Inspirational Buckets

Hope

The Story Behind The Hope Bucket

Bucket of Blessings ™ was started in 2005 as an answer to God's call. The purpose He
intended was to spread His love to the world in a unique and simple, childlike manner.

Each one of the themes related to our Buckets was an answer to prayer as we
asked God to reveal the specific messages to share with others. Hope was one
of five themes that He placed upon our hearts. As with the other Buckets,
each was associated with a particular "cause" which we wanted to support.
Hope was naturally paired up with Breast Cancer research. Little did we know
back then how fitting that decision would be.

My partner Cathi and I worked according to God's will in establishing the ministry
of Bucket of Blessings™. It was in April of 2007 that the message of Hope hit home on
a very personal level as Cathi was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. For all the hope she
intended to spread with the Bucket ministry, she now found herself in need of a great
deal of Hope herself.

In honor of her journey, a new Hope Bucket was created. We share a tremendous
friendship with four families, and we looked to all of our combined children to
dig deeper into their hearts and portray in picture and print what Hope meant
to each of them. The results were beautiful and refreshing. God had
penetrated each of their souls and used them as instruments in a simple, yet
perfect way.

Thus the new Hope Bucket was born which includes a booklet containing all 10 of our children's
depiction of Hope. Above are two samples, representing the creativity of Cathi's two
amazing kids.

Enjoy this priceless creation - it is full of love from top to bottom. And we are
full of joy in announcing that Cathi's journey has been successful. She just
finished up the last of her treatments in late July and is eagerly getting back to
the new life God has blessed her and her family with.

Dear Lord,
Help me to never lose HOPE. For if I lose hope I have lost faith in you as these two gifts go hand in hand and cannot exist apart from one another. Help me to look at each moment of my life through the innocent eyes of a child and never stop dreaming. May I continue to grow in confident trust of the freedom that results in believing with all my heart that my dreams will come true.

AMEN

Peace

Can finding PEACE ever truly be a simple task? If we try to find it on our own accord, the answer is a resounding no.

"And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15

What about a child’s PEACE? They have a simple PEACE in their world just from knowing they are loved and cared for.

"Blessed are the peacemakers. For they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

When we can surrender to the truth that we are loved and cared for by God, especially when the world lets us down, we find a PEACE that resonates deep within our hearts.

"May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you His grace and peace." 1 Corinthians 1:3

Dear LORD,

I pray for PEACE that goes beyond understanding. A contentment that lies deep within my soul. Help me to turn my worries into prayers and may I always find solace in realizing your loving hand is holding mine as you guide me down the path you have made for me. AMEN

Thanks

Children are amazingly adept at giving THANKS for all that is around them.

"O Lord, you are my God, I will extol you and praise your name…" Isaiah 25:1

Children are thankful by nature because they don’t take things for granted.

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1

When we feel our heartstrings being tugged as adults, in big and small ways, this is when we can take a step back and see God in the experience.

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17

Dear LORD,

Thank you for the incredible gifts of love you have shown me through the role of others in my life. May I remember to always cherish the blessings that you have placed before me. Thank you for placing this person in my life as a reflection of your love. AMEN

Courage

Children don’t second guess what a loved one says...they simply have the COURAGE to trust and move on.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

We too have a Father who walks along side of us each day and holds our hand saying, "You can do it. I believe in you. I am always with you."

"Be not afraid, for I am with you..."
Isaiah 41:10

We ultimately get our COURAGE from having a friendship with God.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Dear LORD,

Help me to see and believe that all the courage I need at this time in my life is already deep within me. I realize that although this courage exists, I alone cannot free it from my soul. Empower me Lord.

Open my heart to feel your strength and my mind to understand your wisdom. For it is these two gifts which you freely give that will enable me to face any challenge that comes my way. AMEN

Wisdom

If we are to continue developing WISDOM in life, we must make a conscious choice within to obediently rely on the loving guidance of God and the truth of His Word.

"But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it." James 1:5

When upsetting circumstances come our way, it is vital to look at these times as opportunity for growth.

"The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have, get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

Jesus died on the cross for our sins – and in the process delivered us into childhood innocence once again. Let us be strong in Spirit as we seek the answers we need on our life journey.

"To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen" Romans 16:27

Dear LORD,

Please help me not to be wise in my own eyes, but through faithful obedience become completely reliant on you. For you alone provide all the guidance and protection I need. Instill in me your WISDOM so I may achieve my purpose and believe that all your answers lie deep within your Word. AMEN