Surrounded by Joy

Surrounded by Joy

by | Nov 24, 2022 | Beauty, God, Joy

Not long after we got a new puppy, Parker sat on the floor beside our two dogs. One old. One young. From an overflowing of his heart, he declared “I feel surrounded by joy!”

Such simple words, but impactful. What would it take to feel surrounded by joy? To have an overflowing of “wonder?” A heart bursting with gratitude?

I felt the same way this week when returning Parker to scout camp after soccer practice. I stood by the campfire and looked at the stars in awe. Seeing the night sky from the quietness of the woods does that to me. I could have watched for hours, reflecting on our incredible God, the creator of the universe.

How can someone see the expanse of the sky or witness the birth of a child and not believe in a creator God?

Misguided beliefs produce a lack of hope

There are many who do not. This week, a Facebook headline drew me in. I’m not one to click on links on the platform, but this one gave a list of famous people who are known to be atheists. My curiosity got the better of me. Soon after, my heart broke because of their lack of hope for a future beyond this life and missing heaven because of misguided beliefs.

The assurance that one day I will spend eternity in the presence of Jesus tops my gratitude list. That alone gives me peace and joy.

This Thanksgiving let’s allow ourselves to be surrounded by joy. There are plenty of things to focus on – the beauty and innocence of our children, an encouraging word, a visit from a loved one, a surprise phone call with good news, a meal, a beautiful sunset, a good checkup, a new beginning, an opportunity presented, a restored relationship, the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and many more.

Truth is, giving thanks in all circumstances is the will of God.

Today, take the time to rest and reflect . . . and fill in the “many more” on your own gratitude list.

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Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28

 

Sundown

Sundown

by | Nov 18, 2022 | Faith, Forgiveness, Hope

Across the soccer field Wednesday night, the evening sun sank on the horizon creating pink, cotton candy-like clouds across the eastern sky. As I watched the fading light, I remembered another sunset — years ago and thousands of miles away — that took my breath away.

After a week-long meeting in San Diego, I was restless to leave the building and breathe in fresh air. Outside the hotel, a bike rental company caught my eye. I looked at a few routes and decided to take the 13-mile path to La Jolla. Drawing near to my destination, the route wove me through a neighborhood that had the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop.

I stopped to watch the sun melt into the dark water as residents walked out of their homes to do the same. Incredible hardly describes the scene.

What does sundown say to you? A closing chapter in your life? The end of a particular season?

This is my son Garrett’s senior year of high school. In a way, it is the end of a season for him. For all of us. But it also points to the excitement for what is in store for the future.

For me, sundown — the end of the day or the end of a season — brings about a new beginning and hope for tomorrow.

A new beginning

Jesus’ ministry on earth did just that. With His sacrifice, the old covenant God handed down through Moses became obsolete.

Living under the old covenant, the priests would enter the outer room of the sanctuary to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest could enter the inner room and that was only once a year. And he could not enter without a blood sacrifice for himself and the people.

But when Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, He entered the Most Holy place once and for all by his own blood, offering eternal redemption. (Read Hebrews chapter 9)

Christ entered heaven itself to appear for us in God’s presence. (Vs. 2:24)

But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Vs. 9:26 NIV)

Christ’s end of His season on earth — he sacrificed himself to do away with sin —began His next when He sat down at the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12 NIV)

Hope for the future

Are you at the end of a season? Can you look beyond sundown in your life and see the hope that Christ brings through His sacrifice?

  • Hope for salvation. You can receive Christ’s gift today.
  • Hope for a brighter future. Hold on to the hope His promises bring.
  • Hope for peace. Trust His plan and receive peace.
  • Hope for another day of strength. Claim the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Hope believes in a better tomorrow.

Make the most of the season you’re in and when sundown comes, grab hold to a new beginning and rest in the hope you have in Christ.

Cayenne pepper chaos

Cayenne pepper chaos

by | Nov 11, 2022 | God, Hope, Support

Attempting to discourage our puppy from digging small crater-sized holes in the backyard, I bought more cayenne pepper. Unfortunately, as the wind blew, I got more on me than the holes in my flower bed. Sitting at my computer later, I began to rub my eye. Boy, did that ever backfire.

I can also recall a time shortly after Matthew passed away when I needed to discipline our oldest son. He was probably 13 or 14 and at the time, our mode of discipline was the spanking spoon. A long-handled wooden spoon from the kitchen was always handy. About 6’ tall at the time, much bigger than me, he was obviously too big for the spanking spoon.

However, I was determined to get the upper hand. He was determined to get away and ran. What did I do? I chased him around the room until, eventually laughter set in. That plan didn’t work. Even the younger brothers were laughing. Talk about a plan going awry!

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever been going about your day, thinking you’re doing the right thing, then surprise! The result was not what you expected. As a matter of fact, it was the opposite of what you were expecting.

God’s not surprised

It’s a good thing that nothing takes God by surprise. Jesus was not surprised when . . . 

  • Satan showed up to tempt Him in the desert. (Matthew 4:1-11)
  • Judas showed up with a kiss, starting a chain of events that led Jesus to the cross. (Matthew 26:47-49) 
  • Demons begged Jesus to allow them to enter a herd of pigs. That certainly backfired when the pigs ran down a steep bank and drowned. (Luke 8: 26-37)
  • Mary showed up and anointed Jesus’ feet with oil. (John 12:1-8) 

Jesus knows all about our pain, too, my friend. I have talked with many people this past week – people sharing stories of heartbreak, people looking for hope and comfort, people searching for answers and desperate for peace.  

We are not alone

Jesus knows we will go through hard times, but he doesn’t want us to go through them alone. He’s here for us. He’s not surprised by our situation and wants to be the one we run to.

He brings order out of our chaos, too. God took the earth that was without form and void, a dark empty mess — chaos — and turned it into light and life.

Our lives may seem a picture of chaos at times. But God’s word brings life and peace, undoing the chaos and bringing beauty and order.

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Claiming joy

Claiming joy

by | Nov 2, 2022 | Faith, Joy, Obedience

A year ago, I stepped out in faith to write and publish a book. Oh, I had written some before then, but it was intermittent at best.

But last November was a turning point for me. And what a journey it has been. I can’t even count the number of obstacles there have been to get to the point of releasing it.

The joy stealer

Even yesterday, I received news that set me back a bit. As I sat with my head in my hands and tears threatening to overflow, I thought about the theme of my book Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

Joy. Would I let the enemy steal my joy? I thought for a second. No, I’m not going to let him steal my joy over this.

Because that is what he wants to do. Like David defeating Goliath, we need to come against Satan in the name of the Lord Almighty.

So, what will I do? I will stand firm in my faith. With Jesus by my side and His name on my lips, I will press on and accomplish the task. He is in control. May His name be exalted. May His name be praised.

A simple request

So with that, I am excited to say all three versions of the book will be available to the world this weekend. The paperback has already been published and is available. The Kindle and hardcover versions will be available Saturday, November 5th. If you would feel led to buy and read it, I would be grateful. If you’ve read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.

Many people have asked how they can help. If you believe it will benefit others, you can help by

  • Writing and posting a review on Amazon or goodreads
  • Telling others about it, especially if you have found nuggets that have helped you
  • Sharing it on your social networks
  • Asking a library to buy it and make it available on their shelves

Thank you

Many have been alongside me as I have grieved. You’ve cried with me; you’ve laughed with me. You’ve met specific needs and you’ve encouraged me in countless ways.

And if I don’t know you personally, I pray that you have received these same blessings and that God has or will give you opportunities to be there for someone else in their grief journey.

I am living proof that God

  • Still works
  • Still cares
  • Still speaks

I am proof that you can experience joy even through trials and loss because of faith in Jesus Christ. I can attest that you can find a deep connection with the God who knows you. My experience proves that your life can be fulfilling again.

You CAN discover joy in your season of sorrow.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)

Used for good

Used for good

by | Oct 27, 2022 | Blessing, Encouragement, Support

My books fell off the delivery truck. 

I could write a complete page of issues, problems and just strange things that have come up as I have prepared to launch Grief Unwrapped: Discovering Joy in a Season of Sorrow.

I ordered books for my Kickstarter backers and to have on hand for the upcoming launch party. 

But I had a call one day from a friend to tell me someone from a few streets over found my book in the road. One lone book.

I had already received a box that was partially open on one end with books missing, so I can only assume that box’s contents somehow fell from the truck.

As issues have surfaced, I have felt battered — like someone was trying to discourage and hinder me in my goal to complete this book process.

Satan himself is the father of lies and has a multitude of ways to influence our thought processes. Words of discouragement. Words to stop us from doing what God has called us to do. From the beginning of my book-writing adventure, I have stopped and started many times, questioning what I believe God was asking me to do.

And now, two weeks before the book release date, my books fell off the truck. Not one, but a second box arrived a couple of days later – repackaged. All the contents inside were battered, smudged and swollen from water damage.

I believe what was meant to discourage, God used for good.

Stand strong and press on

That neighbor who found my book researched and found me, too. Before she did, she read the book. And then she hand-delivered it to my door with words of encouragement that blessed me and gave me new strength to stand strong and press on.

So . . . should you find my book somewhere, remember this story. And let it encourage you to keep moving forward in whatever God has called you to do.

And while you’re at it, thank Jesus for the people he places in your life to encourage you and when needed, even to hold you up.

Let God use for good what Satan wants to use for evil.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20 

 

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