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Lisa Larsen hill

Seeds of Faith Blog

Guest Post
Oct. 26, 2026

My Way or His Way? Trusting God Through Difficult Times

My last blog post I was blessed to share a beautiful piece by Desiree Future. Today, I’m equally blessed to share the words of another...

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    Tagged: matthew 7:7

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  • **How Do You Respond When Life Throws You a Curve **How Do You Respond When Life Throws You a Curve Ball?**

Has something ever unexpectedly derailed you?

Living in San Francisco, I’d bought a fixer-upper Victorian from the proceeds of a divorce. Every weekend for two years, I spent transforming a Cinderella home from ashes into something livable. Money was so tight a baked potato sufficed for dinner.

Lonely, worried about bills, with still so much to do, I received the news. My company was downsizing. My boss offered me a job in New York City, but I’d have to move as soon as possible. If not, there would be no job. Oh, and it was a demotion.

I had ten days to decide.

Deep in prayer, I sought God to answer, “What should I do?”

One late night in the San Francisco office, depression engulfed me. I was depleted. Close to tears, I felt a warm presence that said, “Go to New York. There is a life for you there.”

An assurance came over me. I found the fortitude to get the flat ready and with faith start this new chapter.

The Lord led me to meeting my husband. I became a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, a certified lay speaker, and started a nonprofit called Seeds of Faith for Women. My latest endeavor involved writing a novel based on an Old Testament story.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined a life so full.

Sometimes we need to be emptied, to know how much we need God in our lives.

My mother used to say, “It adds metal to the alloy.” I hated that statement when growing up, but now I understand its meaning of strengthening ourselves.

I’ve found that once you go through your darkest valley, you can better help someone else later.

What do you do when life throws you a curve ball?

We have this one precious day. Let us live it with love.
    Do Bible verses affect or inspire you? "My times Do Bible verses affect or inspire you?

"My times are in your hand." Psalm 31:15 (ESV)

This verse appeared in one of my daily devotions, and it made me stop and think about how I spend my time.

Someone once shared a video with me called The Jelly Bean Lesson. Ze Frank uses a jar of jelly beans to symbolize all our days, demonstrating how much of an average American's life is spent sleeping, working, commuting, and doing everyday tasks.

Looking at the numbers in this graphic, we realize how precious a day is.

Knowing my time is in His hands, do I spend my time wisely? Do I laugh enough, worry less? How much time is devoted to things that aren't important? If I knew this was my last day on earth, would I spend it differently? Throughout my day, do I trudge through the insignificant moments, or live as if for the Lord?

This psalm inspired me to contemplate these questions. I printed out several Bible verses about time and placed them around my computer. I also memorized several, saying them throughout the day to remind me to cherish each day.

Has meditating on these verses changed my habits? Not entirely, but it's helped me with my mindset. It has made me slow down, be more appreciative of the little things, and let go of minor irritations.

If we are in God's hands, then we can face the small and big challenges with the knowledge we are not alone. We can seek with confidence the joy in daily life.

Which Bible verses have affected or inspired you? Please share a verse in the comments and how it has made a difference in your life.

May we remember our times are in God's hands.
    When someone we love is grieving, we often worry a When someone we love is grieving, we often worry about what to say or do. Having experienced the loss of my mother, I know how much even the smallest gestures can mean.

Here are five simple ways to help someone who's hurting through grief.

1. Your presence makes a world of difference. If possible, attend the wake or funeral. I'll never forget the church members who drove an hour to support me or the coworkers who flew in to stand by me. It was like a blanket of compassion surrounded me.

2. Just listen. Don't worry about finding the right words. Sometimes sitting with someone, holding their hand, or letting them cry is exactly what they need.

3. Write a personal sympathy message. A card is always thoughtful, but sharing a memory of their loved one can be a balm for the soul. I treasured those personal messages.

4. Drop off something nourishing. When you're grieving, shopping and preparing meals may be the last things on your mind. A meal, basket of fruit, or grocery gift card can help enormously.

5. Give a thoughtful gift. Flowers, a framed photo, or a small remembrance can bring comfort. A coworker sent me an angel wind chime after my mother's passing. It still hangs outside my kitchen window, where I see it every day.

When someone you care about experiences grief and you don't know what to do, I hope these five simple ways will give you some ideas.

How has someone helped you through grief? I'd love for you to share your experience so others can benefit.
    Thank you, AMac, for such an enthusiastic review a Thank you, AMac, for such an enthusiastic review and for spending so much time with these five sisters.

Now I want to know: What is the last book you finished and immediately wished you could read again for the first time?
  • Lisa Larsen hill

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