Vision of Hope

Fullness of Joy!

Jocelyn Wallace — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:00:39 +0000

Every night my husband, my two little girls, and I pile onto our big comfy bed and have “cuddling time”for the thirty minutes just prior to the kids’ bedtime. For years, we have been using that one on one time to connect, to spend some undivided time paying attention to each other, and to simply enjoy the uniqueness that each member brings to our family. We just genuinely like each other, and we love to hang out with each other. There is so much joy in simply being in each other’s presence. We laugh. We discuss. We dream. Our lives are very full as we enjoy each other’s company.

Sometimes for family cuddling time we watch a portion of a movie, read
silently, or act out Bible stories. For the past several months we have been
reading books out loud to each other. Right now we are reading the book “The
Rainbow Garden” by Patricia St. John. In this story a young girl, Elaine, gets
sent away from her mother to live in the English countryside with a vicar and
his family. This girl’s tragic life had included great spans of time being
alone and lonely, isolated from the very people who were supposed to care for
and nurture her. Her time with the vicar and his family was so different than
anything she’d ever experienced before. They were full of life, authentic, and
bubbling over with joy even in the midst of the real restraints of their meager
little life. One day Elaine stumbles across the statement “….fullness of joy”
on a tombstone in a graveyard. She has no clue what it means, but she makes it
her life’s goal to find out what “fullness of joy” means and how to have it for
herself.

Through a series of misadventures Elaine finds that, contrary to many
preliminary false understandings, the one true meaning of that phrase is found
in Scripture. She is taught that Psalm 16:11 says “You will make known to me
the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” The book then becomes a delightful unpacking of what it actually means to find the full measure of joy in a relationship with God through faith in Christ.

I have found myself pondering this delightful little book and its great big
Biblical message many times through the day. First, I find myself reflecting on
the privilege it is to be invited into a relationship with God, where I myself
have found the fullness of joy that I searched for so many years to find.
Secondly, it has made me have a new measure of passion in helping others find
the joy that they are so desperately seeking, often through various sinful
tools.

I hope you’ll be challenging yourself to find out both through the conference and
through other Godly tools presented through your own local church how to truly
experience “fullness of joy.” Learning how to walk the path of life, basking in
God’s presence results in fullness of joy, and that fullness of joy makes you a
truly beautiful woman… engaging, winsome, and deep. You’ll become a woman who does not rely on shifting circumstances to satisfy you, because your joy is
complete, full, and mature in the unchanging love of your savior.

The joy that my little family finds in each other’s presence during family
cuddling time is but a tiny reflection of the fullness of joy that believers
find in their Heavenly Father’s presence. We only glimpse that fullness of joy
here on earth, but we will one day experience it as fully as possible when we
are finally in his physical presence in heaven.

Law and Order

VOH Residents and Grads — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:54:42 +0000

Recently, I was given the opportunity to serve a current resident of Vision of Hope, while she was involved in some legal proceedings in another state. Although it is an exception, rather than the rule to accept residents with pending legal situations, I joined this young lady as an extension of Vision of Hope, on behalf of her counselor, to provide a measure of encouragement, stability, and focus for her as she endured one of the most trying and challenging weeks of her life.

What an honor and blessing it was to experience this week with her. Being a newcomer to the legal process, I was able to have an outside-looking-in perspective, while gathering information directly from the inside source at the same time! What a learning opportunity! For one, my confidence in the legal system, which had always been somewhat skewed, (since my only “real” exposure to the legal system had been through television and movies) was completely set straight after seeing that justice can truly and rightly be served, as a result of a fair judge and jury residing over a case. I was particularly impressed with the detective who worked directly with this young woman. His love for the Lord and his servant’s heart were apparent, as he sought justice on her behalf, with compassion and genuine concern for her well-being.

Secondly, this young lady challenged and encouraged me, as she was so obviously surrendered to God’s will for her life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, she was sustained and strengthened to complete the week in a way that fully honored and glorified God. She humbly spoke the truth, loved and served those who were involved in the proceedings, and even encouraged others who were directly affected by these proceedings. It was powerful to witness her clinging to the truths of Hebrews 4:14-16, a passage that she often referred to during the week for comfort.

The concept of God as the Righteous Judge has been on my mind and heart, as a result of these legal proceedings. The fact that the One who sets the standard for our lives, is the same One who will pay the price when we fall short of that standard, is a truth that I have come to appreciate on a whole new level, and that, more than any other lesson I’ve taken away from this experience, is wonderful truth, to have reiterated in my life.

Don’t Amuse Me

VOH Residents and Grads — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:39:36 +0000

The book Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild has been the class discussion guide for the VOH residents in the past several days and it has spurred on quite a few challenging, controversial and countercultural conversations.

The topic at hand for the residents was to assess whether they were an “Amused” Girl-Gone-Wild, whose feet do not stay at home or an analyzing, self-disciplined Girl-Gone-Wise. The contrast between the two is clear and the challenge is obvious.

The “Wild Thing” is self-indulgent, self-seeking and always looking to be right in the midst of the action. Proverbs 7 notes that she often finds herself in public places like the street, market, or corner– all places where she can feed her desire for attention and affection. She wants to be noticed and most of all, she wants to busy herself so she doesn’t have to think about anything. The very definition of the word Amuse (A meaning “no” or “void of” and Muse meaning “to think”) sums up the Girl-Gone-Wild’s outlook on life, in general. She avoids exerting effort and discipline to think critically through the details of her daily existence. Meanwhile, as she is seeking her own end and glory, her personal matters on the home front have been left unattended. This is an easy trap to fall into, because the world offers so many enticing distractions, but the Lord tells us in His Word that there is a better way.

God lovingly commands us to have prepared minds, hearts, and bodies that are ready to jump into action. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action”, which shows that God’s desire is that we would have sharp minds; trained and disciplined to serve his purposes with excellence. The self-disciplined and critically thinking “Wise Thing” has trained herself to slow down and analyze, so as to make wise choices that are self-denying, rather than self-indulgent. Her eyes are not on herself, but rather she spends her energy serving others and ordering her personal life at home. Kassian notes, “The “ways of the household” involve the cleanliness and orderliness of its physical environment. But more important than that, they involve the cleanliness and orderliness of its relational and spiritual environment.”

Critical thinking is hard work. Many of the residents began to identify areas where the lies of the world had begun to creep into their thinking and behavior, and this portion of the book, the issue of being amused or thinking critically was a beneficial exhortation for all.

Farewell to Our Dear Debbie!

Jocelyn Wallace — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:00:22 +0000

Debbie Costa has faithfully served as one of the 2nd Shift Supervisors since Vision of Hope opened in Jan 2008. Her dedication to God’s word, love for her Saviour, and loyalty to her husband and family have been a vivid picture of Christlikeness to our staff, interns, and residents.

In 2010, God chose to allow Debbie to fight through a significant battle with late stage ovarian cancer. Debbie valiantly fought for her health on earth while keeping her eyes focused on her Savior in heaven, willingly accepting whatever He would give her.

After a brief pause in her chemo treatments to allow her to rest, Debbie’s health was reevaluated earlier this year, and her cancer was found to have spread. New treatments are being recommended that are more aggressive. This month, Debbie made the difficult decision to resign from her employment at Vision of Hope to allow her body to have the strength it needs to fight her cancer. We all hope that Debbie will be able to keep the focus of her energy on her first and primary ministry, her husband, children, and grandchildren.

We have all enjoyed working with Debbie so much! Her love is effervescent and contagious, and her dedication to the Lord has impacted many.

As Debbie leaves, we would like to assemble a scrapbook that can be given to Debbie upon her departure from Vision of Hope in mid May. If you would like to write a love letter or an encouraging note to Debbie, or if you have a picture that you would like to include in the scrapbook (specifically of you and Debbie or of Debbie doing something fun around Vision of Hope) please submit those to Jocelyn Wallace 5652 Mercy Way, Lafayette, IN 47905 by May 1st. We will be presenting this to Debbie as a way of saying goodbye.

We love you, Debbie, and we pray for God’s healing and strength in this difficult journey.

Steel Magnolia

VOH Residents and Grads — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:39:27 +0000

Last week the residents began to study the book called, Girls Gone Wise in a World Gone Wild, written by author and speaker Mary Kassian. The book contrasts the characteristics of the “Wild Thing” of Proverbs 7 with the qualities possessed by a “Wise Thing”, as discussed throughout other parts of scripture.

Conversation during class centered around defining the word Amenable and its antonym, Defiant. Mary Kassian writes, “A Girl-Gone-Wild is stubborn. She gets irritated and sullen when someone tries to correct her or rebuff her. She is not willing to give in or change…She will not budge. Her way is right in her own eyes. She is not open to input.” The ideals of our day and age highly promote the lifestyle of the Proverbs 7 woman; a woman who is identified by her loud, clamorous, strong-willed, and wayward actions. Many of the girls in class began to face the sobering truth that these attitudes of defiance are promoted and encouraged by society today and have become a way of life for many of them; something that they desire to change.

On the flipside, the Girl-Gone-Wild temperament was contrasted with the Girl-Gone-Wise attitude and demeanor. The Wise Girl can be spotted by her three most notable characteristics – She is: gentle, calm, and amenable. Whereas a stubborn and hard heart refuses to be lead by another, the amenable girl is inclined to bend, comply, and submit, not only to her human counterparts but more importantly, to God Himself. This soft and responding heart is the pleasing to God and brings Him glory as the Wise girl joyfully chooses to acknowledge God’s will for authority and structure in her life.

The term “Steel Magnolia” is used by Kassian who says, “A brazen, defiant attitude stands in stark contrast to the soft receptiveness that the Lord intended for women. [The term Steel Magnolia] melds beauty with perseverance, softness with backbone, delicacy with durability, sweetness with stamina.” The ladies at Vision of Hope are in the midst of the process of becoming Steel Magnolias in full bloom!

The Benefits of Going into Phase II on a Residents Schedule

VOH Residents and Grads — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:08:26 +0000

Vision of Hope is a three step program where residents move from stages called “Phases”, based on their individual desire to learn, grow and progress according to set standards. The biggest leap for residents takes place when they move from Phase I to Phase II, where they experience greater freedom and expanded responsibility for their schedules, eating habits, and time management.

The greatest benefit of moving from Phase I to Phase II for a resident is the chance to put into practice what they’ve learned! In Phase I, a great deal of time and effort is put forth in the classroom and on homework with the goal of gaining knowledge of the truth of the Word of God. In Phase II, the girls get the opportunity to take the knowledge they’ve gained and apply it to their daily lives, helping it to practically become heart knowledge through life experience.

It is a real blessing that the residents get to practice spreading their wings, re-entering the work force and increasing their involvement in the local church, all while still under the protection and safety net of counselors and staff at Vision of Hope. The goal is to restore each of these young women to independent contributors in their families, churches and communities and the first small step toward that end is progressing from Phase I to Phase II- It’s an exciting and encouraging monument along the path of redemption for these young ladies!

Class – Group Counseling at Its Finest!

VOH Residents and Grads — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:37:46 +0000

Each weekday morning, the Vision of Hope residents attend class from 9am-11am. Executive Director, Jocelyn Wallace facilitates and moderates the conversation amongst each resident by starting class by asking a blessing and an accountability-type question. After the group has shared on these subjects, Jocelyn guides the discussion toward the current book study or topic being taught. Typically, a book is read together by the residents out loud, then the portion is discussed, with thought-provoking questions asked and sometimes projects, assignments, or challenges given.

Morning class is widely recognized as a hugely beneficial and growing time where staff and residents alike get to see and hear Jocelyn’s heart, experience her creative and refreshing teaching style, and most of all, are exhorted and challenged to assess their personal walk with the Lord. It is a time where every individual is stretched and faced with the decision of whether or not they will choose to be vulnerable before their peers, accepting the opportunity to embrace the refinement offered through the wisdom and insight of others.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Is it really appropriate for the residents to be discussing their issues and how the topic applies to them in such a public manner?” The answer is that the residents are well aware of the policy that anything and everything of a personal nature that is discussed within the session is not to leave the boundaries of the classroom walls. We believe this practice to be just one more small yet very beneficial way to help the residents (and ourselves!) grow to become more like Christ, who said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

~written by Becky Janho, Intern

What a Normal Weekend Looks Like for a Resident

VOH Residents and Grads — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:36:04 +0000

Wondering what the weekend schedule for the residents of Vision of Hope looks like? Here’s a glimpse of life around the house:

Saturday

Saturday’s are enjoyed by the residents because they get an extra hour of sleep and they get to take a rest from their weekday morning workout! After breakfast the girls attend a special Saturday AM class that includes an extended time of praise and worship and group time. The remainder of the morning is spent doing various house projects until lunch time. In the afternoon, residents each work together on house chores and room cleaning and are given the opportunity to make phone calls home to family and/or friends. The after-dinner activity is called “Girls Night In” which gets all the residents involved in wacky games and competitions.

Sunday

Sunday is typically known as the “favorite day of the week” by the residents because it is the day of much needed rest! After breakfast, the girls attend various Adult Bible Fellowship classes at the church, then go to the church service immediately following. Sunday lunch at the VOH house is treated as a special occasion because families of the residents are welcome to join! We break out the fine China for serving the meal to our special guest! The afternoon consists of nap time in the upstairs den and visiting hours for family and friends. There is an organized group activity before dinner and for the remainder of the evening the girls are free to spend their time as they wish.

Why I Wanted to Become an Intern

VOH Residents and Grads — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 20:51:10 +0000

When I first arrived at Vision of Hope, I was frequently asked, “What made you want to be an intern here?” My reply was generally always the same two-fold answer. First, I absolutely love having a front row seat to watching God transform a young lady’s life. Second, I desire to be a better Biblical counselor, and before that can occur I need to grow as a counselee, allowing the truths of the Word of God fall fresh upon my own heart.

My first ministry experience whet my appetite for seeing God perform His work of redemption through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. The aspects of discipleship, accountability, and Biblical teaching that were the standard of Vision of Hope’s ministry were extremely attractive as I considered the internship, because I had seen their necessity and effect in allowing the Lord to change a life, one day at a time.

When I came for a visit and final interview for the internship, I very quickly realized that I wanted to come to Vision of Hope, not because I had anything to offer for the position, but because I could and probably should be a resident myself! I currently find myself, and hope to continually possess this mindset, where I realize my extreme and desperate need for God! Whether I am in the valley of despair of not, I need and want God to be making me new, shaping and molding me to look more like His Son. I cannot think of a better place than Vision of Hope for that to happen.

By: Becky Janho

Happy / Sad Day

Jocelyn Wallace — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:02:40 +0000

Today is a happy / sad day….. we are getting a new minor resident and one of our minor aged residents is moving back home, all in the same day.

It’s so exciting to come to this day, when after all of their hard work during either the application process or during her time in the program, either a girl moves in as a new resident or a girl moves back home for Phase 3.

There are all sorts of emotions for the other residents too. Happiness, excitement, nervousness, joy. . .

By the time the girls go home for Phase 3 they have become very good friends with each other, having forged such a deep friendship through weeks and months of struggling through sin together, silly antics around the house, fun filled Girl Night Out trips on Fridays, and learning to love in a biblical way.

Please pray today for the one new girl that just moved in and will have lots of adjusting to do over the next week. Week one is usually make it or break it for the new girls.

Please also pray for the one “old” girl that is flying home today, who is facing an unknown future and an equally difficult adjustment period. She has been prepared well for this transition, but it is always challenging. We pray that she will shine her light, that all who see it will glorify her Father who is in heaven, and that her friends and family will be drawn to Christ through her example of godliness.

Don’t forget to pray for the remaining house full of girls caught some where in the middle of that mix, full of both excitement for the new girl and sadness from saying goodbye to our precious friend. . . . oh, and pray for the staff, who will help each of those girls come to a greater love for Christ through the unique path he has chosen for them, even if that means learning how to be sad without sinning.