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