Tag Archives: Hope

A Prayer for the Year Ahead

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A simple prayer for the year ahead—inviting God’s presence, guidance, and peace as we step into the unknown with trust and hope. Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer and faith, Spiritual Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Carrying God’s Comfort into the New Year

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

As the final Sunday of the year arrives, I reflect on a difficult season marked by loss, remembrance, and renewed clarity about what truly matters. Though much remains unresolved, I step into the new year with hope—anchored not in certainty, but in God’s faithful presence. This post looks back with gratitude, forward with trust, and invites us to journey into the year ahead grounded in faith, family, and love. Continue reading →

Posted in Faith Reflections, Seasons of Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God With Us

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A simple Christmas blessing celebrating the mystery of the Incarnation—God stepping into the world not with force or spectacle, but with humility and love. This short reflection reminds readers that Emmanuel has come, that God is present in both joy and grief, and that the Light has entered the darkness once and for all. A prayerful invitation to receive Christ’s peace and remember that we are deeply loved. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Christian encouragement, Christian Living | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Time Between

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

“The Time Between” invites readers to reflect on the sacred tension Christians inhabit between Christ’s first arrival and His promised return. Drawing from Delighting in Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu and the Advent themes of Hope and Peace, the post explores what it means to live in this “now and not yet” world—where victory has been won but not fully realized. Through Scripture, reflection, and prayer, readers are encouraged to anchor their hearts in Christ’s promises, embrace His peace amid the world’s chaos, and live as bearers of light during the Advent season. The post concludes with thoughtful questions for personal reflection throughout the week. Continue reading →

Posted in Advent Reflections, Biblical Reflections, Christian Living, Devotional Reflections, Faith & Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Really? Light and Momentary Troubles?

Posted on August 31, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Even when troubles feel unbearably heavy and endless, Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that they are “light and momentary” compared to the eternal glory God has prepared for us. By shifting our focus from what is temporary to what is eternal, we find strength to endure. A family travel story illustrates how overwhelming struggles can fade into perspective when seen against the backdrop of joy. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Christian Living, Eternal Perspective, Faith & Encouragement, Hope in Hardship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

A heartfelt reflection on loss, drawn from Job’s response to unimaginable suffering. Even in grief and uncertainty, we are called to trust the God who gives and takes away—and to cherish every moment with those we love. Continue reading →

Posted in Faith & Spiritual Growth, Grief & Loss, Scripture Reflections, Suffering & Hope, Trusting God in Hard Times | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Celebration, Part 3 – Resurrection

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In Part 3 of the “Celebration” Easter poetry trilogy, we move from grief to glory, from confusion to…confusion, but infused with resurrection. Jesus’ victory over death changes everything—including us. Come and celebrate the risen Savior, even when it doesn’t make sense. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study and Devotion, Biblical Characters, Biblical insights, Biblical Reflections, Biblical Teachings, Biblical Truth, Biblical Truths, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Faith, Daily Devotional, Devotional Reflections, Faith, Faith & Salvation, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Grace, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Spiritual Growth, Faith and Spirituality, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, Following Jesus, God's love, Grace and Redemption, Holy Week, Holy Week Reflections, Hope, Hope & Renewal in Christ, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Lent, Miracles, Personal Reflection, Poetry, Reflections, Scripture Reflections, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, The Way of Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hope of Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As we enter the season of Advent, we often find ourselves surrounded by messages of hope. It’s in the lights decorating our homes, the songs playing in stores, and even in the wishes of good cheer exchanged between neighbors. … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent & Christmas, Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Trust, Faith Reflections, God's love, God's provision, Hope, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Living in Uncertain Times, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Prayer and faith, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Give Thanks

Posted on November 10, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of gratitude. This holiday invites us to pause and consider all that we are thankful for, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Psalm 107 has been on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Christianity and Mental Health, Comfort and Healing, Contentment and Gratitude, Daily Devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilience, Faith and Resilliance, God's provision, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Life Challenges, Mental Health and Wellness, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Self-Improvement, Spiritual Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Reflection, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

After the Storm, Preparing for the Next One

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Introduction As you may know, Hurricane Helene passed through Florida, among other states, and on its way, it came near my home. Thankfully, we didn’t sustain any damage, but others around us weren’t as fortunate. It was a sobering reminder … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical insights, Biblical Teachings, Christian, Christian encouragement, Christian Living, Daily Devotional, Dependence on God, Faith, Faith and Dependence, Faith and Encouragement, Faith and Inspiration, Faith and Resilliance, Faith and Trust, Healing and Restoration, Inspirational, Jesus and the Gospel, Jesus's teachings, Life Challenges, Navigating Life's Challenges, Personal Reflection, Serving Others, Spiritual Growth, Trust in God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment