May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Physical strength isn't
something I have much of anymore.
All part of the maturing
process we experience as humans.
But the strength I do
have,
the strength I cherish,
comes from the joy I
have in the Lord.
Many things bring me joy—
my husband
my family
animals
flowers
books
reading
ice cream
But...
My number one joy—
is knowing I'm loved by God—
the one who created me.
Psalm 62: 5-8
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Sometimes I want to curl up in a ball.
When I worked at the elementary school library, I enjoyed reading a book to the children about a cute little wombat. This little guy jumped in the mud, danced in a circle, and eventually curled up in a ball. The children giggled at his antics.
The book reminds me how I often go about working, playing, and living life, then something comes along that makes me want to curl into a ball. Exhaustion, excitement, exuberance, fibromyalgia, frustration, sadness—emotions that even when they are positive may leave me weary.
The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Joy that our youngest daughter is getting married. Excitement for signing a contract for my debut novel. Empathy and sorrow for one of my best friends who lost her husband, who was also a dear friend. Sadness laces the edges of joy even as I rejoice for his homecoming to heaven. Plus, grabbing the last few days of summer before my grandkids go back to school. Granted the joy and happiness carry my heart, but I'm tired. Worn from the moments of life.
The good news is—I have a place to go when I need to
refuel, sort through, rest, or just be for a little while.
When that little wombat wound himself into a ball he thought,
because he was so small, he could hide in the flowers. But where can I go?
Not in a bed of posies. Instead, I'll curl up and find rest in my Father's arms.
God, my fortress, rock, salvation, and refuge, gives me joy and hope. He's the
one who understands my emotions and physical struggles, and He offers strength and peace. I trust in Him
to carry me through.
Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
Pink, purple, red, and yellow flowers
bobbed their heads.
On our trip to Lake Erie, blooms exploded with color. The hydrangea bushes waved blue, pink, and purple heads. The bluemink or flossflower complimented the golden buds of the oxeye chamomile, and the prairie sun blooms. Purple salvia nodded in the sunshine while red petunias rested at their feet. Everywhere we looked vibrant hues filled yards and gardens.
After we returned home, I visited my mom. She has planted
flowers for as long as I can remember. Even though she doesn’t do the physical
planting now, she has a little flower garden. Family helps her take care of her
butterfly bushes, lavender, and many other blooms so she can enjoy their
beauty. As I walked with her along the driveway and watched butterflies and
bees sip nectar, I thought about how much joy those plants brought my mom.
Just as God’s beautiful creation brings delight, so does the
love my Savior gives.
In the Psalm, David mourned his losses and mistakes. But
because God loved him and forgave him, David wrote how the one who created the
universe turned his wailing into dancing. He replaced his sorrowful cries with blissful
steps. He took away his sadness and covered him with joy. As a result, David
vowed to sing praises to God forever.
As the colorful beauty of the flowers bring delight, God in
all of his glory brings joy. Not just happiness, but pure joy.
A heart full of delight radiates to the face through a
smile. And like the beauty of the flowers,
a smile is a gift we can give to anyone.
Be filled with joy!
The fireworks lit up the sky.
Tim and I had our first date on July 4, 1992. Twenty-nine years later, on July 4, 2021, we drove home from visiting my mom. As we rode along state route 68, we witnessed fireworks as they flared in the sky. The magnificent burst of color and light reminded us of our first date. As we reminisced, I thanked God for my husband and the years we’ve spent together.
The dazzling display of light brought another thought to
mind. As a believer in Jesus, I need to be a light in the darkness. I’ve
watched fireworks in different venues, and one thing I’ve noticed—The
darker the night, the more brilliant the light.
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| photo from pixaby |
Our world suffers from spiritual darkness. But Jesus light
shines through the dark. His hope illuminates every shadow, dismal valley, and blackest
night.
Jesus’ light shines grace and forgiveness on a fallen world.
Paul writes to the Thessalonian church “brothers and sisters, about times and
dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the
day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” He urges them to be
a light to the world as they wait for Jesus.
We don’t know the day or hour of Jesus’ return to earth, but
as followers of him we are called to shine his light. Be kind, love others,
forgive, share joy, be generous, live in peace, be gentle, show Jesus’ grace—be
his light.
Jesus shined his light on my life. He loves the unlovely, illuminates
our path, and seeks to restore light in the lives of everyone. Jesus’ way
offers hope as the brightest light in the darkest night.
If darkness swallows you, seek Jesus. If you have faith in
Jesus be his light.
Psalm 27:13-14
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten better at waiting—sort
of.
As a child, my mom signed me up for the Dr. Suess book club.
I remember being so happy when the wait ended each month, and I had a shiny new
book in my hands. I’m sure I wondered every day if a book would come in the
mail. When my little package would finally arrive, I’d read the books over and
over until the mail carrier delivered the next batch.
As a momma-to-be, I waited for Sara to arrive. The closer to
the due date the more anxious I was to meet my baby. I was the same with Maggie
and Hannah, the waiting was the worst.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to take a book to the
doctor’s office, people watch in line at the store, and order with Amazon Prime
(so I don’t have to wait.) But when I’m working on a project—a book
or devotion that’s sent out to be considered for publication, the waiting can
be excruciating.
But I’ve chosen to apply a nugget of wisdom I learned from Michelle
Medlock Adams at a recent virtual conference. She said we can have joy as we
wait, and the joy in waiting stems from knowing God is sovereign, he’s at work
even as I wait. Whatever results from my efforts, God has my best interest in
mind.
To practice joy as I wait isn’t easy. My anxiety peaks and the
what-ifs dance in my mind. But when I focus on God and the joy of being his
child, instead of myself, the waiting is easier.
David, who wrote this psalm, waited. And he reminds me to
take heart and be strong—to find the joy. Gratitude produces joy as I anticipate an
outcome. I’m thankful for the opportunity, grateful for the possibility, and
joy filled because I know God has this.
Book Description:
Celebrate the joy, wonder, and innocence of being a child with this love letter
to the loved ones in your life that encourages them to celebrate their own
special qualities now and into the future.
Inspired by the endearing qualities she sees in her own son,
Linsey Davis, ABC News correspondent and bestselling author of The
World Is Awake and One Big Heart, has written another beautiful book
that parents and grandparents can share with their little ones to let them know
how special they are. With charming illustrations from bestselling artist Lucy
Fleming paired with playful and heartwarming read-aloud rhymes, this book can
help make a lasting impact on young minds as they discover their own unique
qualities.
My Thoughts:
With Lindsey Davis’s beautiful words, celebrate the joy and innocence of
childhood. In this rhyming picture book, an adult expresses their love for a
child and the wonder of a child’s heart. The message resonates to keep some of
the delight and purity of childhood. As I read the lovely sentiment of this
gorgeous book, I choked up a bit. Having lived life loving the pure joy children
and grandchildren can express, I have to say, Ms. Davis captured my thoughts. This
is a wonderful book to read to any child to encourage them to explore and
experience the beauty of the world. Enjoy Lucy Fleming’s lively, imaginative,
and vibrant illustrations. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Luke 8:12-15
Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes
away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those
on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear
it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing
they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear,
but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and
pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for
those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by
persevering produce a crop.
My garden breathed the breath of new life.
Ohio’s temperatures teased us with hints of spring. At our condo, the lawn care folks hauled wheel barrows loaded with mulch. They mulched around the trees and the perimeters of the buildings.
In my little area around
our porch, I’ve planted flowers and decorated with garden ornaments. Before the
guys mulched our corner, I removed decorative rocks and pulled out dead leaves.
I cleaned out the mess the finches made, dropping their leftovers on my flower
bed, and dug out a few weeds.
After the landscapers added the mulch, I rearranged the
shredded wood chips around the blooming crocus, hyacinth sprouts, and unfurling
tulip leaves. As spring approaches, I’ll witness new life as it pushes through
the soil and blooms as beautiful flowers.
My garden appeared refreshed, clean, and ready for growth.
I’ve been a Christian for many, many years. At times, I’ve
carried rocks in my heart. Stones of guilt and anger weighed me down. Sin
disguised as colorful ornaments tempted me. Self-deprecation filled my mind
with debris. Yet even in all the darkness of sin and shame, the beauty of being
a Christ follower shined through. Jesus reached out and accepted all the rocks,
stones, and dirt. He took all of the burdens from me and renewed my life. He’s encouraged
me to grow and bloom; to be the best person I can be.
Granted, I still struggle, and I still sin. I’m not perfect.
But I know Jesus continues to hear my cries for mercy, and for that I am
thankful.
If you feel hopeless, turn to Jesus. In him there is hope,
joy, peace, and rest. He wants to take your burdens and replace them with grace.
Jesus died to give life to whomever chooses to follow him.
Seek the one who renews life. Jesus loves you.
Click to Tweet If You Feel Helpless
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
The pain in my knee nearly crippled me.
I hobbled into work each day from the handicapped parking spot. My good knee, replaced a few years earlier, carried the other swollen and pain filled knee, as I lurched down the hall. Every day, I persevered even as the pain shot through me, because I knew hope waited at the end of my journey. In a few months, this knee would also be replaced, and I'd regain my ability to walk pain free.
Two years later, after enduring physical therapy and exercise, I've taken walks in the neighborhood, hiked in parks, climbed hills, and kayaked. I thank God every day that he led me to the surgeon who could heal my knees, and that I was able to carry on despite the difficulty and endurance required. The trial of pain led me to a time of thanksgiving and joy.
As a follower of Jesus, I've endured trials, some of my own volition, some put on me by other's choices. The one thing I've learned is—if I curl up in a ball and hide, I accomplish nothing. But if I pray and move forward as the Holy Spirit shows me, the testing of my faith produces perseverance and maturity in my walk with Jesus. Without the trials of this world, I wouldn't understand the joy, peace, and hope that fills my soul.
No matter the circumstances, if I continue to open God's word and seek him in prayer, my faith will grow. But if I choose to hunker down in fear and hide, I'll remain stagnant in my faith, with little to give. God wants faithful followers, prayer warriors, Bible readers, and folks who share His truth. Those all come through perseverance and learning to grow in this world, despite the negativity and stress.
When trials come, seek Jesus and embrace the time to grow in him.
Click to Tweet: Consider it pure joy!
Luke 17:15-19
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud
voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a
Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has
no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said
to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
The beautiful thing about gratitude—it leads to joy.
As a writer,
I embrace words. I have favorites and some I'd rather not hear or read. In the
novel I'm writing, I search for the perfect words to express the characters actions
and emotions. When I edit, I remove unnecessary words and rewrite the scene.
As many writers do, I've asked God to give me a word for the year.
In 2020, God
gifted me with "Be Brave." He basically told me not to fear. In 2020,
fear tossed me on my head at times. Yet, I clung to Him and the words he gave
me. When anxiety reared its ugly head (which happened more often than I care to
share) I called on the Lord for courage.
Now we are
waltzing into 2021, praying for a better year. As I asked God for my word, the
one I'd focus on for 365 days, He whispered "Gratitude." The Oxford
Dictionary defines gratitude as "the quality of being thankful; readiness
to show appreciation for and to return kindness." I love that
returning kindness is part of gratitude.
In Luke 17, Jesus healed ten lepers. He sent them to see the priest and as soon as they stepped away from Jesus, the leprosy left them. As it turns out, only one returned to thank him. And he was a Samaritan, a group of people regarded as lowly and unworthy. That man's heart overflowed with appreciation toward the one who healed him. He could finally live without ridicule and shunning. The Samaritan, low man in society, poured a grateful kindness over the one who gave him his life back. He showed gratitude to Jesus with joy in his heart.
When I imagine
being sick for years and despised by most people, and through love and
compassion Jesus released me and restored my life; I wonder, would I be like
the nine ungrateful men or the one who poured joy over Jesus.
As the New Year rings in, embrace gratitude, show appreciation and return kindness.
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
As an
American consumer, I used to make Christmas way too complicated. The shopping,
the decorating, the baking exhausted me. For the past several years, I've
stepped back and made an attempt to simplify. Less presents, decorating with
the items I hold dear, and more focused time in the kitchen. I confess—I love Christmas. But what I love the most about this
beautiful holiday has less to do with the gifts, baubles, and cookies and more
to do with the people.
First being—Jesus—the babe in the manger who grew to be
a King. Even as King, he lived a simple existence as he walked this earth. His
life reflects the love and grace he gives. I praise God for sending his son to
us.
Second being—my husband—we go through this life together encouraging
and loving one another. For this I am so thankful.
Third being—our family—our
children and their families, my mom, our siblings, and the
many who connect, love, check in on, and surround Tim and I with their love. I
appreciate them so much.
Fourth being—friends—dear friends I've reconnected with
from college and the many friends made through the years. Our neighbors who
wave a friendly hello when we walk the neighborhood. My writing friends I've met
on social media from all over the world. The church filled with folks who walk with us on our spiritual journey. Thank you.
Fifth being—the folks we are yet to connect with—those God will place in our path.
All these
people bless our lives. I thank God for each one.
As I reflect
on this strange, stressful year, I thank God for Jesus and for you.
May the New
Year bring joy, peace, and hope as we celebrate the babe in the manger and look
forward to a new calendar filled with wonder and adventure.
Here's to a Happy New
Year!
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bumping
along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of
her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of
Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end
of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a
donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her
discomfort.
Womanhood
arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from
fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and
grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth
to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.
Mary, being
the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.
Trust plays
a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary. God trusted the angels to deliver his
messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary
trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.
As Mary
bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called
her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were
fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless,
Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.
As you think
about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think
about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she
moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep
our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.
Stop for a
few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.
