It is Finished

      Lately I have found myself thinking more often of the crucifixion and death of CHRIST. The pain, shame, betrayal, abandonment, and heartache for the sake of mankind. What gets me most is the mockery- "If YOU are the SON of GOD, come down and save YOURSELF." Let me be clear here, JESUS is the SON of GOD. HE is GOD HIMSELF through the TRINITY. JESUS did not sin. HE had every right to come down from the cross, BUT HE didn't. HE stayed on the cross in agonizing pain as the FATHER turned HIS face away. As HE pulled up on HIS wounds scraping the torn skin on HIS back against the wood, pulling up against the nails in HIS hands and feet- HE spoke HIS final words: "It is finished.". YOU see JESUS could have rightfully come down from the cross, but love held HIM there. HE had a mission to accomplish, and HE saw it through to the very end despite the overwhelming pain and suffering. This is our motivation. As saints in CHRIST we ought not surrender to the suffering, but we must overcome it. Which brings me to the three things I want to share with you: motivation, mindset, and the mission. 

     If you're anything like me some days motivation is hard to find. You have to muster it up and remind yourself to just do it. That dreaded thing you need to get done? The goal you want to accomplish? The task you have been procrastinating? Just do it. Allow me to let you in on a little secret, something I have learned the hard way- ready? Motivation doesn't just magically appear. *poof*. I know!! Shocker!! Right?! Well my friend, it's true. If your waiting for motivation you'll never accomplish anything. You just have to do it. Put all distractions aside and just get it done. Motivation is picking up your front foot and taking that first step. You just have to take a step, and do it. 

     If your nothing like me you never have to redirect your mindset. Unlike me, you never have to tell yourself mid thought- to focus on the task at hand. Focus! If you are like me then.... well I pity you. Listen, it's hard and I do not discount the difficulty of having to renew your mind- because I know that struggle. Hashtag the struggle is real. BUT you can do it. You can renew your mindset and find focus again. It takes a lot of discipline and a whole lot of grace- but you can do it. First, you must dwell on and rest in the grace of CHRIST. Second, you must have grace for yourself (easier said than done). Dear one, remember this above all as you strive for the renewal of your mind: you can't do it alone, and you don't have to. CHRIST is sufficient. 

     The mission. THE Mission. THEE MISSION!!! JESUS CHRIST is our perfect example. HE finished HIS purpose on earth. HE bit the bullet when it got hard and HE followed through to the end. You may wonder- what is my mission? Maybe you're at that point in your life where you just don't know what you're "calling" is. Welcome to the struggle of all mankind. If you deny that statement and that you never struggled with that.... maybe it's time you braced that thought for a moment. I'll wait. ........Ready to continue? Guess what?! If you are in CHRIST- I know your mission. *Insert bomb explosion sound here* I know right?! Mind blown. Your mission is to make disciples of all nations, and glorify GOD with your every breath and doing. You're welcome. Now you might be saying "but, what about, like, my job or career or this relationship...". Listen Linda honey, you're over thinking it!!!! In the famous words of Kevin DeYoung- "Just do something". You can't mess up GOD's plan honey- you're not that powerful. Now let me clarify, I am not giving you permission to do something stupid that is clearly against scripture. You do need to be discerning, and ask GOD for wisdom- but sitting on your tush anxiously worrying about what to do will not solve anything. So get out of bed or off the couch- right now- hit your knees and talk to GOD. HE is faithful to lead and guide you. Get this, better than anyone HE knows your mission and HE is for you. 

     So my beloved friends, brothers, sisters- remember the cross. Take the first step even if you feel unmotivated. Rest in the grace of CHRIST as you strive for the renewal of your mind. Remember the mission of CHRIST at Calvary, and let this lead you in life as you seek to live out your mission. Know you are not alone, and in HIM you can overcome the most difficult of obstacles. In grace, peace, love, and truth...

Much Love, Frances Hope 

But GOD

      Do you want to hear a crazy idea?! Yes? Okay! Move in the middle of a pandemic when half the world is closed down, as a single individual, to a place you know LITTLE about. Oh! And do it without getting to say goodbye to the community you built for close to a decade. I mean it's not like it's that crazy...right? Hi, my name is Frances and I did just that. Let me be the first to say: it's NOT easy. Yes, I have my family and I do not take them for granted- but friends, and church community?....GONE! *snaps* Just like that. It gets real lonely real fast. BUT, I am not throwing a pity party blog- I'm writing this to share a few things I have learned over that past few months on this adventure. 

     1) Being intentional. (Side note: It comes with a few laughs). I'm the kind of person that would be okay on the side lines.. much like a wall flower- but I knew one thing: If I wanted to build community again I was going to have to put that aside. So, I showed up as a NEWBIE to NEW places and just introduced myself (even when on the inside I was a nervous wreck). I just started up conversation like I'd been there. I listened as they told me about about community and events. The fun part came when they realized I was new to the area and had NO idea what they were talking about. I quickly realized that if I was not intentional about reaching out community was not going to come. I mean, it would have been cool if it fell out of the sky like manna.... but 'fraid not. If I wanted to build community again I (me, myself) was going to have to be intentional to reach out. The blessing came when they reached back- which brings me to lesson numero 2. 

     2) "BUT GOD"! I am going to be a little transparent here. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to find another solid church and community here. I had my share of doubts, fears, and insecurities. BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy practically planted a new church in my lap. I mean what are the chances that the church I found (with the help of my aunt) would just be there? BUT boom, there it was. It was solid, my first pick of 3 churches that I had emailed, and coincidentally the only church that emailed me back and reached out. "BUT GOD". HE can. HE will. HE is faithful. I have had quite a few....many... a lot of "But GOD" moments over the past few months. The biggest one, you ask? There were times I felt anxious and alone, BUT GOD reminded me HE was there, and HE was not leaving my side. If anything I had that to comfort me. 

     3) The world doesn't fit in a snow globe. I had my bubble. I had a community that I knew and was well known by. Life was fine and dandy, and I didn't feel the need to venture out (well....pre-corona). But when I knew GOD was calling me to move forward I quickly learned there is so much more out there in the world. This is coming from a girl who has been oversees and visited other countries. I PRAYED about moving and I felt a huge peace about moving but not staying where I was. I never realized that there was more life out there in other places. That community could be built anywhere. Not like I have now. It's easy to stay in your snow globe, and difficult to break the glass- but when you do you can see so much more. It's messy. It's hard. It hurts. BUT GOD can show you so much more. 

                                                              With Love, Frances Hope

                                                                                           

Quaran-time!

     It's old news that we have all had to learn to adapt to our world's current situation, and a screen has become the new norm for connecting. Is "screen time" even a thing anymore? I'm not going to lie- I LOATHED the first part of quarantine, and I about LOST my mind. I, like many, was DOWN in the dumps as our world took a drastic turn. I went from working 2 jobs that I found purpose in- to having to sit still, and my "GO!" personality did not handle this well. HOWEVER, I am learning to adapt with the rest of the world to these current changes. I am striving to find fruitful and productive ways to spend this time. I have been reading more, I picked up my guitar for the first time in who knows how long, and have spent quite some time sitting in my hammock thinking. Honestly, as much as I am eager to get back to work I'm taking this time in, as I have been able to catch up with old friends and dig deeper into the word and my personal relationship with CHRIST. There will come a day when everything goes back to "normal", and I may miss SOME of this free tome. Emphasis on some! Ha! The good LORD has been teaching me quite a few things in this season, and I am excited to share them with you! So, here goes:
   1.) There is a purpose in every season.  We can either deny it, or joyfully submit to it. GOD is ultimately sovereign, and HE has not left HIS throne. HE is still in charge and has a purpose in this- EVEN IF we can't see what that is.

   2.) GOD is indeed HOLY. We are a wicked people, and GOD has the right to do what HE pleases. Our world has embraced wicked things, and acted out in wicked ways.

AND YET

   GOD is merciful. The current situation does not change what CHRIST did on the cross. When HE said "it is finished" -HE meant it. When HE gave us the promise of eternal life (IF we are trusting in HIM)- HE has kept it. The tomb will still be empty tomorrow. 

   3.) Take nothing for granted. You never know when your last goodbye will be, nor the next time you will see someone again. Yet, you never know when you will get to see GOD work in THIS way again either. The time HE has given us is a chance to further seek HIS face. MANY who did not believe are starting to see that GOD is indeed REAL. This is an opportunity to share JESUS with people like never before.

   4.) It's okay to breathe. This one may seem kind of silly and a little petty... but I NEEDED it. I am the type to GIVE myself till I have nothing left. Sitting still is NOT my strong suit. However having a little time to myself to sit and think and breathe is GOOD for me. I have never seen the value in taking each day as it comes like I have now. 

   5.) Creativity comes in MANY forms. There is not one right way to be creative. There are different styles of art, and many forms and mediums within those styles. Art adapts in different periods of time. When my sweet photographer friend asked me to do this FaceTime photo shoot with her- I gladly cleared my schedule.... (ha.ha.ha).  Here are the results of her work: 

When kitty interupts, haha!...

Follow my oh so talented friend on Facebook and Instagram! [Christina Paz Photography and Rooted Tapestry Co]. Seriously, go do it! Christina has a huge heart for family history and capturing the moments that matter. She is a sweet soul that puts her heart into her work AND it shows! She does not disappoint. She took my family photos a couple years back and we all FELL in love with the images she captured. She cares for the story behind each photo as much as she cares about the details. She loves to capture the light that shines from the sun, and from the heart of every individual. She is so dear to my heart, and I hope someday you get to see her personally in action- I'm telling you she is one of a kind!

Much Love, Frances Hope

A Holy Response

     I personally know it all to well- the weight of the world's current situation weighing on our shoulders. The pandemic is spreading faster than we can catch our breath. Fear and concern for those we love staring us blatantly in the face as the number of cases rise. A tiny microscopic organism keeping us away from church, work, vacations, and seeing those we love. Many are trying to find answers in a time such as this- "why GOD?". There are so many conspiracy theories looking to the probability of prophetic scripture- "Is this what it was pointing to?". Maybe. Maybe not. Here is what I do know- the truth must prevail, and the church must respond to these times in it. Here are some truths I want to focus on in times such as these: 1) GOD is holy, 2) GOD is merciful, and 3) Our response should be in a holy fear.
 
 GOD is holy. GOD has the full right to do whatever HE so pleases. The world is wicked and evil, and HE is just to punish if HE pleases. We have strayed from godly obedience. We have denied our purpose in our GOD ordained design. We have defied HIM. We have sinned greatly against the ONE WHO created us to glorify HIM. HE is pure, righteous, good, just, and holy. HE is above all and in all. HE is omniscient, enthroned and the CREATOR of all things. We have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD. We stand no chance before HIS holy throne on our own accord. There is condemnation for those who do not trust in HIM. There is a rightful eternal separation from HIM for those who do not turn from their wicked ways. When GOD flooded the earth, in the time of Noah and the ark, HE was just to obliterate wicked mankind. When GOD passed over Egypt, at the time of Passover, GOD was just to obliterate wicked mankind. GOD is holy and mankind is wicked and evil.

     GOD is merciful. I want the weight of the last paragraph to sink in for a minute before we dig into this truth. The holiness of GOD emphasizes HIS mercy. Mercy is GOD denying to give us what we rightfully deserve. We deserve condemnation, but HE withholds it from us. When GOD flooded the earth HE also instructed Noah to build an ark and to bring in his family and 2 of every kind of animal. GOD had mercy on Noah and HIS creation. When GOD passed over Egypt HE had mercy on HIS people instructing them to put lamb's blood over their doorpost. When GOD saw a wicked and evil world HE sent HIS BELOVED SON to take the place of sinful mankind at Calvary, and POURED HIS wrath upon HIM. GOD is indeed merciful in the face of an absolutely wicked and undeserving world.

     Our response should be in a holy fear. Noah built the ark on dry land. Why on earth build a giant boat when the earth was dry? Noah believed and trusted GOD and that HE would do as HE said HE would even if it seemed crazy. This is holy fear. Moses instructed the people to spread the lamb's blood that they may be spared and they did so. This is holy fear- to know GOD has the right for vengeance. We must live a life in the pursuit of holiness. We must seek GOD in these wicked times. We must fall into repentance asking for GOD's mercy in our own lives and in the life of our world. We must surrender what we desire exchanging them for the desire to know GOD more. We must kneel with our faces on the floor before a holy GOD asking HIM to guide us through these times. We must pray for and love one another in the midst of a quarantine striving for a holy unity as GOD has desired and intended for mankind.


     This is my prayer in these times:

ABBA FATHER, 

YOU are high and holy. YOU are above all and in all. YOU are enthroned and sovereign. YOU are just and right in all that YOU do. FATHER, we are a wicked nation, undeserving of YOUR mercy. We have fallen away from our created purpose and sought after lesser gods. Thank YOU FATHER for sending YOUR SON to take our place at the cross. FATHER, I ask that YOU have mercy on YOUR people. Turn YOUR face from YOUR anger. Be gracious to us though we are undeserving. Lead and guide us to be lights in the midst of this dark world for the advancement of YOUR kingdom. FATHER, I plead before YOUR holy throne that YOU would bring a greater number of people to YOURSELF. FATHER, teach us how to love one another well during these times. FATHER, use my ransomed life in any way YOU choose. 

In YOUR holy and precious name. 

Amen

Much love, Frances Hope

For the Love of Hurting Hearts

    I've pondered quite a bit lately on an anonymous prayer request expressing a genuine struggle with personal sin. Honestly this person's transparency in their struggles convicts my heart and makes me want to commend them. So often I have observed that people are so quick to respond to the practical service of others, but so slow to ask "How's your heart?". Don't get me wrong sometimes we need practical help, but more often we need prayer to endure this broken world as broken beings. As someone who personally struggles with depression I feel a greater sense of mercy for hurting hearts. What if we were as intentional to fill hearts as we were bellies? What if we were less concerned about cultural and generational differences and focused more on the common goal of our pursuit of CHRIST? What if we were more faithful to fight for unity rather than dwell on diversity? ESPECIALLY in the church body! This world is broken and we are broken people. The realization of depravity should lead us to be more intentional to care for and pray for one another. This is my prayer and my plea- that in all circumstances the gospel would prevail. When you are striving to love someone that is hard to love with the love of CHRIST- keep striving calling to mind the love the HOLY GOD has towards you. When you know a brother or sister is struggling help them with their physical need AND ask them how you can pray for their heart, pouring truth into them. If you are someone who is suffering be honest and transparent choosing wisely who you seek council from. Brother, sister, and friend- I challenge and I plead with you to care for one another with a gospel saturated love. In a world full of division fight for unity, caring for the hearts of those around you. Serve boldly, love deeply, and press forward running your race.

     Much Love, Frances Hope

Dear Twenties,

Dear twenties,
     I have a love hate relationship with you. Why? I love you, because your made up of a lot of self discovery. I hate you.... because your made up of a lot of self discovery. You consume so much trial and error, and so many life lessons. The world tells you where you ought to be in life, and you begin to deeply realize you have a long way to go before "figuring it all out". I fall, I rise, and I fall again. The good news is I'm over half way through these years.... the bad news I'm starting to realize ALL of life will be like this. BUT one day I'll look back and...maybe I'll miss you? Or maybe not. Only time will tell. Dear twenties, if I didn't have JESUS I don't know how I could handle these years.

     There are so many bible verses that are thrown our way in our twenties- Jeremiah 29:11 seems to meet the top of that list. "I don't know what to do next"- Jeremiah 29:11. "I don't know what degree I should go for?" -Jeremiah 29:11. "I'm having a mid-twenties crisis!"-Jeremiah 29:11. So you begin to think "if only I preached Jeremiah 29:11 over myself better and believed hard enough then maybe things would be better!" Well, dear friend, I understand that thought and the train of thoughts that follow it. I can't tell you I've been there, but I can tell you I am there. So fellow twenty something year old I have something that will ACTUALLY help you (LORD willing). Try reading Jeremiah 29: 1-23 and then tell me how you feel. Context is essential. Let's zoom in on Jeremiah 29: 4-14. We see that this is a letter written to exiles and it doesn't merely say "believe harder"- it a letter giving instruction. Do you need to believe that the LORD holds your future? Absolutely! But dear friend, you wont figure it out sitting on your bum. The first plan of action is to take action and JUST DO SOMETHING (Which by the way is a great read by Kevin DeYoung). The people were instructed to work (and work hard) to build homes and to seek the welfare of the city. They were instructed to build a life here on earth (NOT a kingdom there is a difference!). Secondly (yet foremost) they were told to seek the LORD and to pray to HIM. Then they are promised that they would find HIM when they seek HIM with their whole heart. GOD gives both saving grace and common grace, and HE gives grace to receive grace. Rest in that.

     SO dear fellow twenty something year old, don't lose hope. When your thirties come.... read Jeremiah 29 again and meditate on the same truths as you do now. HIS word is forever. Overwhelmed? I feel you! Just breathe. Don't know what to do? More than half the time, me either! Seek wise counsel. Wandering what to do next? ME TO! My advice? Just do something....and read Kevin DeYoung's book. Rest, meditate, and live out Jeremiah 29- act, build, seek, pray, serve, and let the LORD lead you.

Sincerely, a fellow twenty something year old. 

Much love, Frances Hope

When Discipline Meets Desire

     My alarm goes off every weekday morning at 5 AM to remind me to get up and get in the word before I get ready to head to work. For the past year and some odd months I have consistently stuck to my bible reading plan. The discipline is all there- desire on the other hand is the hard part. Doubt, distraction, and depression can hinder the longing to come to GOD's word. What if I have the desire to desire HIS word- does that count for anything? Discipline will bring me to the word, but when habit hits I often end up with the same empty feeling prior to coming to HIS word. Surely, I'm not alone in this. Have you ever wandered what it would be like when discipline met desire? 

     The past couple months have consisted of walking through and enduring a dark valley. There has been much heartache, there has been grief and loss, and there has been a deepening realization of the fall of man. Feeling the weight of your own sin is hard enough, and when you add the grief that comes from the sin of those around you- there. just. aren't. words. This world is in a deep need for CHRIST, and I have felt the weight of that lately. Discipline reminds me that I need to stop in that moment and pray. Desire is what keeps me coming back to pray again. 

    Depression, doubt, and distraction can taint our view of what desire is- at least I can say that statement is true for myself. I want desire to be a feeling of nearness and intimacy with my SAVIOR. Then I remind myself of this truth: "We walk by faith". Faith is not a feeling. We are not saved by our feelings. ALL praise be to GOD we are not saved by our feelings! We are saved by grace through faith. That's when discipline meets desire, and the realization that they go hand in hand comes in. When discipline meets desire they together continuously bring us back to HIS word and to prayer. I'm not saying I have it all figured out now- I don't by any means. I cannot stand before you today and tell you I have the perfect explanation of discipline and desire. This is what I do know surrendering, repentance, and declaring the need for CHRIST has been one of the sweetest gifts to me in this season of my life. When I have felt on overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness I have poured out my heart to GOD! I have pleaded that HE draw near to me giving me a deepening desire for HIM- and HE has been faithful. Fellow Christian, if you’re suffering or down cast with and overwhelming sense of emptiness know that you are not alone. Keep praying, giving thanks in ALL circumstances, because we serve a GOD who will never forsake.  

Much Love, Frances Hope

This Faith I Believe

     I can count on my own two hands the things that I am passionate about- truly passionate about. I'm passionate about the beauty and value found in the tiny details of nature. I'm passionate about a good story with a good moral to it. I'm passionate about what a true and genuine relationship should look like. I'm passionate about writing. I'm passionate about peanut butter, plants, and my people group. However, despite the things I find myself passionate about there is only one thing that truly drives me- that is this faith I believe. This faith that has been granted to me not of my own accord has driven me to say goodbye to comfort and community on more than one occasion. I said goodbye to the comfort of a job I was good at and the community that came with it. I said goodbye to the comfort of AC at a church with a community I loved for my current "farm church". The thing is that leaving my previous job and church opened the door for more ministry and the opportunity to build new community. I've learned that the mission field is a WHOLE lot bigger than I could ever imagined. There have been tears, triumphs, fears, failures, and fruition in this season of my life. I wouldn't change a single moment for anything this world can offer. My current job gives me the opportunity to love broken people every single day. For those of you who don't yet know this about me I work full time in respite care for individuals with special needs- mainly with toddlers with special needs. It can be one of the hardest, yet most rewarding jobs I have ever encountered. I see the gospel of how GOD loves ALL the time. Patience is not something I see as a mere want or suggestion- I NEED it, and thankfully my GOD is a GOD who provides.
     So why bring all this up to mention my faith? Because of my faith I'm joyfully living the life I live. I'm not making bank working in respite at a non-profit organization. I don't have a handful friends in this season of my life- if anything I've lost many. I don't end every day on a high note. This season has been HARD, but it has been one of the most rewarding seasons of growth for me. This faith I believe has called me to this chapter of life and is bringing me through it. This faith I believe is the drive behind what I do and why I do it. This faith I believe makes me want to not merely believe, but follow CHRIST. This faith I believe brings me to an ongoing season that will never end...
     If you want to know more you will just have to stay tuned.
                                                 Much love, Frances Hope

At an End.

     I can hardly believe it, 2018 is coming to an end. As I look back on this year I can't help but to thank GOD for the MANY ways HE has been faithful to me. So much has happened over this past year, and my heart is filled with gratitude knowing HE took every step with me. I donated my long blonde hair, moved into my own apartment, helped plant a church, moved up at work, and have rejoiced in the restoration of a healthier relationship with my parents. This year is definitely one for the books. In January I couldn't have even begun to imagine the ways that GOD would grow me over this past year. There were tears, laughter, fights, apologies, losses, victories and GOD was faithfully a part of each of them. I can't help but to smile as my heart fills with peace and a bittersweet goodbye over these last few hours. It's been good. It's been hard. Oh, that I have grown. Oh, that I have grown! Just like the rest of the world that sets there New Years resolution(s) -I have my own. We all have a desire for something more, something better, a fresh start- It's engraved in us. We all long for it. We seek it. We strive for it. We suffer because of it. We rejoice. We weep. We hope. Thanks be to GOD that if we are HIS, we are a NEW creation, and HIS mercies are new EVERY morning- not just on January 1st. Therefore we march forward, running the race set before us, standing against the flaming arrows of the evil one. We take action, resting in the promise that GOD is mighty to save. Unearned, undeserved, freely given sweet grace offered to those who put there trust in HIM. It doesn't get any better than this. Sure, I have my resolutions just like everybody else- but they cannot compare to THIS. There is only ONE thing I desire more, to want to want more- CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF. In the end my hopeful expectation is that on December 31, 2019 I will look more like CHRIST than I did on December 31, 2018.
     My final advice to you brothers and sisters- stand steadfast resting in HIS steadfast love, remembering HIS mercies are new EVERY morning!
                                                      Much love, Frances Hope

The Honest Truth

     I'm just going to be real with you- I don't have it all figured out. Shocker! Right? I hope not. SO often of the time I am so tempted to only let my wisdom show, and to "put my best face forward". I wouldn't dare tell you that the other day I sat on the floor  in my closet alone and confessed to CHRIST all the things I hate about myself. I wouldn't dare tell you that there is a constant battle going off in my mind about my worth and my unworthiness. Why on earth would I dare tell you that and risk the chance that maybe you like me even a little bit? Maybe. Why would I compromise any opportunity of being perfectly awesome? Why? Here's why, and it may come as a surprise to you (all sarcasm intended), I'm not. There was only ONE perfectly awesome man to walk this earth. HIS name is JESUS. There was once a time early in my walk with CHRIST that I eagerly looked forward to the day I would have it all figured out- flash forward 9 years and...nope still haven't got there. YET I've realized one very profound thing- I'm not meant to. All those day dreams about growing in wisdom and figuring it all out have been put into reverse. The more that I grow, the more I realize how much I don't have it all together and I really don't have a clue what I'm doing. Not a single thing. Throw back to your old Sunday school bible verse "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...", and oh wait! I'm not meant to understand everything about everything?! More so not lean on what I do understand? Uh, yeah. Why? If I understood everything about everything I wouldn't trust in the ONE who is omniscient. Suddenly, I understand what truly matters. Guess what?! I don't get it. I do not understand. I'm foolish, and I don't have it all figured out. Does my point seem redundant by now? Good. Just trying to dig the nail into the ground (or whatever the saying is- I don't know, I haven't figured it out yet).
     By now your either wandering one of two things: 1.) What on earth was she doing in her closet?! or 2.) your still trying to wrap your head around my last paragraph. Let me know when you've figured it out, because that would make one of us. Either way, I'm moving forward. Something did come from my time alone in my closet- GOD faithfully put Psalm 139:14 on the forefront of my mind. "I praise YOU, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are YOUR works; my soul knows it very well." I love that the NASB version says "I will give thanks to YOU". I've read this verse about a kazillion times in my life, I've prayed it over little ones, spoken "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" over and over again- and have overlooked the part that says "I will give thanks". Honestly, I don't always believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. If were all honest we've all been there. So I paused in that heart broken moment of my life and turned all that self-hatred into a prayer of thanks. "Thank you GOD for my oily, acne prone complexion. Thank you for my old soul self that struggles to relate with my current generation. Thank you for how tall YOU have made me. Thank YOU for your knowledge of all my fears, insecurities, and areas of doubt. Thank YOU that YOU love me past my wicked, ugly, sin-tainted heart. Thank YOU for making me just as YOU have, including the parts of me I don't necessarily like about myself. ABBA, I ask that you help my unbelief and help me see me as YOU see me. To know in my soul that I am a wonderful creation. An image bearer. A part of YOUR crowning creation."  That prayer took a lot out of me. To humble myself so low in confession and gratitude. It's hard to be real, to be honest, and transparent with yourself, others and with GOD. It strips us of our pride. It is good to give thanks to a holy GOD who is our CREATOR over our design- because the focus can no longer be on us- it MUST be on HIM who is worthy.
     So here is my challenge for you today  in whatever stage of life you are in give thanks to GOD surrendering your design in gratitude to HIM who created, and fashioned you in intricate detail. If you have children teach them these same things. Whenever you start to feel the temptation pull towards self-hatred give thanks to GOD who created you- not in a place of pride, but of great humility and surrender. Have grace for yourself and know that you are not alone in this. If you never meet another soul in your life who is real, and honest about their imperfections- know that I, Frances Hope Allen, can only preach what I must daily practice. More than anything we must call to mind that we have a GREAT, HIGH PRIEST in JESUS CHRIST who SYMPATHIZES with our weaknesses and without sin. We don't have to be perfect or have it all figured out- we must simply trust HIM who does and give thanks to the way HE has created us.
                                                            Much Love, Frances Hope

Faith over Feelings

     I've been there before. There's not a single tree in sight across miles of dry desert land. If your lucky it rains once or twice a year. The air and earth so dry the wind blows the dehydrated sands across the desert in upward spirals before it vanishes back onto the ground in which it once laid. The sun shining forth with such intensity that any measure of water in the earth quickly evaporates just as soon as it hits the ground. I assure you the desert lands are very dry. Unfortunately, there are times in which the Christian soldier also enters spiritual seasons as dry as the desert sands. You know the need for sustaining water, but finding the strength to run to it requires energy you don't even have. How then can you come to it? The answer is in the gospel- dear one, you can't. It is the LORD who reaches down and provides the living water from which you must drink. It is the LORD who provides comfort when you can find no rest. So then you say, "But what if you cannot feel HE is doing so?" or perhaps "But yet I am still in the midst of this dry season!". Dear soldier march forward encouraged by such thought. If you are aware of your dry season lift your hands upward in praise for the acknowledgement of this truth. To know that you are in the midst of a drought is to know there is a need for living water- for that of CHRIST. To know the drought is to know the water- this is grace in and of itself. Yet again you cry out "I do not feel the nearness of GOD!", remember deeply within your heart- relationship with CHRIST is not based on feelings it is solely dependent on faith. "GOD is near" is not a feeling, its a biblical truth- one you may not always feel yet must fight to continuously believe. Charismatic expectation can be a deadly poison in the midst of a dry season- it can cause one to fall into so deep a doubt that one would stray further away from saving grace. It's there. Grace is indeed faithfully there. By contrast in the way the sun beats down onto dry earth giving forth hallucinations of water- CHRIST is truly and surely there. Dear one, cling to the truth which is able sustain personal relationship with a HOLY GOD: faith can surely triumph over feelings. March forward in the dry desert land to which you currently endure for hope has not escaped you -it is with you.

Much Love, 

Frances Hope

Know your Money, Honey! [From Iron Wife]

     The first time I sat down with my pastor and talked budget we exchanged high fives with grins on our faces, because I was doing awesome! ....Just kidding that is a BIG FAT lie. I bawled like a baby. Like snotty, red faced cried. There were NO pretty tears.  I felt defeated. I cried, and cried, and CRIED! I felt hopeless, and then I cried some more. I'm pretty sure you get the point now. It was not pretty. I left feeling like I wanted to go home and lie in the fetal position and cry till I passed out...but there was a small sliver in me that said "don't give up"... so I wiped the tears from my eyes, caught my breath and poured my devastated heart out to GOD. Quite a few months have passed since then and I met with him again... this time with no tears and a grin on my face... for real. Not because I magically became a millionaire and all my financial dreams came true (I wish!), but because I am headed in the right direction. I am to date still learning to budget, but I am better off than I was before. I have learned that it is not hopeless, but it does take discipline (and grace for myself). There are times I wish I could snap my fingers and have thousands saved up in my savings account- but that isn't reality. Saving and budgeting takes time, effort, and discipline. It doesn't happen overnight. YET praise GOD I am 24 and DEBT FREE! That is a HUGE blessing! This doesn't mean I can run around and flamboyantly spend my hard earned money however I please- it actually compels me to want to be wise with what I do have. I want to be able to support myself one day as a single woman- which brings me to the point of this blog: Being a budget babe, and a savings sister! HA!
     Remember how I mentioned I bawled like a baby? Well part of that had to do with the truth that I didn't want to sit around and be dependent on some guy with money in his pockets to come sweep me off my feet.  I understand that GOD could call me to singleness for the rest of my life. That is a very real possibility. Therefore I wanted to get in control of my finances in hopes that one day I can support myself comfortably as a single woman. Odds are I probably won't marry an established brain surgeon who REALLY loves JESUS, is great at budgeting, .....and doesn't happen to be in his 90's. So, the most logical and rational thing for me to do is to get in control of my own finances and life (with GOD's grace and guidance) in the expectation that GOD may call me to singleness for the rest of my life. Also if you meet a guy with money in his pockets...you might want to tell him there are safer places to put it. Just a thought.
     There are still times where I let out a deep sigh when I look at my budget and wish I had it ALL figured out already. There are those moments when I see a Dave Ramsey post on Pinterest or I'm reading his book where I wish I magically had the all the financial discipline I need- but discipline takes practice over time. Its the continuous transformation of walking away from the choices you used to make. Financial discipline is not losing heart when you make a mistake, but learning from it. It's the act of consistently taking "X" about of your paycheck and putting it into savings. I've said it once and I'll say it again financial discipline takes time, effort, discipline and grace. The struggle can be very real, but progress and preparation for the unexpected is rewarding and necessary. Let me just be the first to admit (least I be a hypocrite) that I DO NOT have it all figured out- but I am continuing to learn so that though I am debt free I can get ahead of the game. I don't want to stop saving....EVER! Not because I want to greedily hoard and hide away all my money, but because if I ever enter a storm I want to be prepared.
     Obedience is something I never want to forsake- tithing is not a choice its a command. I'm not talking a damnation if you don't because your evil (which every sin tainted heart indeed is) kind of command, but a call to obedience to GOD- the provider of all things. JESUS said it HIMSELF "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to GOD what is GOD's", and if JESUS said it- it has to be legit. The first thing I do whenever I get my paycheck is do the math to find 10% (that's all GOD asks for) and put it into my tithes. The second thing I do is take my "X" amount and put it into savings. I have personally heard a lot of people say "GOD doesn't need your money" and they use financial struggle as an excuses to justify that- this is W-R-O-N-G. Wrong. Not in the sense that GOD doesn't need our money- that much is true- but its a matter of obedience and gratitude for what GOD has done- even in a worldly sense like you have a J-O-B with a P-A-Y-C-H-E-C-K so there is no E-X-C-U-S-E for you. I'm not trying to be harsh- just realistic. Even on months where I don't make as much I tithe, not out of self righteous obligation, but (to be repetitive) out of obedience and gratitude for ALL that GOD has done for me. I give out of joy, not out of obligation.
     My pastor put it this way "Your income should first go to obedience (GOD), then expenses, then planning, and then to generosity". Trust me when I found out generosity was last on my list I was shocked. You also might have guessed that when I heard this I heard it through tears- because all I want to do is give. The goal is not to be selfish with finances, but to be prepared. If you can't take care of yourself then you can't take care of others around you. You are not GOD. I know this all may seem like heavy news to hear, but trust me getting in control of your finances is a blessing. So girlfriend download a budget app (like "Mint" or "YNAB"(if you really want to be disciplined)) and build financial discipline and be a single girl who saves!

Here are a few practical tips for saving money that I have learned (and wished I learned them sooner):

Save it before you spend it 

As soon as you get your paycheck put "X" amount into your savings account. This helps build discipline, because the more you save the less you having in your checking to spend. That shirt you want today wont matter in 5 years. 

Don't pay for pink or spend on sparkles 

This is one of the worst scams I have ever seen, and I wish I would have saw it sooner. One of the greatest areas I see this is with razors- it's a plastic handle with a metal blade that cuts of unwanted hair- it needs to work but it doesn't have to be pink.  It's a great marketing strategy, but it doesn't mean the product is better...just because its girly and your a girl. 

BOGO is not better

Chances are you don't need that second thing even if it is discounted. Call it one and done. 

Don't be captivated by clearance

"It's cheaper, therefore I have to have it!" That is a point- blank- lie, and your better off walking away. 

Buy in Bulk

Don't be fooled by sales prices. Look at unit prices and choose wisely from there. 

There is no shame in straying from name brand

When it comes to getting the little day to day needs there is no shame in buying store brands in opposition to the name brand. In most cases the ingredients are the exact same. 

Dare to DIY

You can actually save money by learning to do things yourself- and it's more fun!  

Much love, Frances Hope

Children's book: The Lonely Stuckling

“The Lonely Stuckling”

By Frances H. Allen

            There once was a lost and lonely little duck that would swim in the stillness of the swampy waters. Each day he would wonder what tomorrow might bring for he grew weary of his days. Adversity was often his only friend for the other little ducklings would mock him and call him “Stuckling”. You see Stuckling tried hard to get ahead, but whenever he felt he had accomplished something he would soon find himself back at the beginning. Stuck in the very same place with the very same struggles he had always had. One would think such struggle would cause a little duckling to become bitter, but for Stuckling it was the opposite. The more little Stuckling would endure the more loving and compassionate he would become. He wouldn’t blame the other little ducklings no matter how it hard it would become. The more they mocked him the sorrier he felt for them. He knew that not everyone could understand the struggle he went through the way his hero could. Stuckling often thought about his hero and he desired to be so much like him. His hero was a crane named Chadwick who was strong, tall, and mighty. Many would call him Chadwick the Great for he had done mightier things than anyone could ever imagine.

         One day when Stuckling was swimming alone through the swampy waters taking in the sunshine he realized something didn’t seem right. He looked behind him and noticed an over cast coming towards him. He looked up and saw that there was a heavy storm rolling his way. Stuckling panicked and started to swim faster than he had ever swum before. He stroked and stroked harder and harder than his little wings were ever used to. Before he knew it he had been swept up by the rushing current behind him. The longer he struggled to keep his head above water the lonelier he felt. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t fight the storm or the rising rapids that had swept him up. The next thing he knew he was moments away from coming in contact with a large boulder that lied ahead. Before he could blink he had struck the enormous rock and fell unconscious. The storm carried the unconscious Stuckling a few more feet before it had subsided.

            The next morning stuckling woke with the heaviest feeling in his head as it throbbed from where he had run into the boulder. It took him a little while before he was aware of what had happened. Stuckling looked around him at the unfamiliarity of his new surroundings. He grew worried as he realized he was in a place he had never been before. Suddenly Stuckling heard a sound approaching and he paused stiff with concern. It wasn’t long before he could comprehend what the sound was- slow, heavy footsteps. “Alligator!” He panicked and ran as fast as his little feet could carry him. He could feel the rushing of the alligators breath as he chased and chomped after little Stuckling. Stuckling ran and ran! Faster and faster! The more he ran the more frightened he felt. Stuckling finally found just enough strength to cry out for help as he ran. Thump! Stuckling ran into something. He speedily picked himself back up startled by the impact. It was oddly soft for being something so sturdy.

            He looked up and in amazement saw that it was Chadwick the Great that stood before him. Stuckling swallowed hard before gaping his mouth open wide. Chadwick chuckled at the wide eyed little duckling. It wasn’t long before that no good alligator had caught up with them. His nostrils flared and his eyes full of rage. Stuckling was frightened and hid behind Chadwick. The next thing he knew Chadwick the Great had spread his mighty and majestic wings wide and stood tall. The alligator stopped dead in his tracks and the rage in his eyes turned into fear faster than Stuckling had ever seen anything change before. The alligator hauled out of there quicker than Stuckling could regain his breath.

            Stuckling stared into the empty space of where the alligator had stood moments before. Then he remembered who stood before him. He looked back up at Chadwick the Great and stuttered trying to get his words out. “You-you-you-you’re Cha-Chadwick the Great!” All Chadwick did was chuckle and smile at the amazed little duckling. Then with a mighty and steady voice he said “And you dear little one are who they call Stuckling”. Stuckling now stood in even more amazement that Chadwick the Great knew who he was. “You know who I am?” Stuckling said in his small and timid voice. Chadwick told little Stuckling that he had always known, and how he had always cared for him. Stuckling stood confused. He had never met Chadwick in real life before. All he had were the stories he had heard. Stuckling could only respond with a brief “Finally” as tears filled his weary eyes. Chadwick saw the heaviness of Stuckling’s lonely little heart. He scooped up the tiny and frail little duckling and said “Dear one, I have always been with you.”

            Stuckling sat shocked in the mighty wings of Chadwick and said “You have?” Chadwick reassured him so. You see Stuckling never realized that every stroke or step he had taken was well known by Chadwick for Chadwick had taken them first. Chadwick had always been watching little Stuckling and knew the heaviness of his little heart. Stuckling sat under the love and warmth of Chadwick’s wings for hours and Chadwick spoke kind things to Stuckling. Things little Stuckling had never heard before. The more he listened to the kind words of Chadwick the more the heaviness in his heart would lighten up. Stuckling deeply wished to stay with Chadwick forever, however Chadwick finally stood again. He cleared his mighty throat and told Stuckling that he must return back to the home of his swampy waters. Stuckling grew saddened at this. Chadwick told him he must do so that he might tell the other ducklings about him.

            Before Chadwick spread his mighty wings to take flight he reminded Stuckling to remember the kind things he had spoken to him. He told Stuckling to share these things with the other little ducklings back home. Stuckling started to weep and panic, but Chadwick paused and reminded Stuckling that he would always be with him. Chadwick took a strong leap and spread his wings in flight. He glimpsed back at Stuckling once more, smiled and said “remember me and the kind things I have told you”. Stuckling pulled himself together, took a deep sigh, and started to head back home. Stuckling’s heart was far fuller of joy than ever before, and he was eager to tell others all the wonderful things of Chadwick the Great. From that day on Stuckling was never the same and he dreamt of the day he might see Chadwick the Great once again.  

The End

The MIGHTY BABY

      The same God that spoke the world in to existence (Genesis 1), stopped the Midianite army with far fewer men (Judges 7), freed captive Isreal from Egypt (Exodus 6:6, Exodus 12:31-42),  enabled little David to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17),  closed the mouths of lions when Daniel was in the den (Daniel 6:22), and promised to win the greatest victory of all, defeating sin and death came as a baby. A baby. THE MIGHTY GOD came as a helpless tiny little baby HELD in the hands of a young girl. HELD! HE who holds the righteous in HIS right hand was HELD! The omnipotent GOD, SOVEREIGN over all came as a tiny little babe. Meek and Mild. The GOD of the universe came frail and vulnerable. Helpless and small. Dependent on a young girl. This is humility and hope at its finest. I feel deeply that my words are insufficient to describe this glorious and profound truth. I am dumb founded at the fact that GOD who is mighty above all came as precious little baby. Fully GOD (for HE was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT) and fully human (for HE was conceived of the young Mary). This truth can't be wrapped or contained in a box or a bag- it can only be believed or denied. By GOD's intervening and sovereign hand I am thankful to believe that it is indeed true. 
      The story of this MIGHTY BABY JESUS can bring great encouragement for the broken and lonely. It holds promise that we are not alone. It holds promise that HE restores what is broken- HE doesn't just patch up what is broken, but HE fully restores us. HE came to fulfill HIS promise to rescue us from sin and death. HE came to SEEK and SAVE the lost (Luke 19:10), and to give us a new name (Isaiah 62:12). The GOD of Hagar, the GOD WHO SEES (EL ROI) (Genesis 16:13 (a)) was finally seen as a precious and tiny babe. The promise of HIS coming finally occurred in a lowly manger not fit for the KING OF KINGS. The promise is held in HIS name- HE is IMMANUEL (GOD WITH US). (Matthew 1:23). Let this truth penetrate your heart when you feel low and lost. Rejoice for the SAVIOUR has come! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

     With Love, Frances Hope

Great is THY Faithfulness!

     My life is like a broken record that continues to spin around and around. It looks a lot like this: I cry out to GOD (scared, anxious, doubtful) and then HE is faithful to provide, and then I repeat the same cycle all over again. HE is always faithful to provide my needs, and every once in a while HE patiently gives me what I want. Yet I know that even if HE didn't GOD is still faithful and good. HE blesses me FAR beyond what I deserve. I am so blown away by the love GOD has for me! I think of Isaiah 54:8 quite often- "In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you , but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you" says the LORD, your REDEEMER." I am just so thankful for this kind of love from GOD, because I definitely deserve the first reaction, yet I am grateful to receive the latter.
     As I prepare to go to Uganda it has been such a humbling experience to trust GOD financially. The other day I cried anxiously in fear that I wouldn't make it. That the rest of my support wouldn't come. From the start it was a scary leap of faith. I mean I couldn't snap my fingers and make $1,500 dollars PLUS some magically appear. I'm 23, I live with my parents, and I barely make enough to pay the few bills I do have and survive between paychecks (praise GOD I have no debt to pay off!). Yet I felt the LORD was calling me to go to Uganda this time around. I am just so blown away by how much GOD provides. If it is HIS will HE will make it happen. I am SO thankful for my biological family, church family, and for my Chick-fil-a family as they have been a huge support in this time! I seriously couldn't have done it without you all! For all of those who gave you know who you are- I deeply and sincerely thank you! You have blessed me beyond words! I remember when I had the last check covering my travel support handed to me, and the moment I opened it. I paused in shock for a moment. Then I exploded with joy. GOD is SO faithful!!! I am so blown away by how people want to help me as I embark on this adventure for GOD's kingdom! The willingness to give towards my travel expenses, the willingness to buy supplies for those precious little ones in Uganda. I am so thankful!
     The next step is to finish preparing to go to Uganda. Get the supplies on the (Un)adopted wish list, pray, pack, and trust GOD to do the rest. I am still anxious about how I will be able to pay my bills when I get back as I will not have that income as I will miss work, but I am choosing to trust my ABBA. After all- who am I to doubt after HE has been faithful to provide for me for Uganda and for the other hundreds of ways HE has done so in my life- grace being the greatest.
Much Love, Frances Hope

Paintings with a Purpose

Hello dearest loved ones!
Some of you (hopefully most) have heard that I am going on a short term mission trip to Uganda from June 5th through the 14th. If you had the chance to read my last blog you know that this has been my desire for the last two years. I wanted to give you a brief update on where I am in my preparation to go: 1) I am vaccinated! 2) My visa has been approved! 3) I have a scheduled appointment with my doctor for the medication that I will need for travel. 4) GOD is beautifully preparing my heart and giving me the boldness and the opportunity to  share the gospel and my faith with other people (often strangers!). 5) I still have a bit of ways to go on raising financial support for my trip.
 So I introduce (and reintroduce) my "paintings with a purpose". I free handed all of the paintings, and each one of them comes from my heart.



* The first one: "Oh Father Use...." is something I often sing over myself as I desire to better submit to GOD's authority and purpose for my life, but also in adoration that HE is my FATHER who chooses to use me for HIS kingdom.

*The second one: "..Here I am send me" is a verse that hits my heart every time I hear it. I want to have this same courageous submission as Isaiah to be sent for GOD's Kingdom to share HIS gospel around the world in the U.S. AND over seas because both are valuable, and necessary. One is not greater than the other. Remember JESUS dies for Jews and Gentiles. Citizens and Non- Citizens.

*The third one: Flowers. It doesn't go as deep as the others but it is still from my heart.  I have always has an appreciation for GOD's creation. I- love- nature! Sometimes I just take a step back and enjoy the flowers, trees, and plants that I see growing on the side of the road.

*The fourth one: "Thy will be done". Yes I know it looks dark. It's supposed to. I often battle with depression and anxiety, and I have found that it something GOD uses to further sanctify me. HE has brought many many storms in my life, but they are all for my benefit and HIS glory. So it is a prayer that even in the midst of every storm I would say to my loving ABBA "Thy will be done!"

*The fifth one: "Be still and know that I am GOD". (This one is on a small wooden board.) Everyone battles with something and it is a reminder from GOD that we need only be still and let HIM take the rains. Some translations say to "cease striving and know that I am GOD".

So I ask that you would please take these paintings into consideration. I am not giving a price for any of them to leave them for "open bidding" in hopes to raise more support for my trip. 100% of what I make of these paintings will go towards my trip to Uganda. Thanks a bunch!

Much Love, Frances Hope

When HE finally says "Go!"

For two years I have wanted this. Two years I have prayed and pondered upon this opportunity.For two years I have felt GOD say "not now". At first I thought HE was firmly telling me "NO!" and I didn't understand why HE would say no to something such as this- but now I, Frances Hope Allen, am going to Uganda. On June 5th, 2017 I will board a plane that will take me farther than I have ever flown simply to love on those that are the "least of these". Not in my time, but in GOD's time- HIS beautiful and perfect timing. The past two years have surely not been a waste for HE has faithfully been teaching me along the way. GOD has been preparing me for these past two years for these 10 days to come. There is beauty in waiting in obedience for GOD's perfect and beautiful timing. (I will confess that I did happen to throw a few temper tantrums along the way). For the past two years GOD has brought me to places of preparation, and yet I am sure that when I get there I will feel completely unprepared and learn far more. I am thankful for the past two years of my life in which I have taught little ones, learned to study scripture as God intended, served in sacrificial ways, helped care for precious individuals who had special needs, cried and persevered. GOD is teaching me that seasons of waiting are not meaningless- they shouldn't even be viewed as such because HE is working in them. I think about the struggle I went through not having a car (which I know sounds first world) and how I cried out to GOD in the midst of the trial and asking HIM to provide either a better heart or a car. For three years this went on- and three years it was a struggle. Then one day HE provided when I least expected it. I never told any one the type of car I saw myself in- and I would have been thankful for any car in that season- and then when I saw the car chosen for me I wept, because it was my dream car ( a small outdoorsy black SUV). GOD provided for me even the selfish desires of my heart, because I had waited and trusted HIM. There better truth HE didn't have to, because HE owes me nothing and I owe HIM everything. I am so thankful for seasons of trial and waiting because GOD teaches gratitude in them. HE is so faithful. HE is so just. SO loving. I am humbled because I have waited GOD has been providing left and right the finances I need to go to Uganda. I am learning that obedience in waiting is good, because when we wait for the LORD's timing we truly see that it is perfect.
Much Love, Frances Hope

The "A" Word.

  People try to avoid it. Many are overcome by it. Everyone is changed by it. Affliction is inevitable. No matter how hard we try to avoid it as some point in our lives we all cross paths with it. Affliction comes in various ways, and for some worse than others. We are all affected by it. I know what you're thinking- "how is this supposed to encourage me?". The truth is apart from CHRIST it can't and it won't. We live in a fallen world of sin and depravity, and because of that affliction exists. We sin, and we are sinned against. Sometimes we are hurt by the very ones we expect to protect us. So how is there hope? How to we keep going if all we feel is broken, and burdened. By hope! Psalm 34 reads that "the affliction of the righteous are many" but GOD helps us through them all. We will not be overcome by it. It gets better- instead of being overcome by it we overcome it. The worst affliction we could undergo is condemnation from GOD- but if we are in CHRIST we don't have to. We are rescued from the smallest of afflictions by hope because of GOD and we are spared the greatest affliction because of GOD. That is the encouragement. Psalm 22 expresses the heaviness of affliction and that the affliction of GOD's people hurts HIM. So why does HE let us go through it? Because HE is EL ROI, the GOD WHO SEES. HE sees both the evil and the good (Psalm 15:3). HE knows what lies ahead for HIS people- healing. HE lets us go through some of the worst things because HE knows there is healing and wisdom that comes from it. So where does healing come from? JEHOVAH-RAPHA, the GOD WHO HEALS. That is the encouragement I have and I share with you.

The Preborn Person's Plea

  One day it hit me! A still small voice, both firm and full of compassion, saying to me "Frances, you have to do something about this!" Reality rang loud and clear as I pursued action "you will offend many, and many will hate you". These were my constant and consistent thoughts as I approached the day in which I would stand for the killing of the preborn. I knew the risk and it did not discourage me because I know the truth of Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." So I stood there holding graphic images and passing out literature to attendees of Passion 2017. What I saw saddened me, but did not surprise me. What I saw on the faces of thousands of professing Christians was apathy, disgust, dissapointment, and anger. I was not angry at their reaction but rather broken hearted. The apathy one carries is the fate of many yet born. One day we will all be accountable before a HOLY GOD for our actions -or lack there of. I stood there fighting discouragement as my brothers and sisters passed me by some intentionally ignoring me and the others that stood with me on behalf of preborn children.
   I thank my GOD for those who stopped to talk and to listen. I answered their questions, some full of hatred, to the best of my human ability with the words the HOLY SPIRIT had given me. I witnessed 2 grow men cry as the HOLY SPIRIT opened their hearts to see the truth of abortion.  I spoke with sisters that stood to listen of the beautiful, sacred life of preborn children. I, through the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT and making myself vulnerable, proved one woman's argument invalid concerning the choice of human life.
  It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though. I was spit at, cursed at, intentionally ignored, and mocked as I stood to encourage others to stand for human life. My heart broke knowing that one day these people would all face GOD for their actions and lack of- just as I will. I refuse to be someone who sits on my butt and claims to be "pro-life" when others are being murdered. Proverbs 24:11 commands us to reach out on behalf of those being taken away to death- to the slaughter. JESUS commands us to ACT as the good Samaritan did out of compassion for those being left to die. Did you know that 25% of people are prolife, 25% prochoice, and 50% don't care- of these only .0001% are standing for human life. These numbers break my heart. I know the risk. The truth is offensive, therefore I cannot expect to share it and not offend others. My life is not about making myself greater. If people look pass me but see the greatness of GOD then I ought praise HIM. My life is to make HIM known no matter the cost to my own. 
So I plead on behalf of dieing children being murdered daily- stand with me and my brothers and sisters of CBR for their cause. Abortion is murder. I believe in the truth of Romans 8:1 that there is NO condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST JESUS, yet this ought not be an excuse to proceed with abortion. We are supposed to act as the good Samaritan, and not be passive like the priest and the Levite. We are not to take GOD'S gifted grace for granted but to act in good works as our brother Paul reminds us.
I plead to you on behalf of the preborn person- ACT out of compassion in boldness and humility.
   Much love, Frances Hope

HE has Made Me Beauti-FULL!

I am not waiting for my love story to happen because it already has, and therefore I will not wait to experience the little things that express how special it is (for me it was the photo shoot).  I have already come to know and even more so be known by the ONE I love dearly and will further love me unconditionally. I am constantly learning more of who HE is and dwelling in HIS wonderful attributes. HE is the most honest, faithful, and compassionate being that I will ever know. HE constantly keeps HIS promises, and I love HIM so much for this. HE is my ABBA, my BELOVED, my BEST FRIEND- HE is my GOD. NO one will ever be capable of loving the way HE does. HE has pursued me to the point of death on a cross. HE has chosen me, therefore I am not waiting to live my life in hope of a lesser love story. So many are waiting, seeking, and spinning in circles trying to fill the void with a lesser love that will never- no never satisfy, but as for me- I refuse. There is none that will ever come close to comparison- no, not one. There is not a more profound and intimate love than that that HE holds. Psalm 139 says that HE has intricately woven us, and knows our every hour for HE has written them in HIS book- it does not get more intimate than that! I stand firmly in my knowledge that there is not a greater love story out there than that of GOD's sacrificial love- and so I tell you "I am not waiting."- are you?

     We live in a world that promotes a seductive, maintained, up-to-date outer appearance that abandons any focus on inner character. All that seeking to perfect outer appearance does is leave us wanting more, because it will never be enough! Never! The cycle of trends will only continue to constantly change leaving you feeling like your always one step behind. Attire is one insatiable want, but it is not the only one- because the world is selling you a ideal body shape, and telling you the do's and don't of covering your facial "flaws". The world is screaming lies out to you, but only to hide the gentle whisper of GOD's voice saying "come to me." If you are seeking to please the world's standard of beautiful you will only feel empty and like you will never be good enough, because in their eyes- you wont. I am telling you this because I know I have been there- yet I chose to stop and listen to HIS quiet and gentle voice say "come, and seek MY face". The more you chose to seek HIS face instead of worrying about perfecting your own- the more you will start to feel the weight of the lies lift of your shoulders. After you let go of the lies you will start to feel it for the first time- beauti-FULL. My dear, inner character that is shaped by the hand of GOD comes from within. Inner beauty is that of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in HIS eyes (1 Peter 3:3-4)  "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30) Dwell in the radiance of inner character my dear.

    Dear friends know this truth: "modesty is more than covering your physical body- it's about the intentions of the heart." Of whom are you seeking to please? If you are after the attention and approval of an onlooking world be prepared to continuosly feel empty. If you are after their attention constantly seeking to "perfect" your appearance you are forsaking the very heart of modesty. Seeking for their attention will only leave you on a continuous search to fill the void that cannot be filled by that besides GOD alone. So I charge you dear one "stop!" and listen to HIS gentle, quiet, and truth filled whisper!

     Lastly, I want you to know the meaning of my ring (pictured below)- it is not what you think. Today the world is selling the trend of the "purity ring"- of which I am not fully opposed, but yet a part of me is. I do not support the full idea of the purity ring, because I know how quickly it can become a symbol of self-righteousness and legalism. The main idea behind the purity ring is to remain pure for that special someone, but what does that mean? Apart from CHRIST no one is truly pure- for all have sinned. -Pause- I do fully stand in support of remaining physically pure outside and inside of biblical marriage.- Resume- So no it is not a purity ring. This ring is a symbol of HIS steadfast and unchanging love for me. On the inside of my ring is engraved "Romans 8:37-39" to remind me that nothing can separate me from HIS love- not even my own sin. The Ichthus or "JESUS fish" as many call it is a symbol of persecuted christians in history past that clung to the very truth of HIS unseparable love- and that is the love that I today cling to. So dear friends- if you hear anything of what I am saying hear this "only JESUS can satisfy for their is no greater love than HIS sacrificial love".

In a nutshell: 1) My point was to show that yes there are things reserved for marriage, but it's okay to eat of your fine china (or experience a photo shoot) while you are single. GOD calls us to different seasons of life and there is beauty in embracing them with contentment.
2) I wanted to show you that taking pictures that make you feel pretty don't have to appear seductive, and you don't have to dress in a physically revealing way.  True beauty comes inward out!

So, do you feel beauti-FULL?

Much love and gratitude, Frances Hope

Special thanks to: 

*Christina Paz for taking wonderful pictures and making me feel naturally beautiful in the process, for encouraging the very heart of my reasoning behind this shoot: to take pictures that were proper opposed to the world's standards.

*Anna Bryson for "directing", and making me laugh. Thank you for seeking the LORD in the midst of this beautiful season of singleness alongside me. 

*The Posh Peach for loaning your lovely clothes to us for this shoot!

*B Anderson for this beautiful flower garland!

*MyChurch for letting us use your land for this shoot.

*Most of all: Thank you JESUS for stealing, holding, and caring for my heart so well!