Could you use an occasional dose of encouragement? A spiritual pick-me-up? A reminder of the goodness of God when your circumstances seem out of control? I know I sure could! That's why I write this newsletter. I personally need to be reminded on a regular basis of the character of God. We hope you'll be blessed as we share some of our thoughts and experiences.

Hope Is My Anchor was inspired by my husband Dave's disability. In June of 2000 he had to leave his position as children's pastor because of memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, and chemical sensitivities, among other symptoms.

We eventually learned that Dave has late-stage Lyme disease, treatment takes years, and his prognosis was uncertain. What can I depend on now? I wondered. Where do we turn when circumstances seem to deny God's love, acceptance, and delight in us? What do we do when this world doesn't seem to offer any hope?

In the Bible, the book of Hebrews speaks of a "better hope," one "by which we draw near to God." "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Heb. 7:19 & 6:19)

I know what it is to struggle, to fear, to be filled with anger--and I know what it means to submit these to God and continue to walk with Him. Our hope is that you too can be encouraged to walk with God through whatever life circumstance you are facing. Grab a cup of coffee (or some chocolate!) and join us. You can also visit our website at www.hopeismyanchor.com.

God bless, Dave and Merry Marinello