Embracing Imperfect Holidays will help you save your sanity and find joy when Christmas doesn’t go as planned.
Let’s be honest: Christmas rarely goes exactly as we imagine. We picture cozy fireside moments, perfectly behaved children in matching pajamas, and a spread worthy of a magazine cover. But what actually happens? The cookies burn, the kids argue over who gets to put the star on the tree, and you end up eating pizza because the turkey didn’t defrost.
Sound familiar?
If this is your Christmas, you’re not alone. I think most of us experience an “imperfect” holiday in one way or another. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos or feel like we’ve somehow failed, I’ve learned that those messy, unexpected moments can hold the most meaning—if we let them.
Let’s look at how we can turn the hardest of situations into merry and joy while Embracing Imperfect Holidays.
The Reality of Embracing Imperfect Holidays
There have been Christmases when everything went wrong. Like the year I forgot to buy batteries for the kids’ toys (pro tip: always check the box!), or the time we got snowed in and had to cancel plans with family. Then there were heavier seasons, like the first Christmas after losing a loved one or when finances were tight, and gifts had to come second to paying the bills.
Those imperfect holidays were hard. But looking back, they also taught me something beautiful: Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some of my favorite memories come from those less-than-perfect years—when we laughed through the mishaps, leaned on each other, and focused on what matters.
Letting Go of the Pressure to Be Perfect
We live in a world that tells us everything has to look Instagram-worthy—the decorations, the dinner, even our family relationships. But chasing perfection will only leave you stressed and disappointed.
Here’s the truth: Nobody’s holiday is perfect. Behind every “picture-perfect” social media post is a toddler meltdown, a burned casserole, or a family disagreement. And you know what? That’s okay. Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, love. and most importantly, about remembering the gift of grace that came wrapped in swaddling clothes.
Find Joy in Imperfect Holidays
When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to feel discouraged. But those moments are often where the magic happens. For example, when your burnt cookies turn into a family joke or when canceled plans lead to a quiet evening of board games and hot cocoa,
Here are a few ways to embrace the imperfections and find joy this Christmas:
Reset Expectations: Let go of the pressure to have everything just right. Focus on what truly matters: being with the people you love, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying the quiet moments. Your kids won’t remember if the wrapping paper matched; they’ll remember how you made them feel.
Lean Into the Unexpected: When plans fall apart, look for opportunities to make new memories—snowed in? Build a blanket fort and watch Christmas movies. Burned the dinner? Order takeout and have a picnic under the tree. Embracing the chaos often leads to the best stories.
Honor the Hard Moments: If this season feels heavy—whether it’s grief, loneliness, or financial strain—give yourself permission to feel those emotions. It’s okay to acknowledge the hard while still finding joy in the small, meaningful moments. Light a candle for a loved one, start a new tradition, or focus on gratitude for what you have.
Remember the True Meaning of Christmas: When everything feels overwhelming, return to the season’s heart. Christmas isn’t about perfect meals, gifts, or decorations. It’s about love. It’s about grace. It’s about the Light that came into a broken, messy world to bring hope.
Connect With Others and Seek Support
If you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed, reaching out to loved ones—even briefly—can provide comfort.
Here’s how we can guide our children toward a healthy expression of gratitude:
Call or text a friend, family member, or support group.
Consider joining a community event or volunteering, as helping others fosters connection and joy.
Embrace Imperfect Holidays with Prayer
Staying present in the moment helps reduce anxiety and sadness during stressful times.
Try deep breathing, a mindfulness app, or journaling to stay present and calm.
Focus on sensory details: the smell of a meal, the sound of a child’s laughter, or the warmth of a blanket.
Wrapping It Up: A Christmas That’s Real, Not Perfect
This year, if your Christmas feels far from what you imagined, take heart. The beauty of the season isn’t in getting everything right; it’s in showing up, loving well, and finding joy in the imperfections. Embracing imperfect holidays isn’t easy, but it is possible.
So here’s to the burnt cookies, the last-minute gift wrap, and the moments that don’t go as planned. Here’s to the laughter, the love, and the grace that fills the gaps. And here’s to remembering that the very first Christmas wasn’t picture-perfect either—but it changed the world forever.
Praying for you to enjoy peace, joy, and all the beautifully messy moments this Christmastime.
How Humor Defuses Tense Parenting Moments. It is true using humor is something you can use everyday to reduce challenges between you and your child.
Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright overwhelming. From toddler tantrums to teenage sarcasm, the challenges can quickly turn into stress-filled moments. But here’s the good news: laughter can save the day! Humor isn’t just about making things funny—it’s a tool that can defuse tension, strengthen connections, and help you navigate even the trickiest parenting situations with grace and a smile.
Let’s look at how humor can turn those tense parenting moments into opportunities for connection, laughter, and growth.
Why Humor Matters in Parenting
Parenting is a high-stakes job, and it’s easy to feel the weight of trying to “get it all right.” But here’s the thing: you don’t have to be perfect to be a great parent—you need to show up, be present, and sometimes, laugh at the craziness of it all.
Humor lightens the load and reminds you (and your kids) that not every moment has to be so serious. When you bring laughter into the mix, you:
Break the tension under challenging moments.
Show your kids how to manage emotions positively.
Create shared memories that strengthen family bonds.
Let’s break down how humor works.
How Humor Defuses Tense Parenting Moments
Laughter Breaks the Tension
Humor is like a remote control that defuses stress and breaks the emotional cycle of frustration or anger. Whether your toddler is throwing a tantrum or your teenager is rolling their eyes at you, a well-timed joke or playful response can completely shift the mood.
Example: Your preschooler refuses to put on their shoes and plants themselves firmly on the floor. Instead of escalating, you grab the shoes, hold them up like they’re puppets, and say in a funny voice, “Uh-oh! These shoes are sad because they want to go on an adventure! Who’s going to take them out to explore today?” Before you know it, your child is giggling, and those shoes are on faster than you expected.
Humor Model Emotional Regulation
When you use humor to handle tense moments, you’re showing your children a positive way to deal with frustration. Instead of reacting with anger or stress, you’re demonstrating calm and creativity. Kids learn by watching, and your approach teaches them that it’s okay to pause and look for a lighter perspective.
Example: Your teenager sarcastically says, “Ugh, you’re so embarrassing.” Instead of taking offense, you reply with a smile, “Oh, just wait—my dance moves at soccer drop-off tomorrow will really seal the deal!” Cue laughter (and maybe a little cringing), and the tension melts away. 🙂
Humor Strengthens Parent-Child Bonds
When you laugh with your children, you’re creating shared moment that bring you closer. Those funny, silly moments remind your kids that you’re on their side, even when things get tough.
Example: Your child struggles with math homework and starts to get upset. You say, “I could help, but last time I tried, I think I broke the calculator!” Your lighthearted comment shifts the energy, and suddenly, tackling math doesn’t feel so overwhelming. Use something that your child can relate to.
Humor Redirects the Focus
Sometimes, all children need is a little distraction to help them reset. Humor offers a gentle way to redirect their attention away from frustration and toward something positive.
Example: Your toddler refuses to eat broccoli. Instead of forcing the issue, you say, “Did you know broccoli makes you run faster? Let’s see if it works!” Suddenly, the broccoli becomesI exciting, and dinner just got a whole lot easier.
Humor Helps You (the Parent!) Stay Calm
Let’s be honest: parenting can be tough. Humor doesn’t just help your kids—it helps you. Laughing at a challenging situation gives you the emotional distance to handle it with more patience and grace.
Example: Your toddler colors on the wall with crayons. Instead of panicking, you laugh and say, “Wow, you’ve got a real Picasso vibe going here! But let’s save the masterpieces for paper, okay?” Now, instead of spiraling into frustration, you’ve turned the moment into a manageable situation.
Tips for Using Humor Defuses Tense Parenting Moments
Read the Room: Not every moment calls for a joke. If your child is upset, validate their feelings before using humor.
Keep It Playful, Not Sarcastic: Avoid humor that could feel critical or mocking to your child.
Match Their Age and Personality: What makes a toddler laugh might not work for a teenager—adjust your humor accordingly.
Celebrate the Funny Moments: Keep a journal of funny things your kids say or do. These memories will bring joy for years to come.
Wrapping It Up: It’s Okay to Laugh:
Parenting is full of messy, frustrating, and downright ridiculous moments—but those moments are what make the journey so memorable. By using humor, you can navigate the chaos with a little more grace and a lot more joy.
So the next time your toddler refuses to wear pants, or your teenager gives you attitude, remember: it’s okay to laugh. In fact, it’s necessary. Because sometimes, laughter is the only thing keeping you sane—and it’s the glue that holds your family together.
What’s the funniest parenting moment you’ve had recently? I’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments or send me a message! Let’s laugh together and celebrate the beautiful chaos of parenting.
Enjoying the Holidays Without Stress is possible when we focus on meaningful traditions, manage finances, and enjoy the joys and challenges of the Christmas season.
Moms, I see you. The holidays are here, and with them comes all the excitement—and all the pressure. You’re juggling wish lists, meal plans, decorations, and family gatherings. It can feel like the weight of making the season magical rests entirely on your shoulders.
But what if, this year, you could let go of the stress? What if the holidays didn’t have to break the bank or your sanity?
Today, let’s discuss how to make that happen.
Here’s a simple, mom-tested plan for enjoying the holidays without stress or financial regret.
Shift Your Focus to What Truly Matters
The holidays aren’t about Pinterest-perfect decorations or a mountain of gifts under the tree. They’re about connection—being together, making memories, and showing love.
Take a deep breath and ask yourself: What do I want my kids to remember about this season?
The smell of cookies baking together in the kitchen.
Snuggling on the couch for a Christmas movie.
Laughing at the table during a family game night.
These are the moments that matter. Give yourself permission to let go of the rest.
Set a Budget and Stick to It
I get it—there’s always that temptation to buy “just one more thing” for your kids or say yes to one more holiday outing. But overspending now often leads to stress later.
Here’s how to take control:
Write down every holiday expense you can think of—gifts, food, travel, decorations.
Decide how much you can afford for each.
Commit to sticking to your budget.
Enjoying the Holidays Without Stress using these Money-Saving Ideas
Swap fancy gifts for heartfelt ones, like homemade photo albums or handwritten notes.
Plan simple, affordable meals your family loves.
Get creative with DIY decorations (kids love making paper snowflakes or garlands!).
Remember, your family doesn’t need “more stuff” to feel loved—they need you.
Manage Your Time and Reduce Your Stress
Moms, we’re so good at trying to do it all. But let’s be honest: no one remembers if the Christmas tree is perfectly symmetrical or if every gift is flawlessly wrapped.
Instead of chasing perfection, focus on creating joy.
These steps can help shift your perspective, restore a sense of control, and maintain emotional balance amidst chaos.
Plan a few meaningful traditions, like baking cookies, looking at holiday lights, or volunteering as a family.
Schedule time to rest—yes, rest!
Say “no” to activities that feel more like obligations than joy-bringers.
When we slow down, we make space for the little moments that matter most.
Simplify Gift-Giving
Gifts are wonderful, but they don’t need to overwhelm your budget—or your living room. Instead of buying for everyone, focus on thoughtful, meaningful giving.
Ideas to Keep It Simple
Encourage a family gift exchange or “Secret Santa” to limit the number of gifts.
Choose gifts with heart, like a framed family photo or a “coupon book” of experiences (a family movie night, breakfast in bed, etc.).
Teach your kids the joy of giving by donating toys or volunteering together.
Kids don’t need piles of presents to have a magical holiday—they need the security of love, laughter, and presence.
Enjoying the Holidays Without Stress Summary
This Christmas season, let’s stop striving for perfection and focus on what really matters: the Lord, connection, and gratitude.
Enjoying the holidays without stress is possible when you remember you don’t need to do more or spend more to make this season memorable for your family. You just need to be there. Be present. Be yourself.
God has equipped us to rise above the chaos and enjoy this holiday season without stress or overspending.
This is an important episode. In it, I share 3 Steps to Overcome Overwhelm that will bring you comfort, healing, and peace as you face all that’s happening in the world.
In today’s episode, I tackle a feeling we all know too well: overwhelm. Life can throw so much at us, whether it’s balancing work and family, managing our homes, or staying on top of commitments, and sometimes it just feels like too much. But here’s the good news—overcoming that overwhelming feeling is possible.
Today, I will walk you through three simple, practical steps to comfort your heart, find peace, and focus on what truly matters. Let’s explore these practical steps to help you move from feeling swamped to feeling steady and equipped for whatever life brings.
Step 1: Focus on What You Can Control
In times of global or personal chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by events beyond your control. A key to overcoming this is to focus on the small, manageable actions you can control. This could be establishing a daily routine, managing your time effectively, or even doing something positive for yourself or others. Shifting your attention from what’s outside your control to what you can influence gives you a sense of purpose and direction.
Example: Begin your day with a simple task like making your bed or planning a small, achievable goal. This creates a sense of accomplishment and structure, even when the world feels chaotic.
Step 2: Practice Grounding Techniques to Stay Present
Often, the feeling of overwhelm comes from worrying about an uncertain future. Grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment. Mindful breathing, meditation, or even engaging in physical activities like walking or stretching can reconnect you to your body and mind, allowing you to let go of spiraling thoughts about the future.
Example: When feeling overwhelmed, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise calms your mind by engaging your senses.
Step 3: Limit Exposure to Srreessful Information
In today’s hyperconnected world, constant exposure to stressful news or social media can fuel anxiety. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming information that heightens your stress levels. Instead, seek out uplifting content or focus on activities that nourish your mental and emotional health.
Example: Set specific times during the day when you check the news or social media, and limit your exposure outside of those times. Instead, use that freed-up time to read, practice a hobby, or connect with loved ones.
These steps can help shift your perspective, restore a sense of control, and maintain emotional balance amidst chaos.
Scripture to Meditate On
1. Focus on What You Can Control
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Matthew 6:34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
2. Practice Grounding Techniques to Stay Present
Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
3. Limit Exposure to Stressful Information
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Wrapping It Up: Overcoming Overwhelm is Possible
As we wrap up, remember that overcoming overwhelm is a journey—one you don’t have to navigate alone. Each small step you take to simplify, prioritize, and refocus brings you closer to a life of clarity and calm.
Embrace the changes slowly and celebrate each victory, knowing peace and purpose are possible.
God has equipped us with the tools to rise above the chaos and live each day confidently and intentionally. Take heart, stay hopeful, and know that you have the strength to overcome anything that comes your way.
As parents, we all know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by life’s challenges—work stress, financial pressures, or the chaos of the world around us. We may try our best to shield our children from it, but what many of us may not realize is how deeply our stress affects them. Children are highly attuned to our emotional states, and they often feed off the stress and anxiety we carry.
Let’s talk about how our stress affects our children and how we can help them manage their emotions, especially during difficult times.
Over the years, I’ve learned the better I am at managing my stress during chaotic moments, the calmer my children will be.
Children are Emotional Sponges
First, let me be clear: finding the good doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. There are real struggles, and it’s important to acknowledge them. I’ve been through my share of storms, literal and metaphorical, and I know how easy it is to feel weighed down by the burdens we carry. Whether it’s dealing with a financial crisis, health issues, or the heartbreak of strained relationships, we all have moments when life feels too heavy to bear. And in those moments, feeling frustrated, exhausted, and even hopeless is okay.
What Happens During Times of Chaos
God has taught me that finding the silver lining requires a shift in perspective. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not always easy. But when we intentionally start looking for the good—no matter how small—we begin to see it. Maybe it’s a lesson we’ve learned through the trial, a new strength we’ve discovered in ourselves, or a moment of kindness from someone who stepped in to help.
In my life, I’ve found that even in the toughest moments, there’s always something I can hold on to—a tiny flicker of hope that reminds me this hardship won’t last forever. It’s not about ignoring the pain or glossing over the challenges but rather choosing to focus on the growth that can come from them.
What Parents Can Do to Help Children During Stressful Times
Step 1: Model Emotional Regulation
One of the most powerful things we can do for our children is to model emotional regulation. Children learn by watching us, so when they see us handling stress in healthy ways—whether it’s through taking a deep breath, going for a walk, or simply talking calmly—they pick up on those behaviors.
It’s okay to admit when you’re stressed, but show them how you manage it. This is often easier said than done, but taking small steps to calm yourself can have a huge impact on your child’s sense of security.
Personal Tip
I know for me, when I feel the tension rising, I like to take a few moments to step outside and breathe. Sometimes that’s all it takes to reset. When my kids see me doing this, they start to understand that it’s okay to feel stressed, but we can also take steps to calm ourselves down.
Step 2: Communicate Calmly and Honestly
Children need reassurance during chaotic times, but they also need honesty. They don’t require every single detail about the situation, but they do need to feel that they are safe. This can be tricky because we don’t want to burden them with adult worries, yet we don’t want to leave them in the dark either.
Find a balance by explaining things in simple, calm terms. Let them know that it’s okay to feel upset or confused, and reassure them that you’re working on things and that they’re safe.
Example of What to Say
You might say something like, “Mom and Dad are figuring out some grown-up things, but you don’t need to worry about that. We’re doing everything we can to make sure everything will be okay.”
Step 3: Maintain Routine and Structure
In times of chaos, one of the best things we can do for our children is to maintain a sense of routine and predictability. Children thrive on structure because it gives them a sense of security. If their world feels unpredictable, they look to their daily routines to anchor them.
Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and other regular activities as consistent as possible. Even small rituals, like reading a bedtime story, can provide immense comfort in times of uncertainty.
Step 4: Encourage Open Conversations About Feelings
Children need a safe space to express their emotions, especially when the world around them feels confusing. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “Is something bothering you?” This lets them know that their feelings are valid and important.
It can be hard to hear that they’re upset, but giving them the opportunity to voice their concerns can help them process what they’re experiencing.
Example of a Gentle Conversation Starter
If you notice they’re quiet or acting out of the ordinary, you could say something like, “I noticed you seem a little off today. Is there something on your mind?” This invites them to share without pressure.
Step 5: Use Positive Distraction and Play
During chaotic times, children need healthy outlets for their emotions. Engage them in activities like drawing, playing outside, or building with blocks. Play can be an incredibly therapeutic way for children to express themselves and release tension.
These activities don’t just serve as distractions; they allow your child to process their feelings in a non-verbal, safe way. Plus, spending time with them in these moments reinforces your bond and lets them know that, even in chaos, they have your full attention.
Wrapping It Up: Setting the Emotional Temperature of the Home
As parents, we set the emotional temperature of our homes. If we’re constantly anxious, it’s hard for our children to feel calm. But by managing our stress in healthy ways and helping our kids process their emotions, we create an environment where they feel safe and secure—even when the world feels chaotic.
No one expects perfection, and it’s okay to have moments where you’re overwhelmed. What matters most is how we handle those moments and how we guide our children through them.
So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and know that by simply being mindful of your own emotions, you’re already taking important steps toward helping your child manage theirs.
I think we can all agree—these last few years haven’t been easy. We’ve all felt it, haven’t we? Holding Onto Hope can seem difficult. The weight of the world is pressing down, the uncertainty creeping in with every news report, the way it feels like we’re all just holding our breath, waiting for the next disaster. It’s a lot. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or maybe even scared, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you.
There’s something so human about wanting to protect the people we love from the chaos of the world, but what do we do when the world feels like it’s falling apart? How do we keep going when everything feels like too much? I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe this: even during the most challenging storms, there is still hope. There has to be.
Join me for a conversation about how to hold onto hope and find peace in turbulent times.
Feeling the Weight of the World
Let’s just start by acknowledging the truth: everything feels heavy right now. It’s not just in your head. You’ve been carrying so much, and it’s okay to admit it’s hard. Sometimes, we’re afraid to say it out loud because it feels like if we do, the weight might finally crush us. But the opposite is true—when we speak our fears, worries, and sadness, we begin to take away their power.
It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. And it’s okay to take a moment to say, “This is hard.” Because it is hard, you’re human. You’re not supposed to be able to handle all of this without feeling it. And you’re not alone in carrying it.
Turning Toward What You Can Control
When the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, one of the most powerful things we can do is focus on the small things we can control. I know it might not seem like much, but the most minor actions can help us feel grounded in times of chaos. Maybe it’s making your bed in the morning or taking a few moments of quiet with your coffee. Perhaps it’s choosing to turn off the news for a while and let your heart rest.
These small acts remind us that we still have agency and that we can still choose peace even when everything around us feels chaotic.
Finding Peace in the Present Moment
I know it’s tempting to worry about tomorrow, next week, or even next year, especially when the future feels so uncertain. But here’s the thing: all we truly have is right now. This moment. And if we can learn to come back to the present, even just for a few minutes, we can find a little peace amidst the storm.
Try this with me—take a deep breath, hold it for a second, and slowly let it out. Do that a few more times. Close your eyes if you want to. Feel your feet on the ground; feel the air filling your lungs. This moment, right now, is where you are. You are safe. You are loved. The world might be chaotic, but in this moment, you are okay.
Leaning On Others
When life feels too heavy, it’s natural to want to retreat, to pull away from people. But that’s when we need community the most. We need to lean on each other to remind ourselves that we don’t have to do this alone. Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend or sharing a meal with someone you love. Maybe it’s just sending a text that says, “I’m struggling today. Can we talk?”
We weren’t meant to carry this burden alone. And when we share it with others, it gets just a little bit lighter. We find strength in those connections, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Holding Onto Hope
I won’t lie to you—there are days when hope feels distant. But I’ve also found that hope has a way of showing up when we least expect it. Sometimes, it’s in a kind word from a friend, a quiet moment of reflection, or the beauty of a sunrise after a long night. Hope is what keeps us going, even when we don’t know what the future holds.
Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” And I believe that with all my heart. Even when things feel hopeless, light is still there, waiting to be found.
A Final Word on Holding Onto Hope
I want to remind you of something important: you are strong. You’ve carried so much already, and while I wish I could tell you the hard times are over, what I can tell you is this—you are not alone. We are in this together. And together, we will get through it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, take a breath. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Reach out to someone you trust. And remember, even in the midst of chaos, peace is possible. It might not come all at once, but it comes in moments—moments where we choose love over fear, hope over despair, connection over isolation.
Albert Einstein said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Understanding ourselves, our emotions, and the people around us is where peace begins. So let’s keep seeking it together.
Wrapping Up Holding Onto Hope
In an increasingly overwhelming world, it’s easy to feel the weight of disasters, unrest, and political turmoil. This blog acknowledges that heaviness and offers heartfelt advice on how to find peace amidst the chaos. We can find moments of peace by focusing on what we can control, grounding ourselves in the present, leaning on others, and holding onto hope. The blog’s message is simple: you are not alone; together, we will get through these difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of understanding ourselves and others as the foundation for peace.
Quote: ”Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” — Albert Einstein
Scripture for Holding Onto Hope:
Jeremiah 29:11“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.”
Isaiah 41:10“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 46:1“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Philippians 4:6-7“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Lamentations 3:22-23“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Romans 15:13“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
1 Peter 5:7“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Joshua 1:9“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Matthew 11:28-30“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
