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)

When Jesus calls

When Jesus calls

by | Oct 21, 2022 | Belief, Blessing, Faith

The blind man’s shout for mercy stopped Jesus in his tracks. Then Jesus told his disciples to call the man.

I love what the disciples said next.

“Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

The blind man jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Jesus knew what was on the man’s mind, but he asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“I want to see,” he answered.

The blind man was bold. He didn’t want to miss his opportunity so when others tried to silence him, he shouted even more.

 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. Mark 10:52 (NIV)

Jesus by my side

This story reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend who is now with Jesus. It was years ago, but it has always stuck with me.

As she was driving alone, she envisioned Jesus sitting beside her. He asked her these same words. “What can I do for you today?”

My friend, stop for a moment and call out to Him. I assure you; He’s calling for you and that fact alone can lighten your load and cheer you up.

When Jesus calls . . .

  • We can rest assured He knows what’s on our mind. He knows the longing of our soul.
  • We can cheer up because the King of the world wants to do something for us.
  • Our faith plays a role in the outcome.
    • We need to believe He is who He says he is.
    • We need to know that He will do what He says He will do.
    • We need to believe he can heal.
  • When we really encounter Jesus, we want to follow Him.

Oh, how I needed these words today. It has been a week. I’m sure you can relate.

But I am resolved to put my focus on Him – not my environment or my circumstances.

The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not, and we have because we ask. Our next move should be to pray until the answer comes. He welcomes our communication with Him.

Romans 3:20 supports this same message.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

I want my faith to strengthen as I follow Him. I want that for you too. Today, let’s call out boldly, listen and be encouraged as He calls us and receive the blessings He wants to give us.

Dare to live in faith

Dare to live in faith

by | Aug 25, 2022 | Belief, Faith, Trust

The season is upon me.

The season of deep reflection and wet, burning eyes. The season of remembrance and while not as intense as it once was, a season of grief and loneliness.

When August begins, so do thoughts about the upcoming anniversary of my husband’s collapse and death five days later. On the heels of that week in September, his birthday month of October approaches. We celebrate Matthew for the man, the father, the husband, the son and the brother he was.

Of course, the holiday season follows October, bringing with it all the events we now celebrate without him. Until January rolls around, life just seems out of kilter.

Faith in action

It is during this season I must decide whether my faith is real or not. It is a true test of my faith.

In my head, I know that since Adam’s entrance on earth, God has never failed anyone who places their trust in Him. In my heart, I know He loves and cares for me more than any human ever has or ever will.

The book of Hebrews reminds me that faith is believing and acting on something I cannot see. It describes stories of how people responded to God in faith. These stories encourage us to have faith in our situations too.

They remind me that my story and my future are not based on what I can see, but what I cannot see. And that is God.

Faith depends on Jesus

Faith fully depends on Christ.

As A. W. Tozer shares in his devotional book Mornings with Tozer, “How many professing Christians boast in the Lord but watch carefully that they never get caught fully depending on Him?”

I don’t want to live my life with a “way out” in case Jesus fails. I want to depend fully on the One who gave His life for me.

I pray all of us will “get caught” fully depending on Jesus.

Dare to live for Jesus. Fully depend on Him in your tears, with your memories, with your loneliness and grief, and as you celebrate life’s moments.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

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