https://www.trishahawk.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-01-20 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/this-year-the-world-needs-you-to-be-yourself monthly 0.5 2025-01-20 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/the-how-much-more-god monthly 0.5 2024-05-05 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/bluebells-and-the-goodness-of-god monthly 0.5 2024-04-29 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/nothing-is-too-hard-the-omnipotence-of-god-by-catherine-martinez monthly 0.5 2024-04-21 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/3yiynq873kymz0g77wph1nqfr176v0 monthly 0.5 2024-04-07 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/assurance-in-the-attribute-of-gods-immutability-by-lizzy-blanchard monthly 0.5 2024-04-05 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/what-if-suffering-is-gods-best-for-us monthly 0.5 2023-10-21 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/a-soft-place-to-land monthly 0.5 2023-08-04 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/stepping-into-gods-story monthly 0.5 2022-12-29 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/our-rescue-story-86fjh monthly 0.5 2022-12-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/sing-praise-forever monthly 0.5 2022-12-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/in-all-seasons monthly 0.5 2022-12-22 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/seeking-treasure monthly 0.5 2022-12-21 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/a-living-temple monthly 0.5 2022-12-20 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/dearly-loved-child-of-god monthly 0.5 2022-12-19 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/trustworthy-and-true monthly 0.5 2022-12-18 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/prepare-the-way monthly 0.5 2022-12-17 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/trusting-gods-story monthly 0.5 2022-12-16 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/hope-for-every-circumstance monthly 0.5 2022-12-15 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/glory-to-god monthly 0.5 2022-12-14 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/the-most-thoughtful-gift monthly 0.5 2022-12-13 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/our-hearts-his-home-advent-devotional monthly 0.5 2022-12-02 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/l14ywipae70m38ybazx0jiqnr9bpvy monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/ezra-day-4-keep-on-building monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/ezra-day-3-the-altar-of-our-hearts monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/ezra-day-2-to-hope-is-to-wait monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/hope-is-a-decision monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/holding-on-to-hope monthly 0.5 2022-10-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/66ef86d9-3ad8-499e-a750-dd78e43ca83c/Holding+on+to+hope+banner+%282500+%C3%97+1300+px%29.png Encouragement - Holding on to Hope - Make it stand out https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/surgery-surprises monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/unexpected-gifts monthly 0.5 2022-07-26 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/the-next-part-of-the-path monthly 0.5 2022-07-11 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/goldfish-guppies-amp-kindergarten monthly 0.5 2022-05-27 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/first-5-romans-teaching monthly 0.5 2022-05-24 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/first-5-leviticus-teaching monthly 0.5 2022-04-27 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/make-me-available-guest-post monthly 0.5 2022-04-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-week-6 monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-week-5 monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-week-4 monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/1381eb62-7f37-4690-9a00-bf002f732ff0/_Faithful+%26+True+Week+4.jpg Encouragement - Psalms Challenge Week 4 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-week-3 monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/a491e3f9-5bb8-4c34-97bb-6350b150259f/_Faithful+%26+True+Week+3.png Encouragement - Psalms Challenge Week 3 - The most beautiful description of heaven is found in Revelation 21, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” One day we will enter heaven and finally live in peace as God always intended. This is the big picture truth we need to cling to when life on earth begins to unravel. We were created for eternity, to dwell in peace and perfection with God. No wonder these days on earth feel so contentious. Like trying to give an elephant a bath with a toothbrush and a squirt bottle, we weren’t made for the job. Yet, here we are, doing our best to walk forward each day and find joy and meaning in the journey. God fills the gap. He pulls up with his tanker truck and an oversized scrub brush with an extendable handle. Then He scrubs the elephant until it shines. I love the reminder in Psalm 62, “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” I don’t know about you, but when I am dealing with difficult circumstances it’s hard for me to be quiet. Rather, I persistently discuss my frustrations and feelings with God. God’s word tells us that He desires for us to pray constantly, so what does waiting quietly mean? (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18) To wait quietly refers to the posture of our heart, not just the physical act of being quiet. Although, the two do connect. Think of words like surrender and patience — to wait quietly doesn’t mean we aren’t talking to God about the situation. It means our heart is surrendered to His plan forward, not our own. We trust that God’s path to victory — His timing, His ways, and His outcome — is better than ours. A quiet heart is a heart that waits confidently for the tanker truck to show up. Gosh, did my heart need that reminder this week? I’m walking through some difficult circumstances, and I’ve allowed myself to get all twisted up inside emotionally, fretting about the what-ifs and hows. It’s not that I am not confident that God is working in my circumstances, I know He is. I have seen evidence of His hand the whole way through. Rather, sometimes instead of surrendering the outcome to His plan, I create an outcome in my head that is acceptable. Truth is, God might have a different ending in mind. As long as I am using my time and energy to focus on my goal, I am not waiting quietly on Him. Notice the description at the end of Psalm 62:5 - “I will not be shaken.” What would it look like to have such confidence in God’s plan for victory in your circumstances that you are not shaken? I’ve been pondering that question these days. I’m going to let you do the same. How then are we expected to walk forward in the challenges and struggles of this world, while also waiting quietly for God’s victory? Certainly, God does not want us to sit idly waiting for circumstances to resolve themselves? On the other hand, He doesn’t want us to plow ahead with our own solutions without His consultation. God knows He did not create us to live on this earth without Him. It was never His intention for us to face sin and brokenness alone. He created us to live in fellowship with Him. How do we walk forward in the difficult circumstances we face in this life? We depend on God’s spirit — the Holy Spirit — living inside of us to guide us and direct us. We approach God in prayer, with surrendered hearts, and wait quietly for His victory. We build ourselves up, by spending time in His word and in fellowship with other believers, so we can discern God’s will for us and live a life that honors Him. We move when God asks us to move and wait when He asks us to wait. There is plenty for us to do. As we take steps to build our relationship with God, He gives us the strength we need to navigate the challenges life brings. He invites us to sit in the passenger seat of His tanker truck, gives us a helmet and a brush, and says, “Let’s do this together.” https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/dq5yx1dhvci5p5bv74xiucgef48kx0 monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/81cde3ed-08fb-4d54-b117-6ff79933cb31/Copy+of+Faithful+%26+True+Week+2.png Encouragement - Psalms Challenge Week 2 - I don’t know what your walk with the Lord looks like, but I’ve noticed mine follows a pattern that repeats like this: I’m in God’s word every day, connecting with Him in prayer, going about my business of parenting, marriage, teaching, friendships, serving, and inevitably something goes off track. A teenager has a moment I need to address; my husband and I have a miscommunication that needs to be resolved; a friendship needs tending; someone close to me has difficult circumstances; I find out upsetting news. Life’s cruising along, until it isn’t. Suddenly, I’m carrying a burden and considering the best way forward through the new challenges. In every scenario, I have a decision to make. Who or what will I rely on to guide me through life? I could rely on my knowledge. After all, I have a college degree, have read a lot of self-help books, and have walked through difficult circumstances. I have gifts and talents; I could rely on those to help me find a solution. I could rely on my friend’s or husband’s perspective. I could rely on my bank account and investments, or my reputation. This world offers me a lot of things to rely on. I’ve tried them all, and hindsight has gifted me this wisdom — God knows best. I realize that sounds cliche, and possibly flippant. Perhaps you're wondering if I’m making light of the difficult circumstances that define life. Let me assure you, I’ve walked difficult roads and faced challenging circumstances. Struggle and brokenness are still part of my story. Despite all that, I confidently say God knows best. Because He does. David, the author of Psalms 33 & 34 knew it too. Over and over, he writes of God’s unfailing love. He declares God’s wisdom and strength, His ability to rescue, save, and care for those who fear Him. David knew difficult circumstances. He faced wars, famine, a lion, a giant, was chased and hunted by his enemies, and dealt with the consequences of his sin. David wrote Psalm 34 while he was running from Saul, who was trying to kill him, yet, he penned these words: The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:19 Many times, I have doubted God knows best. It is difficult to see God’s best in the whirlwind of difficult circumstances. We must choose to set aside our feelings and decide God knows best despite what we see. I’ve noticed that the more time I spend in God’s word, the more I know about Him and understand His ways, the more confident I am that He knows best. Relying on God starts with knowing God intimately. Trust comes with understanding someone’s character. If you desire to rely on God above all else, then you will need to seek to understand God above all else. As you grow in your understanding of Him you will find confidence in His ways. Then, like David, you will say, “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 34:19 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-introduction monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/psalms-challenge-week-one monthly 0.5 2022-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/f9296ea4-81ee-4758-bb7d-02c4cb873e62/Faithful+%26+True+Week+1.png Encouragement - Psalms Challenge Week One - Music is a window to the heart, an audible journal shared with the world. Listen carefully to the lyrics of a chart-topping song and you will hear a story spilled out. Songs connect us through our shared experiences of struggle, heartbreak, joy, and triumph. Have you ever heard the right song at the right time? That’s the power of a song. The book of Psalm is 150 songs. We might not have the music the Psalms were set to, but we have the lyrics. Emotions spilled onto the pages of scripture, hearts bearing their joy and struggle. Just like any good song, the psalms connect us to the people who lived them and highlight common emotions. As we read the Psalms, we find ourselves in the lyrics. That is exactly what reading God’s word is all about — finding yourself, your story in the pages of scripture, and understanding God’s hand in it. Scripture reveals someone has walked this road before you, and God was there. We find assurance knowing we are not alone on our journey. Your experience is personal, yet shared. Completing the book we know as Psalms took 1000 years, with contributions from many authors. Although written at separate times by separate individuals, we find several themes are woven through the Psalms — another reminder that people share common emotions regardless of time. Psalms guide us on a journey of discovery about ourselves, God, and His creation surrounding us. Sometimes, in moments of struggle, I wonder if my decision to walk God’s path is worth it. Does spending all this time and energy reading God’s word and seeking Him make a difference? The words of Psalm 1 rearrange my wandering thoughts and quiet my doubts. Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit in each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 As seasons of life come and go, I desire to live them purposefully. What good would an apple tree be if it didn’t produce apples or a pear tree without pears? Fruit trees are meant to bear fruit. In the same way, God created each of us for a purpose. Each season of our lives, through the circumstances and situations we find ourselves living, is an opportunity to live our purpose. When we are connected to God, when we are seeking Him, nothing is wasted. All of it works together to grow us and shape us so we can live our days on earth well. My youngest son plays basketball. We are currently in the final weeks of what has been a frustrating season. Just yesterday he came home from a game that didn’t go the way he would have liked. Honestly, he was treated unfairly. Mama bear swelled up inside me on the way home from the game, as I made my frustration known to God and my steering wheel. After getting it all out, I took a deep breath. My mind went to the same place it has gone all season long. As disappointment continued to define the experience, I reminded myself this is an opportunity to learn a lesson about life that will outlive this season. My eyes got teary and my heart swelled with pride as I thought about my 13-year-old boy, sitting on that bench, shoulders tall, watching his teammates and cheering them on. He was unfairly overlooked, not given an opportunity to contribute to the game. Yet, I couldn’t have been prouder of him, even if he had played and scored half the points. Character will always impress me more than basketball skills. People planted in God’s word bear fruit in every season. God’s word shows us the bigger picture. Our circumstances will come and go, our situation will change in time and yet, some things are timeless and benefit us in every season. Patience, determination, perseverance, love, faithfulness, self-discipline — all the fruits of God’s spirit — remain valuable through all the seasons of our life. Each time I meditate on God’s word, every time I allow it to sink into my soul, I find my doubts about it’s value fade away. Is walking God’s path worth it? That’s a resounding yes. https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/5yr7xv6nai506a2rtys05stxbkcty0 monthly 0.5 2022-01-04 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/exceedingly-great-joy monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/scripture-writing-challenge monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/unearthing-treasure monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/3dbnh8ftuvvo88tdu4ya4fdk3jxvnz monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/8270930e-e704-47fc-bdd5-90f21742b7e1/The+winners+of+the+First+5+Writing+Challenge%21.jpg Encouragement - Holy Moly! - My writing was chosen to be published on the First 5 App! Seeing my name on the list of winning writers still seems impossible. By earthly standards, it is impossible. I have no writing degree, professional schooling, or training. I use a hand me down MacBook and write at my dining room table. Most days of the week I am a substitute teacher at my local elementary school. By the world’s standards I am not qualified to be a published writer. I am proof that God doesn’t operate by the world’s standards, that He uses ordinary people who are willing to surrender to His plan for their life. I am so grateful, humbled and amazed by His ways. I’m hoping my journey will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, dream big and never underestimate God’s plan for your life! https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/ok-god-im-ready monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/the-question-that-changed-everything monthly 0.5 2021-12-06 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/sanctification monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/purpose monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/authenticity monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/perspective monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/God%27s+creation monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/category/direction monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Treasure monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Holy+Spirit monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Unmovable monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Christmas monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/suffering monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Psalms+Challenge monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/God%27s+goodness monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Process monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Relationships monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Patience monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Omnipotence monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Dependence monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Infinite monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Advent monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/direction monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/God%27s+will monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Expectations monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Devotions monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Ezra monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Scripture+Writing monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Attributes+of+God monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/breast+cancer monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Immutability monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Surrender monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Trust monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Joy monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/God%27s+character monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/blog/tag/Wisemen monthly 0.5 https://www.trishahawk.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-10-11 https://www.trishahawk.com/about daily 0.75 2024-01-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/76501b1b-255d-4d61-8dde-2dacae54442c/Me+picture.jpg Start Here - Hello, I’m Trisha I’m glad you found your way to my site. I can’t wait to get to know you better. The people who know me best would tell you I am always thinking, questioning, learning, and looking to grow. This little corner of the internet is yet another step of faith on my journey. When you visit, I hope you find encouragement and truth to help you live the story God has for you. Let’s walk the paths of life together. I know God has something beautiful in store for each of us! https://www.trishahawk.com/home daily 1.0 2024-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/76501b1b-255d-4d61-8dde-2dacae54442c/Me+picture.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/1c4b99d0-9b8f-46fa-87c5-e22d4be54b6d/Trisha+%281%29.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/0d06e5cd-6ce9-451a-862f-48fdbdb69972/image-asset.jpg https://www.trishahawk.com/psalms-challenge daily 0.75 2022-03-23 https://www.trishahawk.com/wallpaper-downloads daily 0.75 2022-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/b6350330-0a11-407a-a481-4a3f3b864ee5/Psalm+263+Wallpaper.jpg Wallpaper Downloads Download your Psalm 26:3 Wallpaper HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/f6419b1f-1e62-4e29-88e7-4713f393d70c/Psalm+33+Wallpaper+%28540+x+910+px%29.jpg Wallpaper Downloads Download your Psalm 3:3 Wallpaper HERE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/ebb749ce-8d06-46da-b4a8-c9741b5005a6/Psalm+54+Wallpaper+%28540+x+910+px%29.jpg Wallpaper Downloads Download your Psalm 54:4 Wallpaper HERE https://www.trishahawk.com/new-page-1-1 daily 0.75 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/1699913662404-NQXW8VJ7DPUAHJCBUH9I/image-asset.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/ef3c556a-f516-492e-b81a-9a16eedda30d/devo.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/781bbcdc-7a3e-4876-ab3c-82f727f654c7/inside+2.jpg https://www.trishahawk.com/subscribe-1 daily 0.75 2023-01-30 https://www.trishahawk.com/speaking daily 0.75 2024-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/1704907486976-ELU0ZXX4HKR60PRC9OA1/image-asset.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/612d7c35310c1036b3b4ed16/1704907614773-DIEKCGXLXNIBPF3ZLS2A/image-asset.jpeg