Tag: blessings

Faith, Jesus, Christ, Bible, Bible Verses, chronic illness, covid, hope, blessings

Peace; and Freedom in Disguise?

On By PhillippiIn Other2 Comments

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. -Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

Well, it happened. Four years of dodging Covid, one of my biggest fears, and all four of us are positive. To many, this fear may feel unfounded, but for a family living with chronic illness, it can be terrifying. It’s not the short-term I’ve been so fearful of, but rather long-covid, because I know what that feels like. That’s my life already-the unbearable daily fatigue and suffering. So yes, a double dose of long-covid symptoms is terrifying.

Not only have I been concerned about myself, but our youngest as well. Yet tonight, after reading the positive home tests in our hotel room, three days after illness struck us, a wave of peace has washed over me and settled-a peace only He can give. Peace is something I’ve experienced some of, but not enough of. I’ve literally been ridden with anxiety ever since this virus reared it’s ugly head in 2019. But, as much as I’ve scrupulously tried to control us not getting Covid, it’s completely out of my hands. It’s absolutely beyond it.

Now, I know we are not supposed to fear, but the truth is, I struggle sometimes with pretty significant anxiety, and it’s been incredibly difficult not to fear. To be completely honest, I have often succumbed to it. Tonight though, with His peace, he’s giving me another opportunity-an opportunity to walk in faith and trust Him, despite these circumstances we find ourselves in.

If I look at this right, maybe this too, is a blessing in disguise-freedom from bondage, because I’ve literally been in bondage to this virus since the first few cases broke out. Maybe this is an opportunity to strengthen my faith and finally walk in peace, knowing all is well, in spite of the trials we are facing.

*and how timely that our weekly memory verse for homeschool this week was this…

do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

God is always right on time.

Mountainside Aglow

On By PhillippiIn Photography1 Comment 
It's Majestic Marvel Monday! Since Mondays can often be one of the tougher days of the week and for many, it means back to the daily grind, what better way to put a smile on your face than to marvel at His majestic wonders! I absolutely love photography! It is both a creative outlet and passion that brings me joy. So, each Monday, I will post at least one photo of God’s majestic marvels I’ve captured. See and be in awe of His creations and beauty!

Sunsets are like God’s paintings in the sky.

-Unknown

Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.
‭‭-Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. -Job 37:14

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.”

-Martin Luther

Copyright © 2022 Aimee Phillippi

Yukon Fireweed Peaks

On By PhillippiIn PhotographyLeave a comment 
It's Majestic Marvel Monday! Since Mondays can often be one of the tougher days of the week and for many, it means back to the daily grind, what better way to put a smile on your face than to marvel at His majestic wonders! I absolutely love photography! It is both a creative outlet and passion that brings me joy. So, each Monday, I will post at least one photo of God’s majestic marvels I’ve captured. See and be in awe of His creations and beauty!

Next time a sunrise steals your breath or a
meadow of flowers leaves you speechless,
remain that way. Say nothing, and listen as Heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you.”

Max Lucado

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. -Job 37:14

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” -Martin Luther

Copyright © 2022 Aimee Phillippi

Fuel Your Walk Friday

On By PhillippiIn Fuel Your Walk FridayLeave a comment

Fuel your walk with some Jesus and Joe.

I love Jesus and I love me an iced cuppa fresh cold brew halved with vanilla almond milk. What better way to combine the two and perk up the beginning of your weekend, than to “Fuel Your Walk” with some Jesus and Joe. Once a week, I will be posting a little snippet, thought, quote, or question to ponder in relation to your walk with Christ. So grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a delicious cuppa Joe and get comfy as you let this question percolate in your mind:

Cherie Hill said, “Every difficulty you face, in every waiting place, you’re being given the chance to trust in the things unseen and to be abundantly blessed.”

Are you trusting in that waiting place?

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. -Jeremiah 17:7

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! -Psalm 27:14

Spring Streaked Sunset

On By PhillippiIn PhotographyLeave a comment 
It's Majestic Marvel Monday! Since Mondays can often be one of the tougher days of the week and for many, it means back to the daily grind, what better way to put a smile on your face than to marvel at His majestic wonders! I absolutely love photography! It is both a creative outlet and passion that brings me joy. So, each Monday, I will post at least one photo of God’s majestic marvels I’ve captured. See and be in awe of His creations and beauty!

Heading back into the valley after a late afternoon drive, God surprised us with a beautiful painted sky. Taken on a whim from the passenger seat car, this Spring Streaked Sunset, reminded me that God is ever-present, abounding with blessings, even on the toughest of days.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember, after a super rough day, that the evening doesn’t have to end poorly too, or that what happened today will continue into tomorrow. Our day can still have a lovely ending. And, it can begin anew at any moment.

Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens every day can end beautifully

-Kristen Butler

Every sunset brings the promise of a
new dawn

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. -Job 37:14

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” -Martin Luther

Copyright © 2022 Aimee Phillippi

Hope Dancing in the Darkness

On By PhillippiIn Depression, Faith and Trusting God, Hope and Strength5 Comments

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. -James 1:17

Ever feel like you aren’t sure when you’ll see the light of day-those times when the trials come and don’t let up-when darkness surrounds and you wonder if it will ever end-and you need that reminder of Hope?

God reminded me in a big way, recently, that He is still here, no matter what I am going through. Just when I needed a little light, BOOM! He was at work lighting up the night sky, putting on a full dancing display before dawn-while I was still fast asleep. I had no idea what I was about to witness for the first time.

Jostled awake a few weeks ago, I arose to shouting voices and a panicked rush out the door. “It’s the Aurora Borealis. Hurry.” So, I stumbled to the mud room to pull on my snow boots, still not fully aware of what was going on, and I hobbled out the front door in the dark following my family. There it was. To my amazement, we finally saw it. Just when I needed it most, He blessed us with His magnificent light show. Just when I couldn’t see any further, because I was so caught up in my trials, His blessing was around the corner-but I didn’t know that. And, I had no idea He would shine His light so spectacularly a few days later.

Then two weeks ago, as I was dropping deeper into the slimy pit of depression and had just asked for prayer from both my husband and a friend, He did it again. My husband came running in from walking our dogs before bed and yelled that the Aurora Borealis was bobbing in the sky. These two sightings were indeed blessings, because in the year and a half that we have been in Alaska, we have waited anxiously to see the Northern Lights-something so breathtaking, that it’s written on many a bucket list. These were signs of hope from our Creator.

And He likely has blessings just around the corner for us all. So, when it’s difficult to see the light, let’s remember that He is our light-waiting to shower us with His blessings. Let us not forget that he makes each day anew. So when the days are long and we don’t know when that trial we are going through will end, we can anticipate His blessings-blessings of hope that he sprinkles all around us. Let us not forget to keep our eyes open to all He has for us, because we never know when He will surprise us and shine a light on our darkness!

The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. -Romans 13:12

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. -Isaiah 60:1

Harbor Blessings

On By PhillippiIn Photography2 Comments 
It's Majestic Marvel Monday! Since Mondays can often be one of the tougher days of the week and for many, it means back to the daily grind, what better way to put a smile on your face than to marvel at His majestic wonders! I absolutely love photography! It is both a creative outlet and passion that brings me joy. So, each Monday, I will post at least one photo of God’s majestic marvels I’ve captured. See and be in awe of His creations and beauty!

I was sinking down into that dark pit of depression this past weekend, but God had plans to bring me hope. One of the tools I’ve learned over the years to help combat falling deeper into this muck and mire is to change my environment. So, on Saturday, I mustered up that last bit of motivation I had to get out the door, and we headed for the beach.

Alaskan beaches aren’t like the typical beach. When we got there, the arctic wind was blowing, making it brutally cold and my mood dropped even further. We had driven an hour and a half for this and I was crushed, yet God blessed us!

What I thought was going to be a very quick, frigid trip, turned into a fun-filled afternoon that I had not expected. The wind died down a short while later and the weather became tolerable. We were headed across the street to check out the harbor, when our daughter spotted something in the water. Sure enough, we saw several sea otters swimming and splashing amongst the moored boats.

This fella was lazily lounging on the boat dock and did not seem to mind the company. Another was swimming on her back holding her baby. A few others were hamming it up, diving down, then bobbing to the surface and munching on mollusks. It was definitely the highlight of our trip and brought me a little piece of joy and some smiles I so desperately needed. His hope was displayed in His playful creation that was so beautiful to watch. God never ceases to amaze me just when I need it most. Below are a couple of those furry fellas that put on a show for us.

There really is hope for you in days to come. So your hope will not be cut off. -Proverbs 23:18

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. -Job 37:14

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” -Martin Luther

Copyright © 2022 Aimee Phillippi

Wispy Winterland

On By PhillippiIn Photography2 Comments

It’s Majestic Marvel Monday! Since Mondays can often be one of the tougher days of the week and for many, it means back to the daily grind, what better way to put a smile on your face than to marvel at His majestic wonders! I absolutely love photography! It is both a creative outlet and passion that brings me joy. So, each Monday, I will post at least one photo of God’s majestic marvels I’ve captured. See and be in awe of His creations and beauty!

Wispy Winterland was an image I shot while riding shotgun yesterday on our Sunday drive. With a little too much cabin fever, I needed a change of scenery-to take in our Creator’s beauty that we are so blessed to be surrounded by. Getting out-even for a short drive, does wonders to combat going stir-crazy during these long, frozen winters.


The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. -Psalm 19:1

“Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God. -Job 37:14

“God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” -Martin Luther

Copyright © 2021 Aimee Phillippi

Fuel Your Walk Friday

On By PhillippiIn Fuel Your Walk FridayLeave a comment

Fuel your walk with some Jesus and Joe.

I love Jesus and I love me an iced cuppa fresh cold brew halved with vanilla almond milk. What better way to combine the two and perk up the beginning of your weekend, than to “Fuel Your Walk” with some Jesus and Joe. Once a week, I will be posting a little snippet, thought, quote or question to ponder in relation to your walk with Christ. So grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a delicious cuppa Joe and get comfy as you let this question percolate in your mind:

Howard W. Hunter said,

“If you desire to find the true
spirit of Christmas and partake of
the sweetness of it, let me make
this suggestion to you. During the
hurry of the festive occasion of this
Christmas season, find time to turn
your heart to God. Perhaps in the
quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and
on your knees-alone or with loved
ones- give thanks for the good things
that have come to you, and ask that
His Spirit might dwell in you as you
earnestly strive to serve Him and keep
His commandments. He will take you by
the hand and His promises will be kept.”

How will you partake in Christmas this year?

“O give thanks to the Lord. for He is good and His loving kindness is everlasting. -Psalm 107:1

Merry Christmas! May the God of all peace bless you this Christmas season and New Year!

Fuel Your Walk Friday

On By PhillippiIn Fuel Your Walk FridayLeave a comment

Fuel your walk with some Jesus and Joe.

I love Jesus and I love me an iced cuppa fresh cold brew halved with vanilla almond milk. What better way to combine the two and perk up the beginning of your weekend, than to “Fuel Your Walk” with some Jesus and Joe. Once a week, I will be posting a little snippet, thought, quote or question to ponder in relation to your walk with Christ. So grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a delicious cuppa Joe and get comfy as you let this question percolate in your mind:

A.W. Tozer said, “Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”

What will you offer up in gratitude today?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18