Joy Replaced Fear

Luke 2:9-10
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

I remember sitting in a classroom in the junior high building, my heart pounding with fear.

I'd been absent the day my class took the standard exam, so the teacher sent me to the big study hall, which seemed miles away from my classroom. There I sat, a painfully shy, elementary student, surrounded by teenagers. The teacher stood what seemed like seven feet tall, while the paper and pencil on my desk taunted me. As I started to darken circles on the multiple-choice questions, tears stung my eyes. The teacher, in all of his wisdom, must have noticed my discomfort. He leaned over and assured me everything would be okay. And it was. I don't recall the results of the test, but I took it and evidently passed whatever hurdle I needed to.

My teacher wasn't an angel, at least not that I know of, yet he calmed my fear and gave me courage to finish my task.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field near Bethlehem, the fear must have overwhelmed them. The night was most likely quiet, a few sheep baaing, maybe a breeze, and a snore here or there from dozing shepherds. Then the sky lit up with God's glory and surrounded the mighty messenger. Bless those shepherds' hearts, as they trembled in fear, and the angel consoled them with encouragement and spoke of the most wonderful news.

No doubt the shepherds had heard of the long-expected Messiah, but they never dreamed they'd be alerted to his birth in such an awesome way. With courage and encouragement from the angel, the shepherds listened and followed his directions. And lo and behold they witnessed baby Jesus in his mother's arms.

At the sight of the Lord, pure joy replaced any fear.

This season seek Jesus with the courage of the shepherds and experience true joy.

Celebrate with Joy!

Something inside of me sparks when I near the Christmas season. 

I so wish every one could experience the holiday the way I do.

The joy that bubbles over comes from the beautiful baby born in a manger,

 so many years ago.

I love celebrating the One who came to earth to offer grace. 

His grace has saved my life.

Celebrate Jesus Joy!

 

Faith Before Fear

Luke 1:35-38
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

I love holding and rocking babies.

In 2009, we were thrilled to find out we'd have three grandbabies born. Max arrived in October, Eli in time for Christmas, and Zeke the following January. Our hearts overflowed with joy as we met each of these baby boys. As a grandma, I fell in love with them, just as I had my own babies. The boys have or will soon turn twelve, and they are lights in our lives. All so different from one another, yet so precious.

The mamas got to share in the joy and challenges of carrying a child, at the same time. Sisters, Sara and Maggie, expected Eli and Zeke with only five weeks separating their birth. What an exciting time for this grandma.

Cousins, Elizabeth and Mary, shared the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Wow were their circumstances exceptional. Elizabeth was considered old, yet God blessed her with a child. Mary was a young virgin, yet God gave her a baby. Their stories are unusual and perhaps hard to believe. Yet the writers of the Bible tell the stories with clarity, truth, and hope.

I love Mary's humility as she accepts the angel's pronouncement. "For no word from God will ever fail." Her response says it all, "I am the Lord's servant." Mary believed. She trusted God and put her faith in front of her fear because she knew God never fails.

Can you imagine being in Mary's circumstance? Would people ridicule her? Would they punish her? She had more at stake than we might today. The Jewish laws were strict, and she could be severely punished for being unwed and pregnant. But she put her faith before her fear and trusted God with her life.

Elizabeth was old and her husband made mute before John the Baptist was born. Did Elizabeth hide with embarrassment or did she trust? She believed God blessed her, and she jumped with joy. She too put faith before fear.

This Christmas as we celebrate Jesus, put faith before fear and share about the babe who grew to be a man. Not just any man, but Jesus the Savior of this broken world.

Have the hard conversations and talk about the hope we have in Jesus.

Entering the Season of Thanks

Four-hundred years ago, the the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans prepared and sat together for the first Thanksgiving meal.

Eighty years ago, the fourth Thursday in November was declared

the national holiday Americans call Thanksgiving.

My word for 2021 has been gratitude. I've tried to keep my focus on what I'm thankful for and the love God pours over me. Even though I've grieved over loss and celebrated with joy, I know whatever my circumstance,

God calls me to be thankful.

As I prepare to enter the month of November, and the season of thanksgiving, I appreciate the example the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoogs set for us.

Let's sit down together in peace and celebrate what we have.

 

Joy is...

Psalm 65:8
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
where morning dawns, where evening fades,
 you call forth songs of joy.

Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering; it is the presence of God. -Sam Storms

With autumn tumbling toward us, I cut down some of the flowers in my little garden. I've enjoyed the black-eyed Susans since early July, but they were looking pretty ragged. Even though I hated to trim them down, I knew it was time. Funny thing is, when I cut away the battered stems, I exposed another flower. The gorgeous pink blooms of my zinnias waved their lovely heads. Now when I look out my front door, the pink catches my eye, and I appreciate the change.

A flower garden varies throughout the season. This year due to a late frost, my little garden didn't fare as well as usual. Yet, the daffodils, tulips, blazing star, columbines, lavender, black-eyed Susans, and zinnias bloomed their joyous blossoms despite the set-back.

Life shifts, change is inevitable, sometimes with change comes stress and suffering. With all the craziness in the world today, it's difficult to hold on to joy. I like what Sam Storms said about joy being the presence of God amidst the suffering. God doesn't move away from us. If anything, we move away from him. Yet in the midst of some of the most difficult things we experience, He offers joy and hope.

As I attempt to navigate life, I cling to the hope I have in Jesus. He fills my heart with joy, even as I struggle, because He stands beside me and wraps me in a God-hug. He fills my heart with joy through my husband, family, and friends. He fills my heart with joy through His Word. The Bible speaks of joy, a lot. This little three letter word carries a great importance in the lives of believers. Think of joy as a life preserver. Regardless of the circumstances, I can keep my head above water and float with joy and hope in my heart.

My wonder deepens when I understand joy comes from God.

He's in the midst of suffering, reach out to Him and seek His joy.

James 1:2-3
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. 

Simple Things

The older I get, the more I appreciate the simple things.

I was watching the bees land on 

this "obedient" or sometimes called "dragon" plant. 

They buzzed around and gathered pollen, paying no mind to me.

Observing nature colors my soul with joy.

What simple things do you enjoy?

My Joy and Strength

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.

 

A Wombat Tale

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.

Clothed With Joy

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!

Light up the Dark

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

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.

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.

Practice Joy While You Wait

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.

Find a reason to have joy as you wait.

Children’s Picture Book Review: Stay This Way Forever by Linsey Davis, Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

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.

John 3:16

As I watch my little garden sprout, I'm reminded of new life.

Trees bud, flowers bloom, and herbs green up.

Imagine for a moment what eternal life with Jesus must be like.

A continual spring filled with beauty and joy!

 

Spread Encouragement

Let's fight the negative speak of the world!

Share kind words 

Peaceful phrases 

and 

Joy filled hope

Spread encouragement and cheer!

 

If You Feel Hopeless

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

Look for Wonder in Spring

March offers the first warm days that lead into spring.

Green sprouts from the ground.

The daffodils, hyacinth, and tulips awaken.

Crocus open in colors of joy.

Embrace the Wonder!

 

Pure Joy!

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!

Be His Light

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

For the first time in ten days, the sun's rays broke through the clouds and warmed the earth.

When the yellow dwarf star at the center of our universe hides behind the clouds, people notice. In southwest Ohio, we've experienced a cloudy, gray January. Darkness infiltrates the morning and dusk arrives early. But oh how the absence of light makes Ohioans grateful for the dazzling sun.

Dark days cause rejoicing when the brilliant rays brighten the sky.

As I read the news and listen to family and friends, I'm reminded of the darkness surrounding our lives. Between the COVID-19 virus and the political climate, it's difficult to feel anything but doom and gloom. But, there is a light which outshines any darkness.

No matter the situation, no matter the sorrow, the worries, the fear—Jesus light shines brighter.

I read posts on social media which disturb me. Family and friends fighting over what they believe to be true. It's time to stop arguing and embrace God's call to be the light. In professing to follow Christ, I promised to obey his word. In Galatians 5 I read, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I'm not asked to shout my opinions out loud. Instead I'm asked to illuminate the radiant fruit God wants me to share and offer the fruit of the Spirit through my actions and words.

God calls his followers to be the light—the ones who shine brighter than the evil and distress of the world. Is it easy? Not always. Is it necessary? Yes!

Let the beam of God's goodness overpower the fear and darkness.

Click to Tweet: Be His Light!

No Darkness at All

No matter how dark the world seems, God's light outshines.

He houses no darkness, only light.

The birds, in this beautiful print, remind me of 

the gold finches who visit my feeder.

Even on bleak winter days, 

they flit and flutter and go about their business.

I notice when the rain pours and clouds darken the day,

they gather at the feeder eight to ten at a time. 

They bring me great delight!

Like the little flock of birds, let's join together 

and shine God's light in the darkness. 

Let's bring joy, peace, and kindness to a hurting world.

Only in Him will the light break through the dark.

 

What More?

Whatever my lot, I strive to be grateful.

At home in the gray of January, I choose to embrace the beauty of God's creation.

The gold finches' feathers have dulled, 

yet they bring joy with their clacky songs.

Cardinals flit from one evergreen to another.

Flashing the colors of winter.

And I am home. A blessing, indeed.

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, find one thing to brighten your day.

Reach out to a friend-

Look out the window-

Smile-

Read something funny or uplifting.

Gratitude brings joy.