Blog Series Archives - Amelia McNeilly

31 Days - Nehemiah, Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals

Mornings with Nehemiah – Guard Your Gates

Hi friends. I apologize for the delay in posting about the study over the last couple of weeks so I am excited to be back this week.

I am slow moving this week but thankful for life. This does not go with the study but if you have been following my health journey,you know how hard things have been physically for me. That being said, yesterday I was able to be in my wheelchair and sit on the deck and soak up the sun. While that is simple to most, that was a big deal for me. It was marvelous and made me excited for the summer. Even though I know it won’t be easy at first, I am looking forward to the first dip in my pool. Not sure when that will happen but I’m thankful for the little glimmers of hope God brings my way. The Lord has been faithful to give me reasons to “hope a little more” with each day that comes my way. Thanks for all the prayers my dear friends. They are working and they mean so much to me.

Prayers of the faithful encourage the soul. This truth can also be attributed to Nehemiah’s situation as well.

Okay now back to the study. Yesterday was Memorial Day and it has always been known as the unofficial start of summer. One of my favorite things to do during the summer is read a good book and participate in a Bible study. This summer I of course am continuing to study through Nehemiah, and the timing could not be more perfect. While I am not living in the same circumstances as Nehemiah, I am experiencing adversity and so many things mentioned in the book mirrors what is going on in my own life. I love it when God works like that. This is what I like to call “a God thing.”

The evidence of God is also seen in a powerful way in the book of Nehemiah. After Nehemiah gets to Jerusalem he put together a plan and got to work. The very first thing the people repaired were the gates. With them being torn down that made the town and the people living there vulnerable to attack. As I have read about the building aspects from Nehemiah, the phrase “Guard your gates” keep coming to mind. One major way of combating the adversity that came their way was not only rebuilding the gates, but also having someone to stand guard at all times. When Nehemiah took on this task from the Lord he knew it would not be easy. Throughout the process there were many evil acts done to try to stop Nehemiah and his work. However, he did not give up or give in. He was Nehemiah strong. As soon as the work began with building and repairing the gates, attacks started coming from several evil men. As stated in Nehemiah 2:19, “But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king they asked.” He did not believe the lies of the bullies nor was he gullible to their ways. Even when everyone was exhausted from building the wall and the morale was low, Nehemiah did not stop the process. He instead beat the discouragement. After the attacks given in chapter 2, Nehemiah did what he had done from the beginning which was trust God and carry on. Earlier he encouraged the people that the gracious hand of God was upon them, and he did not lose that confidence when fiery darts headed their way. He boldly and confidently said to his enemies in 2:20, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.” Nehemiah trusted God completely and believed He would take care of them no matter how difficult the task ahead might be.

These types of situations and adversities are also applicable to us today. Therefore, we need to do all we can to love Christ above all else and be on guard spirituality against attacks that come our way. We need to guard our gates! How do we do this you may ask? The answer is pray, pray, pray and spend time getting to know Jesus through His Word. To trust Jesus like Nehemiah did, you have to know Him. When you know Him, you will love Him and desire to be obedient to Him. In your obedience He will strengthen and guide you. When God lays a passion on your heart like He did with Nehemiah, His gracious hand will be upon you and His plan will succeed.

Spend some time with the Lord today and ask Him for strength and trust. What areas in your life do you need to surrender to God and what is He calling you to do during this season? Do not be afraid. Press on and the Lord will see you through it.

To read the other posts in this series visit here.

31 Days - Nehemiah, Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals

Mornings with Nehemiah – The Favor of God

Nehemiah was a faithful man of God who had a heart of compassion and determination. Earlier in the series, I wrote about Nehemiah’s prayer life, his repentance, and his boldness. Today I want to talk about the favor of God that rested on Nehemiah.

When Nehemiah heard the news about Jerusalem, he was devastated. This remained the focus for him. As he was grieving, he created plan of action to help his people and decided he must go and help rebuild the walls.

As detailed in my previous posts, Nehemiah went first and foremost to the throne of God asking for forgiveness, and to seek guidance in his circumstances. Nehemiah knew that obeying Jesus went above and beyond anything else so before making drastic decisions he prayed and discussed the will of the Father. Also, he was ashamed that his people went against the Lord and rejected His favor. This grieved Nehemiah tremendously. Because of this, he would not move forward with his plan without the favor and blessing of God,

Eatlier I wrote about Nehemiah’s boldness when going before the king to make requests. No one ever did this and the outcome could have been brutal, but he stepped out in faith and the king graciously answered his requests. There is no other way to describe this except for the favor of God.

Nehemiah also knew that his traveling journey would not be an easy one, and that he would need supplies to rebuild the walls. However, the Lord in His great mercy, provided what was needed, and gave Him favor and wisdom for the road ahead. Nehemiah states 2:8-9,

“If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.”

Nehemiah was obedient and God paved the road for Nehemiah and helped him fulfill his calling. Although, as we will study in upcoming chapters, there was much adversity ahead for Nehemiah and his amen but they did not let that deter from their mission. Adversity made them stronger.

When one is being obedient to the call of God, He will always put His favor upon you and guide you along no matter how hard or hopeless the future may seem.

Obedience to Jesus does not mean an easy life. It is just the opposite. Ministry can be filled with much adversity, but like we are learning from our friend Nehemiah, God will carry us through it all, and we will never regret obeying Him.

To read other posts in the series visit here.

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Disability, Friendship, Music

In the Time That You Gave Me

Over the past two years, especially the last year, I have been reminded how precious life is. Being sick with a chronic infection that can be terminal can change ones perspective. It makes each moment matter. It makes you live and love the life and people God has blessed you with that much harder.

It also makes you cling to Jesus in a deeper way than ever before. Ever since I have been young I have desired to live for Jesus and put Him first above all else. As different areas of my life occurred I have experienced the Lord in deep ways, but nothing like the past few months. When it seems like all you have has been stripped away, you can fully focus on Jesus with no distractions. It has made me see Jesus in a different way — really see Him, and in the hard of the past couple of weeks that has been such an encouragement to me.

My emotions have been all over the place lately because in the last two weeks pI began hospice care in my home, and then was transported to Mercy Hospital for what we thought was a bowel obstruction. While I am thankful for Hospice, and the wonderful care they provide, it still makes me sad that I am now a candidate for their services. The hope is that I can be released, and won’t need them after a few months. I do not know what the future looks like healthwise for me at the moment but I will share what I do know. I apologize for the lengthy explanation but I value your prayers and encouragement. I’ve had a lot of questions about what is going on so I wanted to share it with you. I know it can be confusing getting little updates here and there so I hope these makes sense.

I have a chronic bladder infection that is not curable due to the nature of my bladder from Cerebral Palsy, but the antibiotics I am taking are working well at keeping it down. However, I am to stop this treatment in one month and then re-evaluate treatment options then. Also, there is a chance that these antibiotics will stop working before then. The main goal is to keep it from going sepsis again and for me to have a better quality of life. Bladder infections can change extremely fast so while today it may be holding its own I could wake tomorrow needing to go to the ER. Sadly, we have exhausted a lot of treatment options already and another surgery is not likely. I see my urologist in October but I’m praying he has a cancellation before then. Many of you have asked about me receiving second opinions, and I have but due to the specifics of my case Dr. K in Charlotte is the one most qualified in the state to help me. There are other places out of state that I could try but my insurance doesn’t cover out of state medical care. Although even if I could get a consultation out of state, they would most likely come up with the same conclusion.
Also, we know that just like my bladder I have a lazy bowel which is why I had my colon removed in 2015. Once that got under control my bladder problems started to worsen and now I’m having issues again with my bowel. I spent almost five days in the hospital last week treating my bowel issues. Initially, the radiologist said I had an obstruction and ileus but Dr. Dobson said it was my neurogenic bowel being sluggish and not moving properly. Even my digestive system is a bit sluggish but since things are backing up that is causing a lot of fluid retention. Thankfully things are working better since the hospital, but there is no easy fix and these flare ups could happen more and more. I am going to see my gastroenterologist in Charlotte at the beginning of June so I am praying and hoping he has suggestions on how to best maintain things and keep them from getting even worse. I am retaining a lot of fluid which is very uncomfortable. I’ve been on medicine for that but it is not working as well as we would like it to. I have spasticity from CP and that makes my muscles tight and now that is worse because of. the fluid. All that together makes walking and moving extremely difficult for me and when I do move I require lots of help due the muscle issues and being weak. I have gained so much weight from the fluid and also cannot wear a lot of my clothes anymore. But like my doctors and parents remind me, this is out of my control and I’m doing the best I can.

Unfortunately there are no easy fixes for any of it, and it has been terminal before and unless a miracle happens it will be terminal again. We just don’t know how soon. It could be weeks, months, or years, but that is for God to decide. No matter what doctors say, God is the decision maker and I will not leave earth before it is my time. Life can change in the blink of an eye which makes me desire and pray for those who do not know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. It hurts my heart to think of all the good people in this world who will not go to Heaven when they pass away.

So much joy is missed if you don’t know the Lord. The more suffering I experience I can’t imagine going through these same trials without God. Without God I think I would have given up long ago and become bitter. Thankfully though, God has carried me through everything.

On to a more cheerful note, if you know me well then you know that I have a deep love for music. For every season I’ve gone through I have at least two songs that represent life during that time. When I hear a song where the lyrics could have been taken from my journal, I immediately thank God for that glimmer of hope. Not to sound sappy, but God truly does know the way to my heart. It may be just another simple song to some, but to me it is the encouragement God is giving me that day.

Lately, my music of choice has been Joey and Rory, MercyMe, and Ellie Holcomb. However, mainly I play Joey and Rory’s and Ellie’s albums over and over along with MercyMe’s latest single, “Even If” (thanks to one of my dearest friends Casey Rumswinkel for first introducing me to that song and to Sara for gifting Ellie’s album to me. These sweet girlfriends of mine know me well).

A few months ago Casey texted me a link to it and said “You need to listen to this.” For whatever reason I did not listen then, but a few days later I remembered and listened. The message hit me in the deepest area of my heart. Similarly during that same time, I heard the song “You Love Me Best” by Ellie and oh my word it made me cry all kinds of tears.

God knows me in the deepest of ways and He does love me best. Nothing can lift one out of the pit better than God showing them evidence that He truly sees them. What a gift it is to be known in that way.

Another one of my favorite tunes right now is by Joey and Rory from their “Hymns That are Important to Us” album. This is the song that inspired the blogpost for today. When recording the album Joey was battling cancer that took her life soon after the album was released. Her dream before dying was to complete the Hymns album, and every song on it is beautiful. One song in particular that has become a favorite is called “In the Time that you Gave Me.” This has become one of my theme songs for this season, and for life in general. The meaning of this song has taken me to another level of appreciation considering my circumstances. The lyrics talk about the hope of living and loving life in the time we are given on earth. Its simple and realistic message reminds us to live for the Lord now, and make the most of each day He gives us. We are not promised tomorrow so that is why it is important to love Jesus and live well now. No one is perfect but if we strive to live for Him, God will use us and be glorified.

For me that is my only goal and desire — to love Jesus above all else and to serve Him well in the time He gives me.

I will leave you with one of my favorite lines from the song. Also, click the videos below to hear the songs that have been mentioned here.

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Happy Wednesday friends. It’s the middle of the week and I pray wherever you are that your week is going well. In my time with the Lord lately the following verse from Colossians 3:2 has been coming to mind. It states,“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.”

So much of a persons joy and contentment comes from our perspective. It all comes down to what we are feeding our minds with each day. For example, is your days spent worrying and fretting over the “what ifs” in life, or are you surrendering those thoughts to the Lord? Are you watching, reading, or listening to anything that triggers discontentment or envy? It is easy to allow our minds to be filled with worry, stress, anger, etc., especially during a difficult season. At times you may wonder why you cannot get certain thoughts from your minds, or why you cannot feel God’s presence in a situation. However, if we are dwelling on the things of this world, that can produce in us discontent, fear, and worry.

I love HGTV and shows like “Fixer Upper,” “Rehab Addict,” etc. In and of themselves they are not bad, and may seem harmless. Although, if watching them makes you discontent or envious with what you have then you may need to reevaluate your viewing habits. Another example is if you are constantly afraid and filled with fear regarding certain situations — are you watching shows that make the fearful thoughts in your mind worse? Are you reading books that keep your mind in a constant state of fretting?

One last example is one that I have been guilty of in the past has to do with Facebook and Pinterest. It is so easy to scroll through the feeds and begin comparing yourselves to others. These social media outlets tend to help folks make life look picture perfect, but nobody’s life is perfect. When it seems like others have the perfect house, the perfect health, a wonderful husband, etc., it can stir up thoughts and feelings in our hearts before we know what hit us. These outlets are not bad in themselves, but if we allow them to grow seeds of jealousy, discontentment, and bitterness then it is time to take a step back from them.

This post is part of “The View Looks Fine From Here” series that I started last week. Being homebound and bedbound leaves a lot of time for me to dwell on life and thoughts like never before. Some days I do not even leave my bedroom and “view” is not very exciting. Because of this, I try to be guarded in how I fill my mind. Life is hard and dealing with a chronic illness everyday is not easy. I learned a long time ago that if I was going to have the right mindset during these circumstances that I needed to be guarded with how I spent my time — what I am watching, reading, listening to, etc. I am sick enough without adding in worries, discontentment, and jealousy. My days and suffering are so much easier to deal with when I am focusing on ” the things above,” and not on my current circumstances.

Below are some questions I came up with a couple years ago to help me with this, and I recently found them, and been using them again. I pray that they help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and that you allow His peace and joy to fill your hearts and mind daily.

Questions to Ask Ourselves:

1. Are the television shows and movies I am watching glorifying to the Lord? How do I feel once I’ve watched it? Does it make me have sinful thoughts or attitude?

2. Does the music I listen to glorify the Lord? Does it cause me to want to draw closer to Him or does it make me discontent? Does it change my perspective for the better?

3. Does the books and magazines I read glorify the Lord or do they bring negative thoughts to my mind?

4. Does the conversations I engage in glorify the Lord or myself? Does the words I use affirm others or tear others down?

Also, below are some Bible verses that have helped me along the way regarding these areas, and I pray they encourage you as you focus your gaze on Christ, and surrender to Him daily.

Bible Verses:

Philippians 4: 8-9 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 – “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

31 Days - Nehemiah, Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals

Monday Encouragement

Happy Monday, friends! Many of you are enjoying today as a long weekend celebrating Memorial Day. For me, I am experiencing today as all other days at home in bed. The beginning of summer has always been a favorite of mine, and I miss being outside experiencing the warm and beautiful weather. However, while I would love to be hanging out by the pool, lake, cookouts, or traveling with friends — currently these are not realistic activities for me during this season. Although the Lord who is extremely gracious, keeps showing me what I used to consider mundane is now beautiful. That is such a gift. One of the ways God uses to encourage me on daily basis is uplifting sermons and talks from those I respect spiritually.

Laying in bed day after day, I try to listen and watch different things that are encouraging and challenging for my mind. One of my favorite sermons of all time is from pastor and author Eric Ludy and is about Nehemiah. Eric first preached this sermon a couple years ago and based it on Nehemiah and his leadership qualities. I learn something new every time I listen. Since I am now doing a series on the blog about Nehemiah this message is the perfect addition to it and what I needed specifically for this week ahead.

. The sermon is called “The 9 Lies,” and below is the message description from the Ellerslie website.

The 9 Lies Sermon from Eric Ludy on Nehemiah.

“The Christian man or woman represents the greatest threat to Satan’s agenda and thusly they are the brunt of his most cruel energies and most cunning stratagems. But we are not left without a defense. The book of Nehemiah showcases how this battle works. Those opposed to Nehemiah were determined to stop the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and in their opposition, they attempted to cajole Nehemiah with nine distinct lies. These lies are the very same ones used against you and me today. First, we must recognize them as lies, and then we must learn how to respond to each of them with the Word of God as our primary weapon.”

This sermon is a much needed reminder of how Satan tries to fill our minds and circumstances with his lies, but Christ is so much bigger and His love always wins! The Devil cannot stand to see someone like Nehemiah who is continually being obedient to the Lord especially during adversity. Some of the lies regarding Nehemiah’s situation are some of the same ones the Devil has tried to hit me with during my sickness. However, praise the Lord for Nehemiah’s faith in the Lord and for the strength God gave him.

The same strength God gave Nehemiah can also be given to us. One of the ways to beat adversity is by daily putting on the armor of God. As stated in Ephesians 6: 1o-11,

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Life and days can get busy with work, kids, marriage, etc., but I encourage you to take some time to listen to this message from Pastor Ludy. No matter what circumstances you are experiencing, I think you will find this sermon uplifting and applicable in your days ahead.

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Disability, The View Looks Fine From Here, Uncategorized

The View a Looks Fine From Here – The Struggle is Real

Hey friends. Normally I post about Nehemiah on Thursdays but I’m a bit behind this week so I only posted once. Hopefully, I can post on both days again starting Tuesday of next week. To read the one from this week posted on Tuesday visit here.

It’s one of those Thursdays —actually make that weeks! As the popular phrase goes, “the struggle is real.” That should be the theme of my life these days. The title of this series is titled, “The View Looks Fine From Here,” and the only view I have had this week has been from my bed. I read the verse from Psalm 128:24 which states,

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

However, we all have days where we do not “feel” like rejoicing, and that has been me this week. I have slept and felt woozy for the last few days because of a new medication.

Monday, I started taking s muscle relaxer for my spasticity from Cerebral Palsy. I’ve always had problems with that but it has been worse since I have been sick this past year. Spasticity makes my muscles extremely tight and painful, and lately I have not been able to relax or sleep well because of it. Thankfully, on Monday during my visit with Kim Gaither (Urology PA), she noticed how severe it was and is referring me to a new neurologist to help with that. However, in the meantime, she gave me a muscle relaxer that is supposed to work well with CP. And it is working but it is making me sleep a lot and I feel like a zombie…ha! Although today I realized that the medicine has helped, and for now the side effects are worth it. I had been praying for less pain and more sleep and God has answered those prayers so instead of complaining about the negative aspects, I was convicted that I need to be thankful. It has brought much pain relief for me and I’m truly grateful for that. Praise Jesus. Hopefully as I continue to take it the side effects will become less, but for now I’m glad for the ways it is helping.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts, prayers, and encouraging words. God uses them to fill my days with joy!

Articles, Blog Series, Music, The View Looks Fine From Here

Music For My Soul

Happy Friday. Lately, I’ve been listening to hymns and one I have recently had on repeat is “I Need Thee Every Hour” from Joey and Rory Feek. Joey is one of my favorite voices and I could listen to her sing continually. Music has always been deep comfort for my soul, especially if I’m in a difficult season and my view seems bleak. When I’m having a hard day, Joey’s hymns are the first thing I think of. I can play her music and as I sing along and listen to the lyrics written about the Savior, my mind and heart instantly calm. I am so thankful for how the Lord ministers and binds up the wounded heart through music. It is such a gift to me, and many others.

My other favorite comfort music comes from Amy Grant. I don’t think there is one song of hers I dislike. Years ago when I had numerous surgeries I remember listening to Amy Grant songs over and over again on my cd Walkman before the iPod days. Even then, the words of timeless hymns was a balm to my young heart. I would always keep “The Collection” album by Amy on repeat.

I do not know what you are facing today but I want to leave you with the hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour.” Take some time to stop whatever you are doing and listen to the words and allow God to bring rest to your soul. My prayer is that it will encourage you like it has me this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Last fall, I started a weekly series on Nehemiah, but due to health issues failed to finish it. Although, I plan to start again next week so stay tuned for that.

Thanks again for all the continued prayers for me and my family. They mean the world to us and we are so thankful for you!

I Need Thee Every Hour Video –

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nDo6IdxNk08

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Disability, The View Looks Fine From Here

Rainy Days and Wednesdays ☔️

Happy Wednesday friends. It’s the middle of the week and I pray wherever you are that your week is going well. It is a rainy Wednesday here. I’ve been awake since 4am. I’m not getting much sleep these days due to pain and not being able to relax. I can definitely relate to the moms out there who have to be up all hours of the night. It is not fun but I’m hoping as the infections improve that I will start sleeping better. It’s only 11:30am and I feel like it’s already been a long day.

I had an appointment with the infectious disease doctor in Gastonia earlier today. Overall that went well. Last time he treated me with a one time dose of meds through the iv. This is a new drug that’s very powerful and it stays in your system 4-6 weeks. In addition,he also prescribed an extremely large dose of oral antibiotics each day. Overall, I am seeing some improvement so he is going to keep me on the same oral dose for three more months. These meds are harsh and hard on my system but if my infection stays down it’s worth it. Doing the infusion again soon is another option if I need it. While it is good these meds are working, I eventually will be resistant and they will have to do something else. Once I go off meds it is guaranteed the infection will return. Basically it will always be there but the meds help control it. I see a urology nurse practitioner in May and then the urologist in October. My case is so complicated most doctors don’t want to treat my bladder issues. However, in October and maybe even May, I will know if surgery is an option or not. Hopefully these antibiotics will continue to help the infection and allow me to build my strength up. This summer my prayer is to be out of bed more and able to get in the pool each day, but we shall see.

I am trying to live with the attitude of gratitude today and so thankful for these small improvements. I still have a long road ahead but I’m so thankful for Jesus who carries me each step of the way.

When I am weak He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Thanks again to all of my prayer warriors who daily lift me up to the Father. It means the world to me and my family!

Advent, Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals

Longing For Christ – Hope

I have been waiting for this season for months. It is my favorite time of year. No matter what is going on in life, I am always extra hopeful during this season.

Today marks the beginning of Advent and I look forward to celebrating and focusing my area of study on the anticipation and birth of Christ. Advent means “coming,” as in “Christ is coming.” It represents the expectation, anticipation, and preparation of the birth of Jesus. Jesus was born as fully God and fully man, and even as the King of the world, He was born in a lowly manger to identify with us. He came for us so that we may have the hope of Eternal life, and to live and reign in our hearts.

His coming fulfills the Old Testament prophecies such as the one fromJeremiah 33:14-16. It states, “The days are coming, ’declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’”

Lately as I have dwelled upon the hope of Christ, I immediately think of the words from the famous Christmas hymn, “Oh Holy Night.” “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” This year has been a weary one so it does my soul good to read and study about this blessed hope. I long for Christ and need His hope today more than ever before. I’ve always been a very hopeful person but that hope has been challenged as my world has been turned upside down from health problems the past couple of years.

I am Type A by nature and have always had a plan or something to hope for in the future. However, that has changed — that is, changed in the way the world so often views hope. For example, I no longer have the hope of a job to return to, the hope of continuing education, or the hope of a marriage, and the list could go on and on. Even though none of these earthly hopes are present in a my life, I have the Heavenly Hope that comes from Jesus. He is enough. He is my healer, provider, husband, sustainer, and the lover of my soul.

Jesus is my greatest hope and that will never change no matter what comes my way. He is the only hope I need, and turns my darkness into light and brings comfort to my weary soul.

I am so grateful for this gift of hope, and I pray that you will cling to it no matter what circumstances you find yourself in today. Thanks for joining me on this Advent journey and be sure to read the blog next week as I write about peace.

To find all the post in this series viset here.

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! This might be my most favorite day of the year (aside from tomorrow).

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the day before Thanksgiving because that is when my mom starts cooking and preparing for the ginormous Thanksgiving feast that we will enjoy on Thursday.

When I was in college I could not wait to be home for Thanksgiving break. This was always a special time and I always loved waking on both Wednesday and Thursday morning to the smell of Thanksgiving in the house. My college days are long gone, but the traditions are much the same. For the past few years I always spend this day with mom as she is preparing everything. I enjoy her food as we talk and prepare together. And of course we have holiday movies (Thank you, Hallmark) playing in the background. Although this year we may be enjoying a Gilmore Girls Marathon. Don’t judge, you know you do it too.

Even though I’m home and settled in for the holiday, I know today is busy and stressful for many of you. Whether you are frantically trying to clean, cook, and prepare your house for guests, or trying to finish up work, fighting the traffic and airport crowds — today is known to be one of the busiest days of the year. However, in the midst of all the busyness that comes with the holiday I hope that you can take some time to be still, dwell, and give thanks to Jesus for what He has done for you this year.

Over the past few days I have shared different things I am grateful for. To close the series, I am most thankful for my relationship with Jesus. When you experience suffering, things that once seemed important diminish and priorities are no longer as complicated. That is definitely the case for me.

Corrie Ten Boom said it best – “You don’t realize Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.” The last year of my life has been spent being homebound as I continue to deal with health problems. Although, it has not been all bad, and that is because of Jesus. It seems that all was stripped away but unlike everything else in this life –Jesus has never forsaken me, or let me down.

Jesus will always remain the same and will never change and that gives me the hope to press on. The death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection is the best gift I’ve ever received, and I am most thankful for His Salvation. Because of his salvation I can get through anything that comes my way and so can you with His help. Allow yourself to receive His love and grace over this holiday season. Nothing else compares to it

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Mornings with Nehemiah – Guard Your Gates

Mornings with Nehemiah – The Favor of God

In the Time That You Gave Me

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Monday Encouragement

The View a Looks Fine From Here – The Struggle is Real

Music For My Soul

Rainy Days and Wednesdays ☔️

Longing For Christ – Hope

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

ameliamcneilly

ameliamcneilly

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