Hope Restored Ministries, 7100 Foxcroft Drive, Frederick, MD (2026)

09/03/2023

A major part of your methodology is your participants. Here are a few points to consider.

09/02/2023

Frustrated with the lack of progress on your dissertation proposal? Contact me today and let's get it done!

09/01/2023

Feeling the dissertation blues? Don't despair, take a little break if you must, get a little self-care, and press forward on your journey.

08/05/2023

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08/21/2019

Family of Origin Series:

07/23/2019

Today's Devotion:

LIFE’S TROUBLES DOES NOT DEVALUE WHO YOU ARE!

You may have heard the story of the $20 bill. A well-known speaker started his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200 people, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?” Hands started going up.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still, the hands were up in the air.

“Well,” he replied, “What if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still, the hands went into the air.
“My friends, you have all learned a precious lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Someone who heard this story made the following statements, ”Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special – Don’t ever forget it!”

The truth is your worth is not in jeopardy because life has put you through some stuff. You have not lost your value because your body bears the scars of the troubles you have experienced. Your experience may show evidence that you have been battle-scarred, but rest assured that you are still priceless.

The writer of 2 Corinthians puts it this way, ”But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

So, regardless of what life has put you through, stand tall because your value as a human being and a child of God is not affected. You are still God’s prized possession because you were made in His image.

Have an awesome Tuesday!

Dean & Nisa

07/22/2019

Today's Devotion:

WHAT SEASON ARE YOU JUDGING?

One of the easiest things to do is to look at one season of my life and judge the rest based on that one part. I recently read a story of a father who sent his four sons to look at a pear tree that was some distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in spring, the third in summer, and the youngest went in the fall.

After their visits to the tree, he brought them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no – it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed, he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right because they had each seen but one season in the tree’s life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season.

If you give up when it’s winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, the fulfillment of your fall. Don’t judge a life by one difficult season. Don’t let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest.

So many times we give up because others judge us based on that one season they saw us in. At other times we look at the unfinished person we are and believe that nothing good can come out of us. We see what we look like in winter and forget that spring is on it's way. Today, remember that whoever you are now is no indication of who you will be tomorrow. If God is still working on you, and he is, then we have to wait to see what you will look like as each day you look more and more like him. The writer of 1 John 3:2 says, ”Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared.”

Continue growing and changing because God is not finished with you yet. Yes, those who saw what you were in the winter or spring or summer or fall saw the part of you without the whole but remember that ”He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

So, as you live your best life, today remember that it is only one part of the whole. Wait until you see what God will do in you as you continue to grow in Him. Let us not judge each other by that one difficult season we saw.

Have a wonderful Monday.

Dean & Nisa.

07/11/2019

Good morning HRM and Friends

THE MILLION LITTLE PIECES:

At any given moment, I am processing several things in my mind all at the same time. Thinking about my family, work, church, health, bills, the future, life, and on and on. Sometimes though, I am worried about the simple thing from yesterday that has become so complicated today. Then I wonder about how I am going to face tomorrow, since my health issues have the potential to affect my family life severely. Or will this financial situation that I am going through cause me to lose everything I have worked so hard for? What about the stress at work and the changes that seem to complicate life even more? Don't forget the other stressors that come with the daily commute, taking the children to this practice and that rehearsal, and the host of other stuff that comes with life.

Now consider the fact that while all this is going on in the present, my mind has not gotten over the loss of that family member last year or even a few years ago. What about the hurt from that breakup or divorce that still lingers even though it has been a while? Remember that I am in remission as well, and that brings with it panic and fear because I am wondering if that lump I feel or weird pain is a sign that the cancer is back?

You are probably wondering what is going on here. But think about it, at any given moment in our lives we are dealing with all or some of those issues as we try to make sense of living in the here and now. The truth is, we never know what is going on in someone's mind when they seem detached, or look out of it. Maybe they are acting a little irrational today, and yes they seem out of it, but the truth is, we may have no idea of why they are behaving that way.

So often we don't take time to find out what is going on in that family members life, or co-worker or classmate or neighbor or whomever. We have no idea that they just received a phone call that a family member or friend just died or that someone they know was in a serious accident, or they are facing foreclosure on their house or their vehicle might get repossessed or they didn't get accepted to the university they dreamed of attending. Every minute of every day, we are dealing with so much, that keeping our heads above water is in and of itself a daunting task.

Therefore, when we see someone acting out of character, or they may look like their mind is in outer space, consider the fact that they may just be overwhelmed with life. From my experience, people generally act out of character when they are bombarded with so much on their plate, and they are unable to process the million little pieces of life that can come at them all at the same time.

The thing about life is that we are all in the same boat trying to do the best we can for ourselves and the people we love. And like everyone else we too have things coming at us from every angle. Being mindful and taking time to listen and being supportive goes a long way. Today, when you meet that person who doesn't seem like himself/herself, remember that they too might just be dealing with a million little pieces of life, just like the rest of us.

Have a caring Thursday!

Dean & Nisa

Join HRM @
7100 Foxcroft Dr.
Frederick, MD
Saturday's 10:00 am

4th and 5th Saturdays we volunteer at Frederick Mission

07/10/2019

Good morning HRM and Friends

DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO!

Have your parents ever spoken those words to you? Some may have said it in jest, ”do as I say, not as I do.” As a parent; however, experience has taught me that this type of warning does not convince anyone to obey, much less take such advice seriously. It is a faithful saying that ”action speaks louder than words.” So, if I tell my children to do something that I know I won’t do, they will learn to distrust me. In their eyes, I would appear to be hypocritical since I am commanding something of them that I won’t do myself.

In the New Testament, we encounter such a situation in Matthew 23: 2-3. The texts reads, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you but do not follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach.” This type of situation was not unique to New Testament times, it still prevails today. In reality, it’s unfair to ask someone to do what you know you will not do.

Now compare the above rhetoric with the wording of this text, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” ( Matthew 7:12). The goal here is to treat others the way you would want them to treat you, which means that this opens the door for friendship and dialogue. Additionally, it commands respect because I won’t treat you unfairly or take advantage of you or discredit you or look down upon you since I don't want you to treat me that way. Whatever I don’t want for myself, I should not want for someone else. If something is hurtful to me, then more than likely it will have the same effect on another person.

From my perspective, respecting others the way I want to be respected has the potential to build and grow relationships. I also believe that it leads to this kind of thinking we have recorded in Leviticus 19:18- “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." From this passage I learn that treating others the way I want to be treated opens up the door for love.

When people see that we don’t practice what we preach it causes them to discredit us. However, when they realize that we treat them the way we want to be treated, it makes a world of a difference. Think of what our communities, work-places, churches, and schools would be like if we treated others the way we would like to be treated.

Since change starts with us, let us “do unto others as we would want them to do unto us,” rather than saying to them, “do as I say, not as I do.”

Have a great day!

Dean & Nisa

Join HRM @
7100 Foxcroft Dr.
Frederick, MD
Saturday's 10:00 am

4th and 5th Saturdays we volunteer at Frederick Mission

07/09/2019

Good morning HRM and Friends

THE PROCESS!

Several years ago, a friend of mine caught a virus while she was out of the country on a business trip. On returning home she started to experience severe pains all over her body, and had to be admitted to the hospital for observation. One of the things the doctor told her family was that there was nothing they could do to alleviate her suffering because the virus she had must go through her system without outside interference. Nothing they did would make things better, and no medication would stop or speed up the process the virus had to take to clear her system. After a few days of dealing with this terrible ordeal, the infection was finally gone, and she was well again.

I have learned that everything in life is a process. There are no shortcuts, no alternate plans, and no other way to get the results that we desire. While there are some things that one can get done at a faster rate, there is still a process that one has to go through. To get a degree, one has to spend several years in a higher education institution, to become board certified, medical doctors must pass their board exams, to fix a broken bone, the patient has to endure the process of being in the operating room.

Life is a process that we all must endure, and while there are some things we can opt out of, some others are inevitable. When I find my myself having to endure and go through the process, so as not to get discouraged, I consider these words.

”No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). Going through the process, I have observed, is a part of life I don't enjoy, but the truth is, it is a necessary step for me to arrive at my destination. The writer of the Hebrews says, but afterward, it produces a harvest of blessings.

When I was a child, I remember being sick, and the medicine the doctor prescribed was so unpleasant to drink that I preferred to remain sick than drink it. But I remember my grandmother telling me that if I wanted to get better so that I could play with my friends, I had to drink it. Everything in me wanted to resist, but because I wanted to feel better, I drank it. In no time I was better, but the process from being sick to well again was as painful as the illness itself, but it was worth it in the end.

I don't know what you are going through today. The process may seem hard and tedious. You may want to quit or stop trying, but remember that this too shall pass. The Psalmist reminds us that ”weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Dean & Nisa

Join HRM @
7100 Foxcroft Dr.
Frederick, MD
Saturday's 10:00 am

4th and 5th Saturdays we volunteer at Frederick Mission

07/08/2019

Good morning HRM and Friends

LIFE THROUGH PAIN!

Pain is an awful experience. You know what I am talking about if you have suffered at its hands. A few years ago, I woke up with my right shoulder hurting so severely that I had to make an appointment with my primary care physician that same morning. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest, my pain level was about 12. My doctor sent me to a specialist who diagnosed my problem. He gave me pain medication, but when it wore off the pain was so intense that I was up the entire night. I could not find relief regardless of what I did. I sat there anxiously waiting for daybreak with the hope that my doctor would prescribe me some stronger pain medication.

I understand why some people get addicted to opioids. I have met people who live in constant pain. The frequency and intensity of their pain is so unbearable and overwhelming that all they can do is cry. One of the most dreadful things about having an illness like cancer or another debilitating disease is the level of pain that some people have to endure. Whether it's physical or emotional pain, it is challenging to stay focused and not lose hope. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that ”The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Knowing that God cares, sometimes serves as an impetus to hang in there.

I know that not all pain is created equal. There are some types of pain that medication does not relieve. The loss of a spouse, child, friend, family member, co-worker, or just someone we knew, leaves a vacuum, a void that nothing seems to heal. Job talked about that type of pain when his children were all taken from him, and he was struck with sores and boils. What kept him going was his trust in God. Here is what he says, ”At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One” (Job 6:10).

You may be experiencing unbearable pain, or you may know someone who lives in constant pain because of an illness or loss. I know it's not easy, so I encourage you to be faithful. Tim Keller once said, ”One of the main ways we move from abstract knowledge about God to a personal encounter with him as a living reality is through the furnace of affliction.”

Another saying that helps us make sense of life through pain says, ”Often, we endure trials seeking God’s deliverance from them. Suffering is painful for us to endure or to see those we love endure. While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done.” Paul Chappell.

The Apostle Paul had an illness or some physical situation that caused him severe pain, here is what he says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ”And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Living through pain will test and try your faith, so I encourage you to find comfort in these words. ”So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ” (Isaiah 41:10).

Have a hopeful Monday!

Dean & Nisa

Join HRM @
7100 Foxcroft Dr.
Frederick, MD
Saturday's 10:00 am

4th and 5th Saturdays we volunteer at Frederick Mission

07/05/2019

Good morning HRM and Friends

BEING PLANTED AND BEING BURIED, THE DIFFERENCE:

One may argue that there is not much of a difference between being planted and being buried. Both involve digging into the ground. But there is a difference. When I was a boy, my grandparents taught me how to plant different fruit trees and other crops. However, after planting seeds, I expected them to grow. To me, planting something meant that there was a future in sight. Now contrast that to the time when, as a boy, I decided to bury one of our animals that had died, I had no future expectations for him. I did not expect it to have a future, so that's why I buried it.

Do you see the difference? Planting has a future and an opportunity for growth; burying does not. There is a huge difference between burying something that is dead and planting a seed, and we should not miss this distinction. When we plant seeds, we expect them to grow, but when we bury something that is dead, we don’t. Here is what John 12:24 says, ”Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” when we plant things we expect them to grow and bear fruits.

Too many times, we bury things we should be planting. You may be in a dark place, or you may see your failures and your mess as indicators that your future is dead with no hope of things ever getting better again. Don't bury your dreams, hopes, talents, and aspirations because things are not going as you expected. Learn from your situation and plant yourself in a place so you can grow and thrive.

I read this statement recently, ”regardless of where you find yourself in life; you must continuously remind yourself that you’ve been planted.” Too often, we bury opportunities because we believe that they will never come back. We bury our talents because of a lousy criticism, or we give up on a dream because we don't see how it can ever come true.

Things may seem dark now and from all appearances, yesterday's opportunity may be gone forever, but as long as you are alive, there is always hope. That is why it is so important to learn the difference between being buried and being planted.

Remember that being planted has a future, and being buried does not. Being planted has hope, being buried does not. So, don't bury today what can grow tomorrow.

Have a fantastic Friday and a safe weekend!

Dean & Nisa

Join HRM @
7100 Foxcroft Dr.
Frederick, MD
Saturday's 10:00 am

4th and 5th Saturdays we volunteer at Frederick Mission

Hope Restored Ministries

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