Simply Hopeful

11/08/2025

What Is Your Race?

“[The sun] is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; it rejoices like a strong man to run its race.” – Psalm 19:5

This verse paints a beautiful picture: the sun rising each day with excitement, like a groom stepping out on his wedding day or a runner bursting out of the gate with joy.

It’s not just about the sun—it’s a reflection of Jesus. He’s our Bridegroom, and He ran His race with joy, knowing the purpose and the reward. “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2). That joy? Us. Relationship. Redemption.

Jesus didn’t run halfheartedly. He ran with passion and purpose. And now, He invites us to do the same.

We each have a race to run. There’s a race we all share—loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving others as ourselves. But there’s also a unique path God has set before each of us—a personal calling, designed just for you.
You won’t find that race through striving or comparison. It’s discovered through relationship—with trust, faith, and daily connection to the Father.

Your race won’t always be easy. It might stretch you, challenge you, even bring tears. But it will also bring deep joy, meaning, and a sense of anticipation for what’s ahead.

So—what’s your race?

Whatever it is, run it like the Son. Run with joy.

24/02/2023

24/02/2023

We had a blast of cold air followed by a quick warm up all in the past week where I live. I feel like I'm getting a sneak peak at the next season.

What about you? Do cold days of winter leave you longing for the warmth of the sun and the colors of blooming flowers that come with spring?

While seasons come and go, so do the seasons of life! In "Each Season has it's Delight" ( https://thehopefulmom.net/each-season-has-its-delight/) you may relate to how quickly seasons of motherhood come and go. Be encourage no matter what season you're in. There is purpose and delight!

For our email updates, subscribe here at https://thehopefulmom.net/email-newsletter-and-free-5-simple-steps-for-joy/.

Stay Hopeful!

🥰

18/02/2023

Tender steak, melted cheese, and crisp peppers....delicious!!
Try these Steak Quesadillas found at https://thehopefulmom.net/recipes/
🙋‍♀️❤️

04/02/2023

Are you being faithful in all the right things, but life is still messy? You are in good company. Click here for more: https://thehopefulmom.net/weve-been-given-a-work/

Looking for an easy, fun treat to make with the kids, grandkids, or for yourself? Miniature king cakes are the perfect thing. Check them out here: https://thehopefulmom.net/recipes/

Stay hopeful and enjoy every moment!

You'll find easy, minimal ingredient recipes that are kid-friendly and will leave you feeling like a winner in a pinch!

28/01/2023

“Don’t eat that before dinner,” I told my youngest as he reached into the cabinet for a bag of chips. “But mom, I’ll still eat my dinner,” he said. Sound familiar? So many kids, and adults alike, get hungry and look for something to satisfy that hunger that has little nutritional value to sustain them. All the while, a meal is prepared and soon to be served.

In John 6, Jesus is speaking in the synagogue and says some words that leave many scratching their heads. He says things like, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life…” (verse 54), and “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me,”(verse 56). Many who heard this were thinking like most of us would, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” Jesus is speaking spiritually. He later says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life,” (verse 63).

My question for you and myself is, “What are you feeding on?” In our culture, there are dainties surrounding us. Favorite television shows, social media posts, sporting events, and shopping are just a few of these dainties we are feeding on, but they don't sustain. Our lives are full of events that seem to satisfy but leave us malnourished at the end of the day. Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Just like we would tell our children to wait before grabbing the cookie and eat a hearty meal first, we need to ask ourselves, ”Are we feeding on Jesus?” While the other events are good and part of God’s blessings for us, they don’t satisfy like Jesus does. They are only desserts to the main course.

If you feel spiritually malnourished, go to Jesus-The Bread of Life.
He satisfies, fulfills, provides, nourishes, and the list goes on. He is everything we need. What are you feeding on?

27/01/2023

Eggplant Medallions and Cajun Swamp Sauce

Ingredients:

Cajun Swamp Sauce

-1 pint heavy whipping cream
-1 lb shrimp
-1 lb pepper jack cheese block, shred by hand. (Do not use pre--shredded cheese)
-2 tbs light-tasting olive oil or butter
-1/4 cup onion finely diced
-2 to 3 cloves minced garlic
-Barbeque shrimp seasoning (I use River Road brand)
-1 to 2 tbs corn starch and cool water ( if you need to thicken)

Eggplant Medallions:

-1 to 2 eggplant
-1 c Panko breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
-1/2 all purpose flour
-1 egg
-1/2 c milk
-Cajun seasoning to taste
-Vegetable oil for frying
-Angel hair pasta

Instructions:

Cajun Swamp Sauce:

1. In a sauce pan, add olive oil. Heat over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and saute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and saute until cooked.
4. Add heavy whipping cream. Heat until low boil.
5. Add shredded pepper jack cheese, and heat until melted.
6. Add the barbeque shrimp seasoning to taste.
** If you like your sauce thicker, combine 1-2 tbs of corn starch to about 2 tbs of “cool” water. Then, add to your sauce while it’s on a low boil.

Eggplant Medallions

1. Thinly slice eggplant into about 1/3 in circles
2. Soak the eggplant slices in the milk and whisked eggs.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs, flour, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Coat the eggplant slices in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Heat the oil to about 350 degrees.
6. Fry the eggplant until golden on each side. Place on paper towels to drain.
7. Boil the angel hair pasta until done and drain.

Place the angel hair pasta on a plate, then top with the eggplant medallions, and last pour on the Cajun swamp sauce.

The Cajun swamp sauce can also be served over pasta alone or over fish. It’s delicious no matter how you eat it!

Enjoy!!