Shepherd of Hope

Feeling gratitude

2012-02-11T15:37:00.008-05:00

Oftentimes, during and following a season or two of trials and testing, we can be in that place in our heart where gratitude resides. It can be a barely audible whisper, or a unreserved holler, but however it feels, it is an experience of thankfulness worth sharing.

William Arthur Ward said that "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it."

It's essential that we not only acknowledge the gratitude we feel in our hearts, but that we also express that gratitude and show our appreciation - to God and to others around us. Why? To show how much YOU have been blessed!

How do you usually express your feelings of gratitude? Do you put your feelings into words or song? Do you give a smile, a hug, a small gift? Do you spend time with them? Or maybe you do all these things...

How many things can you thank God for today? Is there anyone who you feel gratitude for but just haven't expressed it yet? Don't be afraid to thank someone. Thank them today, without delay.

Perseverance, character and hope

2012-01-30T16:39:00.005-05:00

....rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5.

Father God, please help me find my way to you amongst my pain and suffering today. Help me to focus on your plan for me today. I don't understand with my mind, but I know in my heart that you are there with me because you promised never to leave me or forsake me. Help me to surrender my fears and struggles, so I can rest in your peace and love knowing that when I sleep, you are awake and watching over me. In Jesus' name, amen.

All that I need today

2012-01-08T15:04:00.034-05:00

Through each day and each night, our loving God is with us. God said He would never leave us.

In every moment of those 24 hours, our Heavenly Father sees all, hears all, knows our every thought and sees our every need. No situation or detail is overlooked.

God sees everything that we try to do. He watches our efforts and He watches us as we wait and believe. He knows how hard it can be to get up and try again. God knows what is just ahead for you. He has already planned what and who you will need to get through. So, you know you can get through because God is with us, we are not alone.

God has unlimited resources. He will bring whatever you need into your life - just at the time you will need it. God's timing is perfect. He will send faithful servants to bring what you need. He may bring you someone special who may become a dear friend and teach you how to love and to trust. And then, maybe connect you with another friend - sometimes with two legs, sometimes with four. He will send someone to bring you your very own personalised blessing - some comfort, some money, some special event, a small meaningful treasure, or someone that will totally change your life. He will pour his love and peace down upon you, so you can have peaceful rest and joyful moments.

So, my friend, don't give up on the eve of your blessing.
Today, God will make sure you have what and who you need to get through the day that you are in, and tomorrow God will bring you exactly what you will need to get through that day too.

How do I know this? God has been there for me.
God has blessed me many times.
God has healed me many times.
God has provided for me many times.
I feel God's presence many times.
I feel God's love many times.
I feel God's peace many times.

I trust God to bless me again, just when He thinks I need it.
I trust God to bring people into my life, just when I need them.

Jesus Christ taught us to pray - Give us this day our daily bread.
Keep praying to God. And remember, don't give up on the eve of your blessing.

Are you ready to believe and willing and open to receive?
Today?

Our 4th Anniversary

2011-12-28T19:59:00.009-05:00

Today is a significant milestone: Shepherd of Hope Christian Chat & Chronic Illness Support Ministry celebrates 4 years!

The Shepherd of Hope website home page is heading toward 60,000 hits, and we have had visitors from all over the world come into the chat room, which is open 24/7. The many time zones all around the globe mean that people can be coming and going in the chat room. Its been a great way to learn about other cultures and traditions, and also make some wonderful friends.

During 2011, Shepherd of Hope became incorporated and the ministry is well on its way to having 501c3 status. That means we will be officially a non-profit ministry!

We appreciate all the wonderful prayer support and financial donations and gifts you have generously given to the ministry over the last 4 years to keep reaching out to those who are dealing with chronic illnesses or those who support them, and we look forward to see what God has for us during 2012.

Good news of great joy

2011-12-04T16:15:00.003-05:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
(Luke 2:8-10)

We can look around and may see the preparations for the annual celebration of the birth of Christ are well under way. Lights are being put up, trees are being trimmed, and the city stores are full of seasonal wares and sales to entice us to spend for the holidays.

For some the thought of the holidays can be very overwhelming, even terrifying. Maybe its a long "things to do" list, or the thought of being surrounded by lots of people, having very little energy to think or plan anything, or this year the one we loved is no longer with us.

Let us take time to be still for a while and really hear what the angel of the Lord said....

Do not be afraid.

I bring good news of great joy.

For ALL the people.

What really matters these holidays? To spend or to save?

2011-11-08T22:30:00.004-05:00

It's been said by many that happiness is circumstantial but joy is God-given.

Being happy can be fleeting, lasting for the moment, but joy can be everlasting. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).

What are some things that cause you to shout with joy and celebrate?

Have you been digging?

2011-10-10T03:41:00.008-04:00

Do you know that before you can build up, you must first dig down?

Constructing a strong firm, level and square foundation for any building is so important that many local authorities will require consents and permits, as well as sending a building inspector to the site to check the construction work periodically to check the standard of work complies.

It's important that we have our lives built on a good, solid foundation too. I think even more so when we are very tired and unwell. It's inevitable that doubts and uncertainties will try to creep in and attempt to erode our very beliefs that we build our lives on.

Knowing God's truths and promises "right down deep" can provide that foundational strength and certainty in times when adversity and trials come against us. We won't have to decide anything, or process anything, because we have already "done the digging" and now know for sure, for certain, who God is and what He will do for us. There are no shortcuts, or half measures - He will, He never, He always.

* God loves me - 1 John 4:16, John 3:16
* He chose me, He forgave me - Col 3:12-13
* God will never leave me nor forsake me - Heb 13:5
* God is always faithful - Deut 7:9

Can you think of some other verses that help you see God's "true foundational blocks"? Maybe you need to "dig down in the Word" and see what truth you can build on.

2011-10-03T19:25:00.008-04:00

Where's the fruit?

2011-09-07T21:01:00.013-04:00

In the spring, we can see the buds on the fruit trees, new leaves about to come out, blossoms starting to open. Nature's signs, telling us that warmer days are ahead, and the promise of fruit to come.

Apple blossoms for apples, cherry blossoms for cherries, and so on... You may think that's obvious, but many of us may not know what kind of tree it is until the fruit comes in.

In reading John 15, the gardening theme talks of vines and branches, pruning and bearing fruit. God chose us and appointed us to bear fruit - fruit that will last. By our fruit others will know that we are his disciples.

So, many of us may be still in the bud or blossom stage, and in time, and with patience, our fruit will come in. We need to remain in Him - no branch can bear fruit by itself.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me ~ John 15:4

Are you leaving your P's on your plate?

2011-08-25T17:44:00.019-04:00

It's hard, very hard, some days its more than we can bear. We watch the news, read the papers, we see and hear what horror is going on with people all around the world. It's overwhelming, it worries us and we wonder if we can carry the burden of it all much longer.

God is asking us: What are you carrying? Why are you trying to carry all that? That is not what I have for your life. Why are you leaving the peas on your plate? Pushing them around your plate with your fork won't make it any better.

Are you the one who always leaves the peas 'til last?

Pray for each other, prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Jam 5:16)
Praise God always in all things, for He is always worthy of it.
Peace that God gives us is not of this world. (John 14:27)
Promises of God are worth knowing and hanging on to.
Patience is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22)
People need other people, that's what family, friends and fellowship is all about.

I encourage you to look up and study these P's in your Bible and not leave them on your plate.

What are your thoughts?

2011-08-18T00:27:00.008-04:00

There is a time when we need to stop. We need to step back and reflect, or have a season or two to recharge, refresh and recalibrate. Many who work in missions and in pastoral roles truly understand the need to take their sabbaticals. We cannot afford to burn out, especially if we already have a chronic illness.

It's just not possible to keep going 24/7. God designed a day of rest in each week, a whole year for ground to lie fallow, and He designed seasons for producing fruit and seasons to rest and be still. There is a time for everything.

Please pray for our founder Shep as she has her time for refreshing, healing and resting in Jesus. For someone who has given so much to so many, now it's her time to receive. Let us give back to her with our time and our prayers, spend some time in the Chat Room and also we can shower Shep back with cards!

Many of us in the Shepherd of Hope Chat Room miss her a lot, but we know that she will return when God says it's the right time. After all, we can trust our living God, He is great and mighty, faithful and true, and His timing is perfect.

God bless you Shep - abundant peace and blissful rest to you.

My Comfort Box

2011-07-26T23:28:00.008-04:00

Sometimes, when I'm having one of those "uphill and into the wind" sort of days, you know, when things just aren't going too well at all, I like to take some time out to go through my Comfort Box.

It's a decorated shoebox, like the one above, where I keep my special things that help me feel better. Some of these things in my comfort box include many photos of those who are very dear to me, some vacation snapshots, card showers from my friends at Shepherd of Hope, small trinkets and handwritten notes, a small book with words of encouragement and cute little soft toy dog.

Looking at and touching these things help me to recall those special moments or events that have imprinted my heart and lifted my spirit. It truly does bring me some comfort.

Do you have a comfort box or something similar? Have you ever been the recipient of a card shower?

Not today

2011-07-11T18:33:00.008-04:00

At first I felt sad, disappointed, that I had to say No. My heart really wanted to go, be out with my family and be a part of it all, but my body just couldn't make it. I had rested all the day before in the hope that I would feel so much better. I listened to them all get ready, then each waved goodbye to me before they left.

I lay in bed at stared at that all too familiar bedroom ceiling. The house was very quiet now. I nestled back, right into my pillows and was consciously aware of my sigh. Again I had to yield to chronic fatigue and pain. This was becoming my new normal.

I have learned that frustration takes up too much of my energy and that surrender is not the same as giving up. I closed my eyes and, as I focused on relaxing, reassured myself that I could still be a part of life around me, just not today.

YES! We do have a place to send mail!

2011-06-19T19:55:00.009-04:00

You can send your cards, letters, donation checks and gifts of postage stamps to:

Shepherd of Hope Christian Chat & Chronic Illness Support Ministry, Inc
(or Shepherd of Hope Christian Chat for short)

P O Box 22

Mancelona, MI 49659
USA

STAY CONNECTED

2011-05-25T18:49:00.006-04:00

When we become chronically ill, our world can become smaller and smaller. Many of us have no choice but to stay at home and take on new challenges and develop new routines. Often our days can be built around medication times and doctor's appointments.

We can slowly lose our connections - when we can no longer do our job, when we can longer get out to our church services, or we can no longer take part in our community events. We start to grieve for the loss of our colleagues, loss of our friends and loss of our neighbours. We can watch the world go whizzing by and wonder what we can do now that we are too unwell to go out and do things. Often we can become depressed, feel devalued and left behind and wonder what our purpose is.

God wants us to stay connected! We can still minister to others and they can minister to us. Even in our pyjamas, from our bed or couch, we can connect with others in fellowship, join in prayer and encourage one another.

You are most welcome to join us in the Chat Room and keep in fellowship and meet new friends. Stay connected.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some of you are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Where did I put what?

2011-05-17T22:40:00.005-04:00

Wondering where you left something? Wonder why you came into a room? Looking for what in the drawer?

Does that sound familiar to you? For many of us living with the challenges of fibromyalgia may recognize this word called 'brainfog' used to describe a foggy feeling, not being able to focus or recall things very well.

Sometimes its hard for me to finish a sentence, spell a basic word, remember a phone number, or recall someone's name or place that is usually very familiar to me. I see others looking at me trying to anticipate my next move. If they know me well they smile and understand that it's just the way I am now. If they don't really know me I can get some unexpected or amusing responses.

When I saw the pie chart above, I couldnt help but laugh to myself. "Hey, that could be me", I said out loud to myself. It could be on any day that I have that cognitive dysfunction moment, or in some cases, many in succession. On some days I have also been too unfocused or distracted to eat my meal, or take my medication, or make it to an appointment despite having memos on my refrigerator, notes on my calendar and alarms set on my watch.

I think its safe to admit that my train of thought may not always arrive at the station. My mind wanders... I lose my GPS location... and quite serendipitously find myself in another, quite possibly more fascinating location.

It can be at times quite frustrating, other times definitely worth a chuckle at my own amusement. I appreciate those who can relate to all this. I'm also grateful to those who save the moment by being my prompt in the fibrofoggy part of my day and lovingly remind me that things can be a whole lot better after I have had a good sleep.

Making the most of our Mondays

2011-05-15T06:08:00.007-04:00

Motivational Monday is a great time to meet together in the Chat Room to encourage and motivate each other.

Whether you have been meaning to tackle that task yourself, or maybe you can encourage others to get some of their work done, it's on Mondays that many come along for fellowship and friendly chat at any time throughout the day.

Join us any time after 10am ET Mondays in the Chat Room.

Party & Auction a great success!

2010-11-22T17:29:00.003-05:00

Our Praise & Thanksgiving Party in the Shepherd of Hope Chat Room was a huge success. Thanks to all our guest speakers and to those who helped out in some way. We appreciate you!

Our Auction was also a great success raising over $600.00 towards the Shepherd of Hope Ministry.

You're invited to our Praise & Thanksgiving Party!

2010-10-24T19:34:00.003-04:00

All Day Praise & Thanksgiving Party on Friday, November 12!

Yes, it's an ALL DAY event, so mark your calendar and join us in the Shepherd of Hope Chat Room. Our speakers on the day will include Maureen Pratt and Carol Krejci who will both speak about their newly published books.

Carol will be doing a special presentation on her new book, and this will begin the nearly year-long devotional study that she will be doing throughout the coming year!!

There will be prizes given during the evening and of course, the AUCTION will end that evening so there will be lots of excitement as well as lots of fellowship and fun things to do!

In the midst of all that noise

2009-10-27T20:14:00.012-04:00

Here, where the water empties from a huge lake, is a very powerful waterfall. I know that it's force is tremendous because I could feel it through the ground I was standing on - loud, pounding white water, splashing and spraying upward, gushing, swirling down deep... then moving along at a swift speed.

Yet, in the midst of all that noise is a rainbow, a symbol of one of God's promises. Another one of God's promises is never to leave us nor forsake us. (Deut 31:8)

Can you recall when God has faithfully been there for you in your "white water times"?

Deut 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Others have walked before us

2009-10-21T04:13:00.010-04:00

One Sunday afternoon as I walked alone along this path, I wondered if I was going the right way and if I was getting lost. Then I saw footprints in the drying mud, a visual reminder that many have walked this way before me and that is how this well-worn trail came into being. So I kept walking until I could hear some people ahead of me.

Finding a way through the dense bush can be quite a frightening prospect, but I learned to trust the path that others had forged before me. We are basically all going the same way, trying to stay on the path so we don't get lost in it all.

Many of us can become overwhelmed, bewildered and even doubtful with a diagnosis of chronic illness. When illness suddenly overtook me I found myself on a very unfamiliar path wondering if I was getting lost. I'm still on that path today, but I know that being on the path is much better than being lost in the bush.

I'm grateful for the friends I have met and got to know over the months in the Shepherd of Hope Chat Room. I can see that we share and experience many similar things in our walk with God, on the daily path that takes us up the hills and through the valleys of chronic illness. Many have walked on the same path ahead of me. I know that someone will be following behind me too. I can trust that this path is not a lonely one.

We've got Chat in all the time zones

2009-10-15T00:04:00.009-04:00

As the sun dawns in your part of the world and you are starting your day, someone on the other side of the world is having their evening dinner.

The different time zones have always amazed me, and its great how God has balanced it all out. Opposite times of the day and also opposite seasons.

If you cannot sleep in the wee small hours, there's a good chance that someone else somewhere in the world is awake. The Shepherd of Hope Chat Room is LIVE CHAT and is open 24 hours a day, so there's no need to wait until morning to talk to someone. Come and join us!

Check out our Chat Schedule to see what's on during the week.

Welcome to our new blog!

2009-09-24T07:35:00.003-04:00

This blog is part of the Shepherd of Hope Christian Chat and Chronic Illness Support Ministry.

First there is our Website, which has many features to help those who live on a daily basis with chronic illness. We are sure you will find many things there on the site to inform you, encourage you and help you, or someone you love and care for.

We also invite you to visit our Chat Room which is located at the website. There you can Chat for any of the 24 hours in a day with other Christians from many different countries and time zones.

Now we also have this Blog! We will have some other exciting things happening right here, so check back regularly and see what's new!