*Keep on keepin' on

I am quickly learning that no matter what I do, there's always something said or done that won't sit right with someone. It's frustrating. But I know that if I just continue doing what God tells me to do, and use my talents for His glory, something good will come from it!

Prayer: Help me, Jesus, to forgive those who hurt and abandon me. Show me how to be kinder to others around me. Help me to have an open heart and mind. And bless those who love and dislike me. Make me more like YOU!

*Repost from June 5, 2004

Uncovering the cover-ups

You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.
- Proverbs 28:13 (The Message)

Ah, that stinky human nature! What is it about us humans that makes us think we can cover up our sins and hide them? Even if we are successful at hiding them from others, God see and knows all!

I wonder if we forced ourselves to become more aware of God's presence in our lives, if that would change us. What a revolution we could start if we all started living according to the five Jesus senses:

• Jesus is watching.
  
• Jesus is listening.
  
• Jesus is feeling.
  
• Jesus is tasting.
  
• Jesus is touching.

No matter where we are, or what we do, Jesus is there by our side. We might be able to cover up our sins so that our friends and family can't see them. But what does that do to us?

Each time we attempt to cover a sin, we apply layers of shame, hurt, and guilt to ourselves, compounding the situation. Imagine this. Each time you sin and try to cover it up, you are putting on another shirt. How many shirts have you put on just over this past week? Do you have so many layers of clothes (covered-up sins) that you can barely walk now? Are you hot? Bothered? Irritated?

Now imagine peeling away each layer of clothing as you ask God for forgiveness and welcome His grace and mercy. How does it feel as you disrobe each layer of shame and guilt? Can you feel the weight lifting off your shoulders? Don't you feel lighthearted and free again?

This is God's desire. We all sin. We all fall short. But THANK GOD we can find forgiveness and mercy at the foot of the cross! Make your way to Him today and leave it all there!

Busy as a bee

"If you did not look after today's business then you might as well forget about tomorrow."
- Isaac Mophatlane

I didn't realize that I neglected my blog all week! And bless your wonderful heart if you have clicked back each day, waiting for something new. I do apologize.

So what have I been so busy doing, you ask? Working on Mother Devoted, my newest venture. I am gathering resources, building a website, collecting information, going through some terrific submissions. Mother Devoted launches January 2005, and the time is drawing near!

I have also been busy working on other websites. It seems sometimes like there aren't enough hours in one day!

The last thing I will share with you today is that I have begun charting a new course with a coach. With Lynn's perception and nudges, I am beginning to live my life for ME once again. It's been WAY too long!! If you are seeking improvement in a certain area of your life, give Lynn a try. You get a complimentary call, which is DEFINITELY worth your time! There are absolutely no strings attached. But I think you will be happily surprised at what you will get out of a free 30-minute conversation! When you email Lynn to make an appointment for your complimentary call, tell her that "Hope Wilbanks" sent you!

Create Positive Energy

I must admit that I have been down in the dumps for three days now. I blame most of my mood on the weather. It's been rainy and yucky. And of course, I miss my Honey Bunny.

So this morning I am working my way to a better, more positive mood. And what better way to do this than to crank up some good praise music! While sitting here listening to my favorite online station, I thought, "Hey! I should share the love!"

If you have a good internet connection, open up your Windows Media Player and connect yourself to Z88.3 (in Florida). They play positive, upbeat tunes 24/7. And I wuv 'em! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE WEBSITE AND LISTEN!!

Changes

As you can see, I have changed things again. I was not happy using the other interface, so I'm back to Blogger. I saved the most important files from the other program I was using. Everything has been deleted in order for me to publish, using this same url. Otherwise, I would have to change links again, and I don't want to do that.

I will customize the look here, but for now that is not at the top of my to-do list. I'll get around to it when I have extra time.

In other news...

Website Design by Hope
I now have three website design accounts! Business is slowly building. How exciting! If you need a website but don't have the "know how" or don't want to do it on your own, EMAIL ME with your full name, email address and telephone number and I will call you and give you a FREE quote. No strings attached, of course.

Cup of Hope
If you haven't ordered your copy of the Premier Issue of Cup of Hope, you don't know what you're missing! There are still a few copies available, so hurry and order one now! Only $2.00 per copy! I pay for the shipping. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

I am also in the final stages of binding my new Cup of Hope zine. Just wait until you see it!!! It is small enough to carry around in your pocket or purse and filled with lots of inspiration and encouragement! I can't wait to get those to you!

If you still haven't signed up for my FREE Cup of Hope e-zine, you are truly missing out! Here's what subscribers are saying...

• "Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you Hope for your gentle reminders that stir up goodness and great ideas of the way we should be! God Bless ya! Good work!" - Cindy Irish - http://www.itsmysite.com/beeskneezcom/



• "Just wanted to say I enjoyed the latest Cup of Hope." - Audra Silva - http://writingmom.bravejournal.com/



• "Your mention of plucking fresh fruit was heartwarming. As kids, we had peach trees from which we could pick and eat the fresh fruit. And those peaches were wonderful! But every now and then, we'd find a worm inside what we thought was a good peach, and we'd have to pick another instead. The rotten ones were tossed to the animals. Thanks for bringing back for me such a warm memory. And for another great lesson to consider." -- Dar Arechederra