Joy Day!

 

My favorite day of the week.

The day when we count blessings….
…the good things and the not-so-good things.

The day we acknowledge The One who loves us beyond anything we can imagine.

 

Extraordinary Joy & Inspiration | AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Psalm 126:3 -The Lord has done great things and we are filled with joy. | Woodland photo

 

Everyday my husband drives through what is called a greenway.  The mountainside is immediately on the right and and the gorge to the left on portions of the road.  It’s beautiful.  And true to its name in the spring and summer.   He sees lots of wildlife.  And dead deer in the fall and winter.  Everyday he prays that he won’t hit one of those graceful creatures with his car.

 

Extraordinary Joy & Inspiration | AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Giants of Trees | Shadows

 

After dark, the two of us, deep in conversation, were zooming down the black as pitch road when suddenly….headlights illuminated a huge deer standing in our lane.  I gasped aloud.  My husband stood on the break pedal.  I looked into the passenger’s mirror to see another set of headlights closing in on us, exposing smoke from rubber burned off our car’s tires.  The doe, just a hair from certain death, flailed around momentarily, then sprang toward the mountain, and disappeared.  Her heart must have almost stopped out of fear.  I know mine did.  Somehow my mouth opened and words of gratitude and praise were emitted to our Strong Protector.  I am grateful that my husband has prayed daily for protection…for his car and the deer.  And I’m reminded that those prayers are not limited to the time we offer up those concerns, and so grateful that we and the deer were spared from disaster.

 

Joy may come from an experience of God’s protection or provision.

 

Extraordinary Joy & Inspiration | AnExtraordinaryDay.net | Morning sun through the pines

 

Joy may come from relishing the beauty of his creation. 

Earlier this week we visited a nearby state park for the first time.  Digitally capturing exquisite light and incredible bits of nature lift my spirits and fill my heart with joy.  The photos in this post were all taken that day, mere moments apart.

 

 

What was it that brought joy to your heart this week?

 

 

Always on Joy Day we take time to count the gifts and blessings from our week.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.  Psalm 126:3

Will you join me in counting just seven of the many?
I’ll start..

  1. Catching up with a dear long distance friend.
  2. The discovery of a new place to explore with my camera.
  3. Being reminded that regardless…HE IS ENOUGH.
  4. The successfully fun “bittersweet” hunt.
  5. For sunshine filtering through barren trees.
  6. For HIS protection on one dear to us.
  7. For the aroma of honeysuckle in the sink.

Now it’s your turn…
Scroll down to “Please Share Your Thoughts” below to share yours.

 

Joyfully!

Diane

Sharing with My Fresh Brewed Life + Spiritual Sundays + Beholding Glory + Seedlings in Stones + Create with Joy + The Sunday Community + Your Sunday Best + Playdates with God + And Then She Snapped + Weekly Top Shot

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Comments

  1. Marty says

    What gorgeous pictures!

  2. Glenda Kremer says

    of course acknowledging Him is not just one day but every day! no way to thank the Lord enough for all He has done and will do for me! beautiful pictures. we are getting many also and will be posting later! nothing like God’s beauty in His creation!

    • Diane says

      I love starting the week out on the blog…making the day about HIM. It sets the tone for the week and gets everything in perspective. On a private level I try to continue to do so all week long. Hopefully it comes out in some of the other posts during the week, too. 😀 I’m looking forward to seeing your photos! Fall stays a bit longer in your neck of the woods. Yes?

  3. Your photos and words are just beautiful and so true. So glad you were able to stop before you hit the deer. People don’t realize the damage that can cause-we know from first hand experience. We hit two deer in one evening a couple of years ago. I still can hardly believe it. Our car was nearly totaled, but we were unhurt. Many people are not so lucky. Have a great day, friend!

    • Diane says

      I’m so grateful I was able to capture “the moment” digitally 😀 Several years ago, we were driving home a twilight and my husband “thought” slow down. And he did and immediately a deer ran across the road and put a few hoof dings in the front of the van. We were so grateful that he listened and responded..that was pretty frightening. I’m sorry you had a deer/car calamity, but thankful you were unhurt. My friend had a deer hit him while riding his motorcycle to work in the early hours. He was injured, but nothing life-threatening, thankfully.

  4. Hello! Your photos are absolutely breathtaking. I am thankful for your protection and that of the deer. So thankful that our prayers one day may just save us the next. Here are 7 things that brought me joy this week:

    1. Holiday drinks at Starbucks.
    2. Receiving my son’s official diploma from high school in the mail (Homeschooled through PSP)
    3. Belly laughs with the kids.
    4. Hot chicken soup.
    5. His faithfulness endures forever!
    6. The peace that passes ALL understanding.
    7. The hope that only Jesus can bring.

    Have a wonderful week!

    • Diane says

      Barbie, you just made me smile!
      Thank you for sharing seven. I love #4…He is so faithful!
      Wishing you an extraordinary week!

  5. Mel says

    Oh wow…….thank you for heavy feet that stand on brakes–and for observant drivers, the one behind you and your fella at the wheel.
    And thank Him for taking such good care of all of you.
    Personal experience made my heart stop for a minute. I’m glad for the protection, truly.

    And I’ve had a joy-filled week, ty. Numerous!
    Like you, I took a wander in new places and just enjoyed His handiwork.
    Amazing light show He put on for you, ma’am……..

    • Diane says

      Today we drove back down that same road. There were a pair of long rubber tire tracks on the road we left behind last night. I think it will be a while before they wear off. An incredible reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
      Yay for a joy-filled week for you Mel!! There’s nothing like a lovely wander.
      Hope your new week is simply extraordinary!!

  6. Beth says

    Isn’t it wonderful when we catch a glimpse of God working through our prayers. So glad that you and your husband, as well as the others (including the deer) were spared a tragedy. 🙂 And beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing!

    • Diane says

      Oh Beth, thank you for your kind words. We are so grateful for God’s hand of protection all around.
      Wishing you an extraordinary week!!

  7. What a blessing His protection is!

    • Diane says

      And how many times do we take it for granted?
      Thanks for dropping by Elizabeth!
      May your week be extraordinarily blessed.

  8. What gorgeous pictures!!

    I just wrote a post on praise and thankfulness and linked it over at “Fresh Brewed Sundays” and your post goes right along with the things I just shared.

    1. I am thankful for my dear husband who gets up at 3am to go to work.
    2. I am thankful that we live in a rural setting.
    3. I am thankful for a very special church family and church where God’s word is preached.
    4. I am thankful for all of my children.
    5. I am thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ saved me!!
    6. I am thankful for my problems because God can teach me things through them.
    7. I am thankful for good health so that I can serve my family.

    Blessings,

    • Diane says

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your seven, Judith!! We have so much to be thankful for. Aside from Christ has done for us, I’m in awe of #1.

  9. Beautiful photos and inspiration here!!

    • Diane says

      And your words are so kind, Linda.
      May your weekend be filled with extraordinary beauty.

    • Diane says

      You are so kind Linda!
      Wishing you an extraordinary week ahead!

  10. I love the way you were able to capture the sun rays through the tree branches. It is during simple moments like this that you can experience God’s glorious creation at its best. Blessings!

    • Diane says

      Thank you for your warm words of appreciation Arnoldo! This park is a new discovery for me and I hoped that on a sunny early morning I would have some opportunity for capturing the light. God blessed me with such a day. I can’t wait to go back again. The beauty of his creation makes my heart sing.

  11. Nina says

    Hi Diane, I love our motto! So delicate and serene pictures – what a lovely place you live at! It’s a blessing to experience protection – I’m thankful for the grace, hope and love we have in the Lord, and being able to trust in his guidance & care in the small and big things in life 🙂

    • Diane says

      God is so good. He knows our hearts and desires to bless us with good things….including the places he leads us to live. (Another wonderful story to share sometime, later.) Thank you for sharing bits from your heart of gratitude, Nina!
      Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving week!

  12. thank goodness that deer was saved. beautiful photos and words. thank you.

  13. Pat says

    Beautiful photos! Glad your deer story had a happy ending for all.

    • Diane says

      Oh yes, Pat….a good ending it was. 😀
      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

  14. Awesome photos and words of inspiration!

    • Diane says

      How kind of you, Rosemary! Thank you for taking the time to “stop by.”

  15. Laura says

    So many things have brought joy this week, Diane. Time with my family, blue autumn skies, anticipating the holiday…oh, praise our good God! So many gifts.

    • Diane says

      Yes! Yes! Yes! Ours is an extravagant God!! Thanks for sharing Laura!
      Wishing you an extraordinary Thanksgiving!!!

  16. So glad you didn’t hit the deer & have a terrible accident… Thank God!
    Beautiful scenery!

    God bless =)

    • Diane says

      Thank you Tricia! We’re so grateful for God’s hand of protection.
      May your week be extraordinarily blessed!

  17. Answered prayer is the most wonderful thing. And that’s what I am thankful for–answered prayers!

    • Diane says

      Oh Betty….it IS the most wonderful thing!
      Hope your new week is filled with answered prayers.

  18. Fantastic forest pictures!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Ann! I am so grateful to have been there at that magical time. 😀

  19. So glad life was spared in that moment of terror and uncertainty.

    1. the light flickering through the window as I write.
    2. the song of the wind making the leaves left behind dance in that light.
    3. the scent of breakfast wafting up the steps.
    4. knowing my daughter is sleeping down the hall, home visiting from college.
    5. a lazy morning beneath comfy blankets.
    6. breath flowing in and out…the miracle of being alive.
    7. the wonders of the day just opening.

    • Diane says

      I love your words of gratitude and how beautifully your heart’s gratefulness was expressed. 😀
      May your week be truly extraordinary, Laura!

  20. Wow, SO thankful that you didn’t collide! Beautiful scenes… Thank you for sharing on Weekly Top Shot #58!

    • Diane says

      Oh me too!!!!!
      It’s a pleasure to be a part of your photog community. It inspires me in so many ways.
      Hope your week is extraordinary, Madge!

Please Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts!

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