Tuesday, December 30, 2008

:::spt -- hope:::

i offer you a very dorky smile:



in my church we are taught that hope is more than merely wishing. hope is believing, with faith, that what you so dearly, dearly want to happen will happen. wishing is for wells and stars, but hope is anchored on a belief in the goodness of the Creator and His plan of happiness for His children. hope takes faith and optimism, testimony, and the act of doing what you can to bring about your own miracles while realizing that it is the Lord who truly makes all ends meet.

i have never said goodbye to an old year with anything more than sorrow. 2008 was tough, but for some reason at the end of this year all i can remember are the fruits of the growing pains, the lessons from the trials, the conquering moments after the hardships, and the peaceful healings that soothed heart breaks. these mercies were the greatest gift i received this year, and probably have received in my lifetime.

little, tiny, microscopic seeds of hope have been growing in my heart for a few years now. in the beginning i could offer no more than the desire to believe that Alma asked for. now, after struggling to understand the very basics of this concept (optimism? faith? my life?) the witness of hope has finally wrapped itself around me like a warm blanket. sisters, hope is good. it feels good. it tastes good. it smells good, looks good, sounds good. it is the best way to say goodbye to 365 days and ask for 365 more.


13 comments:

Unknown said...

Bis repitita placent, my friend.

may oh-nine bring you 365 more days of merciful blessings and peaceful healings.

happy new year!

Jill said...

Well said Rebekah! I would like to wrap myself in some hope too, what a lovely way to think of it.

Tracy said...

I like hope!

Happy New Year!! I hope 2009 is your best year yet!

mommy nurse said...

2009 the year of hope!

scrambled brains said...

Hope is a fluffy down comforter in a colorful IKEA duvet? Incedible; wrap me up!
Rebekah, you rock.

P.S. I just found your Christmas card in the bottom of my mail box today! Thank you!

Rachel said...

Great perspective. I'm glad I read this today. Merci!

Anonymous said...

It does look good on you. For rizzle. Love you! Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Mamel Tob!
(mavel tov)

Anonymous said...

Salut!

Anonymous said...

Mopa!
(opa)

Anonymous said...

What a great start to the New Year! I feel inspired...

love you,
mom

Anonymous said...

As always you inspire me to look to a brighter future! Journalism degree in your future missy!
Love you, Aunti

Anonymous said...

PS I see the HOPE in your eyes!