Sorrow and Joy

You know it’s eventually coming. Difficult times, testing of your faith, those moments that take your breath away. We prepare for them, we say we have faith in the midst of them, we sing songs that declare, “I believe in the power of Jesus”. I will stand firm.

We cling to the truth, “to be strong and courageous“. And then it comes, the moment that we prepared for. It is in that moment that we realize, nothing can prepare you.

We can only hold on to the One who holds the future, take a deep breath of the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill us with His strength, power and His peace that passes understanding.

Watching my mom struggle with health issues and dementia has been one of those moments. While I was weeping just this morning my husband asked me, “What brings the tears”? My response was that there’s so many things that bring the tears.  I thought I would share them with you today.

I weep

for what has been lost

for what is being taken away-her memories, her ability to think clearly.

for the unknown because, I do not know how long I’ll have her.

because, I know she’s frustrated and feels so alone.

because, I don’t know what to do

because, selfishly I want it to be over

and I’m not quite sure if I’m strong enough to walk through it.

It’s a good thing that I know Jesus! It’s a good thing that my mom knows Jesus and that even in her confusion He is with her, that he loves her, and he has prepared a place for her.

Today I choose joy in the unknown. These moments with my mom have taught me that I don’t have to have it together. It’s ok if my mom doesn’t have to have her memories because we know the One who holds the future. It is He who is holds her in His arms and who loves and cherishes her.

I choose joy today because, He did not give me a spirit of fear but of a sound mind and of power and I rejoice in that today.

I still believe in His goodness and embrace the joy that is found in Him alone!

Joy Thief

This is a re-post. Oldy but goody!

Have you been here? Comparing yourself to others.  

You think, "If only I had ___________"

 then you too would be content, joyful, fulfilled. 

Growing up we did not have a lot of material things. I remember wondering what it was like to have new clothes, not hand me downs. Often, I felt left out, because we couldn't go to certain places, we didn't have the money. As I grew it only seemed to become more intense of a feeling. 

My family moved many times, renting homes and apartments. One of my deepest desires was to stay in one place, one home, one school, one community. Looking at children who knew each other from preschool, who had long lasting friendships, whose families had always lived in the community seemed like an unattainable goal for me. I coveted the thought of this life.  

Could I ever have that? Could I know the joy of staying in one place? What did it feel like to start the school year with friends in the classroom who would call out your name as you entered the class?  My life was completely opposite of this dream. 

In the midst of this comparison I was missing a gift, Joy!  Let me explain. As I was comparing my life to what others had, I missed all of the things that were good about my life. Sure, they had stability and history, but I had adventure, new opportunities and excitement!  If I didn't like someone in my class, I probably wouldn't see them the next year! I learned how to make friends quickly and was able to see many different types of schools! I was exposed to a variety of cultures and communities! All of these components have played a role in my development.  Today as I look back, I am grateful that I had those experiences.

Because of my past, I am able to be more effective as a teacher. It has prepared me to reach out to many people, cultures and communities.  I am not afraid to be in new situations, talk to people I do not know or try new things! 

Comparison is a dangerous thing! It makes us think that what we have or are going through is not valuable. It robs us of the joy of the journey! It takes our eyes off of what God is doing in our midst and puts it on envy and discontentment! 

Choose Joy, Choose to live what Paul learned.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

River otters chasing a butterfly!

Watch this video of River otters chasing after a butterfly.

It reminds me that joy can be found in simple things. When you know the one who created all things you can have joy.

Joy can be found in

A smile

a bike ride

Time in prayer

Extra time to sleep

Looking at the sunset

God's word shared with you

The bible verse that hits home

A book, blanket and a fireplace

Snuggling with your kids
The perfect cup of coffee

Long conversations
A loving embrace
Yummy desserts
Dark chocolate

When you see God in the midst of 
these and other events of your day there is Joy! 

Seek Him! Look for Him today!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:13

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 16:11


Show me your joy today!  

Inexpressible Joy!

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. Matthew 19:14 NLT


Joy has been said to be different then happiness. Not something that is caused by ones circumstances, but from a deep contentment.  I believe this only comes from knowing the creator. ELOHIM. 


Ann Spangler writes in her book, Praying the Names of God   "we should praise God for His unchanging nature- no matter what happens to us or to the world around us, God remains the same."


Watching the children in Guatemala was like looking into the face of Jesus. Loving brown eyes, soft tender smiles and outstretched arms. They had joy despite their lack of resources and circumstances. 


I believe that when we know the One who created us we can be filled with overflowing with joy. 

He is our joy when;

our bank account is overdrawn

we are filled with grief and sorrow

friends have let us down

a marriage has crumbled

a job has been taken away

nothing else makes sense.

Putting your trust in the one that created you and understands your hurts and disappointments is worth the risk. 

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, I Peter 1:8

Father, I am putting my trust in you.  Elohim, the maker of heaven and earth, the creator of all things.  I crave your joy in the midst of times that are not always easy. Remind me that your joy is constant, never changing always enough,  Jann