Week 4 (June 27)

Ruth Marries Boaz

The letters in the word hope have been used to create a multitude of acronyms. Just for fun, let's take a look at a few Web sites that use this word to characterize dramatically different concepts.

Link: http://www.yourhappyhealthstore.com/hope-formulas.html
At this Web site, "HOPE" represents a healthy eating plan: H for high fiber, O for Omega-3 Oils, P for Probiotics, and E for Enzymes.

b>Link:
http://www.silmaril.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/acronyms?HOPE
Go to this URL to find The Internet Acronym Server, which gives examples for HOPE such as "Heaven Our Place Eternally" and "Hold Onto Prayer Everyday."

Link:
http://www.acronymfinder.com/af-query.asp?Acronym=HOPE&String=exact&p=ol
The Acronym Finder lists a variety of acronyms for HOPE including "Hackers On Planet Earth," "Helping Other People Excel" and "History Of Political Economy." Click on the link to read more.

Ask a family member to read Ruth 2-4, where you will find that God provided a wonderful husband for Ruth. He not only loved her, but also helped her provide for Naomi. As a family, discuss the following questions:

• In whom or what did Ruth place her hope? Do you think she expected her life to turn out exactly as it did? Why or why not?

• Have you placed your hope in God? Explain.

• Should you have preconceived ideas or expectations when you hope in God's good plans? Why or why not? How does placing your hope in God require trust?

Remembering the acronyms that you have just viewed, create your own family acronym for HOPE. Write it on a piece of paper, and place it under your pillow or in your Bible. Remember to put your hope in God's plans when you pray and worship.