Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 4

Part 4 will complete these posts of the "Gifts Found in October 2015".  Be sure to read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3, as the journey continues...

October 22nd

A Gift Silent, Still, Strong

The Gift of a Surprise - When I opened my drawer at Our Craft Place, there was an envelope with my name onit...with a gift certificate for a local craft store.  A "silent" surprise...from my Elfster!

October 23rd

3 Gifts Begun

1.  The Gift of a New Day - As I wake to a new day, I know another 24 hours has begun; another opportunity to "start over" - perhaps to make a wrong...right!

Or, complete something not completed...or, do something not yet done.

A new day...to begin again!

2.  The Gift of Grey Hair - I've resisted for many years, not wanting to let my hair go completely grey!  It has begun to show again...and, I need to decide what to do!

I know it really doesn't matter - I'm 64 years old, and I'm getting old - older!  And, I shouldn't be so vain; yet, I'm just not ready to be all grey!

3.  The Gift of Completion - It will surely take my whole life; but I can be certain that...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by flickr.com

Of that...I am certain!  Thank you, God!

October 24th

3 Gifts Accomplished

1.  The Gift of Writing - Though it is only the 24th, I have a few posts scheduled and some drafted - though many are "ideas" forming in my brain...

Yet, I feel confident that I will accomplish - I will complete - the "write31days" challenge.  With God's help, I will persevere; and I will accomplish the task!

2.  The Gift of Crafts - The days I get the chance to work on my crafts are usually very productive; and I usually accomplish what I wanted to, most often a "project" for a swap!

Thank you, God, for friends, for sharing, for creativity...

3.  The Gift of Song - My favorite shows to watch on TV are the competitions...especially those showcasing accomplished - gifted, talented, skilled singers.  They share their voices with song, and compete to see who will be the winner.  They may all be accomplished singers, but there will only be one winner!

Thank you, God, for all the beautiful singers who entertain with their accomplished voices.

October 25th

3 Gifts Enjoying

1.  The Gift of Friends - I'm sure I've lifted up my friends - many times - as a "gift"...and that's because I love them and feel "comfortable" with them.  My main circle of friends are my "scrappy" ones; but there are others at church, from work (former co-workers) and on-line.

It was a blessing to end my Sunday enjoying my friends!

2.  The Gift of Family - Many of my Fun Times are spent enjoying my family; the more (family members) who are together in one place, the better!  From birthdays, no special days, holidays...

Just days enjoying my family are a great big blessing!

3.  The Gift of Alone-ness - As much as I enjoy my friends and family, I love being alone at times...

Enjoying the quiet, the "freedom" to do what I want to do, when I want to do it; or just do nothing!

October 26th

3 Gifts Extravagant

1.  The Gift of Enough - Perhaps I do have enough; perhaps I am extravagant...buying things when I already have things!

I know we/I can cut down what is spent on groceries...I vow to do that!

And, I know I can cut down on what I spend on crafts...I vow to use what I already have!

And, perhaps I need to cut down on the events...but, they are so much FUN; and I am often blessed with help from others (to be able to attend these events).

Lord, help me to plan better; to spend more wisely; to be satisfied with enough!  Thank you that we do have enough!

2.  The Gift of Plain - I'm not an extravagant dresser!  My clothes are not expensive; I don't spend tons of money on make-up and hair and nails and spa treatments!  I am just plain old me...

Thank you, God, for the "me" you have created!

3.  The Gift of Home - Our home - our apartment - is nothing extravagant...just a simple two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment.  Our furnishings are not extravagant...most are things bought second-hand, or even given to us.  It works for us; and we have what we need!

The most extravagant piece is the TV that was bought for us by my daughter and son-in-law when our old, ancient set went out!

Thank you, God, for our home and all the furnishings...new, old, second-hand, hand-made!

October 27th

A Gift Humbling, Honoring, Happy

The Gift of Encouragement - I write my blog because...well, I love to write!  I certainly don't consider myself a good writer...

Yet, I receive so many uplifting comments that encourage me to continue writing.

Today, actually the 28th since I am behind (and actually, writing this in my post on January 13th!!), I received this comment on the "write31days" challenge, written on the word "HOPE":

From my freind Helen at "Iwillbloom":

"Am so full of admiration that you've managed to write for so many days, so consistently and such high quality writing!!!"

WOW!  I would never have defined my writing as "high quality"; so humbling!  Honoring me with such words of admiration and that my writing is "high quality"!  It certainly humbles me, honors me, and makes me happy!

October 28th

3 Gifts in Christ

1.  The Gift of Compassion - Jesus showed compassion...we should do as He did and show compassion to others.  Tonight, as we interviewed a candidate for an interim minister, I felt a bit of compassion - pity - for him as he struggled with answering our questions.

God, I thank you for this person, and others we will be contacting.  Be with our committee in this process of calling an interim minister, and subsequently a senior minister.

2.  The Gift of Acceptance - I find it quite easy to accept most people.  Jesus shows us His acceptance of people in many stories...such as meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.  He spoke with her, accepted her, even though she was a Samaritan, and a woman!

This is what He expects of us; and I thank God for accepting me!

3.  The Gift of Faith - I have faith in Christ; He walked this earth as a human, just as we do.  He ministered to others, and shared the love of God.  He died so that we could all have eternal life...and having faith in Christ doesn't mean I won't suffer:

October 29th

3 Gifts on Time

1.  The Gift of a Surprise Package - Today, I am thankful for a package of Goodies I received from bloggin' friend and "planner" Dawn, who blogs at http://enthusiasticallydawn.com/.

Actually, two of the items were books I won on a giveaway a few months ago; "Tuggie the Patriot Pup" and "Tuggie the Patriot Pup - The War of 1812".  I plan to check out their website livefreelovetuggie.com and see if there are other books; perhaps ask for a donation for Patriot Service Dogs...which is where these two books are going for the next Puppy Crop in April 2016!

Thank you, God, for surprise gifts - also included in my surprise package were a booklet of 25 devotions with a pen, and note sheets for each month!  And a sweet note from Dawn.

2.  The Gift of God's Master Plan - "For I know the plans I have for you..."

Yes, He does have our lives in His hands; and when we mess up, or choose a different road for our journey to take, He works that into His plans.

Thank you, God, for your loving care; and for planning my journey in life, even if I don't always listen or obey.

3.  The Gift of Rest - I think I've finally got it!!  To listen to the signs of my body that I am getting sick...and to rest!  I have been resting for three days now; and am feeling much better!  Richt "on time", I began resting, and it's working!

October 30th

3 Gifts Overjoyed

1.  The Gift of Fall - The weather is finally more Fall-ish than Summer-y; but still warm.  The trees are showing just a little bit of color, besides green.  I am overjoyed with the weather changing, except it also (always) brings on a cold or sinus infection...

But, I thank God for Fall!

2.  The Gift of Accomplishments - Coming to the end of October, I have successfully accomplished two challenges:

     1) The "write31days" challenge for the second year!  This year's topic was a bit more light-hearted, "31 Days of Free Writes", using the Five Minute Friday word prompts.  For a fun, silly post, read today's here.

     2)  I have (almost) completed another month of discovering God's amazing gifts.  November will be the 8th month; and I have listed a total (so far) of 554 gifts!   God is amazing!  His gifts are infinite!  I am overjoyed!

3.  The Gift of His Great Love - 

Found on Pinterest

Shared by etsy.com

So, I am overjoyed at all the great things He has done for me...for all the awesome gifts He continually gives...

Thank you, God, for all!!

October 31st

3 Gifts Hallowed

1.  The Gift of Our Conference Center - "We are standing on Holy Ground..."

That's what I think (sing!) whenever I step onto the grounds of the conference center - The Retreat at Silver Springs.  I feel at peace whenever I spend time there...

Thank you, God, for those people past and present who brought this beautiful place to be a part of our church!

2.  The Gift of Preaching - We have enjoyed the preaching of Pastor Larry, who has guest preached for times during our transition...

As we continue to search for an interim pastor, and ultimately a permanent senior minister, we are blessed to have many who will guest preach for us.

3.  The Gift of the Lord's Prayer - "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen."

Your name, Oh God, is Hallowed...Holy and Blessed!  Praise be your name on all the earth!

And, another month of Gifts has been completed!

WORD WEDNESDAY - Joy Comes in the Morning

My Word of the Year for 2016 is JOY!  Each week I will share in a "Word Wednesday" post as I discover the JOY in my life - and yours!  Please join me during this year-long journey...




Nobody is "UP" all the time; we can't constantly be "JOYFUL", can we?

There will be days - perhaps many days - when we just don't have "the joy joy joy down in (our) heart"!

We may have concerns on our mind; finances, health, loved-ones in crisis, our future...many things that may have us worrying over, and making it harder to find Joy.

Even things we over-hear in the news can cause worry...things that are so far out of our control that there is absolutely nothing we can do!

God tells us not to worry:

But...well, that's easier said than done, isn't it?  And, is that a guarantee that our worries will magically go away and our Joy will return?

I don't really know the answer; but what I do know is that God tells us to leave all of our worries with Him because he can and will lift our burdens!  And with our burdens lifted...

It will be much easier to find our joy!

So, as we lie down at night with hearts full of burdens, lift our prayers to God and know that...

Praying you find your joy!

  

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 11, 2016

Linking up with

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

January 11, 2016

Outside My Window:  Sunshine, beautiful day, but cool...it was around 40 degrees at 9:00 am; so am sure it has warmed up a bit by now, almost 1:00 pm.

I am Thankful for:  My family!  My oldest daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons attended my church yesterday!!

My grandson had met a couple of young people over the holidays and discovered at least one or two that he already knew; and he encouraged his parents to attend Sunday School and Church with him.

Afterwards, we had lunch at Okinawa; I enjoyed our table conversation, especially talking to my grandson (16 years old) about different books he has read and thought I'd enjoy (we share the love of the Hunger Games series, including the movies).

In My Kitchen:  Dishes in the dishwasher; partially cleaned out the fridge - next week is payday and we'll be buying our groceries.  Need to finish cleaning that, then clean the floor!

I am Wearing:  Mis-matched "doggie" pj's!  The top is a dark pink with a cute little black dog and a "bandit" eye, wearing a pink polka dot bow tie!  The bottoms are gray with a little black "Scottie" dog, also wearing a pink bow tie!

I am Creating:  The "button" puzzle has been cut down on the bottom so it fit nicely into the tray I purchased.  Now, I need to add a layer of ModPodge to secure it; and I think also adding something on top to keep it water-proof!  Almost done with that project; and have also been helping my daughter with a couple of projects to share on their Disney cruise in March.

I am Thinking About:  The news I am hearing at this time...a precious little boy that has been missing for several months, has possibly been found "thrown into the woods" like a piece of garbage.

So sad!!  The mother and her boyfriend are both in jail, but nothing has confirmed who the murderer was.

Also praying for this family and those involved.  This precious little one is in the arms of Jesus, where he has been all along.

I am Praying for:  One of our church members - a man over 80 years old - is in critical condition after being hit by a car going almost 100 mph.  Please pray for this family, as well as the person driving thethese families (I'm not sure why the "other" car was going so fast, or any of the details).

{As a sad update to this accident, our church member passed away around midnight last night.  Please continue to pray for his family.} 

I am Going: Well, I have several things I am supposed to be doing this week; but with this coughing and "other issues", I am not going where I needed to go today ...taking the rest of the week a day at a time! 

I am Wondering:  How can a person be so ugly to a little child, so as to kill them and just dump them into the woods; not buried, not in a box or a bag or anything, just thrown into the woods.  I am so saddened by this world!

God must also be so upset over what is going on in this world!

I am Reading:  "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand, author of "Seabiscuit".

Written on the inside front of the book:  "In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in 'Seabiscuit'.  Telling an unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, 'Unbroken' is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit."

I wanted to see this movie, but never did; I've been wanting to read this book, but never borrowed it...until I saw it on the shelf at my daughter's house, and nobody was currently reading it!

Reading this book will fulfill one of the challenges from the list of books I am going to be reading this year: a book you've been meaning to read.

http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2016-reading-challenge/

I am Excited for:  The possibility of going to Epcot with a couple of my friends!  I have never been; only been to Disney once and that was in 2003 for my grandson's 4th birthday!

I need to start putting funds aside for that as well as a couple of scrapbook retreats coming up; but my daughter said she was going to help me be able to go to Epcot!! 


I am Learning:  I think this says it better than I can:

In my heart and mind, I do know that it's the disease talking and not him...this I do know; but it is soooo hard to "live it"!

I am Hearing:  The news...see above "I am Thinking About" and "I am Wondering".  Such a sad situation, with more details to come as they continue to investigate those involved.

A Quote for Today:  

This is so true!  My two middle grandson's - ages 4 and 7 - have such an imagination; the younger one has decided he is changing his name...he is now "Anukin" (his spelling); while the older one is a "super hero".

Yes!  "Each one is different.  Each one is special.  Each one is beautiful."  Just like the butterflies!

A Scripture Thought:  The psalmist wrote, "My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His Holy Name forever and ever."

This scripture came from my morning devotions this morning in The Upper Room.  The Thought for the Day says, "I will make someone's day by sharing my experience f God's faithfulness."

I am Pondering:  And pondering the above scripture, I wrote in my journal, "Watching 'Undercover Boss' last night, the 'boss' who poses as an 'employee' to see how things are going in their company ended the show by 'awarding' their employees with gifts.

"Upon learning of her generous gifts, one employee said, 'You didn't make my day, or week, or month; you made my life!

So as we share our stories of God's faithfulness to us...remember that He doesn't just make our day, or week, or month...

He makes our life!


And, that concludes this week's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Gifts Found in October 2015 - Part 3

I continue Part 3 of the "Gifts Found in October", be sure to read those found in the first and second weeks of the month in Part 1 and Part 2.  So the journey continues...

October 15th

3 Gifts Re-Read

1.  The Gift of Scripture - Many scriptures, especially those we consider "favorites" or more well-know, are read again and again...and re-read again and even again!

Each time we read them, the meaning may be different, depending on our situation, things we've learned, even things god is revealing to us.

So, I continue to read and re-read those favorites!

2.  The Gift of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading):  In the series we are doing at church, "A Prayer Series for Congretations Discovering Who God is Calling Them to Be" by J. Kristina Tenny-Brittain...

We used the practice of Lectio Divina as a tool for hearing God's voice.  The book says, "People have been practicing Lectio Divina since at least the sixth century AD.  In it's most basic form, it comprises four parts: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting.

Before beginning Lectio, we offer a short prayer to ask God to clear our minds and speak to us through the exercise.  Then we read or listen to a short passage of scriptures; first once and than a second and third time.

With each reading or hearing, we become conscious of a word or phrase that 'jumps out' at us; this leads us to the reflecting part.  In the responding part, we respond to the word or phrase in our mind with a prayer or praise or petition to God.

Finally, we rest, we sit quietly in God's presence with our thoughts, perhaps jotting down what we're going to do with them or because of them."

This is intentional reading of the scripture.  It is a gift that I want to try using more...so far, I'm not spending enough time really into the scriptures!

3.  The Gift of Fiction - I've read many books, different authors, and different styles.  Most of them I read all the way through 'til the end; some I give up on, but not very many.  And, there are a few books that I would go back to and re-read.

Thank you, God, for authors of fiction that capture our attention so much that we want to re-read them!

October 16th

3 Gifts Burning

1.  The Gift of Desire - Have you ever wanted - desired - something (or someone) so much that you felt your insides were on fire?  Me neither...

but, desire - yes, perhaps there have been times when something very important made my heart feel its' fire...its' burning desire!

Maybe for an important recognition; a job or project you wanted so badly, your insides were on fire with desire...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by twelveoeightblog.com

Yes, that kind of desire!

2.  The Gift of Scripture - From Psalm 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

So, whatever my heart desires?  He will give it to me - to us - as long as we "delight...in the Lord."

3.  The Gift of Love - Just this - a quote from Robert Frost...

Found on Pinterest

Shared by enjoy-loving-quotes.tumblr.com

So...Love - Desire - Love to be Desired - Desire to be Loved!

Dear God, may it be so!!

October 17th

3 Gifts Ugly-Beautiful

1.  The Gift of Babies - America's Funniest Videos...the place to watch the funny, and the not-so-funny.  Tonight's series of "Baby Poop Faces" was so cute, funny, and such "ugly" yet "beautiful" baby's faces...as they are showing exactly what they're trying to do!

So precious!  Thank you, God, for precious little ones!

2.  The Gift of Fashion - Just looking at the designs made on Project Runway make me admire the designers.  Some are just plain "ugly" to me; yet are highly praised and loved...and "beautiful" in the eyes of the designers and the judges.  Not anything I'd ever wear!  I'll stick with my comfy jeans and shirts!  Guess I'm just not "fashionable"!

3.  The gift of Loss - How can loss be a gift?  An "ugly" thing, loss - when it's a child who has gone missing; when it's a child who has been abused...such an "ugly" thing.

And yet, what comes out of loss, and abuse - maybe not really "beautiful"; but, God uses our loss, our past "abuses"; and makes something good, something "beautiful" - like a special garden that has emerged from the place where abuse has been.

Thank you, God, for the beautiful life of a precious child, gone too soon.  And, to her family who has tried to bring love, hope, support - something beautiful from the horrid thing that happened to her.

October 18th

A Gift Shared, Saved, Surrendered

The Gift of Ministry - As we, at Riverside Ave. Christian Chruch, go through the process of searching for a minister, there have been many who have shared in worship by filling the pulpit, preaching the word.

So far, when the time allowed, we have heard from a couple of well-known female ministers and a couple of well-known male ministers (know to our congregation).

Will our future bring us a female minister?  Who knows...God alone has this person prepared...

October 19th

3 Gifts Unexpected

1.  The Gift of Affection - No matter how hard I try, it just doesn't seem to be hard enough!  As tired as I was after a full day of shopping, it was still not appreciated...when asked a question while I was washing dishes, I kept washing and answered - probably too quietly - and thought he'd walked off with his answer...

Instead, he got in front of me waving his arms and shouted, "Hey!  I asked you a question!"  I re-answered and told him he didn't need to act that way and yell at me...

He took the trash out, and when he came back, he gave me a big hug, and apologized!!  He never apologizes to being the way he is to me...but, he did!  Definitely Unexpected!

Thank you, God!  I know he has it inside of him...somewhere!

2.  The Gift of Friendship - An unexpected call from a friend...already planning to meet for dinner - but needing a "favor" - and, of course I'll pick her up at work and take her to get her car!!  That's what friends are for!  Thank you, God, for my friend, Myra!

3.  The Gift of a Visit - It should not be unexpected...I should know - without a doubt! - that when I sit down at the computer, a certain cat will:

• jump up onto the back of my chair, causing it to jerk me backwards;
• jump from there onto the table where she proceeds to stand between the laptop and the larger monitor, eventually spreading out nearby to lie down;
• she is usually laying to the left of the laptop, with her head near my hand, making it difficult for me to type.

I guess I should not be surprised!  It is expected...

Oh, no...here she comes again!!

October 20th
3 Gifts Unconventional

"unconventional, adj. not usual" according to "Webster's Student Dictionary."

"conventional, adj. ordinary/usual."

1.  The Gift of Friendship - We may only see each other a few times a year, but when we get together after not seeing each other for weeks or months...we pick up where we left off, catching up on things, on life!

It is "not usual"; a bit unconventional?  We share each others' joys and concerns; and vow to not let the next time be so far off!

Thank you, God, for my friend!

2.  The Gift of Giving - Shopping is definitely a usual thing - quite ordinary...conventional.  But, shopping for others - not as in for birthday, Christmas, or other gifts - can be quite unusual...unconventional...

I met up with a friend from our Disciples' Women and went shopping for socks for men and women at a local vet center; and for women and children at the City Rescue Mission.  We spent just over $180 (of a $200 donation) and bought 193 pairs of socks!  I have not quite $20 to buy a few more...

I am excited for us to deliver these gifts!

3.  The Gift of Health - It's unusual - unconventional - that a toddler is not sick with some kind of cold or virus.  Most times when I babysit for the little ones (my grandkids), they have colds and runny noses.  When they play and cuddle, it is all a usual happening, even when they are sick.  What is unusual is when they cry more or just can't sleep; or if they do go to sleep, wake up crying.

This is what happened with my little two-year old cuddle-but: he just couldn't sleep for the stuffiness, and the fever incresed as the evening went on.

As I rocked him and cried out to God, he relaxed and went to sleep; but couldn't rest in my arms...when mommy and daddy came home, they were able to "take it from there" - giving him tylenol, and bathe him with a cool washcloth (he is too squirmy and fussy for me to try to bathe him!).

I thank God for His calming touch, and for hearing my cries.

October 21st

3 Gifts Under-Valued

1.  The Gift of Time - I value the time I have to spend with family and friends; but don't always realize the value of that time - correctly.  I choose - sometimes haphazardly - how the time spent will be...

But, I realize it is a gift, and am thankful for my time with my family and friends.

2.  The Gift of Prayer - Prayer is undervalued!  I don't "use" it as I should, when I should.  God wants to hear from us, often...even to be persistent with our requests.

I thank God for His listening to our prayers...the persistent ones, the regular ones, and the infrequent ones.  And, as we pray often, we become more and more able to hear His voice!!

3.  The Gift of Self - Focusing the majority of my time and attention on others, I tend to not place value on myself and taking care of me!  I do have times I spend with my family and friends, doing things I want to do...but still seem to "under-value" my worth, my time, my health...

Thank you, God, for me!  Help me to remember how important taking care of myself is for the sake of me as well as my family and friends.


So ends Part 3 of "Gifts Found in October 2015"; Part 4 coming soon {better late than never!}

Tuesday @ Ten - HERE

Another week, another opportunity to join my friend, Karen Beth, for Tuesday @ Ten!  Karen has worked hard to bring some exciting things to T@T this year; so join us!

This week's prompt is:  Here

Well, here I sit...in front of my computer; trying to figure out just what I want to write...using this prompt, "Here".

The first thing that actually came to me was the story of Samuel as a boy, living with a priest named Eli.

Here is a portion of Samuel's response after hearing God calling - yet he did not know at first it was God:

"Samuel answered, 'Yes? I'm here.'  Then he ran to Eli saying, 'I heard you call.  Here I am.' "

Twice Eli sent Samuel back to bed; the third time God called to Samuel:

"Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli.  'Yes?  I heard you call me.  Here I am.'

"That's when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy.  So Eli directed Samuel, 'Go back and lie down.  If the voice calls again, say, Speak, God.  I'm your servant, ready to listen.  Samuel returned to his bed.

"Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, 'Samuel! Samuel!'

"Samuel answered, 'Speak, I'm your servant, ready to listen.' "  (portions of 1 Samuel 3:1-10 from The Message).

Well, I can't say that I have "heard" God calling me; but I have felt "the call"...

You know, the certainty that you were meant to do something?!

Like, when I was asked to lead our Christian Women's Fellowship, taking the position behind someone I looked up to, and had been the leader for many years!  I wasn't quite sure I could do it!  And, following in her footsteps?

But, I said "YES", and went on to do a great job (at least that is what they told me!!)...and to this day, I have been very active in this group, though at a different church.

I responded to the call, just as Samuel did when he answered, "Here I am!"

There have been other "calls" that I've responded to; other situations that I felt God was leading me in a certain direction.

Not always ready to answer "YES", and not always sure if it was God's call, sometimes I drag my feet, not wanting to commit to the "call".  Am I really hearing God, or am I just trying to make a decision...on my own?

One of my favorite hymns is "Here I am, Lord":

"Here I am, Lord...
 I have heard you calling
in the night.
I will go, Lord,
if you lead me,
I will hold Your people in my heart."

I don't think God has anything really major for me to do; yet, if He calls to me, I pray I can answer Him just as Samuel did...

"Here I am, Lord...send me!"

How about you?  Have you answered His call?  Have you "heard Him calling in the night"?

Share your experiences in the comments...if you wish!

WORD WEDNESDAY - Who Stole My Joy?

Today is "Word Wednesday" - a day to share my "Word for the Year 2016"...

Recently I read a story in "Guideposts", a small magazine that shares "True stories of Hope and Inspiration".  Written by Dave Beckwith from Irvine, CA, it was titled, "Who Stole My Joy?"

In his story, Mr. Beckwith (actually "Rev." since he is a pastor!) wrote about his decorations for Christmas.  While his neighbors decorated with inflatable Santas or icicle lights, he placed three big wooden signs illuminated with spotlights:

He had been doing these same decorations for many years, and his neighbors loved and appreciated seeing them. People even came by to see the decorations, some even leaving "thank you" notes for them.

One morning, Pastor Beckwith opened his front door to discover the "Joy" sign was gone!  The wires connecting the sign had been clipped and the entire sign was removed.

"Why on earth would someone do that?"  he asked.  "Why would God let someone steal my Joy?"

Well, he didn't find the "Joy" sign, or answers to these questions; but as he wrote, "I did get a good sermon out of the story - how to find joy in a sometimes crazy season."

The season we just finished - Advent/Christmas - can be joy-ful!  But, it can also be joy-less.

Many have a hard time finding joy amidst the grief and sorrow they feel in the loss of a loved one.

Many find it hard to find joy when their lives are turned upside down because of financial hardships.  How do we find joy when we don't even have the funds to pay our bills or buy groceries, much less trying to buy gifts for our children and loved ones.

As a caregiver, I often find it hard to feel the joy; yet as I look at those around me - some who have it much harder than we do - I can stop and think about the things that I do have in my life:

A comfortable apartment - a roof over our heads!

Food to eat - and in the freezer, fridge and cabinets.

Family and friends to enjoy being with...there are those who are alone, and feel it especially during the holidays.

Clothes to wear - I may not be the most fashionable but I am dressed, and have things to choose from to wear each day!

Pastor Beckwith continued into the new year, counseling a young couple who had requested "couples' counseling" from him.  Though the husband (Tom) remained quiet during their first session, at the end he said, "Pastor, I can make you a new Joy sign if you'd like.  I'm a carpenter, you know."

The counseling continued, though the pastor felt Tom had no interest in God or forgiveness or any of the other messages of redemption he offered.

Finally, in April Tom called the pastor to tell him the Joy sign was ready.  Pastor Beckwith offered to meet Tom for dinner to thank him.

Here's what he wrote:  "Tom seemed nervous.  He fiddled with his menu, then put it down and blurted, 'Pastor, I get it.'

'Get what?' asked Pastor.

'The key to love, joy, and peace,' replied Tom.

'Yes?' asked Pastor.

' It's God,' answered Tom."

While cutting the wood for the Joy sign, Tom had a strange thought - "Where do love, joy and peace even come from?"

It finally hit him..."There is no love or peace without God!  And that is the very key to Joy."

Well, Tom was so convinced of the message he finally came to believe, that he cut a fourth sign...one that said simply "God".

So, as Tom in this story found, once we find God, we know that love, peace and joy are just around the corner!

Praying you find the joy you have been missing...

And that it makes your heart sing to the tune you have inside of you, unleashing the...

JOY...

that may be hidden!