Intermissions for Hope - a ministry of encouragement
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Okay, God, now what?
We have a weekly chalkboard calendar hanging on the wall. It gets updated every Sunday evening. Our week in review. But things get added during the week. And things get erased or moved - juggling other things to a different spot. But it is a good resource for my husband and I. This piece of organizing our life has a calming effect as we prepare for the week.
God views your life in a similar way. But it goes way beyond just one week. Your entire life is layed out before Him. He is not anxious. He is calm. He is prepared for all that is in view.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace— 1 Corinthians 14:33
I often feel rushed to get things done, or through things, so I am ready and available for any unplanned surprises. But we have a God Who is ever present. And our first response should be:
“Okay, God, how are we going to do this? How are we going to handle this… respond to this unexpected event? Lord, talk me through it.”
Our good and loving and capable God holds all future moments already in His hands. He is never surprised or caught off guard. He sees how the future plays out - this day, this week and beyond.
So we can live reassured because God is living reassured - in all He sees and does and has planned. He, too, has it all written down. Because of this, we can have peace.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:16
Your days are written out. He sees your whole life. He is ever present and involved in good, loving, and caring ways. And always in wisdom, power, and grace.
So rest in the knowledge of His wisdom, power, love, care and grace today, this week, and forevermore.
God’s got you…
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Princess Mandy
This is Mandy. I named her Mandy. She named herself Princess. As many cat owners know, they like to be treated well. Very well. In fact, they expect nothing less. She wants to be petted on her terms. And not necessarily when you want to or feel like it. Fed when she wants it. Fresh water often. Even to be followed to her food dish and water dish and patted on the back while she nourishes her body - and I guess her soul. Comfort on every level. She wants out onto the screened in porch when she wants out. And back in when she wants in. Yes, she practically demands things as she wants them. And we abide her wishes as often as possible - because we love her and want her to have a blessed life. A pleasing life. To know she is loved and cared about.
And I have to wonder if I am that receptive to the commands of God on my heart. Am I as willing to please and bless when He calls? Do I love Him like that? What does the Lord expect of me? Am I willing to meet Him, follow Him wherever He goes and to do what He is “crying” out for me to do? Or wait until I feel like it… Will I abide by His wishes? Because I love Him and want Him to be blessed by an obedient servant heart? Will I live to please the Lord? Are His calls interruptions to my life or opportunities to express love to Him?
My Christian friends, God has been very kind to us. Because of that, I really want you to serve God with your whole life. Offer your bodies to him like a sacrifice that continues to live. Serve him with everything that you have and that will please him. That is the true way to worship God. Do not become like the people who belong to this world. But let God completely change the way that you think, so that you live differently. Then you will understand what God wants you to do. You will know what is good. You will know what pleases God. You will know what is completely right. - Romans 12:2 EASY
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Not as hard as I thought
I had an idea for a blog post the other day. It came to mind as I was praying for people and using only their first name. We often do that. I’ve seen it in some churches as well. We just say the name and maybe a pause before moving on to the next name. And I wondered if that had the same power and effectiveness as a more lengthy and informative prayer. You know the ones - agonizing, heartbreaking pleas for God to act. Is a mere mention of their name - enough? Can my one word whispered into the ear of God move mountains too?
And then something happened that made me question it even more. While at the gym, an ambulance pulled up. Now I was praying and I didn’t even have a name! All I could think of was: Jesus!
Believe me: I am in My Father and My Father is in Me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see - these works. The person who trusts Me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on My way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of Who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for Who He is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. (John 14:11-13 MSG)
Whatever you request. I’ll do it. I’ll do it. Looking at this passage, the real power, the real certain hope - is in God the Hearer and Responder. And not the number of words. Or their eloquence.
He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. (Matthew 6:7 CEV)
So, even one word from you or me in prayer, makes anything possible because Christ and His power lives in and through us.
So let us pray in the name, that one word name, above all names -
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Freedom to Worship
Whether in a Pentecostal spirit or an introverted spirit; hands clasped before you or held up high in the air; rocking back and forth in time to the music or full out liturgical dance…
As an introvert, when I saw people raise their hands during praise songs, I always felt like I wasn’t honoring God good enough. Then I started jokingly saying I keep my hands down so other introverts can be comfortable.
Jesus says “Come.” All are welcome into His arms. Both the expressive and the meek. Both are bursting with joy in different ways - but make no mistake - fully praising just the same.
The chef and the baker both provide wonderful foods to eat.
The knitter and the quilter both provide comfort and warmth.
The public speaker and the prayer closet warrior both provide hope, support, and encouragement.
Music and paintings both touch and move hearts.
Praise comes in so many forms as well. God created us all differently. So there are also different ways to praise. Do not compare. Be true to yourself and how God wired you personally to be the praise person He desires of you. How you do it doesn’t matter near as much as just keep doing it.
So let us praise the Lord! In every kind of way. Come and worship. Come and praise! Just as you are. And all glory, honor, focus and adoration to God!
“Come, follow Me…” Matthew 4:19
“Let the little children come to Me…” Matthew 19:14
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately…” Luke 19:5
“ I AM the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me…” John 6:35
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Christmas blessings
November is just a few short days away. It’s time to place your Christmas card orders! This is a small sampling of the variety of designs offered… come and take a look!
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html
Looking for the perfect gift for the notecard writer on your list? Don’t miss these creative, heartwarming, “something different than the box-store variety” cards that are always available. Every order comes with a list of suggested messages to write inside.
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html
And in case you missed it, a delightful devotional book with God-inspired messages of His love and care, complimented by my own illustrations - happiness on every page! Order an autographed copy through my email (juliecrane.57@att,net) or find it on Amazon.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
MY BOOKS HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED!
BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED! Here’s how you get your autographed copy:
MCCORMICK AREA -
“open house” Sunday, October 5
between 12:30 and 2:00
and then again at 5:00 and 7:00.
$20.00 Cash, credit card or check.
121 Popular Circle.
(I will schedule another date in the next week or so)
DIMONDALE -
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW (before Tuesday, October 7) TO RESERVE A COPY.
I won’t be able to leave extras.
Delivering to Beth E.
Meet her after the church service Sunday, October 12
or at the knitting group Monday, October 13 from 3:00 - 4:30.
Please make plans to pick up your book during one of these two times.
Please mail all payments to me. $20.00
PILGRIMAGE -
I will bring a supply with me to MP#75. IF YOU AREN’T ON TEAM BUT know someone on team and want to make arrangements with them, please comment below to reserve a copy, payment method ($20.00), and who is collecting a book for you.
If none of these options work for you, you can order through Amazon. https://a.co/d/eIw52zA
If you want me to send you an autographed copy, it will cost an additional $5.00 to cover shipping.
Thank you and I look forward to nurturing your souls through this - my first real published book!
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP IS NOW OPEN!
JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW - IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP.
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html
Monday, September 22, 2025
I want some peace - some good days
Embrace peace—don’t let it get away! - Psalm 34:14 MSG
Thursday, September 18, 2025
A time to store up
Are you watching, are you seeing all those squirrels - storing up for the winter months? They know, somehow, with God-given instinct, that what they need will at some point become scarce. And so they prepare now while there is time. While the food can be seen, found, and stored for the future. I’m not sure there is a squirrel not preparing for winter. I bet they all do it without even thinking of any other option. We know the Lord always provides.
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. - Psalm 104:2 NIV
What a miraculous thing to consider!
The Lord offers us “a spiritual food”, His Word to guide and provide and fill our every need. We should not wait until the “winter months” of our life, when hope and faith may feel scarce. But we should gather up all the truths the Lord has for us, keep His promises buried deep in our hearts and minds. Stored up and prepared. Then the “winter” will not be so harsh. All we have needed, the Lord indeeds provides - offers - and we just need to take time to receive it.
Don’t wait for the winter storms, the blizzard, that may come into your life. Don’t let it catch you unprepared. Make God’s Word a steady intake of nourishment for your soul. It will provide peace and comfort when the storms of life come. There will be no need to panic because the Lord is faithful in offering all you need prior to you even needing it.
Come. Take. Eat.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2 NIV
But Mary treasured [kept; preserved] these things and continued to think about them [pondered/considered them in her heart]. - Luke 2:19 EXB
Direct link to my new book on Amazon:
Direct link to my card shop:
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html
Monday, September 15, 2025
MY BOOK - ON AMAZON!
Here I am - on Amazon! I’ve placed my order for several copies (delivery date October 2-5) and I still plan on hand delivering copies to those in Michigan. From impossible dream to reality! Take a look at the READ SAMPLE option when you click on the book in Amazon. It will take your breath away! It turned out so awesome! Thanks be to God first and foremost. Thanks to the Well Publishers for pulling it all together! Excited!
Friday, September 12, 2025
Who wants one of my books?
Just take a look! Look at all the color! It took my breath away - just holding it in my hands! It is so awesome in real life! I have already showed it to a few people and they love it too! My first real book!
I will be ordering some to sell real soon. Looks like it will be $20.00 plus $5.00 if I need to ship it. I will be in Michigan the end of September so reach out to make arrangements for pick up or delivery. It will also be available on Amazon soon as well. I am new to marketing a book so help me get the word out. As you can see from the video, it would make a great gift for a variety of people. Not only the heartwarming pictures, but some great messages of the love and care God has for you. Email me to place an order and make delivery arrangements.
juliecrane.57@att.net
Thank you for all your love and support!
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
In case you missed it…(and book update!)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
It bears repeating
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13 - NKJV
Today's post is meant to be read aloud, or at least a whisper ...
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - NIV
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency). - AMPC
I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. - CEB
I can do all things through him who gives me power. - CJB
Christ gives me the strength to face anything. - CEV
I can do all things by means of the One strengthening me. - DLNT
Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do. - ERV
... for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. - TLB
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. - MSG
I have strength for everything through him who empowers me. - NABRE
And I find that the strength of Christ's explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. - TPT
Feel free to share this post. You wouldn't believe how many of your friends are really battling with something right now and need an encouraging word ... battles you know nothing about.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
2016 and again today
This is an article I found on a free website called archive.org where you can find publications no longer in print. One of my favorites was a magazine called Weavings. This morning’s reading hit me hard because it is still so relevant today. Just reading the first page… look and see if it doesn’t relate to you in some deep and meaningful way as well.
https://archive.org/details/weavingsjournalo0314unse
(Click on each picture for better viewing)
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Fall temptations
Oh wow! Just look at all the offerings for the fall season! Are you excited? I sure am! I bet you can find several you would like to have on hand. Visit the card shop and place your order today.
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html
NOTE: New pricing for those orders that need to be shipped:
10 cards for $12.00
Orders that can be delivered or picked up remain the same: 12 cards for $10.00
BUT GUESS WHAT? I WILL BE IN MICHIGAN LATE SEPTEMBER AND AGAIN IN EARLY OCTOBER- so maybe we can make delivery/pick up arrangements and you can get more bang for your buck. 😊
I’m here to meet your stay-in-touch with loving supportive note needs.
(Click on photos to enlarge for better viewing)
Friday, August 15, 2025
Are you okay?
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
They all looked so normal. Holding coffee cups, reading books. Someone on their phone. Others heads together chatting softly. Normal people stuff. Sure looked like regular people having a regular day. Right? Are you picturing a coffee shop perhaps?
The fact is, this is taking place in a hospital waiting room.Waiting for lab work to be done. Waiting for radiology. Which means all these normal, average looking people have some real issues they are contenting with.
It sure is hard to tell just by looks who is dealing with pain.Worries. Strife. Anxious over the possible outcomes. They sure looked okay - just by looking. But this scene could very easily be found in a coffee shop, grocery store line, worship center, at the bank, at work, any group gathering really.
It made me pause and think - so many of us, carrying burdens, yet carrying on with regular normal routines of daily life.
Looks don't tell the whole story. Stuff is going on the the life of the one with the smile. Stuff they are trying to grin-and-bear through. More people than you realize.
So let's be gentle. And kind. You don't need to know the whole background story. Just like we all have sinned, we all have trials and tribulations too.
Let us pray for the known - and the unknown - burdens of each other.
Let's just be a little more gracious and forgiving.
Let's draw everybody a little closer to God.
The God Who carries us through it all.
And you know that the Lord has taken care of us the whole time we've been in the desert, just as you might carry one of your children. (Deuteronomy 1:31 CEB)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Whose turn is it?
I think I need a rest from all the pursuing and striving; the trying; and being so focused on being a good servant every minute. It is draining and daunting. God doesn’t refer to us solely as servants. But also Beloved. Child. Friend. I think we are meant to enjoy life as it comes. Trusting the Lord to lead us into good service - in His timing - His place - His ideas - His energy.
You will hear His voice. He knows how to reach you. He knows how to lay things on your heart. You must believe that you won’t miss a thing. In the meantime, enjoy His blessings until He summons you. And when He calls, may your spirit respond. “I get to serve the Lord! With His wisdom and His power infused in me!” You can’t miss! And gladness will fill your soul. Be grateful for this thin-space, this bonding time with the Lord.
Yes. When He calls on you, when it’s your turn - serve the Lord with gladness. Share in His smile. Walk cheerfully into the commission. You don’t need to run and chase after opportunities to serve God. God already has it proportioned out. Which one of us does this or that. When and where. He won’t let you miss your turn to share in the joy of working closely alongside Him.
And in between - rest and play and enjoy living in His love and care. It is to His good pleasure to see us enjoying Him and all the benefits of being His servant, beloved, child, and friend.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Growing in comfort and ease
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence … (Hebrews 4:16)
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Instead of…
Many of you have flower gardens and I know you spend a lot of time pulling ugly weeds to make more room for your beautiful flowers; in hopes that the flowering plants will overrun the weeds and take over the space.
Grow, flowers, grow! Reach down deep and suck up all the nutrients from the ground. Leave nothing for those weeds. Reach up high for the sunlight and all it offers as well. Keep the weeds hidden beneath your leaves so they die in the darkness. Yes, speak softly and gently to those flowers and prune a little back for more growth. Right?
As one grows; the other will surely die for lack of attention.
And so it is, or can be, in the world around us. So much attention to the weeds and thorns of life. When the Bible says to overcome evil with good - isn’t that just like tending to your garden? Drown out the hurtful; crowd it out, with more lovingkindness.
Can you see it; envision it? Dream. Imagine. And now begin replacing. Displacing.
And let it begin with me. In my heart. My motives. My outlook. My impact.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
Starve the old out of its energy and strength and power. And the old, bitter, hurtful will be outnumbered. Spend less energy on trying not to be sinful and more focus on being more of what God wants you to be. Let the better take root. Let the better take over.
Grow, dear child of God, grow! Reach down deep and suck up all the nutrients from the ground (the firm foundation of Christ). Leave nothing for those weeds. Reach up high for the sunlight and all it offers as well. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 Keep the weeds hidden beneath your leaves of trust and belief so they die in the darkness. Yes, speak softly and gently to those flowers of faith and prune back any doubts for more growth.
Let the earth be full of His glory.
From 1 Peter 3:8-12 MSG
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Orders to be shipped
Effective August 1, 2025 - there will be a price change for those orders that need to be shipped versus picked up or delivered locally. THIS IS FOR ORDERS THAT NEED TO BE SHIPPED ONLY.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
More seeds, please
Today I’m thinking about seeds and how small they are. And how we often think of an act of kindness is a small seed that will hopefully grow into something! But I’m thinking about seeds plural and multiple seeds, that maybe somebody has already planted seeds in someone’s heart and maybe it just takes one more small seed in order for that person to have their life completely changed in Jesus.
We often reference the stick that broke the camels back. Piled up and piled up and now that last one made all the difference. So don’t think your seed is too small to make a difference. Don’t think you’re one little act of kindness as ineffective. You’re one little share about Jesus… that one moment you have in the closeness of God - then you tell someone else - don’t think for a minute, that it’s not having an impact. Surely, surely … God is at work and is piling up seeds until that one last seed makes all the difference in the world to someone’s life … and then the miracle. Because we all made an effort to contribute a seed. So whether you are the first seed, or the 19th seed, or the hundredth seed, they all play a role, they all have purpose, in getting to that end result of every seed glorifying God. Know that every seed has purpose. You have purpose. Your story has purpose - you’re sharing has purpose like building blocks. And who knows whether you’ve come for such a time as this? At some point, the scales will tip, and someone’s heart will be overflowing with all this goodness from God. And they finally realize in their head and heart and mind that this is God, the real God, over and over again piling on His love and blessings and care.
My work was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos’ work was to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts.
- 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6 TLB
Friday, July 18, 2025
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Thanks and praise? Now?
It’s hard not to focus on all the hurt, pain and suffering… it’s hard to rise up above its seemingly endlessness. It feels guilty to enjoy and rejoice in the more pleasant things. There is still an abundance of blessings from God’s heart and hand - and yet - if I wait for everything to calm down before I praise Him… if I don’t go to Him even in the bad times… I may never enter that peace that passes understanding. My stirred up soul will never find rest.
I know from John 16:33 that in this world there will be trouble. I don’t think anyone likes that verse…
But there are other verses promising strength for those weakened; hope for the weary; help for the heavy-laden; and a God Who promises to carry us through.
So even as our hearts are breaking, may we invite the Lord in to be our Comfort and to help us carry all this grief, sadness, and yes, anger. Lord, be the Light in the darkest dark. Don’t leave us alone and feeling helpless and so distraught.
May we start now giving thanks and praise to God - for the hope and help He offers.








































