ABBA FATHER

WOW!!! I love my ABBA FATHER!!! I'm asking myself how am I different? If you met me for the first time, would you see Jesus? Matt. 7:21, gets me thinking about my character. Do I have the character of Jesus? Francis Chan is challenging me to look at myself. Thank you, Jesus for bringing his messages to me, through my sweet friend, Anna. I'm being humbled!!! His sheep, Joyce

How great is our God!!!

I love God, Jesus Christ & the gift of the Holy Spirit!!! I'm in Awe of just How Great is our God. I Love the Word of God. I love how it shapes me & molds me when I read & then apply it. Which I have to say, it takes a few times for me to fully grasp how to apply the Word in my daily life. I know when I miss the opportunity to first seek God in the morning, I miss out on His beautiful blessing for that day, and that is time spent with Him. My day usually doesn't go so well when I don't spend time with my precious Father!!! I then take the time at the end of the day, and then realize just what I missed that morning. Usually, I need to confess sins that may have not been committed, if only I had spent time with Him, first. I truly understand, now, what it means to first seek the kingdom of God & His righteousness, and all things will be added. I love how he speaks to me throughout the day, also when I've made time for Him. Thank you, Father for your sweet touch in my life! Hosanna in the Highest! I love being His child. His sheep, Joyce

The Valley experiences in my life

Every moment of my life has not been "mountaintop experiences", filled with happiness, abundance, and meaningful connections with God and others. There have been many difficulties, and in each I wondered why God allowed me to suffer. I learned more in my valley experiences than on my mountaintops. All of us go through difficult circumstances at one point or another. I grew up going to church, as much as possible. My best memories as a child was at church, bible camp or outings with the church. I'm so thankful God gave me a precious mother, who did all she could to give me these memories. When things are going well in my life, it's impossible to fully learn how to trust in God. I discover how to rely on Him in the hard times. I believe God's Word is my rod & staff (Ps. 23:4). His word protects me from making unwise choices and comforts me in my suffering. When things are going well, I often don't give God the attention He deserves. But when, tragedy strikes, I find time to spend alone with Him. In the valley, I learn more about the nature of God: His presence in my pain, His love in my loss, and His patience despite my complaints. Through hardships, He strips me of pride, renews my passion for Him, refines my character and purifies my motives. I've discovered that whatever work He wants to accomplish within me is always worth whatever pain causes. I'm so thankful for the invaluable lessons in my life's darkest seasons. When he allows His children to go through difficulty, He always has a purpose in mind. As believers in an all-powerful, loving God, we can face difficulties with confidence. Those experiences can be tools in His hands to mature us spiritually and draw us into greater dependence on Him. I look to Him for peace & hope despite the circumstances. If we are willing to walk with Him through the valley, we will experience God's highest blessing on the next mountaintop.

Waiting for some news

It's so hard to wait, sometimes, especially when it's news of health issues. There was a lump found in my breast. I will go to have a biopsy on the 1oth. I've read so many stories about breast cancer, and only 4 months ago, my sweet friend Emily got the news. I'm not worried, just anxious to find out. How will I react & live if I get news of breast cancer? It's so real, when we experience things for ourselves. I learn so much when God has me wait on Him. I pray that I will trust Him more than ever, if this is my next trial. I'm so thankful for God's Word as he encourages me, and prepares me for whatever is ahead!!!!!! No one ever wants to suffer, but if I do suffer for God's Glory & Purpose, then I don't mind. His sheep, Joyce

Praising God

God is so worthy of any and all praise that I can give. Not only do I exalt Him in song & with my words, but I praise Him in my attitudes and actions as well. I learn to do this as our relationship grows deeper. I'm praying today that everything about my life glorifies God. His Word says that we inhabit the praises of His people. I'm motivated to teach Amanda & Ashley how to praise God. Psalm 8:2 says "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise". It's never to early to teach them. By teaching them how to offer praise to God, I am helping them to fulfill one of their greatest callings in life---to bring praise, glory & honor to their Heavenly Father. My goal is to give glory to God in front of them, when unexpected blessings come our way. When we're going through a difficult time, I praise God for His faithfulness to carry us through life's circumstances. I want them to know that I'm so thankful for them, God's gift given to me. God is so good to show me this. I truly love my precious family! Delbert & I are truly becoming one...what an awesome experience. I love my husband!!!! His sheep, Joyce

GRACE

I am so thankful to know my friend Emily, she is amazing! The Grace of God has truly covered her. I'm in Awe of how well she is facing Cancer...fighting the good fight of Faith. I pray that if ever in her circumstances, I will do the same. I love you Emily, just as Christ loves me!!! I'm praying for you, and inspired by your testimony. God really covered me also, yesterday with much grace. I had an ultrasound & mamogram, done. I may have a cyst or lump in my breast. God gave me much comfort & help through that. I was shocked, but over a few hours, realized whatever the outcome, it's in God's hand & is His plan. I'm so thankful for His Word, it's alive & active in my Life. God is good and worthy of all praise that I give. May I always let everything about my life glorify God. May Amanda & Ashley notice the example I set. I pray that our home will be filled with God's presence as we continually exalt His Holy Name. Praising the Lord for all His blessings!!! His sheep, Joyce

God is so Awesome

God has worked in so many ways since last year. Delbert & I are together...Praise God. Our marriage has been rescued. We are doing so well, I give God all the Glory. God is transforming our lives and marriage into his wonderful plan. There is so much to share, maybe I will post more often. Our goal for 2011, is to read through the Word of God, together. So far, it's been awesome. I'm amazed of God's grace & mercy. "How we spend our one life well, is receiving each moment of what it really is HOLY, ORDINARY, AMAZING GRACE...A GIFT" (Ann Voskamp, www.onethousandgifts.com . May I honor God in all I do!!! His sheep, Joyce