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Many of us are going through something right now.  
If we aren’t, then most likely someone we are close to needs our support.  That something might be a job loss like what we are experiencing at our house.  It could be physical or emotional illness, a challenging relationship or a break in a relationship, finances, even death.  The journey is difficult.  And my words sometimes seem empty.

 

One thing I know for sure…..

 

Chestnut Ridge-Orchard Park, NY | The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 | AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

This is true.  The JOY of the Lord IS our strength.  

 

It’s not in our doing, striving, reaching, or any other effort.

It’s HIM…all Him.

 

Joy Day | Chestnut Ridge Park - Winter Woods | AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The best way I know to get the joy of the Lord is to take my eyes off myself and my circumstance….to praise him, and give thanks in all things.

It’s a crazy thing.  I can’t explain it.

It works.

And it makes all the difference.

 

Cabin at Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park, NY - Joy Day! - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

That’s why we take time for

Joy Day!

One day that we think back over our week and count seven.  Seven things…some which are easy to give thanks for….somethings we might wish had never happened…yes, we give thanks for those things too.

Please join me in counting seven.  It is the way to get “the joy of the Lord.”

I’ll start…
I’m grateful for:

  1. Being able to worship with my home church via the internet, streaming live.
  2. Being available to listen, hurt with, and pray for a dear friend.
  3. An invitation to lunch.
  4. Knowing friends are praying on our behalf.
  5. A friend who calls…just to check up.
  6. The reality of unemployment
  7. Sunshine and warm weather…in January!

Now it’s your turn!!
Scroll down to the “Share Your Thoughts” section below and add your seven.  I know you’ll be glad you did.

 

May your week be filled with the strength that comes from our Joy Giver…

Love,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Mel says

    Oh wow……what gorgeous photos………
    And I can’t ‘explain’ how that works, either…..but I DO know it works and I’m more than grateful for that.
    (still praying and sending positive thoughts in your direction!)

    My seven:

    * The awesome warmer, spring-like temperatures.
    * The planned visitors cancelling because of their un-wellness. (thank you for protecting me from it!)
    * The good care I’m receiving from my employer. Wow am I being well taken care of……….
    * The northern flicker that provided me with great entertainment.
    * The gift of a puzzle–and a lapboard to do it on.
    * The awesome sunrises which colour the whole world around me.
    * The people in my life that care about me. 🙂

    • Diane says

      Mel, I am so grateful for your prayers! 😀
      Wow! Seven fabulous gifts. Isn’t HE so loving and generous with His gifts? I can feel the love he’s lavishing on you.
      😀

  2. Wonderful magic in these snowy scenes! Especially love the little home tucked away in the trees in the last photo!

    • Diane says

      There is something magical about a walk through snow.
      Thanks Gemma! 😀

  3. Glenda Kremer says

    1 thankful for time with new grandson Wells and his parents
    2 thankful for husband who knows how to do so much around the house and does them!
    3 thankful for friends to come over to play games
    4 thankful for new light over island in kitchen
    5 thankful to be able to work in food pantry at church and help and now pray for a certain woman in need
    6 thankful son Craig and his wife Tiffany and new baby Wells came for dinner last Wed.
    73 thankful for Allen’s almost 96 year old Dad and almost 90 year old Mom who we are talking to in Arkansas right now! Bye!

    • Diane says

      What a wonderful week of blessings! We do have so much to be thankful for.
      Thanks for sharing Glenda! May your week be filled with many more! 😀

  4. Nina says

    Yes it sounds mysterious, but counting the blessings and thanking for then does help us to focus on The Lord and all that He is ~ and setting our things in to perspective! Thank you for sharing your blessings, and the beautiful photos!

    • Diane says

      It sure does, Nina!
      Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words, too! 😀

  5. Jean says

    As always, I find your photos so inspiring! I don’t even like snow 😉 but your photos make it look so beautiful. My seven this week are good friends who encourage, family, our health when so many around us seem to be sick, some quiet time during the day spent in the house all alone, a rare dinner out with just my husband, sweet kittens who will not be ignored, and a not so busy week.

    • Diane says

      Haha! Jean, I am not a fan of snow either. But…when we have it…I intend to take photos of its beauty.
      I’m sooo glad you had such a wonderful week. Our God is so good to us. {hugs}

  6. Great encouraging words.

    • Diane says

      I’m so blessed that God used these words to encourage you. {hugs}

  7. Such great advice for finding His joy! Lovely photos, too.

  8. gayly says

    Lovely pictures!
    I am counting my gifts this year as well, how richly the Lord blesses!

    • Diane says

      Counting gifts is amazing. Glad you’re sharing in the joy too!

  9. Well, I can’t take the time right now to add a list, but I will say that, knowing the presence of the Lord in our home, in our world, is what I can count on and rejoice in. Nothing else counts. The joy of the Lord IS my strength.

    Bless you.

    • Diane says

      And as you said Joanne…nothing else counts!
      May your week be extraordinary!

  10. Beautiful and thoughtful post!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Susan Gay!
      May your weekend be extraordinarily blessed. 🙂

  11. Wow breath taking pics. I love the joy one! My seven are; being healthy enough to go to church and worship my lord on sunday, going out for lunch with some friends, Being Healthy, Finding a little read bike at a thrift store for my daughter, being warm enough that we can go outside and play in the snow, Cuddles on the couch with my daughter, having internet service, good road conditions!

    Candice
    http://www.lillythroughthevalley.blogspot.com

    • Diane says

      You just put a big smile on my face Candice. Thank you!
      We do have sooo much to be thankful for. I love your seven blessings.
      May you enjoy the beauty of winter in an extraordinary way this weekend!

  12. At time we are shut in – or shut out – from our family and friends, but we are never shut out from the Presense of the Lord. He is there always.

    • Diane says

      Isn’t that a treasure to know.
      May your weekend be blessed, Hazel!

  13. Joy says

    Thankful for your joyful post and awesome pictures.
    For God’s poweful words.
    For my precious family
    For eyes to see, ears to hear, to be able to feel God’s goodnes in my life and others
    Thankful for everyday snd every opportunity to learn and grow
    Happy week end.

    • Diane says

      Awww Joy, that’s so sweet!
      You are so very blessed.
      May your weekend be filled with joy!

  14. Mia says

    Hi Diane
    I want to give perfect credit and thankfulness to the Perfect One! So my seven are,
    1. Jesus
    2. Jesus
    3. Jesus
    4. Jesus
    5. Jesus
    6. Jesus
    7. Jesus
    Hugs to you XX
    Mia

    • Diane says

      And Mia, with the perfect number too!
      All praise to HIM!
      May your weekend be filled with JOY! 🙂

  15. I love your winter scenes…so serene. Yes! He is our strength! 🙂

    • Diane says

      All creation sings his praise!
      Thank you Nancy!
      {hugs}

  16. Robyn says

    Beautiful thoughts and words today, Diane. You are right, we have so many blessings to be thankful for.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Robyn! May your weekend be filled with countless blessings!

  17. A lovely pairing of Scripture and image… I’m so glad you came by to share on Weekly Top Shot #66!

    • Diane says

      Thank you Madge!!! 😀
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  18. Your photographs are beautiful and the quote so timely for us and our house. . I agree with the concept of gratitude as there is always a choice:-)

    • Diane says

      I’m so glad that you were encouraged Shanna.
      May your new week be overflowing with joy!

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