Welcome to the Season of Advent! This week we will light the first candle; the candle of hope. Advent is a time of waiting, preparing and pondering the coming of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. During this period we are invited to wait patiently, prepare carefully and ponder deeply the great truths of our faith and to trust in God's unconditional Love for each one of us.

What are you hoping for today? Are you preparing to make a change in your life or work and you are hoping that you have made the right decision? Are you contemplating marriage,having a child, selling a home or going back to school? Maybe you are hoping that you will have enough money to paid the bills, feed your children and care for a loved one who is sick and dying? Whatever you are hoping for today
waiting for the outcome is no easy task.

The key to waiting in hope is learning to trust in God who knows what you need and will provide for you according to His perfect plan. We may not always like His timing, but if you trust Him you will never be disappointed. I have discovered through my own personal experience that God can be trusted no matter how small my faith and weak my knees. Trusting in God provided the peace I needed to stop second guessing myself and allow God to work out the details.

I encourage you during this season of Advent to trust God with your future and the future of your family. Today, tell Him what you are hoping for, waiting for and ask Him how to prepare for the best possible outcome. For if your hope is in HIM you will not be afraid of what tomorrow may bring for Our God is in control of our tomorrows and will provide the strength we need to greet each new day!

Lord, we place our hope in YOU.