The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in
spirit.
Psalm 34:18
My Inspiration for a Hope Ladder
So, this post is going to deviate from my usual posts about Bible journaling. This post is a download for anyone who needs a "hope ladder". I got the idea from a video my older daughter shared with me. It was posted by a YouTuber called Martina. From what my two daughters tell me, Martina and her hubby, Simon, travel and share their adventures in the form of videos.
*Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY associated with Simon and Martina. However, I do share something in common with her, and that is chronic pain. I won't go into my story, but if you suffer from chronic pain, depression, etc., this video is VERY motivating and inspiring. Martina shares her real, raw feelings here, and I just loved it.
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My Inspiration for a Hope Ladder
So, this post is going to deviate from my usual posts about Bible journaling. This post is a download for anyone who needs a "hope ladder". I got the idea from a video my older daughter shared with me. It was posted by a YouTuber called Martina. From what my two daughters tell me, Martina and her hubby, Simon, travel and share their adventures in the form of videos.
*Disclaimer: I am in NO WAY associated with Simon and Martina. However, I do share something in common with her, and that is chronic pain. I won't go into my story, but if you suffer from chronic pain, depression, etc., this video is VERY motivating and inspiring. Martina shares her real, raw feelings here, and I just loved it.
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Watch Martina's AWESOMELY INSPIRING video here:
*Caution there is one brief swear word in the video.
http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/an-open-talk-about-my-depression/
Enjoy! And remember, there is hope. You are not alone. I've spent nights crying out to God, tears streaming down my face, clutching my body in pain. But I've also spent days laughing until I cry, and enjoying the people who love me, the taste of delicious foods, the feel of the sun on my face, and the beautiful world around me!
Life has its bad days, yes, and sometimes our minds and feelings trick us. But don't lean on your own understanding. Remember there is a God who loved you enough to die for you. His joy comes in the morning. Hang in there. Climb another rung on your ladder. And if you're too tired, lean on Him.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/an-open-talk-about-my-depression/
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So....What is a Hope Ladder?
In her video, Martina describes it as a way to pull yourself out of darkness. And that is what I had in mind when I designed it! Of course, she was talking figuratively about how small experiences, like learning to knit or going to a café, can help pull you out of your dark pit. And if these experiences make life joyful and hopeful, then why not keep them where you can see them and think about them? Hence, the Hope Ladder!
You can print the sides of the ladder and then add rungs as you go! You can put them on your wall and use them to record:
- your adventures
- good memories
- happy thoughts
- inspiring Bible verses
- photos
- ticket stubs
Whatever you like to help remind you that life is still fun and beautiful and worth living. <3
Print Your Own Hope Ladder
Below is the "hope ladder" for you to print and build with your own memories. I wanted to make it available to everyone. Here's how to do it:
1. Click on the pictures one at a time.
2. Then right click to "save picture as."
3. Save them to your computer and print as many as you want!
Choose from the plain wood, or the more colorful designs. Or mix and match. :)
1. Click on the pictures one at a time.
2. Then right click to "save picture as."
3. Save them to your computer and print as many as you want!
Choose from the plain wood, or the more colorful designs. Or mix and match. :)
 |
| These photos are of me and my family in 2014 in Colorado... the last vacation we took before my chronic foot pain began, before walking became almost impossible for me. Before my life was turned upside down. I miss the "old" me that could hike for miles, and ride horses, and raft rivers, and climb mountains. But I know these light and momentary troubles won't last. :) There is still so much good, so much to hope for and hold onto. |
Enjoy! And remember, there is hope. You are not alone. I've spent nights crying out to God, tears streaming down my face, clutching my body in pain. But I've also spent days laughing until I cry, and enjoying the people who love me, the taste of delicious foods, the feel of the sun on my face, and the beautiful world around me!
Life has its bad days, yes, and sometimes our minds and feelings trick us. But don't lean on your own understanding. Remember there is a God who loved you enough to die for you. His joy comes in the morning. Hang in there. Climb another rung on your ladder. And if you're too tired, lean on Him.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
*Also, you can learn to make origami butterflies here:
Here are the rungs of the ladder. At the very bottom are the sides. Print your favorites!
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| These are the sides of the ladder. Print as many as you need. Overlap them to make it as tall as you want! |
