Hunting Hope

Dear Friend,    

“Hope” means different things to different people. For many people, “hope” is meant as a wish. As Christians, we have a much different definition of hope. For you and me, hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised. And the strength of that hope is not in our wishing…it’s in God’s faithfulness. Yet, sometimes we lose sight of what God has promised. So the theme of this month’s Box of Blessings is Hunting Hope. 

Here’s what’s in this month’s Box of Blessings:

Let’s start with the hardcover book appropriately titled, Hunting Hope. Nika Maples uses real life examples and biblical insight to show you how to become a hope hunter by seeking God when you feel surrounded by darkness.  As you read Nika's journey, you'll learn to rest in the assurance that - even while living in hardship - there is always hope in Christ.  I especially love Chapter fourteen which starts with Psalm 119:25-30 (NLT): 

"I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.

I told you my plans, and you answered.

Now teach me your decrees.

Help me understand the meaning

of your commandments, and I will meditate

on your wonderful deeds. 

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.

Keep me from lying to myself;

give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

I have chosen to be faithful;

I have determined to live by your regulations."

Nika gives us practical ways to overcome struggles to find hope in Scripture and the presence of God.

Casey J found a unique way to share the hope of Christ. The Gathering CD (by Casey J) is a fantastic CD that began with a question: "What about the people that aren't coming to church?"  So, God stirred their hearts to just start popping up at local parks in Atlanta with  one agenda - to gather people together and share God's love using worship as their vehicle. As you listen to this CD, close your eyes and picture ordinary people walking by a park, hearing this music and experiencing the presence of God in a whole new way! 

I like to take notes at church and I am thrilled to include a small, handy spiral bound notepad that says “Sermon Notes” right on the cover. Every other page has a quote from the Bible or a famous Christian. One quote from Charles Spurgeon really fits in with this month’s theme:

“Hope sees a crown in reserve, mansions in readiness,

and Jesus Himself preparing a place for us, and by the rapturous sight

she [hope] sustains the soul under the sorrows of the hour.”

The notepad includes helpful prompts and is an easy way to organize your sermon notes. In fact, it’s so nice that I can’t decide whether to use it myself or to bless a friend with it!

I love the 99 Bible Word Search Puzzles.  It is a lovely book that can be a great way to pass time while learning Scripture. It has several different types of puzzles and even has a few “secret message word searches” thrown in. This super cute book would be a treasured gift for someone who is in the hospital or is home bound.  (Oh, and it does have the answers in the back of the book!)

Speaking of a treasured gift for someone in the hospital, the Color Yourself Inspired, Best Loved Psalms Coloring Book is perfect for someone who is sick and needs to rest. Not only will they find it restful, they will also be inspired by dozens of Scripture selections from the beloved King James Version of the Bible.  Just include some colored pencils and you have a complete thoughtful gift to keep on hand for when someone you love needs a visit and some encouragement from the Word of God.

While the assorted Christian greeting card pack has cards covering just about every occasion, this pack was specifically chosen for the get well card and encouragement cards that are included…just in case you do decide to share some of the contents of this Box with a sweet friend who needs a little encouragement! 

So whether you are hunting for hope, clinging to hope, or secure in your hope, this month’s Box of Blessings has something for you. Of course, adding one of the cards to any of the other items in the Box would make for a perfect gift for someone you know who is hunting for hope. Oh, and by the way, the retail value of this month’s Box? It’s $88.73! 

May you and your loved ones be confidently expecting what God has promised,

Bette