Hello everyone...this morning, I have truly been experiencing the presence of Jesus; so I thought that I would come and share Him with you.
You know Jesus never promised that we would walk down easy paths; but He did promise to be with us...and that is what He's doing for me right now.  
As I've been sitting here...checking emails; He began to speak to my heart, as though He wanted me to take hold of my study Bible. As I did...there was a verse marked on the inside of the cover...and again, I felt as is He wanted me to read that verse; so I went to Isaiah 43:2...and this is what I read... "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
After reading the verse in Isaiah 43:2...it was as though something had taken hold of my heart. Just think...when we pass through the troubled waters...Jesus will be there and they will not overflow us...or cause us to drown beneath the troubled waves. Even more...when we feel as if we are walking through the hottest fire of adversity...we will not be burned...and why? Because...as Jesus walks us through these times; He will be there to shelter us from total destruction. 
I don't know about you...but I truly needed to read this verse again today. Just think...we have a piece of hope to hold to; that no matter what we are facing...Jesus has control over these troubled moments...and like I've said before...whatever He allows within our lives; He definitely has control over; so keep pressing on...and never let go of the hope that He has given us all today...for a time will come, when we WILL walk SAFELY out of these troubled times...Amen!!
Have a great Friday...and many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Why do we cry out in pain? Why are we more willing to give into deep heartache, rather than rise above it? Maybe we have the wrong outlook, on what we are facing at the time. Could it be that we aren't seeing these moments, in the same way Jesus did, when He gave His all for us? One thing I've come to see; is that Jesus wasn't focused on the suffering; but rather, what would come out of all the suffering. Maybe that's what we're doing wrong. Maybe we are just so caught up in what is bringing us low; that we are blinded by what could come out of these painful times....for the glory of God.
As I look back on my life...it seems that the only memories that come to the surface of my thoughts, are the ones that hurt deeply. Even to this day...the pain continues on, like a faucet that continually drips. When will all this pain end? When will the tears stop flowing...and when will I experience something better; then what life has been, for so many years of my life? 
Do I truly know what it is to see these moments of affliction, through the eyes of my creator? Don't I realize that the One who made me still has control over every moment of my life? Sometimes, I think a person just needs to slow down and think on the thoughts that seem to be overtaking the mind. Lord...help us all to walk through these difficult times...as you as our example...for you were able to look beyond the pain and ridicule, to see what you were going through it for. Lord...help me, to also see through those eyes; that walked that long journey to Calvary. "I love you Jesus! Let these weak moments be exchanged for your perfect strength; that I may continue to follow the path that you have set before me...and may my thoughts be fixed even more, on the good that comes out these painful moments! One thing I know Lord...you've ALWAYS been faithful to me...and I can't help but believe that you will once more be faithful, as I face these difficult times in my life...AMEN!!"
Love your daughter...
​Diane

Hello everyone! I hope that you are having a good start to your day! I was just getting ready to leave my office for a bit...and as I was sitting here...starring out the window, to a beautiful day; God was placing a piece of hope within my heart...which we all can use, during the difficult times.
As we all know...Diane has been facing some very rough days of pain...and you know...we can hurt so bad at times; that this is all that life seems to be, which can take us down and allow life to become so discouraging.
Anyways...recently, I gave some free e-books to someone, who wasn't able to afford a book and today, I received an email from them...stating that the words that God had given me in that book, really touched their heart. As I was thinking on this; God began to show me one thing. If I would have given into all the past pain and heartache that I have experienced...then that person wouldn't be finding hope today. What a great reminder...to never give into the difficult moments of affliction; for when we do; then nothing is ever used or accomplished, for the honor and glory of God. 
Actually...this email today gave me hope...to never stop pressing on...no matter what I face. I've come to see that we can either allow these moments of affliction to abuse us...or we can allow God to use them, for us and others around us. What are you choosing to do today? Well...I'm choosing to press on; so until we meet again...have a great day...and I pray many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Hello everyone! I truly hope that your day is going well! This afternoon...I decided to come and spend some quiet time with God. As I've been starring out my window and thinking about my life, while reflecting on all that God has brought me through...I remember a time, when I can honestly say that I never trusted God. Oh...it was in word...but not in action; because if I would have been trusting God; then I would have probably come out of a lot of problems...a lot quicker than what I did.
Anyways...as I've been sitting here...resting a sore foot; I began to talk with God and pour my heart out to Him. I said... "Lord, I don't understand the extreme pain I've been facing lately...but I do feel that I've learned to trust you, for these uncertain moments in my life." Do we truly know what trusting God is all about? To me, it's saying that if I can't see a way...or something is being allowed within my life, for which I don't understand; then that's ok...because my God is controlling these moments; that He is allowing within my life.
This past Sunday, my husband and I did a study on the first chapter of Job, which is my favorite. It seems like every time I read that chapter....I learn more and more, of what I never knew before. Anyways...as God and Satan were conversing about Job; God asked Satan what he was up to and Satan said that he was roaming to and fro around the earth...probably looking for some weak soul to prey upon. From there, God asked Satan, if he had considered His servant Job. Right then, Satan said that he would; but he also told God that since He had a hedge of protection around him; that this probably wouldn't be possible. Anyways...in the end; God removed that hedge of protection away from Job and allowed Satan to afflict him...only with the understanding that Satan could not destroy Job. Now, if God had the power to do that with Job...and override Satan's power, while using these moments of affliction for something even better, than before the affliction took place; then why can't we trust Him to be that same God for us?
One thing I know...the more and more we allow God to work in our lives...according to His plan; that is when we will begin to see with our own eyes; that He truly is a God that can be trusted...and this is what I've experienced in the past, which is truly helping me to trust God even more, during this time in my life.
As I sit with you right now...I don't know what is happening to me. Why does the pain worsen at times...and why do I feel as if God hasn't heard my cries for help? I don't know...but one thing I know...He is a God that can be trusted...and I choose to trust Him through this darkness, until He leads me, to the place He wants me to be. Remember people...we can't give our lives over to God and tell Him what to do. Instead, we need to know in our hearts; that His word is true...and that He will not fail or forsake us. One thing I know...God is not a liar. Whatever He says...He does do it...and so I don't know about you; but from here on, I'm going to trust God, with all these darkened moments I'm walking through...what about you?
As I finish out my day...I don't know what kind of moments I will walk through; but I'll tell you one thing...I'm so glad that Jesus is right there, to walk through them with me. May I encourage you today, to take Him by the hand...and never let go...and while you're doing that...just rest with a settled feeling; that your God will not let you fall into the hands of defeat...Amen!!
Well...it's time to see what God has planned for me next. Since I came back to work...I've been listening for His still small voice...one moment at a time, rather than going my own way...and I'll tell you; I've experienced the most perfect peace...and why? Because I am now in sync with my God...praise Him! 
As we close this special time together, I pray that you too, will learn to let go and trust God, while living one moment at a time; that you too, may experience His perfect and loving peace...Amen!!
Have a good night...and many...many blessings on your day!
It's ALWAYS & ONLY because of HIM!!
​Diane

Hello everyone...just wanted to stop by this morning and give you a short word of encouragement. Some of you may be feeling forgotten by God, as the trial seems never ending. May I encourage you that God is still there...but He is just working behind the scenes...and sometimes that work can take some time; but I promise you one thing...it WILL be worth it all in the end!! 
I have lived many years, with pain and deep heartache; but God has NEVER let me down; but rather, He has ALWAYS remained faithful! Life may not always be what we want it to be; but when we are in sync with God's plan for our lives; then these difficult times will lead us to God's very best...believe me I KNOW...so never give up...but rather, let us all continue to journey in God's direction...for this road will definitely find it's end in heaven...AMEN!!
Have a great day...and I will talk with you later!
Many...many blessings on your day!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...and how is your day? I'm just camping out here in my office, with my feet up; so I thought I'd stop by and pay you a visit. My husband is outside...picking up many a leaf and I'm just trying to take it a little easy today, since last night was a rough night of pain...yes...pain again. 
You know...it's not always easy to get up in the morning, when the pain you had the night before continues on. No matter what, I still get up...because I don't want Satan to win at anything in my life. One thing I can say though; is that God has blessed me with an office that is handicapable...and I've come to see these things as little blessings, which really do help me through the difficult times. 
As I was getting around this morning, I was just thanking God for bringing me through another tough night. You know...sometimes, we don't think we're making it...but we really are...and I don't know about you; but if I make it through a difficult night; this alone reminds me that I'm still moving forward in life.
One thing God was reminding me of this morning, while I was getting around; is a verse from Psalm 30:5b, which reads... "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Many times...the nights can seem long and endless, when it comes to pain or deep heartache; but when the sun shines through the window in the morning; these moments are only a reminder to us; that we have made it through a long and difficult night...to a brand new day.  
I think the problem we face...is that we are so busy looking at what is standing before us, rather than what could be up ahead of us. I know for me...starring into the face of these painful moments can be discouraging, as I only see what I'm experiencing at the time...but I'm learning more and more; that if I could anticipate the good times...that could come out of all this pain, rather than the pain itself; then a light of hope would always remain lit within my heart.
This morning, I was listening to a song and it was saying that pain is a sacrifice. As I thought more on this, I began to see that this could be a whole new way of viewing the pain I experience. As I sacrifice the good moments, for what may seem so bad; then good will come out of this sacrifice, as these moments can be used to strengthen me and encourage others. Many times in the past, I have seen how God has taken a lot of loss in my life...and how He's replaced that loss with something even better...that has drawn me closer to Him; so maybe this is also a way to view the pain and heartache we experience. In other words...look for what could come out of the difficult moments, rather than just allowing yourself to be drawn into the moments; that only attempt to bring on hopelessness and deep despair.
As I'm sitting here...enjoying a beautiful autumn day, while watching my husband in the backyard; God is reminding me that seasons do change...and no matter what season we may face; time does have a way of changing these moments, into something even more beautiful; so let us keep pressing on...looking for the good that can stem from the difficult moments we face in life. 
​Well...time for me to go; but I sure have enjoyed this visit! I pray that God will bless us all with a good night of rest...and that we all will feel His presence, above anything else in our lives! 
Bye for now...and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Good afternoon everyone...and how is your day? I didn't really know if I would be on here right now...but God did...so here I am.
This morning...after doing a few things online, I went into my kitchen, to relax and do a little cooking...but before I left the office, I asked God to lay out the footsteps for me to walk in...because before I took some time off, I was finding myself caught up in schedules and the demands of the day; that I was actually beginning to feel stressed out quite a bit.
Anyways...I've been thinking on what it is really like to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Yes...we follow Him as Christians; but I was also reminded that following Christ's footsteps each day, means that we stop creating our own footsteps, through our own desires and plans. In other words...we let God lay out the steps before us....and we just follow. For example, one step may mean that we will do one thing, while another footstep may walk us into something completely different...maybe something that we hadn't planned to do at that moment. The idea behind it all; is to let God walk us through life...for He only knows what will work...at what time. In this way, we will be more at peace with ourselves and with Him.
Today, as I began my day...I stopped listening to myself...and I stopped placing the demands on myself; that were placed upon me in the past...and I opened up my thoughts to God. Before I knew it...I was feeling His leading, as one step this morning began to lead me into another. By time the morning was finished...I truly felt at peace, with no stress. What a great way to remain in sync with God! Try it...and come to experience a peace like no other!
Have a great day...and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane

Hello everyone...and a big welcome back, to the Risen Hope Ministries Social Blog! I truly hope and pray that your day is going well...and that your week is off to a great start! 
First of all...I would like to say that it's so good to be back with you again...and I am so looking forward to our new blog, titled... "Writing thru Affliction!"
Lately, I have been going through a lot of pain and health issues...and you know...we don't always understand the reasons behind these moments...other than God does have a plan and purpose, for everything He allows within our lives...so sometimes we just have to simply trust Him, for these unknown moments.
You know...just before I took this past week off...I have to admit that I was beginning to get a little burnt out, from the pain...and the tiredness that can accompany pain. It seemed as if I was living and sleeping pain; so I knew that something had to be done; so first of all, I took some time off...to just rest; then from there, God began to work with my heart and show me a way...that would not only help and encourage myself; but also others too...and that is to write through the pain and let it be used to honor and glorify God, rather than allowing these moments to abuse me. See...I told you that God always has a reason, for what He allows within our lives...right?
Anyways...one thing I don't want to do with this page...and I'm sure that God agrees; is for us to sit and wallow in these moments of affliction; but rather to use them, so God can work in and through these moments that He has allowed within our lives...that He may also bring hope back into the darkened moments of despair.
As we begin this brand new blog...what I feel led to do...is to come on here from time to time and share more of what I'm facing from day to day...kind of like a diary...but not as a means of complaining...only as a means of learning and becoming stronger, through these difficult times...that I may also reach out to you and encourage you, during an hour of need. 
In return...if you would also like to share...there is a "Comment" section...to the left of each blog post, along with Facebook and Twitter buttons; so you can also share the page with others, who may be interested in something like this. 
In Galatians 6:2, we read... "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ;" so let us be there for one another...that we may uplift each other in the Lord, rather than succumbing to despair.
As we prepare to begin this brand new page together; I pray that Christ would be magnified, while evil is brought low...and that we all will experience a hope that can truly keep us standing, during the hard and difficult times of life...Amen!!
Have a great Monday...and I truly hope and pray that you will come back and become a part of this brand new blog... "Writing thru Affliction!" 
Many, many blessings on your day! 
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
​Diane

Hello everyone...I sure have missed you! This past week, I've been taking a little time off for myself, as I don't usually do that. It was time for me to get some rest...so I could continue my service for God, in a healthy way. 
Anyways...you may have noticed that I have a new header on the blog page. When I return on Monday, I have felt God leading me to do something new...something that will help and encourage us all, during the difficult moments of affliction. One thing I've learned over time; is to not let the affliction abuse me; but instead, write through it and encourage others...along with myself, through these difficult times; so this is what we are going to be doing next. 
I hope that you will come back on Monday...November 4th, as we start another new blog session, titled... "Writing thru Affliction." This will be a time, when I will share my own struggles with you, along with what God teaches me through the struggle; that we all may be uplifted and encouraged during these difficult times...so000...I hope I will see you on Monday! Meantime, have a great weekend and God bless!
It's Always & Only Because of Him...
Diane