Sure Hope Gazette

One person God has encouraged and inspired me with for over four decades or so, has been Joni Eareckson Tada. And she just did it again as she speaks about dealing with times like now, self quarantining because of the Corona virus. Especially When your body is compromised  persons who are at higher risk like Joni and other persons like us with disabilities like her's, a spinal cord injury and cancer survivor, or like mine, Spinal muscular Atrophy and my husband a senior at 68 living with Spina bifida occulta.  It can be tempting to be afraid when we hear all the news about this contagious virus affecting the entire world. If we didn't know our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we'd be very afraid. We want to share some more of Joni's encouraging words about dealing with this pandemic. Nothing is in vain. Fear not. Be courageous! Watch And Listen Below...

For the first time in most of our lives, we are all experiencing the same thing for the most part. We are all facing warnings about avoiding a virus that can be spread by hand to hand, in the air, so far it kills 3% of it's victims. The more I learn about how it works against the human body in those like myself. I have a neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Which has meant living with the prediction by Doctors decades ago, that it won't be the disease that kills you, but pneumonia. This is because the muscles used for coughing up funky phlegm to fight of respiratory illnesses, just don't function well as I get older. Leaving this world does not scare me, I look forward to spending Eternity with my dear Lord and Saviour. For me, I do fear at times,  the process, or how He will end my physical life. So watching detailed videos about the pathology of this and other health issues, only stirs up the temptation to fear. It's good to know such things to a...

As an artist, all the virus images did inspire an incomplete painting to the left. Abstracted microbes are unique and interesting, but not to be taken lightly. As most of us can say, we have never experienced a world wide event like we are now. It really does feel like it's  the end of the world as we know it . The question is, Do we feel fine? (check out that song if you aren't sure why I am referencing that song. It's catchy.) As an artist, all the virus images did inspire an incomplete painting to the left. Abstracted microbes are unique and interesting, but not to be taken lightly. The 24/7 talk about Quarantines, Cancellation Of Everything, Pandemic, Social Distancing, staying six feet apart, disinfecting everything and hoarding toilet paper and such has definitely increased my heart rate a lot lately. It feels like I am a warrior with my sword and shield fighting against anxiety, not Covid-19, but anxiety! Thankfully my dear husband says he has zero anxiety...

It has been difficult keeping posted on current event these days. Not that is isn't always that way. But, if you know what has been happening worldwide over the last days, weeks and months, it is hard to watch and listen to everything. My husband and I have rest and peace because of what God's inerrant Word tells us. Without Him, we wouldn't be able to handle life on this earth the way things are. We are warned ahead of time in the Bible that it isn't going to get better. In other words things will worsen before all can be awesome. If you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, you already know that even though we may be brought to tears watching the news, and even feel the temptation to be afraid of what might happen...God reminds you through His Words to not lose heart.  If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, then you most likely might be feeling the fear and dread that I once battled as a child on through the first twenty years of life. All dr...

Too many times, I forget to pray for protection before researching the enemy's tactics and as a result, the spiritual battle increases. We don't have to be intimidated or fear the enemy if we are walking under Christ's His protection. We do need to be wise and remember to always put on the full armour of God and pray for protection before learning about the enemy's warfare tactics. .  [Eph 6:11-18 KJV] 11   Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of ...