...and in all of our troubles I have great joy. 2 Corinthians 7:4b New Century Version When I read this the other day I was again struck with the realization that the Apostle Paul's troubles were many. Yet, because he trusted God and because the church there cared about him and encouraged him, he was able to choose joy. And not a little. Great joy. Wouldn't you like to have great joy? By reading scripture, it seems that the only way to have great joy is to live in the midst of trouble. If that is true....than I am in a pretty good spot to experience great joy. Maybe you are … [Read more...]
Would you like to know how to receive God's blessing? In my recent reading I made a discovery! Each morning I walk out to our great room and look out the windows. Though we live "in" town we have a great view. The hill where we live quickly drops, it's like living on a second floor, looking above our neighbors' rooftops. A small mountain lies just beyond. I can barely see any houses on the mountain, even when the trees have dropped their leaves. But, early in the morning, when it is still dark, the mountainside is dotted with lamp light. It's a comforting view. Now, as … [Read more...]
Filled with Joy.... Psalm 126 A song of ascents. 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with … [Read more...]
Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got— Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. God’s works are so great, worth A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are his memorial— This God of Grace, this God of Love. He gave food to those who fear him, He remembered to keep his ancient promise. He proved to his people that he could do what he said: Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift! He manufactures truth and justice; All his products are guaranteed to last— Never out-of-date, never … [Read more...]
My heart and my spirit sing songs of joy... Each day I take my camera in hand and make an attempt at capturing the glorious beauty unfolding around me. This spring. This world re-awakening. This bursting forth of bud and blossom and new life emerging from the depths. This hope renewed. My spirit sings JOY! I mediate on Your wonders, sing songs of Your worth, O God. Your majesty and glorious splendor have captivated me; I will meditate on Your wonders, sing songs of Your worth. We confess—there is nothing greater than You, God, nothing mightier than Your awesome … [Read more...]
O taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 NLV What a crazy journey we are on. I would never have thought that when the movers came and loaded up all our worldly possessions into that 18 wheeler nearly 18 months ago that I would be sitting here today, writing this blog, nor would I have ever expected that we would be among the throngs of the unemployed. Who would guess that we would make such a big move only to find ourselves in this tenuous position? Not me. Our world which seemed to have been righted was flipped upside down in an … [Read more...]
Cry out with joy, O daughter of Zion! Shout jubilantly, O daughter of Jerusalem! Look—your King is coming; He is righteous and able to save. He comes seated humbly on a donkey, on a colt, a foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 The Voice (VOICE) Palm Sunday.... a day when we wave palm branches and sing for JOY! What significance does Palm Sunday hold for you? It's Joy Day! Today is the day when we take time to look back over our week and count gifts/blessings. The good, and yes, the not so good things that happened in our lives. And we give thanks to God for … [Read more...]
“The Bible teaches that true joy is formed in the midst of the difficult seasons of life.” Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God Honestly, I am in a difficult season of life. When the future is completely unknown and no one in the house has a paying job (not yet anyway), it's...well...difficult. Here's the remarkable thing. I told my husband the other day that I have tremendous peace. Doesn't that seem almost impossible in the light of my situation? I'm learning not to worry. That, is huge. I'm "putting feet" to trusting God. Believing that all … [Read more...]
"With all my heart I praise the Lord." These words were penned by David in the Book of Psalms. Can I say them and mean it? What does it mean to praise God with all my heart? I'm not exactly sure. But I think it begins with emptying myself of all the stuff in my life. In order to do that, I must stop my body and quiet my mind....put my agenda and cares aside. All that so I there's only me and HIM. And only then can I fully be in the moment to praise HIM. Read David's words... With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I … [Read more...]
During the season of Lent it is common practice for people to 'give up' something. I often hear friends speak of 'giving up' chocolate, or snacks, or coffee, or Coke. All good things to sacrifice....if it is indeed a sacrifice. I must confess that in the past I have never really taken this Lenten sacrifice seriously. However, this year, I felt like it was something I needed to prayerfully consider. For a few weeks leading up to Lent, God was nudging me. And then...just days before...he actually woke me up early. The same time each morning. You see, he was getting me ready to get … [Read more...]
Have you ever thought about the intricate complexity of the human eye? It amazingly allows us to not only view objects, but to view depth, color, size, and every little detail of the world around us. Really, the eye is a super complicated machine with many parts. And usually we take it so very for granted. For fun today, my husband and I went on a 100 step walk. You may remember the 100 step walk we took last fall. Today we stepped off in a different direction, through the alleyways, and into the business area of our small town. Every 100 steps we stopped and my challenge … [Read more...]
Lovely. Floating. Flakes. Gathering. Whiteness. Snowfall. The other evening we had an unexpected snow at dinner time. Look closely and you can see the large falling snowflakes. It was a magical few hours. Truly extraordinary!! Supper was ready and I sat down to eat. However I could not contain myself. It was getting late and the light was getting low. So, I excused myself from the table, grabbed my camera, and attempted to capture the moment. The windows which had been locked against the winter winds were cranked open to capture this photo and many more. Such a … [Read more...]
Did you wake up this morning with a twinge of anxiety? Do you fear the unknown? Or maybe you have a fear of the future? Fear. Most of us are afraid of something at sometime in our lives. I grapple with it. I bet you do too. Think back to when you were a small child. Do you remember a time when you were out in the great big world and mom or dad took hold of your hand to keep you safe? Your small hand nestled inside that larger stronger hand. Firmly holding on to you. Did it make you feel protected? Maybe you were completely unaware that there was any concern for your … [Read more...]
Joy. I write about it here all the time. I even have a regular feature called, Joy Day! So then, why did it take so many nudges for me to realize that it is my word for the year? Last night I was working on the weekly Joy Day! post. It was 10:30 and I had been at writing and reading scriptures and sharing my heart for nearly 2 hours. The post had been completed except for photos and I wanted my husband to read it to see what he thought. So, I hit the preview button on my WordPress dashboard, and nothing happened. And again. And then Chrome couldn't connect to the server. … [Read more...]
Twenty-five days ago I embarked on a new leg in my life's journey. My goal was to do my part to make this journey, though challenging, a God-honoring one. I did not want this to be about me....I wanted it to be a time where those around me will say, "Look what God has done." One of the ways to accomplish that is to mediate on God's Word, pray boldly, and trust Him. Have you noticed that trails aren't usually flat, and their surfaces may be marked with stones, roots, and in the snow, unforseen areas of treachery? What happens if on this journey you receive an unexpected … [Read more...]
Have you come across a pretty picture, a great quote, artwork, or even a Bible verse that you thought was unique or special in someway and you pinned it? Just because? Somewhere online I came across the artwork of Peggy AplSEEDS. I love the spirit and style of her art. And yes....I had a pinning frenzy. You'll see if you visit my Pinterest board. This morning I went to my boards to pick something to share on Facebook. This sweet piece of art was inspiring and encouraging to me. Peggy AplSEEDS And then I read it again. And felt the power of the words. Do you have a … [Read more...]
Snow has blanketed our neighborhood. So white. And clean. And quiet. And beautiful. In the quietness this morning I heard the carillon of a nearby church. Though I was not familiar with the tune, I got caught up in listening to the beauty of the music...calling us to pull away from ourselves....calling us to communion with God...to rest....in Him. The snow seems to do the same. Inviting us to slow down, to pause, and to reflect the solitude of that shimmering white blanket. Do you do that? Do you cozy in with family, with a good book, or maybe - in … [Read more...]
