Joy Challenge - Day 27 - Confess/Repent

I am a good confessor. I don't find it difficult to admit my failings and failures. The definition of confess is: "to tell or make known (as something wrong or damaging to oneself); to acknowledge (sin) to God..." I can do that.

It is that other word that I seem to struggle with - repent. That definition is: "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life." I find that infinitely more difficult.

It isn't the "big sins" where I find repentance, true repentance, a struggle. It is those "little" besetting sins that send me spiraling downward. If I had a nickle for every Monday I have declared with great conviction, "No more gluttony. I start a healthy, balanced diet today." I would have a healthy bank account. Sometimes it even lasts for weeks or months, but inevitably I cycle back into bad eating habits.

Self-control is the big one for me. It shows itself most often in the way I use my time. Oh how I struggle with this one. It has been a life-long one. These days it most often takes the form of too much time on the computer. As a matter of fact, I could have looked back into my archives and just copied and pasted this post from any of several I've written exactly like it over the past three years I've been blogging.

Over and over again I've promised the Lord that I would use my time more wisely. As with the diet, it lasts for a period of time, and then I am right back where I started. Not the Lord's idea of true repentance. I am so thankful for His patience and forgiveness.

I am spending far too much time reading posts and commenting. I look through my bloglines and try to trim it down to a more reasonable size - and I cannot bring myself to do it. In fact, I keep adding as I meet new people who fast become new friends. Add to that the newest perk I've incorporated - Facebook - and I can quite literally spend hours on the computer. Just the other day I had so many things to do, but I let myself stop for "just a minute" to check email. An hour later I was still in front of the screen. The rest of the day I scrambled trying to catch up and do all the things I needed to do - even having to rush through my Bible Study to get it done on time. I felt guilty and discouraged.

The new lap top has made it even more convenient to spend time on-line. I can sit on the couch in front of the tv and read and write for a long time. The books sit unopened on the coffee table, the knitting project languishes, the piano sits silent. It is more than time for true repentance.

So....I will be spending less time on the computer. One of my other weaknesses is the need for approval (that one isn't quite as easy to confess) - and I worry about hurting someone's feelings if I don't comment on their blog. That's what makes it hard for me to cut back. It's silly really, because I know very well no one gets offended, and I know I have to do this. So forgive me if I don't comment as often or visit every day.

It is an amazing thing that when you do the thing you think will be so hard, it suddenly doesn't seem so bad at all. Guess what - there is JOY!!

I know it won't be easy for me. I am trusting that where I am weak, He is strong. I want to use my time, a very precious commodity, in the way He leads.

Blessings,
Linda

picture:flickr lil_latina5's photostream

Joy Challenge - Day 26 - Joy in Gratitude

"WE DON'T SEE IN ORDER TO GIVE THANKS; WE GIVE THANKS IN ORDER TO SEE."
James MacDonald

Continuing to find joy in thanksgiving:

- time spent with our children and grandchildren


- a beautiful, peaceful ride on country roads

- safe travels over thousands and thousands of miles for our family this past month

- for mourning turned to laughter

- a letter that brought such encouragement

- the quiet strength of my Mom

- forgiveness

- time spent studying the Word with precious friends

- cool, rainy days

- the joy of worship music

- time to do the things I love doing

- delicious grapes - so good with extra sharp cheddar cheese!

- butterflies

- words of encouragement

- my comfortable little arm chair and foot stool - my quiet place

- the smell of freshly laundered sheets

- good food, conversation and laughter as we sit around the kitchen table

- my church family

- for the joy that comes with having a grateful heart

Thank You Father, for all these things and so much more. You pour out blessings from Your great heart of love. We love You Lord.



A visit to Ann's quiet place will bring you to the gratitude community. Please join us.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 25 - Forgiveness

I am running the race - strides even and strong - going forward with strength and purpose. Then it comes, and I stumble and fall taking myself out of the race to sit miserably on the sidelines.

I am not a literal runner. A brisk walk is much more my speed. I am, however, a runner in this race called life. I run not in my own strength, but in the grace and strength the Lord supplies. There are seasons when I run like the runner of my dreams - strong and steady. The path is straight and smooth, and I feel as though I can easily go the distance.

As long as I keep my eyes fixed on the goal I do well. It is when I begin to look over my shoulder at the places I have been that my gait begins to falter. I see the things of my past, the terrible sin, and wonder how I ever thought I could do anything of any value for the Lord. Before long, I am so consumed by past mistakes I have taken myself completely out of the race - and the enemy sits on the sidelines and sneers.

I have learned, ever so slowly, to stop looking back. I have taken Paul's words to heart:

"...I focus on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God ,
through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
Philippians 3: 13,14

Paul confessed that he was not perfect, but he pressed on. The lie the enemy whispers into my heart is that I have made so many mistakes I can never be of any use to the Lord. It is just that - a lie. My perfectionist, approval-seeking little heart is so easily seduced by that falsehood. The Father can take this cracked, flawed vessel and make of it something useful and beautiful in His eyes. The sins of my past, the sins of today, the sins of all my tomorrows are covered by the blood of Jesus. I belittle His sacrifice when I don't embrace that.

So with joy - I run.

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.
Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin."
Romans 4: 7,8

Blessings,
Linda

picture:flickr by Running in Suffolk

Joy Challenge - Day 24 - Prayer

I raised my hand to say I wanted to ask Jesus to come into my heart when I was just a little girl. I was given the priceless gift of a Christian home and the benefit of a lifetime of teaching. Even with all of this, I have always struggled with prayer. I think, as with so many other things in my life, I was making it much harder than it was ever intended to be. I read the books, listened to the teachings, and picked the brains of other Christians I admired.

I was forever beginning new seasons of my prayer life only to stumble and fall in a short period of time. Other things would infringe on the time I had set aside, and I would find myself prayerless once again. Or I would begin to feel as though it was all rote - repeating the same things over and over again. I would feel discouragement setting in - as though I wasn't doing it "right."There were times I failed so miserably I couldn't pray. Just when I needed it most, I turned away.

I have gone back to the beginning. Back to being a little girl who had absolute trust in her
earthly father - knowing he would always love me and always take care of me. Bringing that same "knowing" to my relationship with my heavenly Father. It comes with the understanding that His love for me compels Him to want to spend time with me. The thought sometimes just takes my breath away. This great God waits for me to come and just spend time with Him.

And so I come - just to sit at His feet and talk. I offer up a prayer before my feet hit the carpet in the morning - a prayer of blessing and protection for my loved ones. Or I whisper to Him as I go about my day. I have lots of time when I walk - time to intercede and time to listen to what He is saying to my heart. For this very simple girl, it is a good beginning to a deeper prayer life. It brings a deep sense of joy.

"In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch."
Psalm 5:3

"I love the Lord, because he hears my voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."
Psalm 116:1,2




For more posts on prayer visit Ann's blog.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 23 - Thanksgiving with Joy

"Joy begins to flow when you stop focusing on the glass half empty but instead on the glass half full by giving thanks to God.
Your urgent duty is to respond in gratitude to all that God has done and is doing for you. To be grateful is to recognize God's hand on everything that touches your life. Every breath you draw is a gift of His love; every moment of existence is a gift of grace, for it brings with it other immense graces from God."

from my Bible Study "Lord, Change My Attitude" by James MacDonald

I am thankful for:

- the joy of worship

- the gift of laughter

- friends who come before the Lord on our behalf

- the way all of creation seemed to explode into glorious bloom after the rains - even though the season is nearly over:
flowers in the little garden by the garage that are more abundant and vibrant than I've ever seen them before
beautiful butterflies making a sudden appearance - the back ones with sapphire blue decorating their wings are especially beautiful
vivid green everywhere we look - where once it had been brown and dry
small ponds filled once again

- a church service that took everyone's breath away

- little granddaughter proudly riding her bike - all by herself!

- abundant supply - always - God is absolutely faithful.

If you would like to be part of the Gratitude Community, please visit Ann's blog and join us. There is something that happens to your spirit when you begin to give Him thanks.



Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 22 - A Joyful Hymn of Praise

"LORD OF ALL TO THEE WE RAISE, THIS OUR JOYFUL HYMN OF PRAISE!"

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 21 - Laughter

It was a perfect day to wander down country roads, swim in the river, eat out on the picnic table, ride bikes with little granddaughters and just be with family and friends. The sun was shining, and there was a cooling breeze.


We arrived thursday morning and drove to the little cabins nestled among the huge oak trees.



We walked down to the river after lunch. We have not recovered from the drought yet, so the water was not as high as it usually is.







It was just right for little girls who love to swim.



They had fun watching Daddy swing out on the rope and dive into the water. It was even more fun watching Mommy try to get up her nerve to give it a try. We sat in our lawn chairs on the other side of the river, cameras poised waiting to capture the big moment on film. However, she decided discretion was the better part of valor ......



We ended the day with a rousing game of badminton. There were actually four of us on a side. We are not exactly professional caliber players and laughed so hard we could hardly stand upright.

There was joy all around us - in the beauty of creation and the time spent together. The best part, for me, was the laughter. What joy to laugh until the tears rolled down my cheeks - when not too long ago they had been tears of sorrow.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou has loosed my sackcloth and girded
me with gladness;
That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."

Blessings,
Linda
Psalm 30:11,12

A Little Break

I'm taking a little break from blogging for just a couple of days. It's a busy day today and tomorrow we're going to spend the day with our family and friends who are camping at a State Park.

I'll see you this weekend. I'll be on the look-out for Joy!

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 20 - Joy?

I just watched as our pretty new car rolled out of our driveway on the back of a flatbed truck. I felt so sad. Isn't it funny the way we attach human qualities to inanimate objects?

Some very thoughtless person lost some of the cinder blocks from the load he was carrying and left them lying in the road. They were there, just around the bend in the road, when my husband was driving home, having delivered some things to my Mom and Dad. He did his best to avoid them but it was impossible. He rode over one causing damage to the undercarriage of the car. The transmission panel is dented and apparently this is something serious and has the potential to cause serious damage to the transmission if you drive the car. Hence the flatbed truck.

I confess that my normal reaction to things like this is to get very upset and begin to think of all the problems it will cause, and why did this have to happen to our new car, and how much will it cost, and how will we do all the things we need to do this week, and now we will have to rent a car, on and on and on.

However, I just "happen" to be writing about joy, and I just "happen" to be working on a Bible study lesson on attitude - complaining in particular - this week. When I caught myself slipping into my usual fretful mode of operation, I actually stopped to consider the things the Lord has been teaching me. I prayed for forgiveness for the mental complaining I'd already done and asked the Lord to give me joy in these circumstances. I began to thank Him for all the things He has already done for us and to ask for His help in having things run smoothly and remain affordable for us.

I hesitate to write about this because I am so far from being all the Lord would have me to be it makes me wonder at the grace He has poured into my life. I am not trying to set myself up as someone who has it all together. This is simply to say that when we take one baby step toward our Father, He is crouched down with arms extended urging us on and providing all that we need to make it the distance. When I did those simple things, He met me there. I felt His joy and peace. Oh, it isn't the dancing around laughing gaily sort of joy. It is a warm sense of His presence and a knowing that He hears and cares and will faithfully take care of us.

"But I trust in Your unfailing love, I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me."
Psalm 13:5,6

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 19 - Answered Prayer

I prayed for rain for such a long time. Days, weeks, months passed - and heaven was silent. It became symbolic to me for so many of the things I have been praying about. I was discouraged. But God....... He sent rain. He sent abundant rain - over NINE INCHES collected in the rain gauge. Such joy in knowing that He never fails; that He hears and answers prayer; that He supplies abundantly more than we could ask or think. Sometimes the answer is no; sometimes the answer is wait; and sometimes the answer is yes!

We rejoice and give thanks:


a blanket of lavender-rose petals from the Texas Sage - our little heralder of the rain that was to come

Before you see the rest of these pictures, you must understand that everything looked as though it was either dead or dying. The leaves were beginning to fade and there was not a flower in sight. We had stopped watering for fear of our well running dry. I had given up on the flower garden and planned to dig it all up and start over.

But God.....










He even sent some little flowers that He alone had planted - a few added blessings






And one final, beautiful gift. This butterfly flitted from one flower to another so fast I could hardly keep it in view. It too was celebrating, with great joy, the abundant blessing from the hand of a loving Father.


Gratitude really does fill the heart with joy. You will be blessed as you read other posts on gratitude at Ann's - Holy Experience.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 18 - The Joy Set Before Us

In the book of Hebrews we are given a glimpse of joy through the eyes of Jesus.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:2

It is a verse of encouragement. The previous verse says:
"...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

I am not a theologian, so I can only humbly offer what this says to me. It is a picture of joy whose underpinning is great hope - confident hope. It is one I can embrace when I am going through difficult circumstances and joy seems an impossible dream.

Jesus, who knew from the very moment of creation what He would have to endure, counted it all joy - the terrible physical torture, the shame, the rejection, the weight of the sin of mankind, and separation from His Father - a thing so terrible we cannot even begin to imagine the suffering. How was that possible? What was this joy ?

Did He look ahead in time and see the faces of each one who would some day accept Him as Lord and Savior? Did He love us so much that He could actually feel joy as He walked steadfastly toward Jerusalem and betrayal and death? Did the idea of making a way back to the Father for those of us who would some day walk this earth fill His heart and mind? I believe the answer to all of those questions is yes.

What does that mean for me when I face difficulties I don't feel strong enough to bear - when life seems unjust and unfair - when heaven seems silent? What is the joy set before me? Is it knowing that everything the Father has promised is true; that He will be with me and help me no matter what the circumstances? Is it knowing that He has a plan for my life that is for my ultimate good? Is it knowing that there is not one thing that can happen to me that Jesus hasn't experienced Himself? Is it knowing that because of what Jesus endured I will spend eternity in heaven with Him?

For me, the answer to all those questions is yes. It may not be the "dancing around gaily" sort of joy. Rather it is a deep-seated knowing that I can trust Him with everyone and everything that is most precious to me. It is like a steady stream that flows from the heart of the Father to mine bringing peace, hope and JOY!

Blessings,
Linda

We Remember

We remember......with prayer and gratitude.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 17 - Texas Sage

A few years ago, I bought a Texas Sage. We planted it right by the corner of the house near the front porch. I am not much of a gardener, but I thought I was exercising great wisdom in buying a native Texan plant. More than that I fell in love with the profusion of small flowers it produces. They are the most beautiful rose-lavender color.

It did well the first couple of years, but then two years ago we entered a season of drought that sent it into decline. Last summer it barely struggled along, producing only a few leaves and no flowers at all. I remembered a lesson I learned about gardening from my Italian grandfather who could work magic in a garden. He pruned everything back to within an inch of its life.

So....armed with my trusty pruning shears I attacked my poor Texas Sage. I took it down to just a foot or so of growth. In spite of the continued drought, it flourished this summer. It grew taller than me and was lush and full - but only a few little flowers here and there.

I mentioned the lack of flowers to my friend one day as we were walking. She said that a nurseryman once told her that they bloom just before a big rain. I digested this bit of information with a good measure of skepticism and kept a look-out for flowers.

On Tuesday afternoon, as I walked up to the porch I glanced in the direction of the Texas Sage and was astounded.




I had never seen so many flowers on it before. It was practically bowing under the weight of them. It looked so beautiful, I ran inside to get my camera.

Wednesday morning we woke to this:



I'm a believer. In fact, I just looked up Texas Sage and found this bit of information: the common name of the Texas Sage is Barometer Bush! A testament to its accuracy - seven inches of rain, and it is pouring!

I never cease to be amazed at the wonder of God's creation. It is an unending source of JOY!!

"I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.
I will be glad and exult in Thee;
I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High."
Psalm 9:1-2


Blessings,
Linda

Oh Joy - A Giveaway!

I'm not counting this as one of my Joy Posts, but I do think a Giveaway is a joyful thing! To find out all about it please visit the Laced With Grace blog.

You will find my post there tomorrow.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 16 - Gratitude

I am going to combine my Joy Challenge with my Gratitude Challenge - because really, I don't think you can have one without the other!

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms."
Psalm 95:2

I am thankful and joyful for:

- rain showers two days in a row!

- Dad is doing so much better now that the doctor has said, "Let him eat whatever he wants."

- a husband who tirelessly serves his family

- a friend who prays

- safe travels for our daughter - in Paris again!

- wise words from our Pastor and Music Minister

- the Father's faithful provision

- birthday celebrations

- the little blessings the Lord slips into the every day moments


I thought this Crown of Thorns plant would never bloom - but today I noticed.....


a sweet little blessing

- a friend who, with great wisdom and love, challenges me to examine the things I believe, shares her heart and then listens.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man (woman) sharpens another."
parenthesis mine :-)
Proverbs 27:17

Blessings,
Linda

For other gratitude posts visit Ann's blog - A Holy Experience

Joy Challenge - Day 15 - "Ode To Joy"

ODE TO JOY

1.
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

2.
All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

3.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

4.
Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.

To Joy" (German: An die Freude, first line: "Freude, schöner Götterfunken", in English often called Ode to Joy) is an ode written in 1785 by the German poet, playwright and historian Friedrich Schiller.

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day 14 - Dance

dancing with Aunt Susie

When I was a little girl, I loved to dance. I danced all time - with anyone who was a willing partner.

dancing with my little cousin

It was quite natural, then, that my Mom would enroll me in dancing school. Alas, I was so terribly shy all I did was cry and beg to go home. So much for a career as a famous ballerina.

dancing with Uncle Tony

I still love to dance. It makes my heart soar when I see the kids in our church dancing. Would I have been brave enough to do that if our church hadn't frowned upon such things? I like to think I would have. I live a little bit through those graceful girls and find great joy in just watching them.

We sing a song in church that says: "I'm gonna dance for You, like nobody's watching." I confess I do that sometimes when I'm home alone. It is a natural expression of worship and spills out from a joyful heart. I am looking forward to the day when we dance down streets of gold. I won't be too shy then!

"Let them praise His name with dancing..."
Psalm 149:3a

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Thirteen - Knitting

Before Uncle Joe swept into her life to rescue her from spinsterhood, my Aunt Fannie lived with us. It is always a great blessing for a little girl to have the undivided attention of a doting aunt. In her eyes, I could do no wrong.

Aunt Fannie was a master knitter. She turned out sweaters with stitches that were absolute perfection. I watched in fascination as her skillful fingers plied the needles and the yarn. When I was four years old, she began to teach me to knit. Mom preserved my efforts on film, as I sat in the little white chair that was once hers (which I have sitting in the guest bathroom now) beside the wringer washing machine, trying to master that art.




The little piece I produced looked a bit more like swiss cheese than a baby blanket, but it was the beginning of a life-long love affair with needles and yarn. There is something about the needles slipping in and out of the yarn that brings me great peace and comfort. I enjoy the finished product, giving gifts that I've made with my own hands, but it is the process that I really love. Whenever I set my knitting aside to work on something else, I find that before long I feel a pull back to it.

It brings me joy.



Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Twelve - God Is Good

This is the very first picture I have of my Dad and I. I have been blessed to have him in my life for a very long time now. He has always looked, in my eyes, just as he does here - strong, protective, loving - a man of great faith and solid character.

He has always looked young for his age even as he entered his eighties. I think he has less gray hair than I do - but we'll never know because I have hidden mine. In recent months, though, illness has taken its toll. He has lost a great deal of weight and walks slowly, using a cane for support.

We went out to dinner last evening. As we sat talking the conversation turned, as it inevitably does these days, to his health. He sighed as he spoke of the difficulties involved in having dialysis three days a week - how it has changed his life. I looked across the table at him, into eyes that haven't changed in the sixty-two years I've known him, and he smiled and said, "God is good."

Yes Dad, God is good. It brings immeasurable joy to hear him say that. It encourages me to know that all those things we have learned and heard about the Lord are true. They have great meaning and value when we see them lived out in the lives of those we love and esteem.

My father has taught me much about my heavenly Father. He has given me a Godly inheritance worth more than the greatest fortune this world can offer. He has taught and modeled faith - his faith in a loving God and God's faithfulness to His children.

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting."
I Chronicles 16:34

Blessings,
Linda

Joy Challenge - Day Eleven - He Knows You

"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in Your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God,
They cannot be numbered!
I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, You are still with me!"

Psalm 139: 15-18

Whenever I feel as though my life is out of control; whenever I feel as though heaven is silent and God has left me alone; whenever I look at the future with fear, I am reminded of these precious words.

The book of my life has been written by a God who loves me so much His thoughts about me outnumber the grains of sand. I can rest in that. I can rest in His perfect love and the truth of His word. I can trust Him with the stories He has written about the ones whose lives are more precious to me than my own.

That truth fills my heart with JOY!

Blessings,
Linda

picture:flickr Imotos

Joy Challenge - Day Ten - Hannah

This is Hannah. She is one of my five beautiful granddaughters. She is six years old and is in first grade this year. She has the sweetest little pixie face and precious chestnut colored curls.

I talked to her Daddy (my younger son - whom I can't believe is all grown up and a Daddy) yesterday and asked how school was going. I was especially concerned about Hannah because school wasn't at the top of her list of favorite things to do last year. I'm not sure it was even on the list.

Daddy said she was doing really well. She has apparently found her niche. She has taken charge! She tells everyone when its time to get in line and corrects anyone who hasn't done it just right. She organizes and reminds and instructs and has generally made herself unofficial teacher's assistant.

I love it! It is so Hannah. Grandchildren are an absolute joy. There is no doubt about it. I wish I had been able to just relax and enjoy my children the way I am enjoying these five girls and two boys. I think they are the reward for slugging it out in the trenches of parenthood. They are a precious treasure that make this season of life rich and rewarding. I highly recommend it.





Blessings,
Linda