My word and verses for 2011

A fellow blogger I know always has a word and a verse for the year to help her in setting goals for the year.  I decided that this year I would do the same.  So I started thinking about what my word should be, and what relevant Bible verses I could  find.  In one of my previous posts I mentioned that I have great hope that this year will be better than the last.  Since I wrote that post, I've been seeing the word "hope" all over the place.  It became clear pretty quickly that "hope" should be my word of the year.  To help me remember to have hope in God, no matter what life throws at me, I created this ATC:

 The next thing I wanted to do was come up with some Bible verses to go with it.  The first one was pretty easy.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

The second verse that came to mind is another favourite of mine.
Isaiah 40: 30-31: "Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and now grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Then I started thinking that I should have one more verse.  I did some reading and some searching, and came across this verse.
Deuteronomy 30: 7-8: "Be strong and courageous...The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

I often struggle to remember when times get tough to trust in the Lord to help me get through the turmoil.  My hope (there's that word again!) is that by looking at my card and remembering these verses, I'll remember that when the going gets tough the tough turn to God!

Until next time,
J.