https://www.heartofhopeministry.org/news/blog.atom2020-03-26T12:58:49-05:00Heart of Hope - HOH NewsHeart of Hopeinfo@heartofhopeministry.comhttps://www.heartofhopeministry.org/urn:UUID:2f840981-132c-401d-ac02-eacf485cc11eCOVID-19 Response2020-03-26T12:51:36-05:002020-03-26T12:58:49-05:00<p><strong>In response to the COVID-19 pandemic:</strong></p>
<p>Heart of Hope - A Sanctuary for Women has been deemed an essential business and will remain open. We continue to meet our mission every day as we seek informed and wise updates from the CDC and local and state health departments. We are adjusting guidelines and protocols within our operations daily. These certainly are uncertain days, however, we serve a God who is sovereign and is not surprised ...</p><p><strong>In response to the COVID-19 pandemic:</strong></p>
<p>Heart of Hope - A Sanctuary for Women has been deemed an essential business and will remain open. We continue to meet our mission every day as we seek informed and wise updates from the CDC and local and state health departments. We are adjusting guidelines and protocols within our operations daily. These certainly are uncertain days, however, we serve a God who is sovereign and is not surprised by these events. Please pray for continued wisdom as we seek to honor the Lord through our care to young women and babies during this time.</p>
<p>We are accepting non-perishable food items. There are plastic bins on our front porch for these donations.</p>
<p>Thank you for your prayers and continued support. We are better together!</p>urn:UUID:e2af9d04-2840-4fda-a1dc-5435fbdba3eeNow is the Time to do Something!2019-04-05T11:38:43-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="BodyA">As the days pass and I watch all that is going on in the world today, I find myself struggling to live in this world yet not of it. Never have I felt so much like I don’t belong here and the straw that broke me and caused me to weep with such sorrow were the days some states announced the decision to allow the murder of not just the pre-born but the born, ...</p><p class="BodyA">As the days pass and I watch all that is going on in the world today, I find myself struggling to live in this world yet not of it. Never have I felt so much like I don’t belong here and the straw that broke me and caused me to weep with such sorrow were the days some states announced the decision to allow the murder of not just the pre-born but the born, under the guise of “women’s health” and our “ right to choose” ! I don’t know about you but as an ambassador of Christ, many times I struggle with what to do and say, keeping silent and just shaking my head—not wanting my anger to cast a shadow on the grace of the Creator. Clearly, we are living in a time where more than ever, we can see the line drawn between the enemy and the people of God. The spiritual warfare that is being fought all around us is undeniable and even though we know God wins, we are still supposed to fight for what is right. The question is — What does that look like?</p>
<p class="BodyA">Every day we must put on the Armor of God! Girding yourself for battle with anything less will be useless. If this were not a battle we wouldn’t need armor and we must purpose in our hearts to put on what He has provided—The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith and the sword of righteousness! We all have days where we “grow weary of doing good” and we lay around in our “holy underwear” waiting for someone else to do what God has called all of us to.</p>
<p class="BodyA">Live out the fruit of the spirit! Show the world what genuine love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control look like. Choose not to be offended but assertive in portraying these qualities to a world where the enemy has redefined and perverted them with lies. Love has become lust. Joy has become believing you ‘deserve to be happy’. Peace, patience and kindness are only for those who believe like you do. Goodness comes from comparing yourself to others rather than the Holiness of God. Faithfulness can be bought; Gentleness has fallen by the wayside with the ‘hey look at me’ mentality aided by social media and Self control is seen as a weakness rather than a strength.</p>
<p class="BodyA">Pray! We are instructed to love our neighbors and to pray for our enemies. This is not easy and I admit some of the prayers I’d like to pray over them need work and help from the Holy Spirit! Pray for boldness to share the Truth in love. If you have a story of an unplanned pregnancy, adoption or the aftermath of an abortion, be bold enough to tell it! If the enemy has you in a place of shame and silence it is time to stand up. Our stories are tools we can use to tell of God’s provision, love, grace and most of all forgiveness. The Holy Spirit can and will take your words and change hearts!</p>
<p class="BodyA">Practically speaking, now is the time to do something! It is true that actions speak louder than words. If you have been sitting on the side lines, get up and go! Visit ministries that are serving the Pro-life cause. Take someone with you who says they are pro-choice and let them see and hear for themselves what we do. As a former volunteer at the Pregnancy Resource Center and co-founder of Heart Of Hope, I can tell you volunteers are the backbone of success! These ministries depend on donations of time and money. No amount of time is too small, nor is any amount of money. If you have been sitting on the fence it is time to leap off! I could list many things you can do but I urge you to call, visit, and see for yourself because that will ignite the flame that will move you to action. From experience, I tell you, God is the best boss, you don’t have to pay taxes on the benefits you earn working for Him and when you give financially the interest on your money will be compounded in heaven through the lives that have been saved by your generosity. We are the only voice the pre-born have, now is the time to act on their behalf and speak up for them!</p>
<p class="BodyA">Carolyn Hammond, Co-founder of Heart of Hope </p>
<p class="BodyA">**Carolyn now lives in Reno, Nevada with her hubby, Scott and whole lot closer to her grandbabies! </p>urn:UUID:1c6ec054-6af5-42a9-99ea-a2601c916288July 20182018-07-31T16:39:19-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><b>“I prayed to God and I got what I asked for!”</b> These precious and excited words skipped joyfully out of Miss J’s mouth as she shared with all of us her BIG news!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I know you want to know the BIG news, and well, I will tell you soon enough. But, you know, there is always a back story with me!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I remember the day Miss J visited Heart of Hope for the first ...</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><b>“I prayed to God and I got what I asked for!”</b> These precious and excited words skipped joyfully out of Miss J’s mouth as she shared with all of us her BIG news!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">I know you want to know the BIG news, and well, I will tell you soon enough. But, you know, there is always a back story with me!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I remember the day Miss J visited Heart of Hope for the first time. She was referred to us by someone who attended our annual banquet this past February. Miss J was tearful, despondent, and wasn’t sure what a “faith-based” maternity home really was. One thing she was sure of, she was 17, pregnant, homeless, and hopeless about the future. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Miss J agreed to our faith program, even though she had no desire to know God. That was okay with us. We were just super excited that we had a chance to be an example of what it means to have a relationship with a Holy and loving God! In the last three months, Miss J has attended church weekly with our house family and participates in family devotion time. Miss J is also surrounded by people who encourage her, love her, and bless her with words with filled hope and God-promises. Because we are a house of prayer, Miss J is used to us asking what her concerns are so we can pray with her. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">Now, we are back where we started. Miss J has been working very hard in our classroom preparing to take the HiSet (High School Equivalent Test) so she can have a diploma before she has her baby in August. She has passed all subjects but math, which she will take on the 20<sup>th</sup>. Miss J’s dream job is to be a beautician – hair and make-up. She knew that she must complete her education in order to be a cosmetology student. Last week, our Social Worker, Debbie, scheduled a tour for Miss J to visit Pat Goins Cosmetology School. It was a wonderful tour and ended with Miss J meeting the owner. Our precious resident walked away from that encounter with a <b>FULL SCHOLARSHIP</b>!! What you say!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:center">“<b>I prayed to God and I got what I asked for!” </b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">It is moments like this one that we get to sit back, smile and say, “God, YOU rock!!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt">The support of our friends has given<a name="_GoBack"></a> Miss J a home where she can meet God, be prepared to be a good mom to her child, continue her education, and experience authentic Christianity. Her life is changed!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beautiful blessings,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Jodi Burns</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">Executive Director</p>urn:UUID:b9e2a5a5-5cee-4dcb-91e0-f2a06a94974dJune 20182018-07-31T16:38:44-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In the context of being a message bearer of the Cross, our lives reveal to others the power of the Resurrection. In every circumstance of life, both good and bad, this question is an important one to ask, “Is my life a witness to the love, grace and power of Jesus Christ?”<p/></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">At Heart of Hope, the way we live each day in front of our residents is a living witness to the new creations ...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">In the context of being a message bearer of the Cross, our lives reveal to others the power of the Resurrection. In every circumstance of life, both good and bad, this question is an important one to ask, “Is my life a witness to the love, grace and power of Jesus Christ?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">At Heart of Hope, the way we live each day in front of our residents is a living witness to the new creations we are in Christ Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;
margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b>A new way of living has come into existence. Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">2 Corinthians 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">This is the truth of who we are as the body of Christ in this world. We must believe it for ourselves if we are to live it out loud to others. Most of our young women, especially those who profess to be Christians, are walking around wearing shame, guilt, and hopelessness – grave clothes. Sin has a way of doing that. But when the love of God is demonstrated radically, without blame and accusation, those grave clothes come off and a purpose to live and walk victoriously are their new garments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>We are believing this for one of our residents now. Pray with us!<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Tonight, one of our past residents is coming back to Heart of Hope for a sleep over visit. She misses her “family.” The support of our friends certainly sustains our mission and commitment to the young and brave moms we care for right now. But, also for those who have experienced the love of God that never fails or gives up!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Serving with you,<a name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Jodi Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-add-space:auto"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Executive Director <o:p></o:p></span></p>urn:UUID:a3c39e4d-3b4d-4350-a5ba-993fb569fdc2May 20182018-07-31T16:36:44-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Are you reading this letter right now and have a child, grandchild, or loved one who has lost his/her way?<p/></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Because God has shown the depth of His love through the ministry of Heart of Hope, I can assure you He is on the scene with those who came to your mind a moment ago!<p/></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I am undone every time a young lady tours Heart of Hope for the first time desperate for answers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Are you reading this letter right now and have a child, grandchild, or loved one who has lost his/her way?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Because God has shown the depth of His love through the ministry of Heart of Hope, I can assure you He is on the scene with those who came to your mind a moment ago!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">I am undone every time a young lady tours Heart of Hope for the first time desperate for answers. Her cry is a silent scream, but it rings loud and clear to us.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">God’s answer to brokenness is always His Grace. He is faithful every time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Thank you for your prayers and support. Your support is partnering with heaven. God’s Word says in Jeremiah 29:11 “<b><i>For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future</i></b>.” Your gift has partnered with that WORD right there! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">We want to pray with you right now. God, just as our donors have<a name="_GoBack"></a> given to bring hope and future to our young ladies, we pray that this promise will manifest in their own lives. For every family member, we pray wholeness, restoration, comfort, peace, and joy. We pray that this family will know how deep, long, wide and high your love is and that nothing can separate them from your great love. In the name of Jesus, amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Beautiful blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Jodi Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> </span></p>urn:UUID:a0b1b082-7251-4da2-b70e-e1fc2b02221bApril 20182018-07-31T16:35:31-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">The Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 defines trust this way: <p/></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt 0.5in; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"">TRUST</span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Segoe UI"">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>noun.</em><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Is c</span></em>onfidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person.<p/></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"">What faces appear in your mind’s eye when you think trustworthy? <p/></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"">Can you imagine what it is like for a 14-year-old whose own parents have been anything but trustworthy? The very family who is supposed to be kind, loving, caring, ...</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin">The Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 defines trust this way: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt 0.5in; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">TRUST</span></strong><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:
"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Segoe UI"">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>noun.</em><em><span style="font-style: normal;"> Is c</span></em>onfidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">What faces appear in your mind’s eye when you think trustworthy? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">Can you imagine what it is like for a 14-year-old whose own parents have been anything but trustworthy? The very family who is supposed to be kind, loving, caring, and provide a safe home where one can thrive and succeed in every area of life is instead drug and alcohol addicted or resides in the city jail.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">This is the battlefield at Heart of Hope. The enemy has a plan to kill, steal and destroy the lives and purpose of the young women who live at Heart of Hope. Our first goal is to pray these young women into a God-dependent relationship where trust is established so they open their hearts to believe there is more than what life has dealt them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">Recently, one of our young women told us, “I want to be mean, but I can’t. Y’all are too nice. I can’t be disrespectful, even though I could really give you h**ll if I wanted to.” At that moment we have a decision to make. What would you do?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">This is what our house mom did, “But you know what, Miss S, you have made amazing choices since you have been here. You have respected our authority. You have chosen to participate in the activities and schedule that we have invited you to do, and you have chosen not to give us heck. You could have been disrespectful, but you have chosen not to. “<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">At Heart of Hope, trust is not automatic with our girls. Trust is built with consistency, and we are fixed on being a team of unity, providing a home where love wins every time. We do not always experience the tasty fruit of our poured-out love and laid down life for these precious daughters of God, but we expect it will win out in the end! The prayers and support of our friends <a name="_GoBack"></a>is the substance of things hoped for and the certainty of things unseen. Together we will believe for their breakthrough when trust is restored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 6.65pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:
"Segoe UI"">Trusting in Him,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Segoe UI"">Jodi Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:
minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Segoe UI"">Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>urn:UUID:e23e8073-3be8-4c52-8bc7-d24eb6ee8541March 20182018-07-31T16:33:32-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal">This week was difficult for us at Heart of Hope. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each of us at Heart of Hope believes we have been given an assignment from the Lord to be His hands and <i>feet </i>to the young women we care for during this challenge of teen pregnancy. The home experience we create for them is so contrary to the life style to which they are accustomed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our newest resident, a 14-year-old, has never known a home ...</p><p class="MsoNormal">This week was difficult for us at Heart of Hope. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each of us at Heart of Hope believes we have been given an assignment from the Lord to be His hands and <i>feet </i>to the young women we care for during this challenge of teen pregnancy. The home experience we create for them is so contrary to the life style to which they are accustomed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our newest resident, a 14-year-old, has never known a home without chaos. In fact, she found it very difficult to sleep at night because it was too quiet. At home, she falls asleep to the popping of gunfire in her neighborhood. What?!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt">This is the first time that I have been fully aware of the incredible difference between our home and that of some of our young ladies. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know poverty. I know hunger. I know sexual abuse. I know unplanned pregnancy. I lived that and more as a youngster. I <b>do not know</b> the life this young lady has lived the past 14 years. I have not walked in her <b>shoes</b>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is in these times we need to stir up the gift of God - our faith, our belief, our hope, our conviction that nothing can separate us from God’s love. “<i>Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear.</i>” Isaiah 59:1</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, we are contending for this young woman who has chosen to go back to what is familiar. The support of our friends <b>keeps</b> the light on in her bedroom. Your prayers today join ours, and we choose to thank God in advance that He will bring her home, where peace is waiting for her.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God Bless You,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jodi Burns, Executive Director</p>urn:UUID:9a00a768-cc2b-4ba6-9d56-23d7abf0df8bFebruary 20182018-07-31T16:31:49-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">I will never get over the goodness of our God! If you are always looking for it, neither will you! <p/></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">This month as we prepared for our banquet guests to fill our event room, we prayed that each person would feel God’s heartbeat for the young women we serve. Tours of the home allowed our guests to experience for themselves what our families experience when they visit for the first time: beauty, peace, provision, ...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">I will never get over the goodness of our God! If you are always looking for it, neither will you! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">This month as we prepared for our banquet guests to fill our event room, we prayed that each person would feel God’s heartbeat for the young women we serve. Tours of the home allowed our guests to experience for themselves what our families experience when they visit for the first time: beauty, peace, provision, and love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">One of our highlights Thursday night was when we saw several of our past residents walk into the banquet room. These ladies do not live in Shreveport/Bossier. These ladies came from Gonzales, Franklin, West Monroe, and Texarkana. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">Our guests surrounded them with love and acceptance; their presence sending a message of support that will forever be imprinted on their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">I want to thank you for sharing in this incredible journey of God’s grace for these young women. Through you, God is saying, “I am going to gather a community of who-so-ever-wills to stand in the gap for these girls and their families. I am going to build a sanctuary where my daughters can retreat to me, meet me and know my love for them. I am going to show them that I have always had a plan for their future and their children’s future. My provision will beckon them to come and rest from the chaos of their lives and to be still and know that I am God, a good, good Father.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">We have seen God do miracles in the lives of our young women. Broken hearts made whole, family relationships restored, and most importantly, lost souls now found! Lives are changed in this environment of crazy love and crazy belief. Until she believes in herself or until her family can believe in her, we do. God is faithful, every time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">Thank you for supporting what God is doing in this ministry. Your gift is a seed that is already producing a harvest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%">Joyfully serving,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:107%"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Jodi Burns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>urn:UUID:a3bb6183-4dfe-47ac-b004-e2b6c2cec0e1January 20182018-07-31T16:29:54-05:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Happy New Year from all of us at Heart of Hope, including the precious baby who was born to Miss E on January third. We are over the moon in love with this gift from God and thankful that his birth reminds us of God’s faithfulness. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">As we begin this year, we confess our need for God…fresh…new…again. We know that He makes all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, ...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Happy New Year from all of us at Heart of Hope, including the precious baby who was born to Miss E on January third. We are over the moon in love with this gift from God and thankful that his birth reminds us of God’s faithfulness. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">As we begin this year, we confess our need for God…fresh…new…again. We know that He makes all things new, in our hearts, in our minds, in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">New is great. New sounds like potential and opportunity; but it also sounds a lot like change and the unknown.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt">So many of our young ladies come to us with <i>fear</i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> of the unknown. It is our desire to help them choose to <i>hope</i> in the known. We know that God is the author of new. And since He authors every good and perfect thing, we can trust that this new year will bring good with it (James 1:17).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">God’s love is alive at Heart of Hope! The support of our friends<span class="text"><span style="color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> help us show our girls that </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">God makes things new for His glory and for the good of His people, even the new baby born to Miss E!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Keep Miss E, her baby and all of the girls at Heart of Hope in your prayers throughout the coming months. January third was a busy day; we also had a young lady move in! She is another reminder that God makes all things new.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(95, 95, 95); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">He offers renewed mercy with each day. He promises good plans for His people, plans that include a hopeful future (Jeremiah 29:11).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Lord, You make all things new!</span></i><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">You bring hope alive in our hearts and cause our Spirits to be born again.</span><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Thank you for this new year</span> and<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> all the potential it holds.</span><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">May we will see the wonders of Your love this year</span><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">and live forever to praise Your glorious name.</span><br />
<span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Amen<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Blessings in the new year,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Monica Lawrence<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Educator<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>urn:UUID:de3942b9-da9e-4a3b-a649-1ba3556a6a62Hello, Mary!2017-12-12T14:34:17-06:002019-09-18T22:16:32-05:00<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">The Word of God is ALIVE! Recently, I read the below scripture and saw something for the very first time. I would like to share it with you.<p/></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Luke 1:26-30 says</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">, “Now in the sixth month the angel</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Nazareth,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">to</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">a virgin</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">engaged to a man whose name was Joseph,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">of the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">And coming ...</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">The Word of God is ALIVE! Recently, I read the below scripture and saw something for the very first time. I would like to share it with you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Luke 1:26-30 says</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">, “Now in the sixth month the angel</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Nazareth,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">to</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">a virgin</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">engaged to a man whose name was Joseph,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">of the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord</span></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">is</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">with you.</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">But she</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">was very perplexed at</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">this</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”</span></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">When I read this scripture about Gabriel, God’s Messenger-Angel, appearing suddenly before this teenager, I picture him <b>thinking</b>, “Wow, this young lady is something! She has caught the attention of God, The One who was, and is, and is to come!” And realizing he hadn’t said anything yet, the words easily flowed out of him, “<i>Helloooo Mary!! God has favored you BIG TIME! The Lord IS with you</i>!” (italics...my interpretation) Can you imagine what was going on in this angel’s mind having been with God for…well…a really long time and seeing a lot of signs, wonders and miracles! And now, the Savior of the world is going to be birthed out of this human being!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Reading this makes you want to go to your bible and see for yourself, doesn’t it? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Because of Jesus Christ, we have found favor with the Lord! “</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"> John 1:16 And this is so for each of our young women. Grace upon grace! Favor!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Heart of Hope is God’s favor revealed; a home where His daughters are loved, accepted, taught, and healed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Jodi Burns<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">Executive Director<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>