1104 results for author: Ashlee Schmidt

Hymns of Hope: How Firm a Foundation

Many of the hymns were born out of immense sorrow. In this series, we will examine these songs of old, discover the circumstances behind when they were written, and find comfort in the lyrics that so powerfully point us to the hope of Christ. It was a song I wasn’t familiar with. I don’t even know how my husband found it. I was numb, too numb to take in his suggestion. Yet, when he shared the lyrics with me, and I heard the actual song with the words, something stood out. Was it the right fit? Would these words provide comfort, meaning, and a steady reminder of truth in our darkness and pain? Were the lyrics haunting or helpful? Or both? We ...

God is the Great Redeemer

I have never felt more violated than when I got the news that death had entered my womb. Such an unwelcome visitor, a thief, that I did not give permission to enter my body. Death stings no matter the age or circumstance, but it is extra personal and strange when death comes to a child still attached to your living body. Baby P died at 18 weeks en utero due to trisomy 18. His death meant that we would soon be separated; my body would give birth to him, and he would be laid to rest. Death is the great separator. But I rejoice knowing that Jesus conquered death—the thief won’t have the last word. I believe the pain of death comes from the ...

Hymns of Hope: ‘Tis So Sweet

Many of the hymns were born out of immense sorrow. In this series, we will examine these songs of old, discover the circumstances behind when they were written, and find comfort in the lyrics that so powerfully point us to the hope of Christ. Hearing or singing hymns from my childhood is like a warm blanket to my soul. There is such a comfort and peace that comes with recalling truths in the form of familiar music. “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” is one of these songs for me. It’s as if I’m transported right back to my home church, sitting in an orange pew with the matching carpet under my tiny feet and the beautiful stained glass ...

The Church and Grief: Stephanie’s Experience

In this series, we will explore the unique joys and difficulties we encounter as Hope Moms when re-engaging with church after loss, and seek to help the Church (leaders, members, and ministries) understand how they can come alongside the grieving mother to provide hope, healing, and community in the midst of such great sorrow. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) As I write this, we are in an unprecedented time. We are ...

We Cannot Know God’s Ways

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying the book of Ecclesiastes together, which centers on the truth that life apart from Christ is empty and vain. In its pages, we discover how to view our lives with an eternal perspective, enabling us to press into the Lord regardless of our circumstances. In this series, we seek to explore the wise principles presented to us by "the Teacher" in order to better understand what it looks like to walk in the fear and joy of the Lord even in the midst of our grief. “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed ...

Hymns of Hope: Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Many of the hymns were born out of immense sorrow. In this series, we will examine these songs of old, discover the circumstances behind when they were written, and find comfort in the lyrics that so powerfully point us to the hope of Christ. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 Oh the deep, deep love of JesusVast, unmeasured, boundless, freeRolling as a mighty oceanIn its fullness over meUnderneath me, all around meIs the current of Your loveLeading onward, leading homewardTo Your glorious rest aboveOh the deep, ...

A Mother’s Day Prayer

Lord, I pray for the precious momma Who comes to You this Mother’s Day  With empty arms and a weary heart. I ask you to wrap her in Your loving embrace and give her rest For you are a shield around her and the lifter of her head (Psalm 3:3). Where she is broken, bring healing. Where she is lonely, draw near. Where she is anxious, offer Your perfect peace. For the eyes of all look to You And You give what is needed (Psalm 145:15). As she fixes her eyes on You, Teach her how to love and grief well. No one understands her pain better than You do. You demonstrated what it looks like to suffer as unto the glory of God When You willingly ...

Mother’s Day: Rejoicing in the Gift of Motherhood

This is the time of year where practically every advertisement you see is sharing gift ideas for moms. Store windows feature adorable matching mother and daughter outfits for spring. Kids come home from school trying to hide manilla envelops containing their carefully created handprint crafts, and flower shops scramble to keep up with the overwhelming influx of orders. The origin of Mother’s Day, as it is celebrated today in the United States, dates back to the early 19th century. Before the start of the Civil War, Anne Reeves Jarvis started “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” in order to educate woman on how to care for their children. Then, ...

He Draws Near: Shelly’s Experience

As I sit down to write about “drawing near” I am currently being told to stay six feet away from my friends and others I love. The irony. I pray that by the time you are reading this, we are past the coronavirus crisis and are once again able to be near to those we love and proximally close to others in our community.  I grew up in a Christian home, so I was taught from an early age that Jesus loved me and was near to me at all times. Even with that knowledge, when my son was stillborn at 37 weeks, I needed to feel His nearness. On my kitchen window, I had a box of cards with Bible verses on them that someone gave me as a wedding ...

Sorrow Is Better Than Laughter

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying the book of Ecclesiastes together, which centers on the truth that life apart from Christ is empty and vain. In its pages, we discover how to view our lives with an eternal perspective, enabling us to press into the Lord regardless of our circumstances. In this series, we seek to explore the wise principles presented to us by "the Teacher" in order to better understand what it looks like to walk in the fear and joy of the Lord even in the midst of our grief. "Sorrow is better than laughter,    for by ...