Category Archives: Joy

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May 8, 2014

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, Joy, Thanks & Praise

For Friends

I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying with joy for all of you. [Philippians 1:3-4 (NCV)]

Thank you, Lord, for those people who have reached out their hands in friendship and for those who so readily accepted our extended hands, as well. They have openly and honestly shared their history with us and enriched our lives in the process. Thank you for their support and correction, their encouragement and honesty. Thank you for those friends who have silently shared our pain in moments of despair and delighted in our happiness in times of joy. Thank you, Lord, for the many people who have touched our lives in love; may we always remember that the best way to remember a friend is in prayer!

Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art … It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival. [C.S. Lewis]

This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God. [Philippians 1:9-11(NCV)]

 

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March 14, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Joy, Obedience, Thanks & Praise

What Blessings Have You Enjoyed?

The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way. Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever. [Psalm 19:7-9a (NCV)]

The question was asked, “What blessings have you enjoyed as a result of obeying God’s word?” My first thought was the satisfaction that comes from knowing I’ve done the right thing. Then I realized that by obeying God’s word, my life is blessed, not with a sense of righteousness, but with a sense of direction, peace, and joy. Obeying God’s word enlightens, guides and restores me. Obeying God brings not just an eternal reward in heaven but also an immediate reward in this life.

Thank you, God, for loving us enough to give us your holy word to teach, direct and bless us through this life and into the next.

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right. They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward. [Psalm 19:9b-11 (NCV)]

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February 15, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, Joy

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

2014-2-15Jerusalem, sing and be happy! Israel, shout for joy! Jerusalem, be happy and have fun! [Zephaniah 3:14 (ERV)]

We sometimes take ourselves way too seriously. Our reading is often for the sole purpose of learning or spiritual enlightenment, not simply pleasure. Our walks or runs aren’t for enjoyment but to burn calories and get fit. We feel the need to be intentional about every moment of our lives, but must everything we do have a serious objective? When was the last time you enjoyed your old photos without feeling guilty about not having them sorted or put in albums? When was the last time you took a run and didn’t check your pace or pulse? When was the last time you relished the beauty of your garden without thinking about the weeds that needed to be pulled? Christians, especially, can be a serious, if not a somber, group. “Fun-loving” or “light-hearted” are usually not the first adjectives that come to mind when one hears the word “Christian.”

This has been a brutal winter for many. Some have endured terrible weather, others have suffered from health issues, and yet others have been troubled with financial or family problems. Whether we call it relaxation, enjoyment, or amusement, God’s gift of fun replenishes us. So, today, let’s have some fun. Why not play a silly game, build a snowman or a sandcastle, watch a sunset, have a snowball fight or walk in a nature preserve? Watch an Abbott and Costello movie, read Dr. Seuss, sit in front of a fire and enjoy a cup of cocoa with whipped cream and marshmallows, have a picnic (inside or out), or go to the zoo. Fly a kite, do jigsaw puzzles, go to the dog park and play with your pooch, curl up by the fire with Agatha Christie or Stephen King, or look through old photos, remembering the good times and laughing at the outfits and hair. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself and don’t feel guilty about not being productive. We’re told to “make a joyful noise,” and while having fun won’t bring us joy, I’m not sure we can ever be truly joyful without having a little fun! Fun, like every other good and perfect thing is a gift from God; let’s not forget to have it!

Thank you. Lord, for the gift of fun; never let me forget how to smile and relax. Help me understand the difference between wasting time and having a good time!

But God was always there doing the good things that prove he is real. He gives you rain from heaven and good harvests at the right times. He gives you plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. [Acts 14:17 (ERV)]

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. (Bertrand Russell)

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February 13, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Joy, Today: Make it Count

Our Days Are Numbered

Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. [Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV)]

Within a few days’ time, I met one woman who recently lost her husband to cancer and another who would soon lose her husband to cancer, not because he is ill but because of her terminal illness. Both women were fully aware of the fragility of life and how quickly one’s life can change. Rather than complain about the unfairness, sorrow and pain of their circumstances, both women said they count their blessings daily and thank God for every one of them. People of faith, these women have come to terms with God’s plan and a sense of peace radiated from them both.

Lord, our time here is brief. Guide us so we make the most of every day. Don’t let us squander time and energy on petty complaints, in self-pity, anger or resentment. Show us how to savor each minute and squeeze every moment of joy out of life that is humanly possible. Help us to find your love in all circumstances and enable us to see and appreciate each day’s blessings.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. [Psalm 90:12 (NIV)]

It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had. [Elizabeth Kübler Ross]

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February 7, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Joy, Thanks & Praise

It’s a Wonderful Life

You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God. You have made many wonderful plans for us. No one compares to you! I will tell others about your miracles, which are more than I can count. [Psalm 40:5 (GW)]

I’ve heard people complain that life hasn’t turned out the way they had expected. I respond, “Thank God!” If we’d gotten exactly the life we’d expected, we would have seriously short-changed ourselves. We could never have imagined all of the blessings that would come into our lives: the joy, love and laughter that have been ours. Of course, we made more than our share of mistakes and experienced heartbreak and disappointment along the way. Moreover, it is likely that the future will bring its share of difficulties for us as well. Yet, along with those difficulties will come unimaginable blessings as well. Let us lift our hands and thank the Lord for the life with which we have been blessed. Let’s raise our voices and sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. [Annette Funicello]