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Dave Brubeck Honored at Kennedy Center

Posted by John Richeson on December 29, 2009 at 8:30pm

I was in the 7th Corps with Catherine, Mr. Brubecks daughter. We had a fun time and she had a great sense of humor. One of my fondest memories was hitchiking with her from Emporia to Headquarters. (She has her fathers constant smile.) We were from completely opposite backgrounds which made it all the more fun. I once met her famous father Dave Brubeck when he came for a visit to Emporia one parents weekend.

Tonight, her father, Dave Brubeck, was honored at the Kennedy Center along with the likes of Robert DeNiro, Mel Brooks and Bruce Springsteen. It was also Mr. Burbecks 89th birthday. I looked for Catherine but did not see her. I'm sure she was back stage and surely got to meet some of these awesome honorees and including President and Mrs Obama who were also sitting with the honorees. As I understand it they are big fans of his jazz.

Here is an excerpt from the evening. Catherines brothers are featured. They used to play with their father.

The Good People of Ennis

Posted by Diane (Trosclair) Luebbers on December 20, 2009 at 4:37pm

THE GOOD PEOPLE OF ENNISIt was rumored that Saturday would be a gorgeous fall day. Temps were supposed to soar into the 70's today- unusual, I thought, for Montana, but then, I’d just moved here from Virginia a few months ago. What did I know? I did know that everything I'd ever read or heard about trout fishing decried this being a productive day to catch trout, but as usual, I cast all common sense aside and decided to go up to Ennis to fish the Madison anyway.After packing the car and fueling up, I head out of Bozeman toward Ennis. I never get tired of that drive. That big blue sky that stretches on forever and those purple mountains in the distance always makes it hard to keep my eyes on the road that weaves and curves through the golden foothills of Madison County.I am so excited - I just KNOW today will be THE day - the fishing trip I'd talk about all winter long - the day I'd catch my first BIG Brown trout - a monster- a hog - a football-sized mammoth like my co-worker, a resident of Ennis and an expert fly fisherman, so casually brags about catching all the time, though I suspect some of this talk is just to torture me.The Madison suddenly appears off to my right, then to my left. Those sparkling, cobalt blue waters never cease to enchant and enthrall me. Today, I smiled, today's the day.I roll into Ennis around noon and in spite of my plans to spend the next seven hours on the river, I can't resist the tiny main street's charm. What can I say? I’m a woman. Shopping first, then fishing. First stop, Buckboard Mercantile, a wonderful shop full of great antiques. I chat for awhile with the two sisters that own the place and ask if they sell used fly fishing gear. They don't, but kindly recommend the store across the street, Nearly New, as a place I might be able to find what I was looking for. As we chat, we hear a siren go off and an ambulance speeds past the front window of the store. The sisters look at each other and voice their concern that someone must have been injured in a car accident.Thirty minutes later, I'm buying a pair of used Orvis hip waders at Nearly New from two more, kind, helpful ladies. Another siren wails, another ambulance speeds by the front window. Two ambulances? Again I see concern in the faces of the good people of Ennis over the possibility that someone they know might be hurt.I finish checking out and look at my watch. 12:30! What am I doing still hanging around town? I need to get to the river, daylight is wasting! I say my goodbyes but for some reason decide to get their phone number before I leave. Prices are good; maybe they'll have more fishing gear come through the doors sometime soon.I get in my car and point it toward my destination - next stop, Burnt Tree fishing access! Then I feel my stomach rumble. Hmmm. If I don't eat something, I'll be starving on the river. I pull into a parking spot and sit down at a table in Nugget Kelly's. Another siren wails, another ambulance speeds by. What is going on anyway??? Has there been some horrific pile up that they need three ambulances? What are the chances of that out here in the middle of nowhere?I look over at the couple sitting nearby, the expressions on their faces echoing my fears. A polite, blonde waitress walks up to my table and serves my eggs and toast, just as yet another ambulance speeds by, lights flashing. This time, something is very different. It takes me a minute, and then it dawns on me. No siren. What the hell? I sit there shaking my head, and then look over at the other couple again. They haven’t a clue either.All of a sudden the pieces click together in my brain and I break into a smile and laugh out loud. Ennis couldn’t possibly have more than one ambulance. It must have been the same ambulance every time!“Must be a drill!” I say. “Probably so many calls from the locals, they had to turn the sirens off.” The other couple nods and smiles in relief, then returns to their lazy Saturday breakfast.Twenty minutes later I'm FINALLY pulling into Burnt Tree fishing access. I park and start pulling on my gear. A man holding a trash bag walks by picking up trash and tidying up the access area.“Which way should I go?” I ask.The man pauses and smiles. “Are you Diane?” he asks.WOW! The good people of Ennis are amazing. Not only are they kind, and friendly, and concerned about the welfare of their neighbors, but somehow they know who I am!!!“Uh, yes,” I reply, totally dumbfounded.He walks up and shakes my hand. “I'm David.”“Oh! Yes! David!” I had just recently met David, a resident of Ennis and a member of the Madison River Foundation, at the Ennis Fly Fishing festival a few weeks ago. We chat a few minutes and then he points out a few choice spots for me to fish. Soon after, I head toward the river, vibrating with anticipation. I just KNOW I'm going to catch a monster Brown now! How lucky to run into David and have him personally steer me to the right places to fish!The scenery is spectacular - more blue Montana sky than I could ever wish for, fall's fiery yellows and oranges on the trees near the river, the omnipresent purple-gray mountains in the distance. The surface of the water sparkles with the fierce intensity of a million diamonds, blinding me with its brilliance as I make my way to the river’s edge.As I near the first fishing spot, I see the tantalizing rings of rising trout feeding on the surface. YES! This is gonna be great! I move into position and make a few awkward casts into the strong wind. No success. Several flies and a half hour later, I realize I am going to have to get in a better position.Just as I am about to move, a deer bounds out of the woods upstream from me and crashes into the shining, liquid-silver waters. In the blinding sunlight, all I can see is its black silhouette as it splashes across the river and bounds off across the fields on the other side. I shake my head in disbelief. Does anyone here ever get used to all this breathtaking beauty? Do they ever take it for granted? I fervently hope not.A half hour later, I'm still at the same place, vainly trying to get those blasted fish to take my fly. I know the guides all tell me to cast a few times and keep moving, but I don't want to. I'm comfortably ensconced, I know there's fish here, and I hate spending all my time moving around when I could just sit here and enjoy the scenery and wait for these fish to forget I'm here. But I'm not catching any fish. All right, all right! I grumble. The damn guides say move, so I'll move.I climb off the comfortable rock I've been sitting on, and try to cross the river. It didn't seem very deep - thigh high. I can do this, I tell myself. Just go slow. Even slow doesn't cut it. Before I realize what hit me, I lose my footing and plunge into the river. Even with the temps in the 70's the water is shockingly cold. I try to regain my footing and fall again, and this time, the river starts to carry me downstream. Now I start to panic, all the horror stories coming to mind, all the reasons I shouldn't fish alone. The third time I lose my footing I fall forward, plunging chest first into the cold river. Now my Madison River baptism is complete. I am sitting neck deep in the river, water pouring into my waders, wet, head to toe, inside and out. Finally I stagger to my feet and lurch and stumble until I reach shallow water.Now what? After I get over being shocked and scared, I get mad. I'm soaked head to toe, it's only early afternoon and I haven't caught my big Brown yet. I slosh and stumble my way down the river until I can climb out and make my way to my car.I could change clothes and go back out, I thought. Only one problem: I had another shirt to change into, but no other pants. I was starting to get chilled, so I took a quick look around and seeing no one, whip off my shirt and pull a dry one out of the trunk of my car. Just then I look up and to my horror see a drift boat with three fishermen cruise right past me. I squeal with embarrassment and duck down, then quickly peer around the back end of the car. The fishermen had all politely averted their faces as they drifted by, pretending they hadn't just seen a woman disrobe right in front of them.I had to laugh. The good people of Ennis again! But I'm still soaked from the waist down. What to do? Give up on my big Brown waiting for me out in the river? No way! Hey! What about that resale store, Nearly New? Their sign said they closed at 4 pm and it's 10 till 4 right now. I whip out my cell phone and dig out the scrap of paper from my bag and dial the number. After two rings, someone answers and I hastily explain my situation.“No problem,” she says, “We'll hold the store open for you.”I drive back into town and soon I am dressed in clean, dry clothes again, thanks to the kind ladies at Nearly New. Since I’m already in town, I stop at the Reel Decoy for dinner. Another polite, blonde waitress (is everyone blonde here?) smiles and clucks her sympathy over my recent dunkings as she serves me dinner.I finally do end up back on the river, and fish until just before dark, but still no monster trout. It is getting dark. I am alone. The water is deep enough and fast enough that I’m concerned about what could happen if I fall in again. Just one more cast. Then I'll call it quits. I tie on a big stimulator and make a cast. The fly floats slowly into a side eddy. Nothing. Trying not to be bitterly disappointed, I start to strip my line, when suddenly, I feel a pull going the other way. Holy cow! Fish on! After only a few minutes I land my only fish of the day. Not the whopper I'd anticipated, this little seven-inch Brown still looks beautiful to me. I hunch over close to the dark flowing waters, admire the little guy for a few minutes, then release him to live another day.I came, I saw, I caught a fish. Does it really matter how big he was? I had a marvelous day on a magnificent river and got to meet some of the good people of Ennis.

Cancer Fighting Superfoods

Posted by Cheryle Geiger on December 19, 2009 at 7:20am

Cancer Fighting SuperFoods, By Rebecca Katz, MSCancer Fighting SuperFoods.. What to Eat Before, During and After ChemotherapyBy Rebecca Katz, MS (Some information added by Cheryle Geiger, V.P. oilMD)Commonweal Cancer Help ProgramSome people experience virtually no side effects from cancer chemotherapy, but this is rare. Most patients report at least some problems, including nausea, fatigue and diarrhea during the treatment.Reason: The drugs that are used in chemotherapy are designed to kill fast-growing cancer cells. But they also damage fast-growing healthy cells, particularly in the mouth, digestive tract and hair follicles.Good nutrition is critical if you’re undergoing chemotherapy. It’s estimated that up to 80% of cancer patients are malnourished. People who eat well before and during chemotherapy tend to have fewer side effects. They also are more likely to complete the full course of therapy than those who are poorly nourished and may feel too sick to continue.What to do…Load up on nutrient-rich foods.In the weeks before chemotherapy, patients should emphasize nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes. The high nutrient load of a healthy diet helps strengthen healthy cells so that they’re better able to withstand and then recover from the effects of chemotherapy.Good choices…Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and Swiss chard. They’re high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lutein and other phytonutrients. These compounds help minimize the damaging effects of free radicals, tissue damaging molecules that are produced in large amounts during chemotherapy. Kale is particularly good because it contains indole-3-carbinol that has anticancer properties.Olive Oil, like green vegetables, is high in antioxidants. It’s one of the best sources of oleic acid, an amega-9 fatty acid that strengthens cell membranes and improves the ability of the immune system to fight cancer cells. I like extra –virgin olive oil because it has been exposed to the least heat. (Found at a great price at Trader Joes)Garlic, The National Cancer Institute reports that people who eat garlic regularly seem to have a lower risk for intestinal and other cancers, including breast cancer. The strong-tasting sulfur compounds in garlic, such as allicin, have strong antiviral and antibacterial effects important for chemotherapy patients because they’re susceptible to infection. Best way to prepare it is to smash it and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the antiviral properties to become more accessible, then chop and cook.Increase protein, It’s the main structural component of muscle and other tissues. People who undergo chemotherapy need large amounts of protein to repair tissue damage that occurs during the treatments.Recommended: About 80 grams of protein daily. That’s nearly double the amount that healthy adults need. Cancer patients who increase their protein about a week before chemotherapy, and continue to get extra protein afterward, recover more quickly. They also will have more energy and less fatigue.Try this: Two or more daily smoothies (made in a blender with juice or milk, a variety of fresh fruits and ice, if you like) that are supplemented with a scoop of whey powder. The protein in whey is easily absorbed by the intestine. And most people can enjoy a nutrient rich smoothie even when they have nausea or digestive problems related to chemotherapy.Drink to reduce discomfort. Stay hydrated both before and after chemotherapy sessions to reduce nausea. Drink liquids until your urine runs clear if it has more than a hint of yellow, you need to drink more.Helpful: Soups and broths provide water, as well as protein, minerals and vitamins. (Organic chicken or beef broth at Trader Joe’s)Avoid your favorite foods two days before treatments. It’s common for chemotherapy patients to develop food aversions when they get nauseated from treatments and then to associate the nausea with certain foods. It’s sad when people develop aversions and can never again enjoy their favorite foods.Eat lightly and frequently. People tend to experience more nausea when the stomach is empty. During and after “chemo days,” keep something in your stomach all the time but not too much. Patients do better when they have a light snack such as Sautéed vegetables or a bowl or broth, than when they go hungry or eat a lot at one sitting.Treat with ginger. When your stomach is upset, steep three slices of fresh ginger in a cup of simmering water for 10 minutes,Then drink the tea. Or grate fresh ginger with a very fine grater, such as a Microplane, and put the shavings under your tongue. Ginger alleviates nausea almost instantly. Also you can use the oilMD’s GingerMD roller ball frequently throughout the day.Overcome “metal mouth.” The drugs used in chemotherapy can damage the nerves that control the taste buds. Some people complain about a metallic taste in their mouths after treatmentsOthers notice that foods taste “flat” or that their mouths are extremely sensitive to hot or cold.These changes, known as transient taste changes, usually disappear a few weeks (or, in some cases, months) after treatments, but they can make it difficult for people to eat in the meantime.Helpful: The FASS method. It stands for Fat, Acid, Salt and Sweet. Most people will find that it’s easier to enjoy their meals, and therefore ingest enough nutrients, when they combine one or more of these elements in every meal.For fat, add more olive oil than usual to meals…lemons are a good source of acid…sea salt has less of a chemical aftertaste than regular salt…and maple syrup gives sweetness with more nutrients (including immune building manganese and zinc) than table sugar.Try kudzu root. Used in a powder form to thicken sauces, puddings and other foods, it soothes the intestine and can help prevent diarrhea. You also can dissolve one teaspoon of kudzu root in one teaspoon of cold liquid and drink that. Drink after meals, as needed. Kudzu root is available in most health food stores.Soothe mouth sores with soft, easy-to-eat foods, such as granitas (similar to “Italian ices”) or smoothies. The sores can be intensely painful, which makes it difficult to eat.Recommended: Watermelon ice cubes. Puree watermelon,And put it in a tray to freeze. Then suck on the cubes. The cold acts like a topical anesthetic you can numb the mouth before eating a regular meal. And the juice from the melon is just as hydrating as water but provides extra nutrients, including the antioxidant lycopene.Tags: antioxidants, aromatherapy, Cancer, cancer help, chemotherapy, Diet, diseases, essential oils, free radicals, ginger, oilMD, organic greens, preventative medicine, superfoods, wellness

One of the special joys of this season of the year is music that stirs the soul with its glorious melodies and inspirational lyrics. I have compiled a Top Ten List of Christmas Spirituals which has an

Posted by Lonnell Johnson on December 17, 2009 at 7:33pm

One of the special joys of this season of the year is music that stirs the soul with its glorious melodies and inspirational lyrics. I have compiled a Top Ten List of Christmas Spirituals which has an introductory discussion of spirituals and their origins in the South, and I make a local connection with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. You can read some background information on each of the 10 songs and listen to a performance at the end of each article. Here is the link:http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20264-Columbus-Christian-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m12d5-Top-10-Christmas-SpiritualsHere are some additional Christmas songs that might also be a blessing:http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20264-Columbus-Christian-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m12d14-The-12-days-of-Christmas-a-deeper-meaning-to-the-familiar-song http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20264-Columbus-Christian-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m12d13-O-Tannenbaum-O-Christmas-Tree http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20264-Columbus-Christian-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m12d10-Up-on-the-housetop-a-local-connection-to-the-familiar-carol http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-20264-Columbus-Christian-Spirituality-Examiner~y2009m12d10-Who-is-he-in-yonder-stall-another-Hanby-Christmas-song

The Fourth Man

Posted by Steve Burch on December 16, 2009 at 7:00am

During the Advanced Class at Emporia in 1975 (and I'm sure many other times) Dr. Wierwille played this teaching by Oral Roberts. Even though the theology isn't quite right, it was pretty exciting. His passing yesterday caused me to find it on the web.PS. When I got home from the Advanced Class I tuned in Oral on Sunday morning TV. Unfortunately he had become a different man by that time, but I am blessed that he taught this.The Fourth Man

From Here to There: Reflections on Psalm 133

Posted by Lonnell Johnson on December 9, 2009 at 4:46pm

photo credit: http://www.toastmasters.org/OtherImages/DrivingDirections_1.aspx

Earlier this morning as I was reflecting upon a recent teaching related to Psalm 133 and the unfolding of the breathtaking beauty of unity. As I re-examined a poem that I had just completed, I thought of other poetry I had written related to striving to “get there”, to scale Mount Zion to arrive at the place of everlasting blessing. I also recall a prophetic word from Al Thomas who touched upon the same topic a few years ago. Finally a couple of songs also came to mind, as I recognize that God is always speaking, that God is never not speaking. When I hear these two songs in my “inner ear,” I hear what I believe God is speaking to me at the time.The first song I thought of was “I’ll Take You There” the inimitable version by Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, with its refrain that indicates the possibility of reaching a place where there are “no smiling faces, lying to the races.” Even beyond the purest aspirations of the Civil Rights movement or any human efforts to attain unity and harmony in daily living, is the desire to dwell together in peace expressed in Psalm 133 which the song brings to mind:

Here is an excerpt from an excellent word of exhortation and encouragement from Al Thomas regarding God’s desire that we also reach that place of sublime communion with one another and with Him. Indeed God will take us from “here to there,” Here are the concluding comments he makes. To read the entire prophetic word click here.”God Said, "YOU'VE BEEN HERE WAY TOO LONG, I WANT TO TAKE YOUTHERE--GET READY""There ahead of you is your destiny," says the Lord. "The hope, thedream and the fulfillment of My promise--it's simply staring you inthe face! Here, is where you are now, but how you conduct yourselftoday has everything to do with where I will take you tomorrow--Mythere. Extend My grace to others when you least feel like doingso--it will prepare you to go from here to there. Determine that youare serious to get to My there for you (Luke 9:62). You will getthere by serving Me in the here and now (1 Corinthians 10:21, James 1:8)."Are you serious about the vision you are following? If so, thenbuild in the now (here) for what I have shown you in the future(there). If you are faithful in little, here, I will give you muchthere (Luke 19:17). Use the compass of praise, private prayer andundaunted searching in My word to guide you and keep you on course(Mark 4:14-20)."Be faithful today--tomorrow is almost upon you, and it is nearlytime to take you from here to there. Look up, it's approaching andyou are about to leave here and arrive there--right where I've beenwaiting for you. Pack up, say goodbye, and prepare to leave here forthere. My command is coming for many to move out--out there.""Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

In the poem “Deeper” I express my desire for God to “take me there,” as I strive for deeper intimacy:Deeper

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;All Your waves and billows have gone over me.Psalm 42:7

There is a place I long to be.There is a face I long to see,And in that place your face I’ll seeWhen I behold the glory of your presence for all eternity.But until then I strive to reach the pinnacle set before me,As I walk in power to see miracle after miracle, for your gloryAnd fight the good fight for deeper intimacy.I shall follow closely all your ways that take me there.Take me there, take me there, take me there.Here I am, show me how to get from here to there.Until I get there, where the air is rare,where I have ever longed to be,I shall relentlessly pursue you to findand abide in deeper and deeper intimacy,To find and abide in deeper and deeper intimacy.To get from “here to there” on the surface, seems such a simple process: you simply go! On the journey, however, one encounters obstacles, pitfalls, diversions, distractions and all kinds of set-backs. At times it seems as though “you can’t get there from here.” I respond to that notion as I encourage myself along this tedious journey called life with this poem:When at Last I Get There

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behindand reaching forward to those things which are ahead,14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward callof God in Christ Jesus.Philippians 3:13-14

Despite constant reminders to the contrary,I know in my soul that I can get there from here.Someday I shall see the place of my destinyAnd worship before the throne of God and serve thereWhen at last death is swallowed up in victoryAnd war and strife, poverty and disease have ceased.In this place true believers dwell in unity.Redeemed from sin, restored and made righteous; released,Set free from bondage to savor sweet liberty,To bask in the fullness of God’s glory and grace.His favor and everlasting goodness increasedBeyond measure, as the champions finish the raceTo stand under the banner of Judah’s lionWhen at last I get there, when I reach Mount Zion.God ever sets before us pictures of possibilities. The glorious portrait of harmony and communion of the highest degree is set before us in Psalm 133 which inspired another poem with a similar theme:From Here to There

Behold, how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together I fron unity!It is like the precious oil upon the head,Running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron,running down on the edge of his garments.It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion;For there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore.Psalm 133:1-3

The final phase of life’s journey from here to there,Yearning to return to Eden, beyond the placeOf the first promise spoken to all who would hearAnd receive the fullness of the measure of graceAnd know the never-ending flow of perfect peace:Where perfect love has triumphed to cast out all fear;Where all shall dwell in harmony and wars shall cease;Where there shall be no night for the Lamb of God is near;Where our joy shall never wane but only increase;Where we know intimacy far beyond Hebron;Where our raptured souls shall find rest and sweet releaseIn endless afterglow of sublime communion;Where we know the everlasting blessings of unityAs we dwell in Zion for all eternityFinally my most recent reflections on Psalm 133 not only reinforced the message of earlier poetry based on that scripture, but I recognized the application of that particular scripture to my life, as a member of the Body of Christ, whereby we are all exhorted to “endeavor to keep the unity of the faith in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3). I summarize my thoughts in this recent work:How Good and How PleasantPsalm 133Ephesians 4:3I now behold how good and how pleasant it isFor brethren to dwell together in unity.To commune together beyond the highest blissI strive to arrive at the place of my destiny.Though small as a tiny grain, I add my measure:A small amount multiplied in the Master’s hands.In seeking to arouse the Father’s good pleasure,I walk uprightly and follow as He commands.May I come together to be of benefitAs one who adds favor but never takes nor dividesNow I see that God is faithful—His Word explicit:In unity everlasting blessing abides.As brethren we must come together to increaseThe unity of the faith in the bond of peace.I conclude my discussion with a final musical selection, a benediction of sorts, a message from the Father, by way of Oleta Adams, relating this reminder: “I don’t care how you get there. Get there, if you can.”

"I'm gonna dance with the girl I brung..."

Posted by John and Janet Ruiz on November 30, 2009 at 5:00pm

I was thinking this last week or so about a blog related to the season, writ some scrits, saved it to draft and lo it has gone the way of all flesh, albeit before it's time I think, as is so often the case with many things. Gone but not forgotten, to these eyes at any rate. So here I sit, pondering the words that might best capture what was on my mind at the time and more importantly what's on my mind now. Cracking the mental knuckles...here goes....As the last few days wound down I determined to wind up some sweet tunes and ran across this one, a rollicking rendering of the song "What a Life" by Mike Finnegan. This song kind of says it all for me, he's tellin' the story pretty clear and clean. Should anyone run across this blog I highly recommend giving it a listen and a watch. It's good for what ails you and if nothing does it will surely add to that fine state of health and happiness you currently enjoy.I'm enjoying some of each today. It's been a great last few days. Family and friends in abundance, and barely tapped the keg in either category. Still, it all rings nicely in the ol' ears. I doubt I could be any more thankful at this point, for all good things everywhere. Thankful.I believe every note of the songs I've sungI'm gonna dance with the girl I brung......Cause it's my life, my great big life!What a life, what a life.What a life, what a life, my life.It's the omly one that I got and I sure do love it a lot.What a life!

Rejoice in Hope

Posted by Lonnell Johnson on November 30, 2009 at 2:36pm

The times in which we are living can be oppressive and troubling. As the Scriptures reveal, “perilous times” or “times difficult to deal with” shall come. Indeed, these dark and difficult days are here. As we confront the darkness and overwhelming despair, we must position ourselves to move in the opposite spirit or go in the opposite direction. To counter the toxic effects of the deadly element of despair, we must take a double dose of our antidote which is hope, defined as the expectation of a future good. Again as we go to the Word of God, we find out that God is our hope.Psalm 42 verses 5 and 11 offer this marvelous reminder as to what to do when we encounter despair and we are “feeling low”:Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me?Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.

Indeed, God is the center of the hope of our lives, as revealed in 1 Peter 1:20-21:It is true that He was chosen and foreordained (destined and foreknown for it) before the foundation of the world, but He was brought out to public view (made manifest) in these last days (at the end of the times) for the sake of you.Through Him you believe in (adhere to, rely on) God, Who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him honor and glory, so that your faith and hope are [centered and rest] in God.>

Once again the Psalmist reiterates the source of hope for the worldPsalm 65:5By fearful and glorious things [that terrify the wicked but make the godly sing praises] do You answer us in righteousness (rightness and justice), O God of our salvation, You Who are the confidence and hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off on the seas;

Psalm 71:5For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence. >

Psalm 119:116Uphold me according to Your promise, that I may live; and let me not be put to shame in my hope! >.

Psalm 130:5-6I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning.

Hope counteracts thoughts of despondency, when we recognize that hope is a joyful and confident expectation, so defined in the Amplified Bible in a number of different verses. Though we are confronted with challenges on every hand, even in the face of death itself, we still have hope:2 Corinthians 1:9-10Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the [very] sentence of death, but that was to keep us from trusting in and depending on ourselves instead of on God Who raises the dead.[For it is He] Who rescued and saved us from such a perilous death, and He will still rescue and save us; in and on Him we have set our hope (our joyful and confident expectation) that He will again deliver us [from danger and destruction and draw us to Himself],

In the midst of difficult situations, we reflect upon the goodness of God who has been faithful in past instances, and the Word of God assures us of His steadfast love, as we rejoice in hope, so expressed in this poem:Rejoice in Hope>

Rejoice in our confident hope.Be patient in trouble,and keep on praying.Romans 12:12 (NLT)>

And we now truly know God is able to doExceedingly and abundantly above allThat our finite minds can ask or could even think.He uplifts and strengthens us each time that we fall.Our paths lead to disaster, to the very brink.Despite delays and setbacks, His Word is still true:God is faithful to His promise; He will come through.When life begins to unravel, we may ask whyThe fulfillment of His will seems to be delayed.All those who call on Him, He will never deny.We are assured He will reward all who have obeyed.Our faithful God is not a man that He should lie.Through every trial, we are covered by the Blood,We rejoice in hope, knowing that the Lord is good.Despite overwhelming circumstances that could easily lead to despair, we learn to “Trust His Heart” as this song so beautifully relates:

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