Two years before I was born, Bob Dylan first sang: The Times They Are A-Changin’ --
I do believe the world and the population are ever-evolving. Each generation suffers hardship and grows to something new. Each generation hopes for more in the future and wishes to improve on the past. For faith-filled believers, there is always hope in the future.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " (Jeremiah 29:11)
From where I sit, there is great hope in the future because God continues to create anew! One of my greatest blessings is a front-row seat in His creation. I gave birth to four incredible children and will soon have four grandchildren! What a great gift!
God continues to create new life.
My daughter gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy last week. God created new life through the love between my daughter and her husband. To witness the miracle of a newborn child removes all doubt of the greatness of God and His love for us. My eldest son and his dear wife are expecting their third child, co-created with God. Children bring great joy and light to everyone they meet. The babies born today will lead the world into a brighter and better future.
I have had a magnet on my fridge for years that reads,
"A baby is God's way of saying life should go on."
Babies are pure love from God!

This gives me Great Hope in the Future!
Every generation seeks to improve on the methods of living from the ways of the past, to remedy the mistakes made yesterday, and to continue to build a better tomorrow. I've seen it first-hand in the 30 years I volunteered with Birthright, helping expectant moms on the difficult journey of pregnancy, birth, and family in the midst of crises. Sometimes, we look at what we have created and allowed in our lives, and we want improvement for the future. We want a smoother path with more joy and less pain for the next generation.
Events of the world can seem bleak and get us down. We tend to think we are experiencing the worst of times, and we may be tempted to give up hope. Sadly, many do. When I let go of hope, I know I am living in my small space -- thinking I am the facilitator of my life. But, if we can just hold on and cling to the hope that comes from the Lord, we will make it to a better, brighter side of life. Pray for His help, to see His view of our life, to live His plan.
"Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. " (Romans 12:12)
My friend, Amber, and I host the Encourage Our Faith Podcast, where everyday people share their experiences of a time when they have undoubtedly felt the presence of God. We believe that sharing our faith with each other encourages and inspires all of us. We recently recorded a 4-part series with some members of the St. Paul BigDeal Youth Group sharing their personal stories titled, Be the Ripple! (Many of these teens hadn't personally known the true presence of God. They were told about God, and most believed in Him with their minds, but when they opened their hearts to a new experience of Him, their lives were dramatically changed for the better. They gave their personal testimonies at church one Sunday and created a ripple effect, touching the hearts of many adults who also wanted to know the true joy of a personal relationship with the Lord.
(Listen to the podcasts here.) New episodes are posted regularly.
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