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My 'Hope' Tree

  • By: Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Jan. 26, 2012
  • 54 Comments
  • Joni's Posts

joni in front of her hope treeSecond Timothy 4:2 tells us to always be ready to give the Gospel both "in season and out of season." Actually, most of my life in this wheelchair has been living for Jesus during those 'out of season' times (when my disability gets difficult). The last few weeks, in fact, have been a little challenging with pain. But as I've wheeled out my front door every morning, God has brightened my spirits - I look across the street, and there it is: my Hope Tree.

Every year in late January when the weather is cold and rainy, ornamental pear trees always break into the most glorious, white, spring-like blossoms (here in California trees can blossom "out of season" and the ornamental pear tree is a great example). These lovely trees don't know that it's not Spring - they bloom no matter what the weather. And God calls you and I to do the same. I'm just happy I've got II Timothy and my neighbor's tree to remind me :-).

 
 

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54 Comments

 
Joni, Thanks for your posts. When I am down you have a way of picking me up. Thank you and Gods blessing. Please remember my grandson who had a diving accident a year and half ago that God will continue his healing and give him patience when it is going slow.
  • Jan. 31, 2012
  • 8:05 a.m.
  • Betty Chudleigh
Hopefully you are resting comfortably at this late hour, Joni... after 11 pm. You were on my heart in prayer and so I had to take a peek and see how you were doing. Thank you for always being like one of those trees in Psalm 1 - You are such an encouragement to so many of us. May the Light of the LORD brighten your path... may the peace of the LORD envelope you, and may the "Joy of the LORD be your strength." God has promised "As your days so shall your strength be." and IT WILL BE as you continue to abide in Him for "In His presence is fulness of joy!" With Love, Your sister in Jesus, Roxanne
  • Jan. 29, 2012
  • 11:07 p.m.
  • Roxanne Harris
I just thought of this(*) Joni and Friends could offer a magnet with this Hope Tree & Joni picture on it. (And story too.) I'd buy one♫ ...and put it on my metal door & it would remind me to pray for you to hope in Jesus. Lots of people got refrigerators too♫
  • Jan. 29, 2012
  • 9:13 p.m.
  • Leslie Dawn Neagle
You got my curiosity up Joni! Now I gotta read 2nd Timothy. God uses every drop of your life for good. Even your suffering. I love you Joni. Hugs from Carnation WA. BTW, I love blooming Cherry Trees, and my heart is longing for Spring☼ Thank you for your good news from a far country. (Proverbs 25:25) ...my turn:-)
  • Jan. 29, 2012
  • 9:07 p.m.
  • Leslie Dawn Neagle
Thank you for the reminder to bloom no matter where or what time it is! We need to embrace our Lord every day of our lives!
  • Jan. 29, 2012
  • 7:22 p.m.
  • Lisa
What a lovely story. Reminds me of how my Grandmother used to teach us of Jesus by using nature. One really stands out in my mind. We were walking down our dirt road and there was a rose bush growing wild and she stopped and told me to "really look at it". Of course I did not see what she did> She went on to explain" life is like that rose bush, full of thorns, blight, black spots and diseases. Do not let that stop you, always look at "the Rose" Himself and not at the troubles about you. And life will be beautiful."
  • Jan. 29, 2012
  • 7:07 a.m.
  • Rita Majetich
I work in a Catholic High School north of Toronto, Canada with the Special Needs kids. I am a believer and follower of Christ and going to work is my mission field to share God's love, not only with "our" students, but also with the general population who don't care about God at all. This past semester I had the privilege to work in a grade 10 religion class and the teacher always asked my input. I was able to share the gospel many times in many different ways with the entire class! I'm so thankful that Jesus is using me despite my weakness and fear. I trust Him, and am praying that some of my students will too.
  • Jan. 28, 2012
  • 6:23 p.m.
  • Paige Weber
shalom joni, i've read your story and found it very touching. i've been wondering if you are a descendant to jewish people.
  • Jan. 28, 2012
  • 9:34 a.m.
  • ruth
I really apriciate that!! keep believe because there is notthing imposible to our LORD. You may believe oneday there will be a very big miracle will happen in your life!!! because Jesus always have a plan for these who believe in him.
  • Jan. 28, 2012
  • 7:50 a.m.
  • Simon Alexis
I have also lived in pain for the last 10 years. And it seems that at that point in my life I accepted what was happening to me in the season. But had not accepted the whole picture. As as the pain started to get worst. Again I accepted the pain at that point. Over and over I would go accepting the pain at the level it was at. There are so many level of accepting that you can go through. But a dear friend of mine finally said out of love that you have to accepted the whole situation. Not one added pain. But the whole pain. They told me at the beginning of this journey. That this would become worst. And that what I have to accept. Which I have now since my friend told me and explained what I was doing. Also a friend told me of your blog. So now I receive you on a daily basic. It helps me to read your thought and by reading them it get me through the pain that I live with day in and day out. The pain is hard to live with. But your words make it easier on my thoughts. THANK FOR SHARING!!!!
  • Jan. 28, 2012
  • 5:32 a.m.
  • Deb Seem
 
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