Joy Challenge - Day Nine - Moody

I should have know when I began this, that inevitably I would come smack up against the fact that the Lord had a little something He wanted to bring to my attention about joy as it related to me.

I think of myself as one of those people who sees the glass half-full; who can't stay angry long; who is basically a happy person. However, the Lord has gently pointed out the fact that I can sometimes be rather - er - moody. Today is a case in point. I am a bit out of sorts. I don't know why. I just am. Suddenly life is not as sunny as I would like it to be. I feel sort of dissatisfied. No reason - it all just looks so blah. So I feel rather touchy about the whole thing.

The problem is, I've started this Joy Challenge thing, and I have to write something about joy. Hmmm...... I thought about faking it and writing about how nice it is that the weather is cooler, how sweet the flowers in the front of the house look since that rain shower, how cute the birds look taking their baths and drinking from the bird bath. Those things are all true - but it isn't true that I am feeling joyful.

So...what to write, I ask myself. No answer from that quarter.

"What do You want me to write Lord?"

"What is it that gives you the kind of joy I've taught you about Linda? Is there joy somewhere under all that moodiness that wants to bubble to the surface? What is the bedrock source of your joy?"

"You know Lord. It is all those things I've already written about."

"Could you be more specific? Just sum it up for Me."

"I'm afraid I won't say the right thing Lord, but for me the bedrock of joy in my life is knowing that You will never change."

"Even if life doesn't look as sunny as you would like it?"

"Yes Lord, even then."

"Why?"

"Because I know that no matter what I'm feeling it doesn't change who You are. You are my life, my hope, my future, my joy. You are everything You have promised to be. You never break Your promises."

"Feeling better daughter?"

"Yes Lord - joyful in fact. Thank You."

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Eight - Celebrating

On August 13th we celebrated, with great joy, my Mom's 86th birthday. She is the heart of our family. Her warmth, wisdom, hospitality, and unconditional love draw everyone to her. She is the one who never fails to make the call or send the note. She is the one whose hands are never idle - always creating beautiful things to share with others. Her home is filled with the things she and my Dad have lovingly collected or made, and the door is always open to welcome family and friends.

She continues to serve - volunteering once a month at their local Food Bank, sewing one hundred Christmas stockings for needy children, visiting and calling those who are sick and lovingly caring for my Dad.

I love spending time with her. She brings such joy into all of our lives.








My daughter and I took her out for lunch and a movie on her birthday. It was, as Mom said, a lovely day.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Seven - Sing Joy!

When I was a little girl, sitting on my little wooden chair in Sunday School I learned a little song about joy:

JOY

Jesus and others and you, what a wonderful way to spell joy.
Jesus and others and you, in the heart of each girl and each boy.
J is for Jesus for He has first place.
O is for others we meet face to face.
Y is for you in whatever you do, put yourself last
That spells joy.

There is a powerful truth in that little song. We are happiest when we can put self in its proper place and serve others. I have found that so much of my thinking is backwards when compared to the way Jesus taught us to live.

One would think that there would be great joy in the getting of things, when in reality there is far more joy in the giving.

That's just the way it is!

Blessings,
Linda

picture:istockphoto

Joy Challenge - Day Six - Showers of Blessing

When we lived up north rain was something very low on my priority list - except in hopes that it wouldn't ruin some planned outdoor activity. Since moving to Texas twenty-seven years ago, it has shot up on the list of things I think and pray about. There have been times I've stood outside under a blazing sun pleading with the Lord to send rain.

No time has ever been as desperate as this summer. We have had the driest couple of years in weather-keeping history. I've watched the grass, trees and flowers turn brown and die over the course of the last several months. Lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks - all are either at record low levels or completely dry. It makes me sad to look at the scenery whenever we go for a ride.

How we have prayed for rain. Last night the lightning flashed, the thunder rolled, the wind picked up and finally, finally the rain fell. It is the best rain we have had in weeks and weeks. It measured an inch in the rain gauge! My husband and I stood outside in the dark on the front porch and watched it pour down.

Joy, joy, joy!! Thank You Lord for Your faithful provision. Even when it seems as though heaven has turned a deaf ear to our prayers, You are working on our behalf. Truly, You never leave us nor forsake us. In every little detail of our lives - You are there.

We took my Dad for a second opinion on his arm today. We were praying that more surgery would not be necessary. He has been through so much in recent months. We prayed, but I think we were all secretly thinking the worst.

We breathed a collective sigh of relief and thanks when the Vascular Surgeon said he thought it would be all right just to leave things as they are. He said with more physical therapy the swelling might go down. If it doesn't, that's all right too. There is no imminent danger.

What joy to know we have a Father who cares for us. Who bends down to listen when we pray and then works on our behalf.

Blessings,
Linda

picture flickr:eva8

Joy Challenge - Day Five - Amazing Joy

I have, of course, been thinking a great deal about joy over the past several days. As with anything the Lord places on my heart, the more I learn the more there is to learn. There is fathomless depth to everything spiritual.

Here is what I've thought through so far. Joy is more than just feeling happy. I found this article by John MacArthur that contained this definition of joy:

"Biblical joy consists of the deep and abiding confidence that all is well regardless of circumstance and difficulty. It is something very different from worldly happiness. Biblical joy is always related to God and belongs only to those in Christ. It is the permanent possession of every believer--not a whimsical delight that comes and goes as chance offers it opportunity.

A good definition of joy is this: it's the flag that flies on the castle of the heart when the King is in residence. Only Christians can know true and lasting joy.

A Christian's joy is a gift from God to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit as they receive and obey the Word, being mixed with trials with a hope set on future glory. "

Joy is a gift and it permeates the lives of those whose hearts belong to Jesus. That is why when we look at the seemingly insignificant things around us, we see evidence of His blessings, and we are filled with joy.

I understand that kind of joy, but it is the "confidence that all is well regardless of circumstance or difficulty" kind of joy that is a bit harder to fathom. It is the kind of joy Paul experienced even during times of terrible persecution. It is, much to my amazement, the kind of joy I have experienced in my own life.

I walked through a valley of suffering that I thought I would never survive. My life was not in danger, but life as I knew it had changed, and I didn't think there would ever be joy again. I pleaded with the Lord to make it different - to make it better. Heaven was silent. I became silent. I was disappointed and angry.

At some point we are faced with the reality that we have a choice to make. Mine was to remain angry at God, hoping I could somehow coerce Him into doing things my way, or surrendering to His will. I really wasn't sure what His will was, I only knew that I could not walk away from Him. I had nowhere else to go. I chose to believe that He was all that He said He was - loving, faithful, merciful, just - that He had a plan that was for my ultimate good.

When I chose trust, He gave me His peace. It came slowly, quietly, unexpectedly. I just realized one day that it was there. And then came joy - even laughter.

The circumstances did not change. I did. It was nothing, however, that I did on my own. It was a gift from the hand of a Father who loves me perfectly and has promised to work all things together for my good. Left to my own devices I would still be buried under a load of anger and bitterness. It is His Spirit working in us that makes the difference.

I come to Him with empty hands and He gives me gifts whose worth can never be measured. Amazing grace. Amazing love. Amazing joy.

Blessings,

Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Four "I Love Today"

One of my very favorite Gospel singers is the beautiful Janet Paschal. The songs she sings and writes always touch my heart. The best part, for me, is that her life is an expression of her love for the Lord; she's the real deal.

I popped in one of her CDs this morning as I did some work around the house. Every song ministers to me in some way, and this one just makes me feel joyful:

"I LOVE TODAY"

I love mornings when they sparkle, evenings when they shine.
Coffee when it's hot and fresh tomatoes from the vine.
Seasons when they change and memories that stay.
Oh I love today.

I love laughing for no reason, secrets with a friend
Symphonies outdoors and a sultry summer wind.
An eagle when it flies and a holiday parade.
Oh I love today.

I am blessed beyond measure and my kind of treasure
Is more than Rockefeller can buy.
If tomorrow it ended, I'd still recommend it 'cause I've had a wonderful ride.
Won't look back and remember what I'd like to forget
Or worry 'bout the future that isn't here yet, I guess
What I'm really trying to say
I love today.

I love making homemade ice cream on a Sunday afternoon
Crickets in the evening and staring at the moon.
Clever conversation and children when they pray
Oh I love today.

That sums it up for me perfectly. Joy!!

Blessings,
Linda

I wish I had been able to find the audio of this song. The tune is just absolutely joyful.

Joy Challenge - Days Two and Three

I am doing two days' worth of joy so that I can catch up with Holley - who is on day three.

This morning my husband and I had time to kill between appointments in town. We drove several blocks, found a great parking space (that isn't the joy - but it sure was happy-making), and descended the stairs down to the Riverwalk.

It is a bit like entering a different country. In this season of terrible drought, it was so refreshing to see the river sparkling in the sunlight, hear the gentle splashing of the water that fell from the little waterfall, and see the lush plants and flowers along the banks of the river. There weren't many people out and about, and we enjoyed walking along the little sidewalk.

We made our way to Starbucks and then took our coffee (him) and latte (me) outside. We found a little table in the shade and sat soaking in the peace and beauty. The riverboats made their way past us - the conversation of the drivers and passengers floating on the breeze.

It was a joy to just sit for a while with my favorite person and take in the lovely day.



The other gift of joy was doing our volunteer work at church. We have a huge choir and the music that we are going to rehearse on Wednesday evening has to be placed in each of the 372 music folders. That is our job - my husband, friend Jane and me. This is our third year working together. We have such a good time. The music staff walks in and out periodically taking the time to chat for a few minutes. They really are all terrific people.

Isn't it amazing the way the Lord works. You decide to do something for Him and He in turn blesses you in ways you could never imagine. Pure joy!

Blessings,
Linda

Create!

Update: I have decided to join Holley in her "Joy Challenge" (she graciously said I could). The challenge is for the next forty days to look for the joy in the day and then write about it. Holley is on day 2; this will be day 1 for me. I think you will enjoy reading Holley's blog. She is a gifted writer and has such a sweet spirit.

Ann has broadened the picture of a grateful heart to include one overflowing with joy. It isn't hard to find joy in our every day world if we are looking with an eye to giving thanks. Slowing down just a bit and taking the time to look closely has reminded me of the miraculous creativity of the Lord. What delight He must take in His creation. He could have just created the "bare necessities," just given us what we needed to survive. Instead He filled the heavens and the earth with beauty that takes our breath away. The color, variety and intricate detail of every living thing is nothing short of miraculous.


Look closely at these carnations - the delicate pedals, the soft colors, the dark green of the stems;


tiny miracles.

The Lord didn't confine His creativity to the earth, He spread out the heavens like a canvas and filled them with such a multitude of heavenly bodies we cannot even begin to number them. He not only made them unique and beautiful, He gave each one a name.

"He counts the number of the stars;
He gives names to all of them."
Psalm 147:4

The wonderful part, to me, is that the Lord created us in His image. That means that each of us has that same creative spirit built into our hearts. For some it is painting beautiful works of art, others use words. There is an infinite number of ways we can be creative. The things we create become something special when we give them back to Him. As Ann once said to me, "We offer it back as a gift to Him." What fulfillment! What joy!

Thank you Father for the beauty of creation.

Blessings,
Linda

Morning View

"Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."
Psalm 143:8

As I sit at the kitchen table each morning, I look out this window and my heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings the Lord has so lovingly placed just within my view.


a sweet plant that produces fresh blooms every day - a gift from my daughter-in-law, "just because"


the bird bath - watching, over a second cup of coffee, as my little feathered friends (and an occasional furry one) come to get a drink or take a little bath



the humming bird feeder - they fly in at incredible speed and perch for a moment to sip the sweet water





I want to hold in my heart the glimpses of His constant love.

Blessings,
Linda

PORCH

PORCH

She is not grand -
humble proportions and peeling paint
It would not be home without her aging arms
welcoming us as we make our way up the sidewalk
soft light gleaming in the darkness

She graciously invites me to sit in her welcoming presence
an audience to the grand entertainment of life
that graces her surroundings;
Quieting my spirit - tuning my ears to birdsong;
focusing my eyes on the beauty I miss in my busyness.

She sits silently as the pages of books turn;
and the pen works its way over worn journals.
She listens to the echo of a little girl's voice
playing make believe.
Remembers the gray and white kitty
who slept trustingly perched on her railing.

She watches tenderly
when eyes close in weariness
And I sleep in the peaceful silence
that surrounds her.



my poem for L.L. Barkat's poetry prompt "porch"

Blessings,
Linda

The Word and words

Words. I love them. Individually they are interesting enough but combined in just the right way they come to life. For those of us who love to read there is nothing more enjoyable than a well written book. Words strung together in such a way that we are held captive - taken to another time and place. Words written from a heart that we somehow know, that bring us to a place of deeper understanding.

For those of us who love to write, words are the means by which we seek to communicate something of what we are, something of what we hold dear. The discovery of that perfect combination of words is exhilarating.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is described as the Word:
"In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God...
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:1,2,14

The Greek word for "word" is logos. The footnote in my Bible says: "Revelation is the keynote idea in the logos concept. Here it is applied to Jesus, who is all that God is and the expression of Him."

The Bible is comprised of many words written through divine inspiration that tell us who God is. When Jesus came, He had no need to write down what He wanted us to know about the Father and His Kingdom. He lived it. He, God's perfect Son, was a living, breathing epistle of Who God is. The life He lived on this earth was a perfect reflection of the Father.

Are we longing to know who God is? We have but to look at His Son. For all of our trying to find just the right words in our writing, we can never begin to match the eloquence of this perfect life.

Blessings,
Linda

picture:flickr *w*

Grateful for the Promises

Today, with heart overflowing with gratitude, I remember some of the promises of Him who is faithful:

"Do not worry. Do not keep saying, 'What will we eat?' or, 'What will we drink?' or, 'What will we wear?' The people who do not know God are looking for all these things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things."
Matthew 6:31-32

"The Lord also keeps safe those who suffer. He is a safe place in times of trouble."
Psalm 9:9

"And if you give what you have to the hungry, and fill the needs of those who suffer, then your light will rise in darkness, and your darkness will be like the brightest time of day."
Isaiah 58:10

"I will show you and teach you in the way you should go. I will tell you what to do with My eye upon you."
Psalm 32:8

"But we have power over all these things through Jesus Who loves us so much. For I know that nothing can keep us from the love of God. Death cannot! Life cannot! Angels cannot! Leaders cannot! Any other power cannot! Hard things now or in the future cannot! The world above or the world below cannot! Any other living thing cannot keep us away from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39

"If we have no faith, He will still be faithful for He cannot go against what He is."
2 Timothy 2:13

"You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:26

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."
John 14:27

"The Holy Writings say, 'No eye has ever seen or no ear has ever heard or no mind has ever thought of the wonderful things God has made ready for those who love Him.'"
I Corinthians 2:9

To read other gratitude posts or to take part yourself, go to Ann's blog.

Blessings,
Linda

Prayer

"Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth. Things happen which would not happen without prayer. Let's not forget that. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer....we often feel helpless and hopeless until we remember, 'We do not know how to pray worthily as sons of God, but His Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonizing longings which never find words'(Romans 8:26, Phillips)."

Elisabeth Elliot

Blessings,
Linda

(In)Courage

There is a new blog that I am excited about. It is called (In)Courage. I think it's going to be a wonderful place to visit. This is my little post about what encourages me.

I have been a Christian since I was a little girl - so it's been a long time. Over the years there have been many things that encourage me - inspirational praise music, good teaching, the Word, fellowship - but the one thing that has encouraged me the most is watching the lives of the other Christians around me.

I think there is no greater testimony to the truth of God's word and the faithfulness of His promises than seeing it lived out. I have watched my mother face difficulties that would have defeated the strongest among us, with grace and faith that never wavered. These days she steadfastly supports my Dad as his health fails and life becomes ever more fragile. She is still filled with a gentle serenity and quiet strength.

I have seen my husband miraculously delivered from addiction when he walked into a church service and heard the truth of the word in song. Life had left him broken and hurting, and the Lord met Him there with healing and deliverance. Since that day his life has been marked by a faith that cannot be shaken.

All of my life I have been surrounded by living testimonies. People may doubt our words and argue over doctrine, but there can be no argument with a changed life.

Blessings,
Linda

Friends

I have been in the doldrums, adrift on a sea of hot summer days that seemed to stretch to the horizon. Then, like a freshening breeze, a phone call from a treasured friend with an invitation to lunch.

We sat around her beautifully set dining room table today, six women who have forged a friendship over many years. Busy lives don't allow us to get together very often. We hadn't seen each other since our Christmas lunch in this same room, but it was as though we had never been apart.

We shared laughter, conversation and good food. We played games and caught up on all the news. I sat and savored the sound of words and laughter flowing into and around each other, and I thought how different this was from other gatherings I have attended. I am ashamed to think of the critical, judgemental words that peppered those conversations - the gossip (for there is no pretty word for it). We can disguise it as "just sharing", but it leaves such a bad taste in the mouth.

These friends are God's precious gifts to me. They call me to go higher and deeper. I am so thankful for their Godly influence in my life. We spent the last hour and a half together in prayer - each one taking her turn to sit in the little rocking chair as the others laid hands on her and prayed. What a blessing. Thank You Father for such friends.

Blessings,
Linda

New Sink (almost)

It is five o'clock and he's heading down the home stretch. What should have been a two hour job has taken my poor husband the whole day. Actually, I am not surprised. Somehow it seems that these "simple" jobs have a way of complicating themselves.

Can you tell from the picture that the sink does not quite fit? Therein lies the problem. We have a custom counter - and the opening wasn't the right size for this new sink.

So it was back to filing, sawing, filing, sawing.....you get the idea.

At long last - success!! It isn't quite finished, but the rest should be smooth sailing - should being the operative word.



It is beautiful - much deeper and so nice and shiny. My old sink had gotten rather dull after all those years of faithful service.

My contribution to this project was going to Home Depot for silicone caulking. Running true to form, I had to go back and exchange it. The one I got was old and hard. Who knew? I don't think I've ever been sent to Home Depot on one of these errands and gotten it right the first time. At least this time I only had to go back once.

I am thankful for a patient, skilled husband who has worked very hard today.

Blessings,
Linda

Endless Gifts

"Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues which the idle will never know."
Basil Carpenter

I am late getting this post written because my well planned day took a turn - giving me a job do which I didn't necessarily want to do.

We have had a little leak around the faucet of the kitchen sink. It has gotten progressively worse, but we've checked and nothing was leaking under the sink. So, we thought we would put off replacing the faucet for a bit longer. However, today - after we got home from grocery shopping and had unloaded and put away the groceries, I noticed that it was indeed leaking under the sink. It had, in fact, been leaking for a little while.

So.....unload all that stuff - isn't it amazing the things you find lurking back behind the soaps and brillo pads - and begin the job of scrubbing everything out. I scrubbed and scrubbed with soap, disinfectant and then bleach just for good measure while my husband went to buy a new faucet and sink (he decided we may as well do it right).

I am thankful:

- that we can afford to buy the necessary things. We haven't found sudden wealth; it's just that it's easier to put money aside when the nest is empty.

- for a husband who is so handy and can do the work himself - saving us a great deal of money.

- for this home that is comfortable and houses so many precious memories

- for the shower we had the other day; it gives me hope that some day soon this terrible drought will end.

- for the beautiful flowers on my front porch - they make the whole house look prettier

- for praise music; hands lifted to the Lord; hearts united in worship

- for friends who call and invite me to a luncheon later this week

- for a Father who meets every need with wisdom and abundance.

Blessings,
Linda

to join the Gratitude Community visit Ann's blog