Restoring Hearts Blog

“Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not.” Oswald Chambers Everyone experiences adversity at one time or another in their lives. Disappointments, loss, unmet expectations, or our life story not turning out the way we had hoped, are just a few of the troubles we encounter. Even though we may not understand what God is up to or why He’s allowing the trial to take place, we can still trust Him. Trust doesn’t have to do with our circumstances or even the outcome. Trust ha

“The diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials.” Anonymous One of the best ways I learn, is by watching others walk through life. I am grateful for the godly group of women with whom I pray with. Observing their lives during adversity has taught me how to handle trials. And likewise, the psalmist David, instructs me in Psalm 13 on what to do when hard times come. David does not live in denial of his tribulation, nor does he ignore his e

“I must first have the sense of God’s possession of me before I can have the sense of His presence with me.” Watchman Nee I love reading the account of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37-50. Even though many undeserved trials happened to him, he never took on the role of a victim. Because Joseph loved the Lord, he lived his life with integrity, faithfully devoted and obedient to God. The result: God’s presence was with him. Genesis 39 expounds on what occurred when God was with Jo

“I refuse to sacrifice the revelation that God is always good on the altar of human reason because of my need to make sense of my seemingly unanswered prayer.” Bill Johnson “God is good.” I received this response from friends when they heard my cancer was contained and no further treatment was needed after surgery. I am humbled by God’s goodness and kindness He displayed and I’m grateful for the best case scenario. But what if my cancer story had not turned out that way? Woul

“…It’s not the resolution of circumstances, but the evolution of character, that God is after. And the worst circumstances often produce the best character…” Mark Batterson There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to bring life into clearer focus, like turning knobs on a binocular. It causes you to be grateful for what you do have, rather than be bitter for what you lack. Cancer brings things into perspective and pushes true priorities to rise to the top of your life, similar

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.” Unknown We all experience winter seasons in our lives when adversity stares us in the face. A few weeks ago I wrote about what seeds not to plant within your heart because if you do, hopelessness will be harvested. Today’s post is about which seeds to plant so that your heart produces hope even while a winter season is raging all around you. Plant these seeds: 1. Grieve your loss. Get the pain out. Acknowle