just as bad as committing sin when we fail to do what we know is right (James 4:17). Again, we need to see the cost of our sins each time the large spike is driven into His hands. I am feeling lead to be relentless more and more to take a stand in the One who I have come to know who loves me and declare victory for Gods Church to be united in love towards Him and one another. By putting our Hope and Trust in Him, we understand that we don't have to fight the enemy to win because Jesus already fought the battles on our behalf and won the victory (1 John 4:4). What we need to do to be strong in Him is put our relentless Faith and Hope in Him by standing upon His Word, knowing His love for us, knowing our identity as His loving Child, our present and eternal inheritance because of all He has accomplished for us. We also stand strong in Him when we faithfully pray one for another and by doing His will. With the help of His Spirit, let's be relentless to put our Hope and Trust in the One who holds the future and has won all the battles on our behalf. He wants us to totally rely on Him for all things in order that we can stand strong in Him, having built our houses (lives) upon that Rock (Jesus) that will always withstand every storm. He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matt 24:13). We are able to endure to the end when our Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and Righteousness. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/

A Tribute to My Parents

Dearest Saints, I would like to specifically acknowledge one of our ten commandments especially at this time to honour our earthly Father and Mother. I wrote a poem in honour of their Anniversary celebration a few years ago and I continue to echo these words. Even though it is a poem and it may sound nice with rhythmic wording. But I want to emphasize that they are in fact words spoken in truth. It goes like this: To wonderful parents that any child would be so blessed. Dad laboured much each day for his family to provide, while Mom worked diligently at home cooking, cleaning and caring through every ebb and tide. Our house was much more than a nice place filled with treasure, it was filled with love, peace, hope, kindness, goodness and often-times with patience without measure. I am glad to be what I have become, not only the the Grace of God, but also the enduring faithfulness and love from Dad and Mom. Through your fine examples of tireless and selfless giving, I have learned to make the most out of living. One cannot have asked to be better blessed, than having wonderful parents that anyone could have ever confessed. An inspiration you should be, of love and commitment that the world should see. Thank you Dad & Mom for being there for me. I thank God for my Parents. I want to make this tribute by honouring my Parents, Fern & Louise Poulin who will be celebrating 66 years of a blessed marriage this coming week on 14 May 2015. It is an honour to say Happy & Blessed 66th Anniversary to them. It's neat to know their wedding date happened exactly a year after the re-birth of the nation of Israel. In the second paragraph that talks about having patience without measure, I can honestly say that when I see how they have been that way for me very often when I was growing up. I know many can't say the same for their parents due to past unfavourable circumstances, but I would like to encourage you to please honour your Parents not just for their sake, nor because they may or may not deserve it, but for your sakes so that it will be well with you in relationship to the eternal One who loves you the most and promises that a long and healthy and prosperous life that He gives all of us if we would honour them. We should want to put aside any of our differences from what we think to what He tells us and make a choice to choose what He tells to honour the Lord simply because of who He is and all He has done and continues to do for us. I can only say "Lord, that I trust You to help me honour You more and more each day" because I confess I can't do this on my own strength, but trust in Him which is where He wants us all to come to that place. I find it easier to love and forgive others when I see the greater enormous debt He forgave me from. And for those who have had terrific parents, tell them so and don't wait to recite your love and appreciation for them at the time of their eulogy. May we live a blessed life that is honouring especially to the Lord as we honour our parents and ask His Holy Spirit to help us live according to His divine and perfect will. We owe it to Him who gave up so much more then we could ever imagine for each of us. Exod 20:12 "Honour your Father and Mother so that you may live long in the land that your Lord gives you". Be forever blessed by Him, in Him and for Him. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/

SIGNIFICANCE of that SMALL DASH

Dearest Saints, I just arrived back from attending my Mother-in-laws funeral this past week and have noticed a poem in the funeral parlour I have always liked. It definitely gives us something to think about. There is a wonderful poem written by Linda Ellis in 1996 and is copyrighted that is titled "The Dash". So I won't copy and paste for that purpose, but I would like to put this in my words as the Lord leads because when we think of something small like a dash, it is so significant that it determines everyone's eternal destiny of how we lived during that time within that "dash". When we read someone's obituary we notice the date of their Birth and date of their death and then there is a dash in between. When someone gives a eulogy of the deceased, they don't talk about the day they were born, nor talk about the day they passed away. But all is said about each member during the dash in between those dates. When a person looks at a dash, one would think about the short time they have spent on earth, even if they live to be 100 or more, it is still such a very very short time compared to eternity. A dash on one's tombstone may easily just be overlooked entirely. I like to ask myself a question and hope each of you will do the same. What would people say about us during the time that is represented in that dash between Birth and death? Have we lived our lives selfishly, only kept within our small little group, seldom gave any acknowledgement to the Lord for Who He is, trying to live a good life by our own standards? Or did we trust and rely on Him to live to give Him the glory and be a rich blessing and encouragement to one another? One thing is for certain, that all the worldly ambitions one may have and all the accumulations one could ever try to attain, or just trying to live a "good life" is not going to matter during that "dash" unless we allowed Christ to truly be Lord of our lives, inviting Him in and have that daily, increasing rich relationship to see our need of His Lordship over our lives. When we don't ask Christ to help us be the person we are meant to be, we labour in vain and our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6) because it is only His Goodness that we allow to work through us. The greatest achievement I would like my life to be said of me is for someone to say that I lived unselfishly and wanted to live for the Lord by living for others, giving to others, being an inspiration to others to be the best they can be and encourage one another to get the most of Gods Word working to empower them to do good. Even for the Christians, I feel it is a dying shame that we don't share that love outwardly by staying safely within our little group and fail to let His Word have its fullness to work in us and through us by living just within our little corner of small friends. Christ spent much of His time with many outsiders and we are told to be imitators of Christ (Eph 5:1). So that means to live as He did. If we will humble ourselves and ask God to help us use our God given talents to be a rich blessing and encouragement to others, that small dash between birth and death will mean so much more. God has given everyone talents and we need to ask Him to reveal all of our talents and help us use our talents to be a rich blessing to others to advance His Kingdom and not be like that wicked servant who hid his talent (Matt 25:18-30). So don't waste any talent or think you have none when He has given all of us talents to use. This is when that small dash means so much because it will determine our eternal destiny. May we ask God to truly bless us to receive all He suffered to give us and be all we can be for His glory. Our lives are lived most successfully when we humble ourselves enough to always choose His ways over our ways and always relying solely on Him. Then others who may recite our eulogy will be able to tell others the hope that was within us that will continue to have that positive impact on others, even though the time will come when we may not be around to tell them ourselves. In the Matchless Name of Jesus Richard Ministry Encourager Answers2Prayer http://sites.google.com/site/greatestbuilderforourlife http://www.answers2prayer.org/ www.helpingcopewithhope.blogspot.com