Apple Slices and Hope

My dog, Kaylee, was looking up with hope that I’d share an apple slice with her. We were taking a short break on a long hike. I want to share with you 3 reasons I have hope.

Jesus lives.
Jesus saves.
Jesus reigns.

Pastor Drew Belden shared these inspiring truths in a message on 4/27/2025 at my church. https://www.bethanypca.org This is real, and it makes all the difference in one’s life for eternity, but also for the here and now. God created us intentionally and invites us to be in relationship with Him. I invite and encourage you to look into this for yourself.

By the way, Kaylee did get an apple slice. Actually, she and my other dog, Zoey, enjoyed several before we continued on that beautiful trail.

“The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

(Romans 3:22-24)

Hope in Jesus does not disappoint.

Kaylee and Zoey happily continuing on the trail.

The Wrong Way

My husband, Mike, was the “catcher”. He stood solidly at the end of a natural rock waterslide to keep our granddaughter safe, because the current was really strong. We were swimming at Haystacks in World’s End State Park, and she had so much fun. I did, too, as I got to follow along behind her!

It took several miles of hiking to get to this swimming area, and the way was beautiful, but not easy. At one point we attempted to take a shorter, older trail, only to find out the way was eventually blocked by downed trees. There was just one solution, to turn around and hike back to the main trail.

The good thing about going the wrong way is that you can stop, turn around and go the right way. You don’t have to continue on the wrong trail. At the end of our day, we had hiked over 8 1/2 miles, but it was worth every step! What trail are you on?

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” – Jesus (Mark 1:15)

“You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” (Psalm 16:11)

“As I look back, trusting God meant that He opened doors that I could have never imagined.” – Sally Clarkson

You can trust God to lead you the right way.

Keeping the Good In

There in front of us was a huge fence, about 10 feet tall and completely blocking the trail. Mike and I were taken aback. We were many hours into our hike, and it was too late to return the way we came. We considered simply climbing over the fence to stay on the trail, but it was so overgrown inside this unexpected enclosure that we couldn’t even discern where the trail went.

It was a beautiful summer day, and we had thoroughly enjoyed hiking through the mountains, stopping for a picnic lunch, and leisurely taking our time. Now it seemed we would have to pick up the pace before darkness fell. So, we looked at our map, followed along outside the fence, then figured out what direction to take to a creek which would lead us back to our truck. We made it safely back with time to jump in the creek, cool off, and laugh about our unexpected adventure together.

Later, we stopped and asked a park ranger about the surprise fenced-off area. She explained that it was an out closure, used to keep animals out while plants and trees are rebuilding. It protects the growing area. It seems we need out closures in our lives at times, also.

The trouble can come when the fence is left up too long, and the growth becomes a wild overgrowth of weeds and thorns. Why am I thinking about all this now? I want to see smiles, handshakes, and hugs return. Smiles are contagious, and I’m convinced that we need them. I am concerned that we are creating a culture of fear – fear of each other. As someone wisely said to me recently, we should be allowed to hold hands. May I suggest keeping the fear out and letting the love in? As for me, that is how I want to live.

“Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Keep the fear out, and let the love in.