Learning Hope {and some beautiful new jewelry from Dayspring}

14 years ago we were talking baby names.  After determining we would not find out the gender of our child, we considered several options for a boy and a girl.  We landed here:  Caleb Scott or Casiday Hope.

Hope. It’s a big little word. You see, in April 1999, we sat in a doctor’s office in Birmingham and were told we’d never have a child of our own. We drove home that Wednesday afternoon and headed to the mid-week services at our little church. We were hurt. And we were mad. And we really felt like God had lost sight of us and our dream for a family.

Obviously if you’ve been reading around here much, you know we have a girl.  hope || TeriLynneUnderwod.com/blog But back to that word, hope.  During that season of my life, Jeremiah 29:11 had become a lifeline to me.  The promise of that verse was one I clung to as we prayed each month for two lines on the little stick. Month after month, I cried out to God, “But You promise Your plan for us is good.  Why can’t we start a family?”

I struggled with feeling as though choices I had made previously in my life were now resulting in a punishment from the Lord. I felt as though I didn’t deserve a child. I wondered if it was because God knew I wouldn’t be a good mother. I ached watching my husband mourn the dashed dream of fatherhood.

But somewhere along the way, I started reading more than just verse 11.  Verse 10 was really hard for me.

For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. {v. 10}

Seventy years? The Israelites were going to be in captivity for seventy years. THEN God would fulfill His promise. WHY?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  {v. 11}

The years of captivity, of hardship, were part of the plan.  Part of God’s plan.  A vital aspect of what He was going to do with His people. And even though they couldn’t see the end, He could. His plan was to give them the future He intended.  He was offering them hope … not a wish or a dream, but true hope. And slowly, I began to understand what hope really is — a confident expectation of God’s ability and faithfulness to keep His word.

hope || Jeremiah 29:11 || www.terilynneunderwood.com/blog My dreams for our family may have seemed over.  But His plan was sure.  His plan is always better than mine.  Always.  His plan brings Him glory.

And so, six weeks later I called Scott to meet me for lunch so I could tell him the news.  We were having a baby. I look at this girl and every time I realize again how God is faithful, even when I’m unfaithful. hope || www.terilynneunderwood.com/blog His plan is good.  He gives us hope. And we can trust Him always.

How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life?

Dayspring has just released their newest jewelry line … and of course, I adore it! {All the images below are affiliate links and I will receive a commission if you purchase through them.} Necklaces, cuffs, earrings, and more.  And it is all beautiful! I’m still trying to decide which pieces I want but this is definitely leading the list …

And then there is this set of three necklaces which would be perfect to split into three gifts for my girl and two of her friends or cousins. {There is also a set of three bracelets.}

And I think this adorable Faith necklace would be a perfect accessory for a fall wardrobe.

Seriously, you should really check out this amazing product line from Dayspring.  Those three necklaces are just $24.99 … and the cuff bracelet is only $14.99. Great prices on beautiful and inspiring jewelry.  One more item I think my girl would love is this headband …

Isn’t is adorable??

Read the Psalms this summer with Scripture Dig!

Comments

  1. I love your heart!!! Hope is miraculous. Knowing we have reason to hope in the midst if difficulty is astonishing. Gods plans are great, much greater than ours. Love this piece of your journey!!!

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