When the wonderful aroma of cookies in the air fills the house, you know it is about time! They are almost ready! That good smell is your clue that you are about to enjoy that treat!
All in Joy
Are You Ready?
Recently, I had a dream that Jesus was returning soon! It was a surprisingly happy and positive dream! It was similar to the feel of a wedding reception celebration filled with festive foods, confetti in the air, flowers and cheerful music. There were lots of happy faces, people hugging and greeting each other!
The More, The Merrier
The big questions become: Do we each live a life that brings glory to God? Is fear transposed to joy and gladness and celebration in our churches today? Is it evident that God is in our midst? “The More the Merrier” at the throne and in front of the Lamb!
Joy
Joy is not what it used to be. It is no longer loud or obvious. It does not always arrive with celebration or certainty. In this season of life, joy often comes quietly, almost unnoticed, and you have to slow down enough to recognize it.
Morning Joy
Ohhhh, the first breath of the cool morning air, the sun is just beginning to pink the eastern sky and my pesky front yard mockingbird is barely aware I am in his territory. I love this God time! I want to twirl around with out-stretched arms in praise to my awesome Creator God.
Joyful
I enjoy hiking a new scenic trail in the mountains. There is a fun sense of adventure with the challenge of something new and the beautiful views that await me, including the unknowns ahead. There are often choices in the trail of two different ways to go. Will I pick the right one? Will it be marked well so I choose wisely?
A Return to Eden
In 95 A.D. the apostle John, exiled on the isle of Patmos, was given a peek into the forever Heaven—after the return of Christ, after the “lake of fire” (20:14), when God will make His dwelling place with the redeemed (20:3).
Delight
I recently saw the funniest response to a baby tasting marinara sauce for the first time. When the stronger flavor of a marinara sauce was added to the baby’s simple palate of food, she did not like it at all! Her face told the whole story as she frowned and tried to rub the taste from her mouth with her hand. Yet, she kept tasting it over and over, perhaps expecting a different result. Each time she responded the same way and soon everyone watching was giggling at her consistent response.
The Father’s Smile
Do you like to please others? I like to see people smile!
Sometimes there are other sweet things that are evidence of being pleased such as…
a baby’s responsive cuddle as she falls into her mama’s outreached arms;
a puppy’s tail wagging to a bowl of food; or
a cheerful, belly-filled family excitedly chattering over a special homecooked meal by mom.
The responses of others can speak volumes on approval.
Seasoned Words
My family and I like to watch cooking competitions, as the finalist battle it out for the best chef on the show. It is still amazing to me how so many of these chefs brag about their cooking and yet can get eliminated on one simple fact – they did not season their food with salt. The food was not pleasing to the judges and therefore they lost the competition.
Searching for Joy
Are you searching for joy?
Me too.
The Sun of Righteousness
For a year and a half my husband and I lived in a remote mining town in northern British Columbia. We loved the changes in the seasons; but when the winter months came to that place, the lack of direct sunlight took us by surprise. The sun never rose above the surrounding mountains. Cabin fever is a well-known syndrome in the far north, high doses of vitamin D the answer.
The Midnight Wake
Have you ever woken up during the stillness of the night for no reason?
Maybe God wants to have a late night worship session with you?
Side by Side
My heart soars when I watch a certain young man joyfully assist the worship minister rehearse with the choir before entering the sanctuary. His body bends over his crutches, yet he stands as if his posture was perfectly straight. His face reflects the joy and love of Christ with an unguarded smile. His eyes look to Heaven as he sings. Christ’s radiance on his face inspires me every time I see him. This man is famous to Jesus. Jesus is famous to this man.
Waves of Joy
I’ve had migraines for as long as I can remember. My mom and I have a running joke that “it’s not really a migraine until your brain’s having a baby!” But that is more or less what it feels like… As if my brain, for no apparent reason, has suddenly taken it upon itself to give birth from inside my skull. I’m sure some of you beautiful, courageous ladies know EXACTLY what I’m talking about!
Prepare the Way – No Excuses
As we waited in our spot by the curb for the annual Christmas parade, our two-and-a-half-year-old grandson grew impatient. I tried to tell him about all of the cool lights and sights the parade promised, but to no avail. I could not believe it when he came up with an excuse for why he would not enjoy the event.
A Little Bird with a Big Heart
I love to watch the birds as they scurry around the backyard. Some come in flocks, others make their appearance one by one. They seem to have their own personality, and I enjoy watching them interact with each other.
Yet I Will Rejoice
It is time, says Habakkuk—time to rejoice, for the LORD has enabled him to rise above his circumstances. Strong’s Concordance suggests Habakkuk would be “jumping with joy”, the MSG translation “turning cartwheels”. Hmm, I feel a song coming on. Singing along with me?