tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post1164004142201020899..comments2023-04-04T15:41:24.585-04:00Comments on Grace with Silk: When Hope Seems Out of Left FieldAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04641003094865906821noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-81781683950655395432016-11-16T09:50:24.438-05:002016-11-16T09:50:24.438-05:00Valerie as usual i got much out of this. I think ...Valerie as usual i got much out of this. I think it's interesting that Abraham hoped and is noted for it here. Yet there was time he lost hope and crafted his own hope. He failed. With Hagar. Yet God recognizes him as hopeful. Love that. We all lose hope sometimes. Just like the Israelites and Aaron. We turn to a hope of own making sometimes. <br />My favorite lines are here"Sometimes I need to remember the game’s not entirely mine to win or lose, but I do have a role to play."<br />I think its easy for me to lose hope when I believe all rests on me. When I narcissitically believe this and things don't change I can give in or give up. Wrong. It's not all up to us. That's a faulty approach. We do what we Can and ask Jesus for the miracle. <br />Love<br />U and I belive you are a baseball fan. I Know I'm a girlie girl but I used to be an obsessed basketball fan with my daddy Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01897455324381891849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-42570483108184282342016-11-15T13:12:29.122-05:002016-11-15T13:12:29.122-05:00Thanks for stopping by and reading -- so grateful ...Thanks for stopping by and reading -- so grateful for the kind words!Valerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-69817442502808406532016-11-13T09:32:12.818-05:002016-11-13T09:32:12.818-05:00Valerie, I love reading all the baseball reference...Valerie, I love reading all the baseball references! Once you fall for baseball you never get it out of your system. It has the ability to make people feel nostalgic. Your writing is always so clever, so fun to read yet insightful. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-37183252529539368042016-11-12T17:36:39.866-05:002016-11-12T17:36:39.866-05:00Hi Kristina,
I see you've experienced some of ...Hi Kristina,<br />I see you've experienced some of the state's dedicated fans -- even on your side of it! :) Thank you for sharing the verse about peace -- I need it and I think a lot of us do these days! xoxoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-19559803866016033882016-11-12T17:35:23.533-05:002016-11-12T17:35:23.533-05:00Hi Amy,
Always nice to see you here, friend! I'...Hi Amy,<br />Always nice to see you here, friend! I'm often puzzled at what our role is to play as we walk through life and I know God miraculously invites us to partner with him, but so often it's a step of faith, isn't it? Thanks for being here!Valerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-90868566259678694052016-11-12T17:33:57.966-05:002016-11-12T17:33:57.966-05:00Karen,
Hello old friend! So happy to see you here ...Karen,<br />Hello old friend! So happy to see you here - welcome to the blog family! :) <br /><br />I must hear more about your divine meeting with hope while in the hospital and hear what God is doing in your life these days! I know we are connected on FB so I'll message you there . . . <br /><br />And yes, even though I didn't have brothers I somehow found myself interested in sports -- must be the Pittsburgh aura that permeates all who live in the city! :) xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-5092788041804905132016-11-12T17:31:42.711-05:002016-11-12T17:31:42.711-05:00Hi Linda,
Ah -- the gene pool -- I love it -- my I...Hi Linda,<br />Ah -- the gene pool -- I love it -- my Italian ancestors were rather somber, melancholy folk so I'll join you in placing the blame there, too! xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-19137333127793232852016-11-12T14:41:53.562-05:002016-11-12T14:41:53.562-05:00Baseball! That's awesmore that you like that s...Baseball! That's awesmore that you like that sport. I guess if you are from Pa they certainly like their pirates. Pretty dedicated. Lol I will never get that about this state. <br /><br />It really sounds like you are really pondering on the future. This post and the last seem really reflective. I really hope that God shows you the way He has for you soon and the meanwhile give you the peace and rest. I am in a season of life with some unknowns but I have been holding onto the verse in Isaiah 26:3-4. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is on you. Because he trusts in you. Trust in the lord forever for yah the lord is everlasting strength. <br /><br />Hope you are well.Kristina Notestinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05060365609535858012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-34261303820144262962016-11-12T07:01:00.532-05:002016-11-12T07:01:00.532-05:00I love the sense I hope I get from reading this. R...I love the sense I hope I get from reading this. Remembering that it's not all on us...but we do need to cooperate. Good reminder for me today! Love this: "Sometimes I need to remember the game’s not entirely mine to win or lose, but I do have a role to play."--Thanks!!!Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17585208212204673038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-57958192952010639592016-11-11T22:03:28.386-05:002016-11-11T22:03:28.386-05:00Valerie,
Reading this took me back to High School...Valerie, <br />Reading this took me back to High School and remembering how much you loved baseball. It always floored me that you loved it so. Having three brothers and having to go to so many athletic events; I had to love sports. But, for you not having brother you did it for the love of the game. <br />In the mist of all the curve balls thrown at us we need Hope. For years my life was teaching and traveling until the curve ball came my way. I spent 11 months in the ICU unable to eat, drink or even able to have a ice chip. Breathing with a machine and unable to move my doctors and others lost hope sending a priest to my room to give me my last rights. However, all I had was hope in my loving Savior who I had put my faith and hope in. <br />During those long months I don't think about my accomplishments or my work; I thought about every person that I had ever met and loved. Hope was all that I had. When my hope was almost gone God stepped in and miracles happened.<br />Many a day my mind went back to are days at Wilson and you my friend. Thanks for sharing the importance of Hope :) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04863593267056710067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-7726074855271139252016-11-11T15:36:19.574-05:002016-11-11T15:36:19.574-05:00Hi Patti,
Oh I'll join you in hoping and prayi...Hi Patti,<br />Oh I'll join you in hoping and praying for your huge miracle! Always great to see you here! xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-37750635671993025372016-11-11T09:47:57.684-05:002016-11-11T09:47:57.684-05:00You always surprise me Valerie! A $12 World Series...You always surprise me Valerie! A $12 World Series ticket. Wow! Most of us probably need hope in some area of our lives. I have a huge miracle I am waiting on God for. Thank you for another encouraging post my friend.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01010439096399049091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-33540921501603368132016-11-10T22:02:01.254-05:002016-11-10T22:02:01.254-05:00I loved it that God said that to you - That is so ...I loved it that God said that to you - That is so perfect- I feel that way pretty much whenever I sit down to write-:) Its funny how I can have lots of ideas or thoughts driving around in the car when I can’t jot it down then when I sit down I have completely nothing!- I just loved hearing about your love for baseball and imagining you going to the game with your dad-and collecting so many cards! Also cool you have been in a helicopter! I look forward to that story some time! xoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-35359013973303155382016-11-10T19:16:05.033-05:002016-11-10T19:16:05.033-05:00Sarah,
The Phillies? Archrivals of the Pirates!! :...Sarah,<br />The Phillies? Archrivals of the Pirates!! :) The Braves are much more worthy of your cheers!Valerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-47704395483374120162016-11-10T19:15:27.685-05:002016-11-10T19:15:27.685-05:00Hi Lisa,
So sweet are your words! :) I almost didn...Hi Lisa,<br />So sweet are your words! :) I almost didn't want to write about my World Series ticket since $12 makes me appear impossibly ancient! xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-60837135104602269872016-11-10T19:14:38.816-05:002016-11-10T19:14:38.816-05:00Hi Lynn,
I can so relate about knowing what we'...Hi Lynn,<br />I can so relate about knowing what we're doing but sometimes (since I'm such an orderly/organized person) I think God invites me to live 'unplanned' for a while to see if I can curb my thoughts and take things one day, one step at a time. Because it's actually so hard for me NOT to know! I'm never one to say, let's see how this goes - because I need to know the end before I even get started or it's not worth it to me! So I think maybe the plan for me right now is NOT to plan . . . Maybe you too! xoxo Always love it when you're here -- and I missed reading you this week!Valerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-51016004636693869942016-11-10T19:06:07.304-05:002016-11-10T19:06:07.304-05:00Hi Susie,
Missed you this week! :) Thanks for join...Hi Susie,<br />Missed you this week! :) Thanks for joining me in hoping and reading my baseball story -- I realize for non-sports fans it might have been a bit tedious! :) but sometimes I forget what I need to remember! And when I think about them again, I see them anew and I see things I've missed before. Not long ago when I was telling myself I had nothing to write about because my life didn't feel new or exciting, I felt like God said You have a lifetime of exciting things, now start writing about them. :) xoxoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-28205397781957841422016-11-10T17:12:35.944-05:002016-11-10T17:12:35.944-05:00I became a baseball fan around that age too, but f...I became a baseball fan around that age too, but for the Phillies. Now I cheer for the Braves. Things sure change, don't they?<br />And yes, we can all use hope right about now. Thanks for passing some along!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-71766350963226271972016-11-10T10:48:37.274-05:002016-11-10T10:48:37.274-05:00I think we all can use your words of hope this wee...I think we all can use your words of hope this week, Valerie. Thanks for being a bright spot of encouragement. I, too, can give up hope too easily so I need this reminder that God is the God of infinite possibilities. Love your story about attending the World Series for $12! :) Lisa notes...https://www.blogger.com/profile/07103364395238899215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-60192496493020768962016-11-10T10:11:05.169-05:002016-11-10T10:11:05.169-05:00Two thousand baseball cards? Wow! And perfect word...Two thousand baseball cards? Wow! And perfect words today. I haven't been feeling like I'm living up to my tag line lately of 'inspiring Hope' as I question, 'why am I doing what I'm doing?' So really resonated with your words "These days I'm a little unsure if I’m following a game plan or a life plan, some other kind of plan or no-kind-of-plan." Gosh, I didn't even write a post this week, and did have time, so feeling a bit like I'm failing in the plans I have set out for myself! But one step at a time right? Thank you for inspiring hope in me today! Lynn J Simpsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04573498994019644656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-26830155906094096432016-11-09T21:37:55.397-05:002016-11-09T21:37:55.397-05:00Hi Valerie,
This is so good. I would like to join ...Hi Valerie,<br />This is so good. I would like to join you in hoping. I find it hard as I too am a glass half empty girl- I love your baseball story and how you have been able to use that in your life! So thankful God is the miracle worker not me- that gives me great hope and freedom too. I love that verse so good thanks for sharing and encouraging me to hope so more! XoxoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-48757050954710875282016-11-09T16:12:43.580-05:002016-11-09T16:12:43.580-05:00I hear ya', Valerie. I'm not naturally a ...I hear ya', Valerie. I'm not naturally a hope-filled soul ... more a glass half empty kind of girl. I have to work hard at allowing God to transform me because my natural instinct is that the end of the world could be nigh.<br /><br />I blame it on the gene pool ...<br /><br />But I know He has something better than that for me.Linda Stollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15568264417855502332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-84886403688543807552016-11-09T16:06:10.713-05:002016-11-09T16:06:10.713-05:00Hi Trudy,
Good to have you join me in hoping! :) I...Hi Trudy,<br />Good to have you join me in hoping! :) It is wearying and exhausting but I'm convinced it's worth it. I'm with you on the Cubs and Cleveland being worthy champions this year, but somehow the Cubs seemed more hapless and needed the hope, I think! I'm so glad you enjoy baseball too -- it always brings back the nights of summer when I holed up in my bedroom, listening to games on the radio -- I actually loved it! Thanks for reliving the memories with me! xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-78284208708907992372016-11-09T16:03:04.339-05:002016-11-09T16:03:04.339-05:00Hi Tiffany,
Next steps are sometimes all we need t...Hi Tiffany,<br />Next steps are sometimes all we need to take but sometimes those can be the hardest too!Valerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237333093557464861.post-71033058050622390902016-11-09T16:02:25.234-05:002016-11-09T16:02:25.234-05:00Hi Heather,
I've missed reading your latest es...Hi Heather,<br />I've missed reading your latest escapades and creative endeavors and can't wait for the Nashville Report {you know it's official when you add a capital letter to the word! :)} Those old baseball photos were from my grandfather's photos from the 1920s. I'm not sure if he played on the teams or not but that charm was his too, that says 1925! This time change always mixes me up too and I don't like the earlier nights -- our time after work seems so limited, doesn't it? But hope always makes it a little lighter (in more ways than one!) xoxoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.com