Good evening everyone! I hope you’ve had a nice Saturday! Mine was actually its best! This morning…after visiting with you, I had to make a phone call…and then I headed out of my office, to work on my final Christmas wreath. For those who don’t know…I’m just a country girl at heart. I love the natural way of things, rather than the material way of things…and I just love doing crafts, which I barely get a chance to do.
One thing my husband and I do at Christmas; is to make Jesus number one…for this time of the year symbolizes His birthday…and no other. There was a time, when we used to buy gifts; but we don’t do that anymore…and now, I’m just winterizing the outside of the house, with natural things; that can brighten up the place throughout the winter months.
Before leaving my office this morning…I was talking with God…and thanking Him for a good morning; then I said… “Lord, even though I’m leaving this office…I still need you in my day…would you come and help me with the wreath?” I’ll tell you…He was there; because every thought that entered my mind…led me to the most beautiful wreath. I started out, by taking some chicken wire…and I wanted a large wreath; so I cut a piece that was 72” x 12”…then I rolled up the wire, until all 12” were nicely rolled up. Then from there, I cut a few pieces of wire down the roll and connected everything; so it would remain rolled up…and not come apart. From there, I brought the 72” tube of wire around and into a circle and then I wired those ends together, with some of the chicken wire. Once that was finished…I put large pieces of evergreen into the holes of the wire and then I added artificial berries and pine cones that I had put away. Then I took fishing line and wrapped gently…about every 6 inches around the wreath…and that was it. Now I have one large wreath on the front of the house…that reminds me of something you might see hanging on a log cabin.
One thing I know about today…is that wreath would have never turned out the way it did…if first, I wouldn’t have invited God into those moments…especially since I had never made this before. I have truly come to enjoy all these precious moments that I spend with God…whether it’s with the ministry…or something simple; like making a wreath.
Another thing I’d like to thank God for tonight; is that He helped me off the floor. Right about now, you might be wondering what I’m talking about. Well…ever since I had my right leg fused with a rod, I can no longer get down on the floor as easily because that knee does not bend; so I have my own technique…and let’s put it this way…it’s a good thing that you are not here to see me…lol. Anyways…since I’ve been having problems now with my foot, I was a little nervous, as to how I was going to get off the living room floor, after sitting there on a sheet with my wreath; so I said… “Ok Lord…I could use a helping hand…and before I knew it, I was up and on two feet again…praise Him!
No matter what you face in life…may I encourage you to invite God into these moments? I guarantee one thing…He will come and be there, for as long as you need Him.
As we close our time together…I want to thank God, for a beautiful day off…and for sharing this great day with me. I am learning more and more within my life; that nothing can be done or accomplished, without His powerful hand at work within my life.
My prayer for you tonight; is that you will come to also see God as a good friend…One, who will also be there for you; that you may truly come to see how much easier life can be, when God’s in it all!
Well…one more phone call and then dinner…and from there…an evening of relaxation. I hope that you will have a great night of rest…and that even more…you will experience God in your tomorrow! See ya soon!
Goodnight & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
 
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Good morning everyone! I hope you had a good rest…and that your Saturday is off to a great start! Last night was an early one for me. I guess I got more of that fresh air and sunshine in the yard yesterday; then what I first thought. Now I’ve awaken to the early morning, of a brand new day. The shades haven’t been fully pulled up by God, as darkness still surrounds me; but I am anticipating His presence and all He longs to offer me today.
You know…there’s something about experiencing the very early moments of a new day, as birds are just awakening…to sing praise to One, who provides for them each morning. Just think on what joy we could also experience, if we could let go of the thoughts and feelings of yesterday…to truly anticipate something new. Even though the birds of the air have no idea, as to how they will eat and be cared for; they continue to sing praises each day to their maker, which truly becomes a faith like no other.
As I sit here this morning…I have no idea, as to what I may face in this day; but rather than living in fear and dread, I choose to rise above those unknown feelings…to anticipate another day…one that God has planned just for me. You know…I truly believe that when we can begin a new day in this way; then we also connect deeper with God…as our relationship continues to become even strong than the day before.
Well…I’m off to begin this new day! Have a great Saturday everyone…and remember to anticipate the day that God has designed just for you…for this is the day that the Lord hath made…we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)
See ya soon…and God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Good evening everyone and how was your Friday? I’ve had the best day…and guess what…it never went the way I planned it. Does that make any sense to you?
Today, I had planned on doing all of my wreaths, for the front of our house…for Christmas this year; but instead, I did a little work online this morning…and then I did do the front porch; but then I ended up raking the backyard. I haven’t been doing much of that kind of work lately because of my foot; but for some reason, I thought it might help to move around and get some fresh air and sunshine. From there, I made leftover turkey sandwiches for my husband and I, while he cut some evergreen for me. I guess it was a give and take day, as I did the backyard…and he prepped the evergreen for a big wreath that I will be making tomorrow. Anyways…everything went in a different direction today; but the day went perfect…and you know why…because I believe 100 percent that God was directing it all. To make a long story short…everything got done, except for one big wreath; that I plan on sitting inside and doing tomorrow; so I am a happy camper tonight…and believe it or not…the pain is minimal…another blessing from God!
There’s a Bible verse in Proverbs 16:9 that says… “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” I wonder how many detour roads we get lost on in life…simply because we are not allowing God to direct our steps throughout the day. I’ll tell you…after the good day I’ve experienced…I’m longing even more, to walk in God’s footsteps.
Many times in the past, I have thought of beginning the day with God, as if we are stepping into slippers…only with God, we are stepping into the footprints that He has laid out for us to walk in. I have come to see numerous times; that when I let Him lead the way…even though my mind may be filled with all kinds of ideas for the day; then the day does go a lot smoother.
As you rest tonight…prepare your heart for another new day with God…and when you wake up in the morning…look for the footprints He has laid out…just for you. One thing I know for sure…when we choose to follow His way, rather than our own; then everything falls perfectly into place…and you just can’t help but think that God was the One who led the way.
Tonight, I pray that your night will be filled with the peaceful and loving presence of God! Have a good sleep…and may God bless your tomorrow with His very best! See ya soon!
God bless & goodnight!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone…and welcome back today, to the Risen Hope Ministries Social Blog...“Writing thru Affliction!” I hope that you had a great Thanksgiving…and I pray that your Friday is off to a great start too!
After a very nice Thanksgiving; I have been sitting here…in the early morning hours of my Friday…thinking on how faithful God truly is; because there was a time…several weeks ago, when honestly, I didn’t know if I would be able to do all that needed to be done for Thanksgiving this year, due to the condition of my legs.
As I’ve continued to spend some very special moments this morning with God; my mind has been on a Bible verse in Philippians 4:13, which says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us; but the thing I wonder; is do we really believe the words that we read in this verse…or has this verse only become some memorized words; that we have tucked away within our thoughts?
One thing I can say without a doubt today; is that God saw my weakness…and also the desire and deep need of my heart…and from there…He personally came to me and became the strength I needed at the time…to accomplish all that needed to be done.
To some, this may seem like a poor example, of how God works; but through the health issues I daily face; I have come to see how God can truly be everything, for everything I need. In other words…He has become a God who can be a helping hand to me, when I just can’t make it on my own.
How many times have we felt tempted to give into something…all because we see a struggle, as something impossible to accomplish on our own? Don’t we realize that God is always longing to be there for us…to pick up the slack, so we can easily carry on? Through the moments of struggle; that stems from some very trying times in my life, I have come to see that it’s Satan’s desire to bring us to a dead end of no hope…a place, where he can use these discouraging moments against us, as a means of tempting us to give up; but this is not the time to allow the affliction to have its way with us; but rather, it’s time to reach up to a God, who can reach down to us and carve a new way for us to walk down…one that will display a strength that can take us beyond these moments of weakness; that are attempting to spell out defeat within our hearts and minds.
As we close…remember one thing; God will be the same strength for you today, as He was for you yesterday…for it is only through His strength; that you have made it to where you are right now…Amen!!
Well…time for me to go; but I truly hope and pray that your day will be a very special one…truly blessed with the strength of a strong God! See ya soon!
Have a nice Friday…and God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Hello everyone...I truly hope that your Wednesday was a good one...it sure was for me! God is good...and we have so much to be thankful for! 
You know...there can be times, when it's not always easy for us to find something to praise God for...especially when life has spiraled downward; but I have come to see that there is always something to thank God for. To some, this may seem trivial...but there has been many times, when I have thanked God for a simple daybed to work on. When a person is hurting...it's amazing, as to how they appreciate the little things in life...probably more, than if everything was going well for them.
No matter what you are going through...and no matter how life appears to be...look for the little things in life; that truly make a difference for you right now...and give praise to God above. 
I truly hope and pray that you all will have a very special Thanksgiving! I will be taking Thanksgiving Day off...but I will return Friday morning; so I will look forward to our time together then!
Goodnight & God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

​Good morning everyone…and a “Happy Wednesday” to you all! Well…this morning, I’m off to the grocery store…so as you can see, I’m a little early. You know…it’s hard to believe that tomorrow is already Thanksgiving Day. For some…it may be a day with family and friends and a lot of turkey; but for others, it may not be as easy…so especially at this time of the year; may I encourage us all, to look back on all that God has brought us through…and for me...that’s a lot!
You know…so many times, we can find ourselves caught up in everything that has gone wrong; that we completely bypass the moments that were made right…through the wrong. When I look back on the difficult times of the past…I find myself continually thanking God, for the distance He has brought me in this life.
Out of everything I praise God for…the thing I thank Him for the most; is that I am on the right path…headed in the right direction…because I could be on a path today; that is leading me to hell…and I probably wouldn’t even know it…especially if I am being deceived by Satan…so I praise God a lot for this!
How often do we take the time, to just thank God for salvation…and for all He is to us each day? Maybe life isn’t always easy…and maybe life has it’s up’s and down’s; but in the end…we always seem to find our way out of these situations…and I can say 100 percent; that it’s always & only because of Him!
In I Chronicles 16:34, we read… “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” I wonder what life would like for all of us…if every complaint could be turned into a heart of praise towards God. One thing I have truly come to see; is that praise can easily become a weapon to deaden the works of evil…but praise can also lift us above these difficult times in our lives. There’s just something about praising God, in the midst of whatever we’re going through. In fact…to me, it feels as if these moments of praise become arms…reaching up to a Father…One who longs so much to lift us up to where He is…far away from the hurts of this world.
As we prepare to celebrate another Thanksgiving…remember, it’s not about the food…the family…or whatever we have planned; but instead…it’s reaching beyond this world, with all its struggles and challenges; to praise a God, who has and will always be faithful to His children.
Well…I’m off to the grocery store. I truly pray that your day is a very special one…one that can help you to see the good above the bad; that you too, may find a reason to praise this loving God of ours…even in the midst of whatever you may be facing right now.
Take care…have a great day & God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane

Good evening everyone! I truly hope that you have had a nice Tuesday! It’s been a busy one for me…but a good one! Let’s see…I did some ministry work this morning…and then it was time to do a little more prepping for Thanksgiving. This year, I am finding that in order for me to have a Thanksgiving dinner for Keith and myself; that I need to do it in stages…which has truly been a blessing for me. God seems to be laying out the roadmap…and I’m just following His lead, which has truly been of great help to these legs of mine.
I will never forget the time, when I was about to have my right knee fused with a rod. The only time they could schedule the surgery, was about 9 days before Christmas. Before going in the hospital…I made a lot of cookies and fudge…and then I placed them in the freezer. When I returned home from the hospital…Keith set some things up around me and I packaged goodies for the neighbors…then he delivered them.
One thing I have come to see in my life; is that life doesn’t have to stop…just because it’s not always easy; but rather, God always seems to make a way…that is, if we are willing to accept it His way…and believe me…I am…because I don’t see any other way, to accomplish the things that I truly enjoy doing.
It seems like every time in my life, when I felt that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy something, due to my legs…it always happened…and why…because of a merciful and loving God…One, who longs so much to help us through these tight moments in life.
For those of you tonight, who may be struggling with something in your life…like me; may I encourage you to look for God’s way…because even though we can’t see a road before us…that will take us to where we long to be in life; that doesn’t mean that He isn’t powerful enough to carve another road for us…and make a way.
Well…I have a couple more things to do before bed…so I will hope to see you in the morning! Take care…and may God’s peace surround you with sweet sleep!
Goodnight…and God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
 
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Hello everyone…and a very “Happy Tuesday” to you! I hope that your day is off to a good start! It’s a beautiful day here, as I woke up to a winter wonderland of frosted trees this morning! Praise God…for the beauty He shows us each day!
Last night…before going to bed, I decided to spend a few extra moments with God. Many times, I like to just take hold of a Bible verse or two before going to sleep. As I thumbed through my study bible…the one that has truly become a survival manual to me over the years; God led me to a verse in I Corinthians 10:13, which reads… “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
After reading this verse…I was seeking God, as to why He had led me to that particular Bible verse…and this is what He shared with my heart… “The temptation to be drawn into the direction of evil’s control doesn’t only happen through sin; but there is another form of temptation that can draw us into a circumstance…to the place, where the circumstance ends up having control over God.”
Have you ever had something happen to you out of the blue…and as you became more focused on every detail of that problem…it only increased with strength? To me, it’s as if Satan is fishing for souls…souls that can be caught through moments of weakness…and what he does; is camouflages an affliction, while temptation attempts to draw us to the bait he has awaiting us. When we allow this form of temptation to take hold of us; then it’s as if we also take hold of the bait…and before we know it, we have been dragged away from a powerful God…One who can free us from these moments…to become controlled even more by Satan.
As I continue to serve God, through difficult times…I have come to see these moments, as Satan’s attempt, to remove me from what God has led me to do. I would say that about 6 months ago…I began to experience severe pain in my right shoulder, which I never had in my life. There was no injury…and it just seemed to come out of nowhere. It was so bad at times; that I was struggling to get rest…or even write. It seemed that the more I became focused on the pain…it would increase in strength; then one day…I just let it go…even though the pain was difficult to handle at times. Within a short time of letting go…the pain left too…and why? Because I chose to let go of the control that Satan was attempting to have on my life…to return back to what God had called me to do. I’m not saying that all illnesses result in this way; but I am saying that the temptation always seems to be there, as a means of drawing us further and deeper, into these moments of despair. I truly believe that what we perceive…we will receive. In other words…if we are focused on God, during these difficult times; then we will receive His very best, from all the benefits He holds within Himself…but when we choose to go in the direction of “hook, line and sinker;” then we are only allowing Satan to finish what he began…and I don’t know about you; but I would rather reap God’s very best; then continue on down a path of despair.
Well…I need to go for now…but I have truly enjoyed our visit this morning…and I pray that these words that God has laid upon my heart to write, will truly take hold of your hearts and minds, as you continue to journey through life.
Have a great Tuesday…and many, many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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Good evening everyone…I truly hope that your day was a good one! Tonight…I’m enjoying the end of a good day. As I sit here and look out my window, I see how God has once more been faithful, in bringing me to the close of another day.
You know…it doesn’t seem to matter what goes on in my life…God is ALWAYS there for me…and I have come to see that He has a way of just stepping in and picking up the slack…where I may be weak and tired.
Tonight, as I’ve been sitting here in my office, with the lights dim; I’ve been thinking on how we can experience very trying times in a day. Just think…we wake up…not knowing what may happen; but God does. He always seems to be on top of it…ready to step in, during a time of need…that is, if we look for Him in that way.
A Bible verse that has caught my eye many times; is found in Isaiah 40:22…and we read… “It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:” Can you imagine…the Most High God…sitting upon the circle of the earth…looking down on all of us. To Him, we must seem, as the Bible says…”grasshoppers.” As we are gathered together below Him; He has taken the heavens and made them as a tent for us to dwell in. How can we not know in our hearts; that God knows everything that is taking place in our lives; every second…minute and hour, of each day? I think that sometimes, we become so drawn into the circumstances we face; that we begin to believe in what stands before us, rather than the One who is sitting above us. I don’t know about you; but it comforts my heart…knowing that God is watching my every move and everything that concerns me.
Maybe today has been a rough day for you…or maybe you are about to face something in this week; that is weighing your mind down. Just know that God is there…and He’s looking down from the heavens, while watching your every move. This alone should help you to feel hope…knowing that no matter what God may be allowing into your life…He’s there, to see you through it all.
Tonight, as I look back on the past 48 hours…I can trace the footprints, of where my God has been. I have never experienced such loving care in my life…and I can go to sleep tonight…knowing that He is up in the heavens watching over me.
May I encourage you tonight, to not focus on where your situation may be leading you; but rather, get caught up in the moments that can bring comfort and hope, to these difficult times…and from there; you will rest with a peace like no other!
Well it’s been a full day; so I’m going to relax a little…talk with God and then get some good rest. I truly hope and pray that your night is a good one…and that you will be able to rest…just knowing that your God is watching over you.
Goodnight everyone…and God bless!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane
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​Hello everyone…this morning, I would like to start out, by sharing my heart with you, along with some thoughts that God has shared with me, during the early morning hours of my day.
One thing I was taught through past moments of counseling; is to write out my feelings and not harbor them  deep within the heart…so today, I write from a heart that still struggles at times, due to a very painful past.  May this time truly be a blessing to us all.
(Written at 5:30 this morning) “Oh how my heart aches with relentless pain at times. It seems as if this pain continually attempts to place me in a world of my own…one that can be surrounded by fear and loneliness.  These thoughts and feelings aren’t meant for the need of any attention or self-pity…for they are genuine feelings that come from deep within the heart.
It seems that this life of mine has been one overwhelming moment of pain and deep heartache; but one thing I have learned through it all; is what love and true care for another person really is. First off…it’s not words with empty promises; but rather, the words of love we share with each other, should be words that follow through with action…an action that becomes the true example of Christ…for the greatest love is shown, when someone lays down their life for another. (John 15:13)
Sometimes broken love and false promises can attempt to convince us that we can even be broken and forsaken, through the love that Christ is offering us; but we must remember that the love that Jesus offers us, isn’t filled with broken promises; but rather, His love has already been proven to us, through a sacrificial death, on an alter called a cross. In fact…He has shown us the greatest love; that no other love could ever compare to. I guess that we need to learn how to walk way beyond all the broken moments of love that we experience here on earth…to journey back in time…to a place called Mount Calvary; that we might experience a renewed hope and love that can replace all the brokenness; that is experienced here on earth.
Through time, I have come to see personally; that there is a true and genuine love…one that keeps a light of hope burning within my heart, rather than continually living face to face, with all the darkened moments of broken love.
When I look back into times gone by…to the young girl I used to be…little did I know that she would experience such hurt in her life; but at the same time…little did I know that she would experience the greatest love she could ever experience…one that would far surpass all the hurt in her life.”
No matter what you may be facing today…I truly pray that you too, will come to experience a love that can replace the broken moments of love within your own life…a love that only comes from Jesus Christ!
Have a great Monday…and many blessings on your day!
It’s Always & Only Because of Him…
Diane