Happy Wednesday friends! As I shared several months, I am excited to re-share some of the most popular devotional posts that I wrote in 2017-2018 (if you would like to see the complete list you can find it HERE!) and am excited to share this one this week! I hope that this continues to be a beautiful blessing even several years later!
*this was originally posted in 2017 during the week of September 11th*
One of the more "realistic" parts of When Calls the Heart Season 2 was watching the relationship between Jack and Elizabeth navigate and weather the "after honeymoon phase" of their relationship. As viewers it was a bit painful to see them walk through this different season in their lives, grow and learn more about each other, and also navigate some of the difficult realities of moving forward as a couple. At the end of the season though it was a precious moment to see them realize that in walking through all of these things they realized that the struggles had made them stronger as a couple and they wanted to move forward together.
There is a scene that takes place rather briefly in the mine when Elizabeth states, "it really feels like we've been given a second chance today". Jack's response is cute, flirty and adorable, but I have been thinking more and more recently about Elizabeth's comment and the beautiful truth that comes with learning what she has shared... the power of second chances to bring change to our lives.
So many times in life there are difficult things to navigate, circumstances that seem that they will overwhelm us, misunderstandings in relationships that will never get resolved, terrible tragedies that seem to have no end, and pain that seems like it will never let up.
But then... life it in all of its beautiful messiness opens a door to a different future than we expected. The circumstance that seemed to overwhelm us lessens. The misunderstanding that seems to create a wide chasm sees a bridge built. Terrible tragedies gently remind us of what is most important in life- family, loved ones, and people. And the pain that we thought would never let up starts to slowly heal.
In these beautiful moments of grace meeting us we feel that we have been given a second chance. A second chance to do things differently.
To approach the world a little differently.
To be more compassionate.
To find contentment in where we are at.
To take the time to love those around us more intentionally.
To let go of what is truly not important.
To remember the grace.
To extend the grace to others.
To embrace the joy of the moment.
To offer forgiveness quickly.
To love more deeply.
To love more sacrificially.
To be more vulnerable.
To live in hope more fully.
To speak more life giving and redeeming words to those that we encounter.
And perhaps this week ...after all of the tragedies that America has endured, that America has remembered from sixteen years ago... and the unimaginable difficulties that people around the world are enduring... there is no better time then to live in the beautiful gift of second chances.
Today dear friends, let's live fully in the beautiful gift of second chances. Let's live as if each moment of our lives is the treasured gift that it is. We don't know what the future may bring, but we know that there is a beautiful hope and promise that is found in our history. And in knowing that and in living in the beauty of second chances we can live confidently that this has the power to change everything.
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are never every morning; great is your faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:21-23-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
-Lamentations 3:21-23-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I have received several emails asking me about the books by Janette Oke that the series is based on. You may remember that I mentioned in my very first From Hope Valley Devotional post that I had read Janette Oke's series back when I was a teenager. The original book series, "The Canadian West Series" was based on Elizabeth's aunt and her adventures (she also married a Mountie). Here are the listing of the books from that series (there are six) in order:
In the last several years Janette Oke released a new series entitled, "Return to the Canadian West" which you can find listed below in order:
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
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