Matthew 5:3-4 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” NIV In my devotions this week, I relate how God returned Joy to my life in various ways: friendship, travel, nature, giving to others, and having a purpose. There are so many ways to experience the rich life God has intended for us and I pray these words of mine will help others who are seeking Joy in their life. I have gained a new perspective on joy this year as I mourn the …
Time To Enjoy
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and do good while they live. -Ecclesiastes 3:12 The Israelites celebrated the victory of David and his men. The Israelites celebrated their escape from Egypt. There were several festivals from the Bible that they celebrated and enjoyed from time to time. If there is someone who loves enjoyment and happy gatherings, it is God. God is the author of joy. Even Jesus celebrated and performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding. God loves making people happy because he loves us. …
Circumstantial Joy
Are you waiting for things to change before you’ll be happy again? You could be waiting a long time, my friend. If you are a Christian, joy is an emotion as a result of the Holy Spirit that lives within you. This Spirit produces this ongoing positive and hopeful emotion, as we turn our heart and mind to Christ. Even when our world is engulfed in violence and hate, the Holy Spirit can give you peace. This comes from knowing your faith is not in what’s going on around you, it’s your trust that God loves you and will …
Love Notes
Our refrigerator is covered with messages, photos and magnetic notes. Oh and there are some pieces of artwork as well. I love those reminders. Each one holds a special place in our hearts. Notes that vow that we are the best at something, anything, warm our hearts. Grandchildren who pledge undying devotion, share their grades, show their artistic abilities. There’s even a note from a daughter and her family on there. Oh beloved, are you keeping the good notes close at hand? When the world is tumbling you like you’re in a rock tumbler, are you able to remember that …
In Joy
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11. What things did Jesus speak? The prior verses detail abiding in Christ. That if we remain in Christ we will bear much fruit, but if not then we will be cast out as a withered branch. If we abide in Christ we will ask what we desire and it shall be done for us. This is because if we are abiding in Christ we will not be asking amiss or for selfish reasons. These are the things …
Choose Your Battles Well
There’s a big discussion going on social media between the early decorating versus waiting to decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. We have been in both camps. One year early in our marriage I was pregnant and having some problems so there was no going into the woods. Thankfully my hubby bought our tree just a day or two before Christmas while he was training In Little Rock. We’d never had pre cut tree! We finally decided to use artificial trees later because we couldn’t agree on which tree to cut. I always wanted a tree that truthfully was too big …
Broken Heart?
Funny but this morning I remember a time when one of my favorite vases was broken by one of my children. I was heart broken. Now I can say that I wish that was the most heart breaking thing I’ve ever endured. But we all know about broken hearts. Each of us has our own endurance and have overcome much. Your broken heart and mine might look different but broken is broken. Oh beloved, you would love to be able to just pick up the pieces and put your broken heart back together again. But God wants you to know …
You Can Have Some Flowers
I remember my uncle working in his garden. He took very good care of all the vegetables contained there. I know that they canned, froze and dried everything. I also know that my aunt had no flowers whatsoever. The reason being “you can’t eat flowers”, my uncle would say. This morning I hear the Lord speaking and He says it’s okay to have some flowers in your garden. They may take up space but beauty in amongst the work is always allowed. Oh beloved, you are one blessed woman. As you tend the garden of your life, you don’t have …
Eyes on Jesus Brings Joy!
Since it’s spring break I took the afternoon off to go fishing with one of my daughters and her kiddos. It was a beautiful afternoon. We all had our fishing equipment and we tried several spots around the lake. My daughter caught a nice bass. She cast out, almost hit the walkway with the lure, jerked it into the water and boom she retrieved her prize! No one else caught a fish, nor did we even get a bite. Did the day turn sour? Did the sun quit shining? Did we run home with disappointment and agitation that she was …
This Hope Does Not Disappoint
It’s hard for me to even type that title. Not because I don’t believe it, but because it overwhelms my soul. You see, it has been a season of crushing disappointment for me and I wonder how many of you can say the same? I was joking with a friend that I was really tired of being surprised. Not, “oh that’s wonderful news!” surprised, but “I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming.” surprised. And it makes me mad at myself for holding on to my last thread of hope that circumstances will be different this time. But that is not …
You’re Dead And Yet Alive
We came home from the conference we attended and between washing clothes and napping we watched two old westerns. High noon was one of them. Kane, the just resigned as sheriff and married a Quaker, knew he needed to stand up to the man who was returning from prison on the noon train. His efforts to round up a posse at the tavern, and then the church, are met with fear and hostility. Some townspeople, worried that a gunfight would damage the town’s reputation, urge Kane to avoid the confrontation entirely. Others are Miller’s friends, and resent that Kane cleaned …
Great Joy
“… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2: 8-9 NIV, emphasis added) My youngest son loves to play with our toy nativity. It is a “Little People Nativity” that has lasted through his older sister and brother and now has been discovered by him. Three different sets of little hands have held the little baby Jesus, made the …
