According to the dictionary, Hope is defined as:

The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best: to give hope.

As I was running today, I was thinking about what this day was going to be like. I had a scheduled conference call at 930 a.m. and then a video shoot at 11 a.m. that would go into the evening. I get up early in the morning, usually 4:30-5:00 in order to run and pray. I hoped that I would have the energy to last the whole day as it would be mainly a creative experience and that requires brain use and as everyone knows, brain drain can be more tiring than physical drain.

I then thought, "there are two sides to hope". At first I thought that it was just a lack of coffee in my system or that the new supplement that my wife encouraged me to try was affecting the way my mind worked as I tried to destroy this upcoming hill; but, no. I was actually tapping into something that I had never heard expressed before, or at least, if it was, I hadn't been listening with my concious mind. Fortunately I have one of those factory subconcious minds that hears and sees and remembers all. Unfortunately, I don't seem to ever be able to access the manual as to how to tap into it. Except for an occassional leak of information, I rarely know whats going on. Scary thought, but I digress.

When I run I am training for a half marathon. It is my HOPE that all this preparation will allow me to cross the finish line. (or stumble, the idea is to survive to the end irregardless of mental and physical condition. Just make it across while its still daylight). That is a positive application of the word HOPE.

Paul tells us in Hebrews 11:1 That faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things not seen. So Hope is made of faith.

However there is a negative side to hope. Have you ever left the house, gone to the store and then thought, "I HOPE I turned the stove off." There is a sense of foreboding as the ramifications play out in your mind. The house burning to the ground, which sets the neighbors house on fire which spreads down the street...You get the picture. When you are speaking to someone about being called into the boss's office, you might say or think "I hope I don't get caught because I..." or the worst, when someone who is negative in their outlook says, "I HOPE you don't get disappointed when this doesn't happen because that's what's gonna happen and then I'll try not to say I told you so." That's the result of sharing an 8' X 10' dream with a person who has a 3" X 5" mind.

When thoughts come to you regarding HOPE, you almost have to go into Glenda Good Witch of the North mode and ask yourself, "Is it a good hope? Or a BAD Hope?" and then choose which to follow according to the outcome projected. If you want to keep a negative mindset, you know which to choose. BUT if you want to maintain and surround yourself with a positive mindset you want to choose the kind of HOPE that is Positive in outlook and Application. It gives one confidence. David had positive hope when he faced Goliath. His hope was that his attitude, faith and confidence was pleasing to God. He cared less of what the army of Philistines, Israel, or King Saul thought. His actions were based on a Hope that he had from spending time with God and wanting to please him.

When you step on the scale after the first few days of the Grace and Strength Lifestyle, and you see the weight loss, it gives you a sense of Hope that this is possible and not a waste of time. (Because you already have a WAIST of time...get it? Waist..see what I did there? Nevermind.

When you feel that sense of Hope, it is inspiring, it is life giving, it is food for your soul. It helps you see that what man said was impossible, God says and shows you that with God ALL things are POSSIBLE. That is the Hope that is worth choosing. Hope with results that last as long as you maintain the proper mindsets, practices, and diet, you will become what you have hoped for all along, HOLY HEALTHY AND HAPPY!

HOPE, it does a body good and THAT is the way to live The Grace and Strength Lifestyle.

Pray Seek Believe and Receive

David Michael Rose

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* Individual results may vary.