Category: hope

encouragement, healing, hope

When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned: The Potter and the Clay — Part 2

The Kedge Anchor

What Do We Do When Life Doesn’t Turn Out How We Expected?

©The Kedge Anchor 2026

Last week, we followed a lump of clay through the hands of a potter.

We watched as the clay was pounded and kneaded, shaped and formed on the wheel, placed on the shelf to dry, and eventually fired in the kiln.

When the potter took the finished piece from the kiln, it was ready for its intended purpose.

But the potter wasn’t finished creating.

He decided he wanted another pot.

This one would be bigger and taller, able to accommodate the flowers bursting from his garden. He wanted it to complement the first pot while adding more contrast to the room with a different shape and color.

The potter began working on the second pot.

He pounded and kneaded the clay, removing the air pockets. Then he placed it on the wheel and began to shape it.

His hands worked the clay, adding pressure and water as he formed it. He opened the center, pulled the clay upward, carefully formed the walls, shaped the lip and smoothed the edges.

When he was satisfied with the shape, he lifted the pot from the wheel and placed it on the shelf waiting for it to dry.

Days passed.

When the pot was completely dry, the potter placed it in the kiln for firing.

After the firing was complete, he waited for the kiln to cool before carefully removing the pot.

It was beautiful.

It was exactly what he had envisioned.

He filled it with flowers from his garden and placed it in the room beside the first pot.

But one day, the second pot was accidentally fell over.

It fell hard.

And it broke.

The potter gathered the pieces.

He carefully examined what was left and began putting the pieces back together. Some pieces fit perfectly. Others required more work, a little sanding here and there to smooth some rough edges. He arranged the pieces so that a hole was right in the center.

The cracks from where the pot had broken created beautiful lines. The potter painted those cracks with gold paint and added some leaves, creating a vine that wound its way around the pot. The broken pieces had become part of its beauty.

When he was finished, the pot wasn’t exactly the same as it had been before.

There were places where the broken pieces had changed its appearance. But the potter didn’t see it as ruined.

The candle’s light shone through the places where the pot had been broken and repaired.

The pot had a new purpose.

And perhaps that’s something worth remembering.

Stay tuned for Part 3. There’s more to this story.

encouragement, hope, Stress, Trust God, Uncategorized

The Potter — Part 1 – When God Is Shaping Your Life: The Potter and the Clay

The Kedge Anchor
© 2026 The Kedge Anchor

Understanding the Process When Life Doesn’t Look Like You Expected

When God created us, He had a purpose in mind.

I think about an artist creating a piece of art. An artist is usually inspired by something, and before the first brushstroke or pencil line is made, there is often a plan—a design and a purpose.

Sometimes the purpose is simply to add beauty. Sometimes it’s functional: a bowl to hold something, a cup from which to drink, a vessel to hold flowers, or a lamp to carry light.

God uses the imagery of a potter and clay to describe our relationship with Him:

“Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
— Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)

God formed us in His image:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’”
— Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

And Scripture tells us that God has plans for us:

“For I know the plans I have for you…”
— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Think about a potter sitting down at the wheel with a lump of clay.

Straight out of the package, the clay doesn’t have much aesthetic form. It’s soft and pliable, and because it is soft, the potter can shape and mold it.

But before the potter begins, there is already a plan, a design, and a purpose in mind.

The clay is placed on the wheel and the process begins.

It is slapped down onto the wheel and pounded. It is kneaded, much like bread dough, to get the air out. The potter works the clay for a few minutes, and as the clay is kneaded, it becomes warm and softer.

Then the clay is placed back on the wheel.

The wheel begins to turn.

The potter wraps his hands around the lump of clay and begins to give it form.

Sometimes the clay begins to dry from the friction of the potter’s hands. So the potter wets his hands and adds water to the clay, continuing to shape and form it.

Then comes the pressure.

The potter applies pressure from the top, opening up the center and hollowing out the inside. Pressure from certain points on the outside creates grooves and curves, giving the piece its shape and character.

The potter forms the lip and smooths the edges. He gives the piece one final spin, checking it and looking it over.

The wheel stops.

The potter takes a piece of string, slides it underneath the newly formed pot, and lifts it from the wheel.

The pot is taken to a shelf with other pieces to dry.

And now…nothing seems to be happening.

The clay has already been through a lot—pounding, kneading, spinning, pressure from all sides, pressure from the top, being hollowed out and shaped.

Now it simply rests.

Days pass.

Other pieces come and go, but this one remains on the shelf, waiting until the potter is ready.

Then the potter takes it down.

It is dry.

It is ready for the kiln.

The temperature inside a kiln can reach more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pot may remain there for hours. The firing process is intense, but when it is complete and everything has cooled, the potter takes the piece out and prepares it for its intended use.

And I can’t help but think about how it is with us.

How many times have we felt like that lump of clay?

Pounded.

Pressed.

Shaped.

Emptied.

Stretched.

Waiting.

Maybe you’ve been in a season where it feels like God is doing something in your life, but you don’t understand what He’s doing.

Maybe you’ve experienced pressure from every direction.

Maybe you’ve felt like you’ve been emptied out.

Or maybe you’re in that place where nothing seems to be happening at all.

You’re just waiting.

But the clay doesn’t know what the potter is making.

The potter does.

God sees what we cannot see.

And maybe that’s where Romans 8:28 begins to take on a little more meaning:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…”

Not everything that happens to us looks or feels good.

But God can work through all things.

The clay has no idea what it will become.

It only knows what it’s experiencing right now.

And sometimes, I think we’re the same way.

So pause for a moment and think about your own brokenness.

Where has it brought you?

How have you healed?

Maybe you haven’t healed yet.

Maybe you’re still in the process.

There is hope.

And there is more to this story—because there is more to our brokenness than we may realize.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

encouragement, hope, Stress, Trust God

Navigating Life’s Storms with God’s Word

The Kedge Anchor

Lighthouse #2

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Ponce Inlet Florida

I have a confession… I shared these posts in the wrong order. 🤦🏻‍♀️

But maybe that’s fitting because we are all still learning and growing. Sometimes even our little mistakes can remind us to slow down, give ourselves grace, and remember that God is still working, even in the imperfect moments.

When was the last time a situation came into your life that you weren’t expecting? Maybe you saw it coming and didn’t know how to stop it. Maybe it was completely out of your control, and there was nothing you could do to change the outcome.

Have you been there?

I know I have.

When storms come into our lives, our first instinct is often to look at the waves instead of looking for the light. We focus on what is happening around us instead of turning toward the One who is steady and faithful.

Part of the story how The Kedge Anchor got its name. Look for the short story on my social media pages,FB and IG

We see this with Peter when he stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. As long as his eyes were on Jesus, he was able to do what seemed impossible. But when he noticed the wind and the waves around him, fear began to take over.

How often do we do the same thing?

We focus on the circumstances around us, the things we cannot control, and all the “what ifs” that fill our minds.

But Jesus is still there, calling us to keep our eyes on Him and to anchor ourselves in Him.

God never asked us to navigate life’s storms alone. He has given us His Word, a light to guide us when we cannot see the way ahead.

God tells us not to worry and to trust Him. And yet, in our humanness, we still worry.

I know I have caught myself getting caught up in a situation, worrying and fretting about things I cannot control. But when I finally stop, take a breath, and turn my attention back to God, that is when I can hear His still, small voice calling me back to Him.

Matthew 6:25 reminds us:

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…”

And in Matthew 6:34, Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own concerns.

God’s Word contains what we need to walk through the storms this life brings our way.

 Psalms 136 remind us of God’s faithful love endures forever. 

Proverbs reminds us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

And the Gospel reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us through Jesus – John 3:16.

I love the promise found in Matthew 28:20:

“teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (AMP). Perpetually. On every occasion. To the end of the age!!!  I love that!!!

Because when a storm hits, our faithful Father should be the first One we turn to.

So today, where are your eyes focused? Are you looking at the waves, or are you looking toward the Light?

encouragement, hope, Trust God

Finding God’s Faithfulness in Creation

The Kedge Anchor

Finding reminders of God’s faithfulness in the world around us

This is Teemu. She was barely a year old in this photo. She’s 28 now.

Have you ever wondered if God sees you? Have you felt like your prayers seem to go unanswered, your circumstances don’t make sense, and you wonder if God is paying attention? You’re not alone. Many of us have been there. I know I have. And that doesn’t mean we don’t have faith. Questions and struggles do not mean a lack faith. But we don’t have to remain trapped in doubt.

Creation reminds us that God is faithful. The birds do not wake up each morning wondering if God will provide. The squirrels in our yards do not worry about where their next meal will come from. They simply do what God created them to do, and He cares for them. Matthew 6:26 – “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (NIV).

Now, does that mean we will never have worries? Of course not. Job had plenty of worries. He lost his family, his health, and everything he had. He questioned, he grieved, and he struggled to understand what God was doing. But even in the middle of all that pain, Job came back to the truth that God was still in control. God is sovereign.

Job knew what it felt like to question God’s plan. He experienced deep loss and pain, yet even in his questions, he looked at creation and recognized God’s wisdom and power. He said, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; 8. or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” (Job 12:7-8 NIV).

When we see the birds, the animals, the changing seasons, and all the things He has created, we are reminded that God is faithful. The same God who watches over the smallest creatures also watches over you.

My cuddle bug

Sometimes we want God to explain everything before we trust Him. We want to know the why, the when, and the how. But trust doesn’t work that way. Trust means believing that even when we don’t understand what God is doing, He understands our humanity. He knows our struggles, our questions, and our limitations. But God is still good, He is still present, and He is still in control. He most likely is using the very situation, the very season to draw you closer to Him.

God created the earth, the animals, and us, and He called it all good. He gave us the responsibility to care for His creation. The same God who cares for the birds, the fish, and all of creation cares for us too. He loves us. We are His creation.

So the next time you hear the birds singing or see the squirrels running around, maybe take a moment to remember: the Creator who cares for them is the same Creator who cares for you.

anxiety, encouragement, hope, Stress

Finding Hope in Life’s Storms: Your Guiding Light

The Kedge Anchor

Exploring the lighthouses God provides to help us navigate difficult seasons.

As I’ve been reflecting on the storms we all face at different times in our lives. I was reminded of something I wrote a couple of years ago about the lighthouses God provides along our journey.

Life’s storms can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of our next step. But even in the darkest moments, God is faithful to provide reminders of His presence, His guidance, and His love.

Imagine you are out at sea on a stormy night..

The sky is dark. There are no stars shining above to guide you. Waves are crashing around you, tossing you back and forth, and there is no land in sight. For a moment, everything feels hopeless.

Then, in the distance, you see a light.

A lighthouse.

A steady beam shining through the darkness, guiding you toward shore and safety. You let out a sigh of relief. You feel encouraged. You realize, “I’m going to be okay.”

When you finally reach the shore, the fear begins to fade. The storm may still be raging, but you know you can make it through.

Have you ever felt like you were in that storm?

I know I have.

Some storms of discouragement have been brief squalls that passed quickly. Others have lingered, leaving me feeling tossed and battered by my own thoughts or by circumstances happening around me.

During those seasons, I need something to help me. Sometimes I need someone to help me.

Whether the storm is passing quickly or seems to have settled in for a while, we all need encouragement during difficult seasons.

So I want to ask you:

Who or what do you turn to when you are navigating stormy waters? What helps you find your way when there seems to be no light, no stars, and no clear direction? Who or what are your lighthouses?

I want to make it clear: I am not a counselor, and this blog is not a substitute for professional mental health care. However, our mental, emotional, and spiritual health matter. This is simply a place of encouragement where I share things that have helped me during difficult seasons.

If you feel you need to speak with a professional counselor, I encourage you to seek one who can provide the support you need.

Over the next few posts, we’ll explore some “lighthouses” that can help us find encouragement, wisdom, and hope during life’s storms.

Lighthouse #1: Trusted Friends and Family

God created us for community.

There are times when we need to reach out to others and allow them to walk alongside us. Having a support system is not a sign of weakness; it is part of how God designed us.

For many years, there has been a stigma around mental health struggles and seeking help. Thankfully, that stigma is beginning to fade. More people are recognizing that reaching out for counseling or support during difficult seasons is not a failure — sometimes it is a wise and courageous step.

It is okay to feel sad. It is okay to feel angry, anxious, or discouraged. God created us with emotions, and He understands what we experience.

He is not surprised by our struggles. He is not angry when we feel overwhelmed. He invites us to pour out our hearts to Him.

Jesus understands our emotions because He experienced them Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His crucifixion, Jesus experienced deep sorrow and anguish (Matthew 26:36-46). He understands you because He created you.

More importantly, He loves you and wants to help you.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” — John 3:16

Sometimes people try to encourage us by saying, “You just need more faith.”

But faith is not about never struggling. Jesus only asks for faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). Even in moments of doubt, He meets us where we are.

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” — Matthew 9:23-24

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

At some point, we all face discouragement, anxiety, or seasons where we feel overwhelmed. Feeling this way does not mean you are weak or that you lack faith.

But we do need to be mindful of where those thoughts lead us. We have an enemy who wants us to doubt God’s goodness and believe we are alone. That began with the deception of Eve in Genesis 3.

You are not weak because you need encouragement.

Sometimes we simply need a lighthouse.

Sometimes we need someone to remind us that we are not alone.

Who is part of your support system? Who can you reach out to when the storm gets rough?

And if you find yourself without that support, consider finding a local Bible-believing church where you can build relationships, serve, and become part of a community.

And if you know someone who may be feeling lonely or discouraged, reach out. A simple message, prayer, or conversation may be the light they need in the middle of their storm.

In the posts to come, we’ll continue exploring the lighthouses God provides to help us navigate the stormy seas of life.

This post was inspired by “Wisdom for Mental Health” from YouVersion.

hope, Trust God

Be Careful Where You Put Your But.

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Andreea Andrei on Pexels.com

Have you ever heard someone give you a compliment and then add the word “but”?

“You did a great job, but…”

“I appreciate what you did, but…”

Suddenly, everything before the “but” seems to disappear. One little word has the power to shift our focus from what was good to what was lacking.

I never expected a simple word to teach me something about my faith. But as I started paying attention to how we use the word “but,” I realized it can reveal more than just our communication style—it can reveal where we place our trust.

Because sometimes we do the same thing with God.

“I trust You, but…”

“I know You are faithful, but…”

“I believe You will provide, but…”

Our “but” can become the place where fear, doubt, or the need to control creeps in.

The word itself isn’t the problem. It’s what comes after it. There is a big difference between “God, but…” and “But God…”

One keeps our focus on the obstacle. The other reminds us that God is greater than the obstacle.

Didn’t set out for this post to become a lesson in communication but there is something to be learned here spiritually as well. I was talking with someone a few weeks ago. If I remember correctly the topic was about planning. The person I was speaking with was concerned that not enough planning had been done for something. So I suggested, just trust God it will all work out. The reply was, “Trust God but…” that’s where I had to interrupt. Trust God but. Oooo, that’s dangerous. It sounded like God wasn’t big enough. We have a big God who sees the big picture. We have a God that goes before us and paves a way for us. We can plan six ways to Sunday, we can make all the plans we want BUT GOD, directs our steps. “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16: 9.

Check out this article.

See how this can be applied spiritually? Man can plan BUT the Lord directs. The “but God” negates whatever we plan. That’s not to say we shouldn’t, we should plan, BUT GOD will directs our steps and provide. And if for some reason if we have done all we think we can do to plan for something, we as humans can forget, we aren’t perfect. God will provide whatever it is we may have overlooked, He will make it work. Because, Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

So be careful where you put your “but.” Whether you are giving praise or trusting God for something, stop and think, is going to be “God but…” or “But God…?”

encouragement, hope, rest, Uncategorized

Anchored Between Silence and Sound

The Kedge Anchor
Rusty anchor partially buried in pebbled beach with ocean waves and a colorful sunset sky
Maybe peace isn’t found when the noise disappears.
Maybe peace is found when we know what holds us steady while the noise continues. ⚓

Shortly after writing this blog post about being still I went over to IG since I hadn’t been there in while. I came across a post by Dave Adamson a.k.a. Aussie Dave. In his IG post on June 29th he talks about how the Western Wall changed his perspective about “quiet time” with God. And after reading his post and reviewing what I wrote – we’re both not wrong or right. He always thought quiet time was just that and what many of us envision it to be. Silently praying,  silently reading and perhaps silently journaling. And he brings up a good point, perhaps quiet isn’t how it’s thought to be. It was when he visited the Western Wall Jewish men and boys weren’t reading silently. They were reading the Torah aloud and discussing it, he says even wrestling with it – together. The Hebrew word we translate as “read” actually means to call out or proclaim. 

He points out that Jesus read scripture in publicly in the Synagogue. And Paul told Timothy to devote himself to read scripture in public. He points out that ‘faith comes by hearing” in Romans 10:17. Scripture is meant to be read quietly as well as be spoken out loud. 

Aussie Dave ain’t wrong and I’m not right. Honestly it’s when I am sharing and living out  my faith that the words I have read become real and anchored. 

Maybe the invitation isn’t to choose between silence and sound, but to recognize that God meets us in both. There are moments when we need to be still enough to listen, to sit with His Word, and allow it to take root in our hearts. And there are moments when we need to speak it, share it, wrestle with it, and live it out among others.

Perhaps stillness isn’t about the absence of noise. Perhaps it’s about creating space for God’s voice to become clearer — whether that happens in the quiet of a room, the conversation around a table, or the faithful act of proclaiming what He has placed on our hearts.

The words we read are not meant to remain on a page. They are meant to transform us. They are meant to be carried, spoken, and lived.

So maybe the question isn’t, “Am I doing quiet time the right way?” Maybe the better question is, “Am I making room for God to meet me — and am I allowing His Word to work in me and transform me be it in the sounds or in silence?

Because whether whispered in stillness or spoken out loud publicaly, His Word is alive.

encouragement, hope, prayer, Uncategorized

Anchored in the Silence

The Kedge Anchor

Silence. It can be deafening sometimes. It can be uncomfortable. Many times in conversation we feel the need to fill the pauses. Many times silence speaks louder than words. 

Psalm 46:10  – “…Be still and know that I am God…” In Hebrew,  according to biblehub.com “Be still” means sink, relax. Sometimes that can be the hardest and the last thing I want to do. 

Yet, it’s in the chaos, in the storm I need to be still. Jesus isn’t always going to calm the waters, maybe not right away, maybe in a while – in His time.

Most times, even when I am choosing to be still, shutting out the wandering thoughts, the to do list, the what if’s, the noise of the day – it’s hard. Focusing is hard especially after a migraine my brain is foggy and tired. All I can think about is what I need to catch up on.

Being still and sitting in silence to me is like staring at a blank canvas or a blank page in a journal. It can be paralyzing and scary. Why is it my mind can blank at that but in silence I can come up with the worstest (it’s a word, I just made it up) scenarios. But that is neither what I want to write about, paint on a canvas or think about. Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” 

“Meditate on these things.” Prayer is a form of meditation, just remember to leave some space for God to respond. Recalling scripture and God’s faithfulness are always a good things to meditate on. 

Maybe silence isn’t meant to be filled. Maybe it is meant to be surrendered. (There’s that word again).

The blank space that feels uncomfortable, the pause that feels awkward, the stillness that makes our minds race,  those are often the very places where God invites us to meet Him.

An anchor does not prove its strength when the waters are calm. It proves its strength when the storm comes and the waves are pulling hard. Maybe being still is not about having a quiet life or a quiet mind. Maybe it is about knowing where we are anchored when life is anything but quiet.

So today, I want to practice sitting in the silence,  not because I have everything figured out, not because the noise has disappeared, but because I know Who is there with me.

“Be still and know…”

Not be still and understand everything.
Not be still and have all the answers.
Just be still and know.

Know that He is God.
Know that He is faithful.
Know that even in the silence, He is near.

hope, Uncategorized

Intentional Living, One Step at a Time

The Kedge Anchor
Open door leading to a cozy living room with an armchair, bookshelf, lamp, and fireplace

I used to think showing up was the win. Now I think it’s just the doorway.

Since my last post, I have been intentional about showing up. And as usual, when I do that, when I sit down to do anything I need to do, especially creative work or time with God, voices enter the scene.

I hear: “You shouldn’t be doing this… what about laundry?” Like Lisa Simpson having to organize her CDs first. IYKYK. Or “Why bother, no one cares.” And the classic: “You’re not good enough.”

All distractions. All lies.

Showing up requires intention and preparation. My corner of our shared office, or really my little studio corner, needed organization. I didn’t want to work in a space where I couldn’t access my art supplies. There was no room to spread out, and it became frustrating.

So I changed it.

One day while my husband was at work (he had to be for me to do this, his allergies… OY!), I rearranged the layout and organized my supplies. It’s still a work in progress, but I have to admit, it is so much better. (I have a few photos I’ll share in another post.)

Once things were more organized and accessible, I felt more encouraged to actually go in there and create.

Some days I have a specific project in mind. Other days, I just make marks on paper—paint, markers, or hand-letter a verse of Scripture. And there are days when a migraine shows up, and that’s when I give myself grace. Pushing through migraine pain has never benefitted me, or anyone else, for that matter.

I used to think showing up was the win. Now I think it’s just the doorway.

I’ve started applying the same mindset to my time with God. I’m not just “showing up” – I come prepared, usually with my Bible and a favorite pen. There was a time I would simply open Scripture anywhere and read whatever landed in front of me. But now I have a plan.

One of my goals was to read the Bible all the way through. My mom gave me a chronological Bible a few years ago for my birthday, and I only made it halfway through.

Now I’m more intentional. In January, I bought a journal and decided I wanted to create a kind of junk journal as I read. I write notes on passages that speak to me, not as a theology student or someone in seminary, but simply as someone listening for God along the way. I add notes, doodles, and small decorations to the pages. It helps me remember, and it draws me back in later.

Showing up in my office/studio space has become more inviting. I’m more prepared to work on projects and to journal.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” – Proverbs 22:3  To me, this speaks to being intentional and aware with how I use my time, choosing what deserves my attention, instead of moving forward on autopilot.  I’m trying to be more discerning with my time, intentional about when I create, when I rest, and when I simply let an idea come through.

hope, salvation

Steady, Present, Anchored: Your 2026 Reminder

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Peggy Anke on Pexels.com

Happy New Year! Time really flies as we become more seasoned in life and when we are having fun. I am thankful for another day, another week another month and another year. And just like I am not one for bucket lists I am not one for resolutions. I would rather be focused, present and intentional about my goals and projects. LOL I guess that is a resolution of sorts. 

Challenges

My family has had a few challenges over the past three years. It’s been a struggle making the season merry and bright. But God, has been through it all with us. It didn’t always feel like He was there. However, I know He has been. Focusing on God and His Word have been key. There were days I didn’t feel like it or wanted to. So, those days may have been reflective and creative. So if your holidays have been challenging and short of merry and bright, I wish you New Year Blessings. 

The challenges our world has faced in 2025 have made me become more aware of the “labor pains” in Matthew 24:8 – “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.” I began to think; this could have been said 50 or 60 years ago. What’s the difference? Like a mother in labor, they become stronger and closer together. The events that are unfolding have been happening for centuries, the only difference is, these events, wars, rumors of wars, immorality, etc., it’s just happening more frequently and in some cases more intensely. 

New Hope

But there is hope. Hope came in the form of a baby over 2000 years ago. We just celebrated His birth. Jesus came to be born as a baby, grow up and start His ministry, die on the cross, be buried, rise again and ascend to Heaven. He did all that for us while we were still sinners – Romans 5:8. Jesus’s death and resurrection, His blood that was shed is for us. But it’s only for those who acknowledge their need for a savior, who confess they are sinners and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  One day Jesus gather us up and we will meet Him in the clouds –

“Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:17

There’s our Hope. Then one day all this, the earth, all that we know here on planet earth will pass away –

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” – Matthew 24:35

Then God will create an new Heaven and new earth –

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.“ Isaiah 65:17

When I look back at the challenges and the state of our world, I am reminded of God’s sovereignty, His omniscience and His redemptive plan for us and all of His creation. It’s all in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation and all in between. It even tells us how it ends. (Read the book of Daniel if you want to read about what has been prophesied and what has already passed and what’s to come). Today we all have a choice. We can choose God, His plan of salvation and His Hope or not. It’s that

Anchored in Hope

Here we are, stepping into 2026. I’m not chasing perfect days or forcing resolutions—just staying anchored. Anchored in truth. Anchored in Hope. Anchored in Christ. Life will throw highs, lows, and everything in between, but He’s faithful, He’s present, and He is sovereign.

Stay focused. Stay present. Stay intentional. And above all, stay anchored—because that’s where real hope lives.