Unspeakable Joy

Oh dear ones!
How I hope that you are able to experience the beautiful and unspeakable joy that only the Lord gives. Through struggles and trials, I have truly experienced the joy of the Lord as described in Psalm 71:23 and 1 Peter 1:8:
"My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which you have redeemed." (Amplified Bible)
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy."( New Living Translation)
It is so hard to put into words the joy that is overflowing in my heart, but I will attempt to share what is in my heart.

Recently I repainted and redecorated my room. The above picture now hangs in my room as a reminder of the joy that I possess because of my Jesus. The painting is by a talented women of the Lord, Aeriel White, who I found through Facebook (gotta love Facebook). At the time when I purchased the painting, I was going through a personally challenging time. I had no job, no future plans, no finances and to be honest, nothing in my life was looking very good. I felt like I had been forgotten and lost. Bleak and depressing. Ever been there?
However, my Father wasn't about to leave me in that place with a bleak and depressing outlook. When I received that painting in the mail, I was so excited, because He was already working on my heart and changing my outlook. It wasn't something magical that just suddenly happened. It was a process. An all too slow process. It was a process of seeking His face and really wanting Him to take control of my job, future, hopes and emotions. It was a process of confession. A process of tears and laughter. It was a process of just learning more about Him. As I began to look to Him and learn more about Him, I fell in love. I fell in love with God in a brand new way. In turn, He gave me this joy that is unspeakable.
Now, I can't imagine getting through a single day without the joy of the Lord. Even in the midst of circumstances that try and break my spirit, His joy inside of me is still bigger and greater. His joy keeps me smiling and enjoying who He is everyday.
This song is a departure from what I normally listen to, but I think it describes this unspeakable joy fully. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/JGRydhrQzS0

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things- Summer Edition

Hey friends,

So as the summer comes to a close, I have decided to share a few of my favorite things. Take a look and enjoy a glimpse into my life this summer. To get you in the mood, check out the lyrics from "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles

Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings

These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

Silver white winters that melt into springs

These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

Scrubs...comfy and cute...love them!

Cheerwine...ain't nothing finer on a hot summer day.

Just found this bubble bath that is totally organic...take me away!

Butterflies...love them and love this bracelet from Octane Apparel.

Brookie...oh yeah! A girl's best friend...chocolate!!!

Love this cd...the songs are so powerful! And the music ROCKS!

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my world. Would love to share more of my favorites and will plan on a Fall edition. Have a blessed day!

Little Surprise...Great Faithfulness

Hey friends!

I walked outside the other day and was looking for something in our shed that is in the backyard. The shed is located at the corner of our property and sits right next to our fence. We place our empty flower pots next to the shed. As I was headed to the shed, something caught my eye. There in a discarded flower pot was a brave little pansy. It was faithfully blooming even though it was not joined by any other flowers and had been set aside. There in the most unexpected place, was a beautiful little reminder of the faithfulness of God. At least that is what that little yellow and purple flower reminded me of.
In the midst of trials, pain and grief God is faithful! In the midst of joy, happiness and celebrations God is faithful! He never changes and He is always there, ready with the next thing that we need to walk through this life.

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

“I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32: 3-4

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19

Here's hoping that you see His faithfulness this week in your life in little and big ways. Until next time…marvel at His faithfulness.

Sad But Sometimes True

Hey friends,
This evening I was catching up with a few friends through Facebook. If you aren't that Facebook savvy, there is this thing called a "news feed" where I can read a new post from the people that I am friends with. The great thing about the "news feed" is that I am constantly kept up-to-date on what is going on in the world of my friends. So, I was surfing through the world of my friends when this video popped up on the feed. At first glance, it may seem kind of funny, and it is. But...it is even more... it is convicting. Oh, how we take the Lord for granted and focus on ourselves. Take a listen...enjoy and laugh...but don't lose the chance to let the words sink in and maybe even get you to thinking about the state of your own heart. I know it made me consider the state of my heart. Until next time...

Lion of Judah

Hello friends,
In the past few months, I have enjoyed a study of lions and lionesses. Can I just say that lions are really fascinating!?! All the life applications that can be gleaned from the lion are really amazing. This may just be the first in a serious of posts about the lion and the lioness.
As you might know, lions roar. And there is nothing quiet about their roar. I was at a zoo last year that had several lions. As my friend and I were walking around looking at the monkeys, snakes and birds, we could hear this mighty roar ringing throughout the whole zoo. We couldn’t wait to get to the exhibit where the lion was! We wanted to hear that roar up close and personal. Once we made it over to the lion exhibit, the lion and his lioness were resting in the warmth of the sun. They weren’t about to roar for us. I was disappointed and so was my friend. We waited patiently as family after family came by and looked at the lion and lioness. We really didn’t mind waiting for the lion to roar. I simply enjoyed watching them for a while.
Anyway, the lion finally stood to his feet, stretched and then started to roar. It started off as this guttural noise and it almost looked like he had a bad case of the hiccups. As we waited a little longer, it hit me that it looked and sounded like he was working up to a roar. The roar was amazing and we could very clearly understand how his roar could be heard all over the zoo. The roar was strong and bold; proclaiming that he knows who he is and everyone else should know that too. It still makes me smile thinking about it, because in that moment there were no words to describe the awe I had of this creature.
In my study I have come to realize that both the lion and the lioness roar, but for two different reasons. In the book, “Lioness Arising” by Lisa Bevere, describes the difference:
“The foremost reason for a lion to roar is to proclaim and protect his territory. The lion’s roar intimidates hyenas. Its power is felt without and within and alerts all that lurk in the shadows that harassment will not be tolerated. The roar terrifies invaders and sets boundaries in place.” (pg. 218)
On the other hand the lionesses roar is described in this way, “she roars to validate her relationship with the members of the pride. She will roar to call in the help and protection of other lionesses and ward off enemies.” (Lioness Arising, pg. 219)
I think it is no coincidence that Jesus is referred to as the Lion of Judah in Revelation. He proclaims that as children of God, we are His and He will protect us. He will not tolerate an attack on those that He dearly loves. And He roars at the enemy of our souls and warns that there are indeed boundaries that are not to be crossed. Jesus is our mighty Lion roaring out His love and protection.
In turn, as children of the Lord we are called to roar as the lioness. We are the mouthpiece of the Lord. We are called to protect the territory that Jesus has already established. Just as the lioness, we also need the help and protection of the others in the kingdom.
Friends, we need each other in this race of faith; roar, so that others can come to defend the Lion of Judah’s territory with you. We need each other and even more we need the protection of the Lion of Judah’s roar over our lives. If you don’t know this mighty Lion, then I would love to introduce you to Him. His roar is the only roar that can save and protect without the expectation of anything in return.
Until next time, be blessed!