Perseverance

Perseverance

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

The definition of this word is: “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.”  To me it says don’t give up.  One truth about life that some find difficult to understand is there are going to be times when life is difficult and unfair.  We are human and none of us is going to be perfect.  Trouble will come our way despite our best efforts to avoid it.  So what are we going to do?  We keep going with “continued effort” in spite of difficulties, failures and opposition.  We move forward respectfully and give our best to achieve.  Another blogger who writes BeautyBeyondBones shared some advice she would get from her mother during extremely difficult times…what is the next right thing to do?  If we can figure that out in any situation we can persevere.  We also have the greatest teacher ever in Jesus, He showed us the ultimate perseverance and we will remember it during Holy Week next week.  May God’s peace be with you.

DSC_1448 publish

“Blessed in the one who perseveres under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)

Don’t Give Up

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our lives are filled with moments and memories…some are good times and some are difficult.  We all tend to embellish a bit in our memories, the memory of good times seem to be really good and the memory of bad times seem to be really bad.  For many there seems to be more bad memories that start to take a person down a road where even the present moments are seen through their eyes with a negative perspective.  This is a quick spiral downward and we can get stuck in the swirl of negativity.  We have to have the courage to choose a new perspective, a more balanced view things and we are fed that perspective when we read the Word of God.  When times are hard and it feels like you are making no progress on anything…don’t give up, keep pressing on, keep believing…that is your faith at work.  Goodness will come to those who believe in the hope that God provides through Jesus Christ.  May God’s peace be with you.

DSC06949 publish

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Colossians 3:12

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

The Journey Of Faith Takes Perseverance

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0546 publish

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)

A New Way To Look At Our Sufferings

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_1556 publish

“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 5:2-5

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

dsc_0458-publish

“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 5:2-5

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 near New Salem, North Dakota)

Don’t Give Up

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

dsc_0664-publish

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trail, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Persevere

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC08480 publish

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in December of 2013 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Perseverance

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_0597 publish

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Relationship

/ mcalcagno / Leave a comment

DSC_1534 publish

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:11-13

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Lake Dillon near Dillon, Colorado)