Category: joy

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The Gift Exchange

Yesterday we had a wonderful time with family. All three of our children were here and our three youngest grandchildren were too!

We were missing the older grandchildren, their spouses and our two great grands.

A neighbor came and took some pictures, Dave grilled burgers, and we sat around the fire laughing and loving. It was the best gift exchange ever.

There were no boxes to open. Everyone shared the same gift – the gift of love for family.

Isn’t that what God the Father and Jesus did that first Christmas?

“ God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

God loved and He gave his Son. Jesus loved and He gave his life.

“ Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living for sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you were healed. 25 You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.” I Peter 2:24-25 ERV

This was an amazing exchange. He took our sins and gave us His life. He took on hell so we could have an eternal home in heaven. He took our grief and carried our sorrows so that we could have His peace and be filled with joy.

“This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him. 10 True love is God’s love for us, not our love for God. He sent his Son as the way to take away our sins.” I John 4:9-10 ERV

Let’s not lose sight of the importance of that first, most wonderful, exchange that God initiated on our behalf. He gave what was of greatest value – His Son.

“We love Him because He loved us first.” I John 4:19 NLV

So now let’s exchange gifts with the Father. Let’s give Him our undying love!

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Talking About Jesus

Really my favorite thing to do is talk about Jesus.

My day was hectic, but the bright spot was spending a few minutes talking about Jesus and His goodness. Well, you can’t talk about His goodness without talking about the sacrifice He made for all of us.

“2 Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2 CEV

His sacrifice took away my sins, your sins and yes, the sins of the whole world. No one was left out; no one needs to experience the punishment for sin because Jesus took it for us.

“But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God’s right side, 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God.” Hebrews 10:12-14 CEV

Christ willingly offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. That was His life’s mission while He was here on earth. It was His eternal destiny from the beginning of the age. He was born to die.

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

As my friend and I were talking we both said how amazing it is that God not only forgives our sins, but He chooses to forget them, as well. He doesn’t remind us of our sin, in fact, He wants us to be free of a guilty conscience.

“Then he says, ‘I will forget their sins and never again remember the evil they have done.’ 18 And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins.” Hebrews 10:17-18 ERV

“ Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ.” Hebrews 10:22 ERV

As I child, I often sang a hymn without really understanding the meaning. “Calvary Covers It All” seemed to be a theme of our church. Now, that song has such great depth of meaning to me.

“Far dearer than all that the world can impart

Was the message came to my heart;

How that Jesus alone for my sin did atone,

And Calvary covers it all.

Chorus

Calvary covers it all,

My past with its sin and shame;

My guilt and despair

Jesus took on him there

And Calvary covers it all.”

No fear, no condemnation, no guilty conscience. Only forgiveness, confidence and peace. Yes, let’s talk about Jesus and how grateful I am for His everlasting love!

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Anticipation & Expectation

I hope you have been encouraged in your prayer life as we’ve studied the Bible verses on prayer the last few days.

Prayer is not a “genie in a bottle” experience. It’s not even Amazon delivery. It’s better!

Prayer is bigger than that. It is bringing our needs and our heart’s desires to the Father and leaving them in His capable hands. It’s allowing God to move on our behalf; inserting His power into our circumstances.

Sometimes we are tempted to give up or take things into our own hands, trying to make them work out how we think they should. Standing and believing God requires determination and fortitude. Expectation of God’s working; anticipation of how it’s all going to come to pass.

It’s hard to wait but that’s where the excitement of anticipation comes in.

Look at Abraham, he and Sarah waited 25 years to see God’s promise come to pass.

“ The Holy Writings say, ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ This promise is good because of Who God is. He makes the dead live again. He speaks, and something is made out of nothing. 18 Abraham believed he would be the father of many nations. He had no reason to hope for this, but he had been told, ‘Your children will become many nations.’ 19 Abraham was about one hundred years old. His body was about dead, but his faith in God was not weak when he thought of his body. His faith was not weak when he thought of his wife Sarah being past the age of having children. 20 Abraham did not doubt God’s promise. His faith in God was strong, and he gave thanks to God. 21 He was sure God was able to do what He had promised.” Romans 4:17-21 NLV

I can just imagine the excitement that Sarah felt when she first learned that God had said Abraham would be a father, she would be a mother. She had been barren. Did she start making baby clothes, did she have diapers folded neatly and waiting in a hamper? The anticipation of what God was going to do had to be thrilling.

Years passed and there was no child. Sarah thought she would help God out. Maybe the Lord meant that Abraham would be a father but not that she would be a mother. She did the customary thing, she found a surrogate, her handmaid.

As we stand, waiting to see the answer to our prayers we need double dogged determination not to waiver in our faith and stay focused on God’s infallible word.

When the handmaid gave birth to a son Sarah became jealous and bitter. God protected the handmaiden and her son, forgave Sarah for her intervention in His plan and He reaffirmed His promise.

“Because Sarah had faith, she was able to have a child long after she was past the age to have children. She had faith to believe that God would do what He promised. 12 Abraham was too old to have children. But from this one man came a family with as many in it as the stars in the sky and as many as the sand by the sea.” Hebrews 11:11-12 NLV

A good lesson for us all. God’s plan is better than ours.

The verses above from Romans say that Abraham was strong in faith and gave thanks to God.

A heart filled with thanksgiving is a wonderful booster to our faith. We get up each morning and say “Thank you Lord, I am one day closer to seeing the answer to my prayer.” Personally, I remember two specific instances when Dave and I had to wait over eight years to see the final answer to our prayers. Thanking God for working kept us strong.

“So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. 36 You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you.” Hebrews 10:35-36 ERV

Anticipate. Expect. Just don’t quit!

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Chosen – Not Left Out

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to share with a ladies’ group at a church in the Phoenix area. The teaching the Lord gave me was “Chosen Before the Foundation of the World”.

“ Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.” Ephesians 1:4-6 CEV

Stop and think about that. Before God said, “Let there be light”, He choose us to be His adopted children.

That truth is more than enough to drive out any feelings of insignificance or low self-esteem. We were chosen before there was anything in this universe but God, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

There has never been a time that we haven’t been part of God’s heart and His plan.

Now, more than ever before, those words “chosen by God” strike a deep chord whenever I read them in the Bible. I am chosen and you have been chosen by God!

Not ever the most popular, best dressed, prettiest or the best at sports, I remember the hurt of not being chosen. But that hurt was healed long ago. It was healed when I realized that God’s love and acceptance was enough. It became my mission, my calling, to let others know of God’s unconditional love.

This morning, while I was reading the last of Paul’s first letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, the admonition he gave them jumped off the page and touched my heart. I hope you don’t mind but from time to time when I come across these “chosen” verses I will be sharing them with you.

“ My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. 13 Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. 14 My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 Don’t be hateful to people, just because they are hateful to you. Rather, be good to each other and to everyone else.

16 Always be joyful 17 and never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.

19 Don’t turn away God’s Spirit 20 or ignore prophecies. 21 Put everything to the test. Accept what is good 22 and don’t have anything to do with evil.

23 I pray that God, who gives peace, will make you completely holy. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept healthy and faultless until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 24 The one who chose you can be trusted, and he will do this.” I Thessalonians 5:12-24 CEV

Encourage anyone who feels left out. Be patient, be joyful, be prayerful, be filled with peace.

We have been chosen and the One who chose us can be trusted!

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Planting New Seeds

Fall is a good time to plant in Arizona. The cooler weather and our mostly mild winters provide a good growing environment.

I miss my garden and my flowers so now I plant a different kind of seed.

In years past, I have chosen my plants carefully. Measuring out the distance between, giving them enough room to grow without hindering the growth of what was around them. Potting soil added to the ground, automatic watering system in place and lots of tender loving care. I would imagine how they will look in 5, 10 and even 20 years. Gardens planted at homes I no longer live in brought temporary joy.

More important are the other seeds I have sown in the past 10, 20, 50 even 70 years. Seeds that have produced a wonderful marriage (although we had to pull up some weeds along the way), 3 children and their mates, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, numerous friends who have been a part of our lives for so many years. Sowing seeds from God’s word to encourage, bring hope and God’s forgiveness of sin.

And then there are the seeds that had to be rooted out, things like bitterness, anger, insecurity, pride, selfishness and discontentment. These had to be dug up and pulled out by the roots so that the other seeds could grow and produce fruit.

This morning, I won’t be planting physical seedlings, I will be planting seeds of hospitality, acceptance, forgiveness, peace, joy, healing and restoration. It is my desire that all who share my life’s garden will know God’s goodness and the abundant life that He has given us in Christ Jesus.

“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12 KJV

“This is what the story means: The seed is God’s message, 12 and the seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message. But the devil comes and snatches the message out of their hearts, so that they will not believe and be saved. 13 The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it. But they don’t have deep roots, and they believe only for a little while. As soon as life gets hard, they give up.

14 The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they are so eager for riches and pleasures that they never produce anything. 15 Those seeds that fell on good ground are the people who listen to the message and keep it in good and honest hearts. They last and produce a harvest.” Luke 8:11-15 CEV

Happy Planting!

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A Few Days Away

Dave and I are on a short vacation. It seems a little silly to be retired and take a vacation but we do like going on adventures. We spent a day with dear friends, enjoying their fellowship and talking about the many things we have seen the Lord do in both of our marriages and families.

Yesterday afternoon we arrived in one of our favorite Arizona towns, Prescott. As kids, Dave and I both came here nearly every summer for Bible Camp.

It’s one of the most historic places in Arizona since it was the first territorial capitol. Today we’ll spend the day going to museums, sitting in the courthouse square and maybe even do a little shopping.

Doesn’t sound very spiritual does it? Maybe not, but it is completely Scriptural.

“He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:3 ERV

A time of restoring – a time of refreshing.

It’s so great to be able to sit or walk or ride with Dave, making life plans and just laughing together. Our hearts are so filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done for us and in us. We know how blessed we are to have had over 50 years together and still be each other’s best friends and biggest cheerleaders.

Thank you for not grumbling because this morning’s time of sharing is a little late. I slept in.

“When I go to bed, I sleep in peace, because, Lord, you keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 ERV

Be grateful for each day that the Lord gives you and if He has given you someone to enjoy it with, be doubly grateful.

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today! Psalm 118:24 ERV

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Black Tie Affair

Have you ever been to a black-tie banquet? I have but only once. It was quite an elegant evening. Dave in his tux, me in a gown. Very exciting!

That’s the image that came to mind this morning as I was reading in the Psalms.

“God’s Love Means More than Life

1 You are my God. I worship you.
    In my heart, I long for you,
as I would long for a stream
    in a scorching desert.

2 I have seen your power
and your glory
    in the place of worship.
3 Your love means more
than life to me,
    and I praise you.
4 As long as I live,
    I will pray to you.
5 I will sing joyful praises
and be filled with excitement
    like a guest at a banquet.

6 I think about you, God,
    before I go to sleep,
and my thoughts turn to you
    during the night.
7 You have helped me,
and I sing happy songs
    in the shadow of your wings.
8 I stay close to you,
and your powerful arm
    supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

” filled with excitement  like a guest at a banquet.” I remember the anticipation of going to such a prestigious event. We were greeted at the door and ushered to our table. There was entertainment, delicious food and dancing.

But none of that compares with the joy and excitement of spending time in the Lord’s presence. King David knew what it was like to be honored and he lived an enviable lifestyle but what brought him the most joy was knowing he was loved by God and welcomed by Him.

It doesn’t matter our social, economic, or educational background; each one of us are welcomed at the Lord’s banquet.

“ Once again Jesus used stories to teach the people: 2 The kingdom of heaven is like what happened when a king gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 The king sent some servants to tell the invited guests to come to the banquet, but the guests refused…8 Then he said to the servants, “It is time for the wedding banquet, and the invited guests don’t deserve to come. 9 Go out to the street corners and tell everyone you meet to come to the banquet.” 10 They went out on the streets and brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike. And the banquet room was filled with guests.” Matthew 22:1-10 CEV

We are part of the everyone who has been invited in. Not only does the Father invite us but He clothes us as well.

“The Lord makes me very happy. I am completely happy with my God. He dressed me in the clothes of salvation. He put the victory coat on me. I look like a man dressed for his wedding, like a bride covered with jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 ERV

Join me at the banquet. The table is set, all is in order. Our attire is custom made; we’ve been invited to the Father’s black-tie affair.

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A Spoonful of Sugar

Now I realize that isn’t good medical advice. In fact, quite the opposite. Too much sugar can be detrimental to our health but what Mary Poppins was teaching is that life needs more sweetness – and it does.

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday night and we were all so blessed with the food, the visit and the laughter. Everyone remarked on the laughter and the joy. One of the men made the comment that laughter is one of life’s greatest healers – and it is!

I think people need a good spoonful of medicine today, but good old fashioned Bible medicine.

” Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” Proverbs 17:22 CEV

If we allow ourselves to stay focused on the things in our world, or in our lives that are wrong, evil or contrary, we will be overtaken by the dis-ease of sorrow.

Dis-ease. Now there’s an interesting word. The lack of being at ease. When disease strikes our body, our whole system is ill-at-ease.

But a good dose of the medicine of a merry heart will strengthen us and bring us peace.

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.’” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

Jeremiah said: “I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Look today not at the circumstances but at our God who changes circumstances and be filled with good medicine.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

I pray that God will fill your heart with joy and that you will be healed of dis-ease.

On a side note: Dave and I will be on vacation this week in an area that has very weak cell and internet service so I might not be able to post each day. I am praying that your week will be filled with love and laughter! I love you all.

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The Littles

Today is our youngest daughter and son-in-law anniversary, 11 years. Today we will have those we affectionately call the littles for a sleepover. Sam, 8, Kristine 6 and Elizabeth 4. We have a new home for them to come to, new sleeping bags, and other new things to make it special.

The one thing that isn’t new is the love we have for them and the joy we have in spending time with them. I know many of you can relate. We will be tired when they leave but we are so glad we live close enough that they can come.

That’s just like God!

He loves it when we come to His house.

“ For a day in Your house is better than a thousand outside. I would rather be the one who opens the door of the house of my God, than to live in the tents of the sinful. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and a safe-covering. The Lord gives favor and honor. He holds back nothing good from those who walk in the way that is right.” Psalm 89:10-11 NLV

It’s so good to go to the Father’s house.

“ I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Psalm 122:1 NLV

Why do we think the Lord is any less excited to see us than we are to see our children and grandchildren come home? Our heavenly Father is the example of how loving parents should be.

Yes, there is discipline, instruction and correction because that’s what loving parents and grandparents do but there is so much more. There is unconditional love and overwhelming joy.

“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLV

“Go into His gates giving thanks and into His holy place with praise. Give thanks to Him. Honor His name. 5 For the Lord is good. His loving-kindness lasts forever. And He is faithful to all people and to all their children-to-come.” Psalm 100:4-5 NLV

We are all the Father’s littles and we are always welcome in His presence.

“Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so that he could lay his hands on them to bless them and pray for them. When the followers saw this, they told the people to stop bringing their children to him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children.” Matthew 19:13-14 ERV

Take time to be in the Father’s presence today. He is always glad to have us come!

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Never Tire of Singing

If you were a bird would you complain about having to start each day singing? Be honest. Maybe one or two mornings you just won’t feel like warbling a song?

Each morning, like clockwork, their songs start. I love it – I look forward to them welcoming the day. It really puts my heart into a place of thankfulness.

“Sing a new song to the Lord!
Everyone on this earth,
    sing praises to the Lord,
2     sing and praise his name.

Day after day announce,
    “The Lord has saved us!”
3 Tell every nation on earth,
‘The Lord is wonderful
    and does marvelous things!
4 The Lord is great and deserves
    our greatest praise!
He is the only God
    worthy of our worship.
5 Other nations worship idols,
but the Lord created
    the heavens.
6 Give honor and praise
    to the Lord,
whose power and beauty
    fill his holy temple.’

7 Tell everyone of every nation,
“Praise the glorious power
    of the Lord.
8 He is wonderful! Praise him
and bring an offering
    into his temple.” Psalm 96:1-8 CEV

What song are you singing this morning? We should be taking every opportunity we have to praise the Lord for His love and faithfulness. He never tires of us; He’s always there like a parent waiting for their child to say its first word. God is listening for our voice, He’s listening for our song.

Many years ago now, I had a wonderful opportunity to sing for my dad. He was coming to the end of his life; dementia had taken hold and most nights his sleep was troubled by nightmares. When he got into bed I went in and sang him to sleep or so I thought. Some of the songs he sang with me and others he just listened. I left his room when I thought he was asleep but then we heard his voice. He called for my mom. When she went to see what he wanted he said, “Did you hear Kris, she was singing to me?”

God used that as a teaching moment for me. I heard Him speak to my heart and say, “I like it when you sing to Me too”.

“But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love.
You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. 17 I will sing your praises!
You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.” Psalm 59:16-17 CEV

Join with me now and sing – I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing. I will sing. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord!

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