Hawaii or Bust!

The secret to finding peace is to bring your life into line with the will of God.

Sound too simple? It is and it isn’t. Let’s look at the definition of peace. Okay, technically there are about 10 other definitions of peace out there, but for the purpose of this blog post, this is the one we’re looking at.

Peace: noun -- freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity

Now, doesn’t that just sound nice? I picture myself sitting in the middle of a secluded meadow—white daisies dancing in the wind. The sweet smell of sunshine wafting in on the breeze as white puffy clouds slide across the sky. Yeah—my peace can look pretty hokey.

Back in September 2010, I was far from at peace. One night, out of the blue, my husband calls (he was on TDY) to let me know that we’re moving. To Hawaii. At the end of the year.

Now, as people heard about this, I started hearing all the “Wow! You’re lucky!” and “What are you going to do with all that sunshine?” and “Aren’t you excited?”

Excited? Are you kidding me? I’m going to move to a tiny island a few thousand miles away, cut off from my family and friends. I was going to be several hours behind everyone, so it wasn’t even like I could just jump on the phone to chat whenever I wanted. I had goals. I had plans. And with this change, they weren’t likely to happen. What about church? I was finally getting involved. I’d just made friends with a wonderful group of like-minded women and I was LEAVING?

I fretted and fretted, and then fretted some more. My husband knew I was upset and told me that if I didn’t want to go, then he could try to apply for an extension of his current station. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do.

I began to look up everything I could find about the military and Hawaii. I worried and stressed and put off everything else I had planned. Later that night, I was obsessing while researching on the computer (THERE’S NO SONIC! Or Olive Garden, or Kohl’s), when something inside gave me a little nudge. I still hadn’t done my Bible study for the evening. I ignored it, pushing it aside in favor of more reasons to hate Hawaii.

A small voice continued to push me. I needed to do my Bible study. Finally, I gave in. I turned off the computer, pulled out my Bible and the study, and sat down on the couch. With a group of women from PWOC, I was working my way through a study on knowing the will of God. Thus far, it had been quite interesting, but I hadn’t exactly had any epiphanies.

That was about to change.

Off the top of my head, I can’t remember the exact subject of the study that day, but I do remember the Bible story associated with it. The majority of Genesis 22 is the story of God telling Abraham to sacrifice his son to Him. Abraham takes Issac up on a mountain with full intention of following through, but then God provides him with a ram instead.

I don’t know exactly why, but that story hit close to home. I felt that the Holy Spirit was telling me—this is God’s plan. I had to give up all that stuff that I wanted, that I worried about, and give it over to God. I had to follow His plan, and in turn, He would show me great things. If I was willing to make the sacrifice, God would provide.

I bowed my head and prayed. Immediately, a sense of peace washed over me. I was going to Hawaii. More than that, I was EXCITED to go to Hawaii. Gone was the worry, the anxiety…the obsession. In its place was a peace that only God could provide.

“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Can you name a time that you started out anxious and then felt that supernatural peace?

A Supernatural Peace

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

This morning was an unusual morning for me. Usually, the kids have the household bustling by 6:30—but the girls slept in this morning. I had time to wake up, to slowly start my day. Add in some prayer time and I am at peace this morning.

I looked around at my somewhat messy house and decided it was all okay. It would get done. I smiled at the kids vying for my attention and spent some much needed time with them. I nestled on the couch with the family and read a book while they watched cartoons. Life is good. My mind is at peace.

Last night, though, I spent time talking with a new friend of mine. Her precious daughter has been in the hospital for almost two days now. She has a high temperature, dehydration, and a rapid heart rate. The doctors believe it is some sort of infection, but they can’t find it. Amidst the terror and the waiting, my friend appeared to be keeping it all together, remaining optimistic—and I was in awe.

Now, I’m sure she’s had her share of tears over the last 36 hours. I’m sure she’s worried and wishes God would just touch her daughter with His healing hands. But she still has a sense of peace around her. She trusts God. She knows that her friends and family are praying for her little girl. In the middle of the storm, she trusts that God will calm the waves. And in return, God gives her the sense of peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).

Peace comes in different forms for different people at different times. Notice the word “different”? This month on EEE, we’ll be exploring peace and how it applies to our everyday lives and our relationships. We’ll be sharing stories of peace, or lack thereof, as well as practical advice and Biblical principles.

When you think of peace, what comes to mind?

The Joy of Prayer

 On Wednesday morning, I was awakened  with a frantic phone call from my sister-in-law in Georgia.  Between the loud ambulance siren in the background and people talking, I heard, “Kim, your brother has had a heart attack and they’ve had to shock him twice with the paddles, we’re on our way to the hospital and I will let you know more as soon as I can!”  Then, she hung up.   Put it this way, this is one time  I would’ve rather have been woken up by an  annoying  telemarketer.  However, this was reality and my brother’s life was in danger.  While my mind was still processing the information, my spirit cried out naturally for my Father in Heaven. JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!  This was my first and only thought as I desperately cried out for His mercy on my brother’s life. 

                Before I knew it, I was making phone calls, sending e-mails and Face- booking every prayer warrior I knew to pray .  Thank God for prayer!  I am blessed to have people across this great nation who will go to battle for me in a moment’s notice.  Priceless!  There is something to be said about the power of prayer.  Peace comes with praying God’s Word over a situation.  Life places us in situations where we find ourselves helpless, powerless and without words.  However, I know a God who is in control of all things and He’s been my source of strength for at least 10 years now.  He has never failed me and has always been faithful in my times of desperation.  This time was no different. I know His name and I know His game! He is Savior, Redeemer and Father!

                Within minutes, Facebook comments were being left on my status. People were praying! Heaven’s throne room was being filled with requests for my brother.  Immediately, I felt peace!  I knew that everything would be okay and God would act according to His perfect will.  I won’t lie to you, thoughts of my brother dying came to mind, but I quickly was able to overcome my fear and focus on God’s Word that says, Psalm 22:5 “They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.”  God hears our prayers and wants to help us.   There is no greater joy to me than knowing that my Heavenly Father delights in helping me.  My brother needed help and help was on the way!  Even if he would’ve died, I still had joy and peace knowing that His salvation was secure in the Lord.  I don’t know how people make it through life without God and prayer.

                In the end, my brother lived!   God saved him after he went into cardiac arrest three times before ever getting to the hospital. He orchestrated the right EMT’S , timing and people to be around him that day!  Prayers were being heard and answered.  It fills with me joy knowing that most of these people didn’t know my brother, but that didn’t matter.  They put their spiritual armor on and went into battle for him anyways.  This is the power of God’s love!  It does not fail and it reaches beyond itself to every man and woman alike. 

 Prayer changes things.   The Word of God says, “God inhabits the praises of His people.”  I believe that as people prayed for my brother, they praised Him ahead of time, just as I did for His faithfulness to come through. 

                Today, my brother is alive.  He beat death because of the God of life!  He has another chance to live out his life with his two beautiful children and wife.  How can I not have joy about prayer?  What prayers do you need answered today? Pray without ceasing and know that without a shadow of a doubt that the answer is on it’s way!  Be filled with joy knowing that prayer works and God is faithful!  Have a joy filled weekend and thank you to those of you who prayed for my brother on Wednesday!

Shouts of Joy

Monday was a gorgeous day in Leavenworth, Kansas.  I took advantage of the Spring weather and took my children to the park after months of being locked inside for the winter.  There were several other children at the park and I watched them enjoy the warm, welcoming weather with their families.   As I pushed my three year old daughter on the swing set, another three year old girl was swinging beside us being pushed by her grandmother.  She looked at me through her  big blue sunglasses and said, “My mommy has cancer but is better now!  She is at the park with me today! I love her so much and she is getting better every day!”  I smiled at her and said, “That is awesome, I am so glad your mommy is feeling better!”  I asked her grandmother if her mother was in remission.  She went on to tell me that she just had a breast removed two days ago and will continue to do chemotherapy.   Eventually she will have reconstructive breast surgery done.  I noticed her mother at the other end of the park with no hair playing with her son.  Meanwhile, her daughter was filled with so much joy that she was telling anyone and everyone who would listen to her.  Her name was Emma and she was such a blessing to me that day to listen to and watch!

                I began to quietly pray for this lady and thank God for her life and more so for this precious child who chose to rejoice that her mother was well enough to be at the park with her for the first time in months.  Believe me, it put things in perspective for me.  I went home thinking about this family and this precious mother.  I wondered for a second what it must have felt like for her to be well enough to be able to go the park with her children.  My health and the health of my family is something that we apparently take advantage of daily.   There are so many who are dealing with life and death situations while we go along life without a thought of it.  I am truly humbled by this!   However, if you would’ve seen this child’s smile as she told me about her mommy’s well being, you would’ve thought she was more blessed than I was!  The truth was she was in that moment because God was revealing His faithfulness to her. She was counting all things joyful!  This little one was teaching me a much needed lesson.  It filled me up with joy thinking about how God pulls us through some difficult times.  

Isaiah 51:11 says, “ The ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away and in the end, we have joy! “   This promise was made true for this young child of God who rejoiced to anyone who would listen as she proclaimed the good news of her mother’s health.  My prayer is that I too would shout for joy in the promises of God.  When was the last time you had so much joy that you couldn’t contain yourself and you had to tell a perfect stranger of the joy you held inside?  May the joy of the Lord be your strength today and may you tell everyone you come in contact with the joy you hold like this little girl did!

Everyday Joy!

I’m back!  It’s been a crazy two weeks and it felt like life suddenly took over and didn’t ask me permission to go along with it.  Have you ever felt like that?  My family was hit hard with sickness.  First my oldest son came down with Strept throat.   However, in my attempts not to get anyone else sick, I got sick.  I got the flu! Ugh!!  Then, my husband came down with a sinus infection and my two toddlers were hit with severe colds and fevers.  Of course, this all happened the week before Spring Break.  I will be honest with you, there were times that I had no joy in the midst of cleaning up vomit or changing germ filled sheets.   I somehow misplaced it while trying to gather enough strength to take care of my family while experiencing cold chills and fevers myself.  Joy decided to go on Spring Break without us!

            Eventually, we all got meds and life took on a whole new meaning with Tylenol and Amoxicillin in our bodies.  What can I say; I’ve come to love the pink stuff and the healing it brings to my sick babies.  Spring Break was finally upon us and although we were still in the healing mode, we decided to take it on as if there were no other plans.  At first, this was risky because I knew we all needed the rest, but because I am a stubborn gal, I chose to drive my family to San Antonio as scheduled.   Maybe it wasn’t one of my best ideas as my toddlers were still experiencing the occasional fever.  Half way to Texas, I had to repent to the Lord for my pride of needing my vacation plans to go forward and not think of what was best for my family.  I felt like a bad mom. 

            However, I lifted up my repentant prayer and asked God for the grace and mercy to come down and somehow save our Spring Break.  Of course, God is always faithful.  Within a day, everyone was regaining strength and joy back.   Ahh, yes- my toddlers were fighting again and my oldest son was pouting as usual about something!  I know this sounds like an odd statement, but I had missed the normal chaotic  routines of our lives and even those little habits from my kids that most days drove me into a tizzy.  But joy came when those moments began to return and my family’s health was being totally restored.  However, my joy should never have left in the first place, but I am the one who put it down.  

            It’s funny how we can lose our joy, or rather take advantage of what truly brings us joy. No, kids arguing don’t usually bring a smile to my face, but this time it did!   It made me appreciate my life and my kids all that much more.   There is no greater joy then life itself and no matter what that entails.  Some days the joy is just being alive and having my kids health, even if they are bickering and getting on my last nerve!  Joy comes when we choose to acknowledge it in the smallest forms.  When my family was sick this past week or so, I was taught a new joy that I tended to overlook or take advantage of and that was their health.  My kids are healthy most days, but experiencing my family strung out on fevers, cold chills and vomiting opened up my eyes.  I thought of parents who experience this kind of struggle daily whose children are in the hospital constantly.  It made me appreciate my children’s health and all of their crazy antics more.   Life is joy and we should celebrate it no matter what it brings.  More so, we should appreciate the One who gives it…God!

            What joys do you have in your life daily?  Are you missing out on joy because you choose to focus on your problems instead of your blessings that are being disguised by your attitude?    Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”  Take this week and open up your eyes to the joy that is before you and you will be surprised at how much sweeter life can be!  Have a great Monday!:)

Photos Galore!

You know what is one nice thing about unpacking? Going through your old stuff. I mean, like mementos and stuff as you find new places to store them. Today, I started going through several boxes that hold my photo albumns and other picture holders (Yes, I have a ton!).

I have photos dating all the way back to grade school, ever since my parents got me my first camera. Now, don't think I took up photography or anything, I just like taking pictures, so they definitely aren't professional or anything.

Still, there's something about going through photos that brings a smile to my face. Such innocence, such simplicity. Was it really worth all that drama? (referring to those high school years) So many people have come and gone in my life, and it's nice sometimes to go look over the snapshots to remember the footprints they left in my life--good or bad.

I've always been a people-oriented person, so it's no surprise that it is people who lend me strength, hope, encouragement. I think the worse thing for me is to shut myself up away from the world (which, oddly, I have a habit of doing). It is definitely no wonder that the people in my life are my joy. Any one person can bring a smile to my face with just a hello.

And as I flip through the photos, it is nice to be reminded of how far I've come as a person myself. The maturity overall, and as a friend to others. Looking back, I am blessed by all the people God placed in my life. As the saying goes, some were only for a season, but others are there for a lifetime.

Do you have a box(es) of photos that you go through? How often do you go through them? Been through them lately? Why/why not?

Q4U: Cultivating Joy

As we all know, joy is one of the Fruit of the Spirit. And as with any tree that bears fruit,it must be tended to if it is going to grow and mature. All trees start out as seeds that are planted, watered, and fed plenty of sun and soil nutrients. Then it begins to grow. As the years go by, it grows into maturity--and then it produces fruit.

So it is with the Fruit of the Spirit. Each fruit has to be cultivated to produce.

Here is your question to ponder:

What do you do to cultivate joy?

Joy Stealer

This month our theme on EEE is joy. Each post has something to do with joy—directly or indirectly. As I was contemplating my post for today, I had a rough time even touching the subject. Instead, I feel the need to be honest.

I don’t feel joyful today.

Yes, I’m human. As much as I have to be joyful for—from my salvation to my beautiful family—there are still days that I get down. Days that I lose sight of the important blessings and focus on the day-to-day that will soon pass. Sometimes, I just can’t help it.

And today is one of those days.

You’ve been with me since I started this move to Hawaii. The whole flight thing was rough, then we have all the problems getting housing and end up in a hotel for 60 days. We (my husband and I) kept thinking: all we need to do is get into our home and things will calm down. We can get into a routine, the kids will thrive…everything would be better.

We didn’t even contemplate that the movers (on one side or the other) broke a bunch of stuff or that the washer wouldn’t work, or that the house would have ants and roaches (oh, let me tell you how furious we were, the community center is going to get an earfull!). To add to the frustration, Connor, my husband, and I are all sick. Unpacking + illness = lots of tension.

Now, I’m not complaining. Okay, maybe a little bit---but my point is that I’ve reached my day. The day I can’t find it in my heart to look at everything with optimistic, positive thoughts, the day when the last thing on my mind is praising the Lord—in fact, I’d rather have a few words with Him.

What do we do on days like this? How do we overcome these feelings?

Obviously, I’m not an expert as I suffer from the ailment as well. However I would like to offer a few comments.

First of all, in John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to full.” Satan will steal our joy if we let him. In order to be a threat to him, we have to be effective, and he has no problem rendering us ineffective if we let him. For us believers, we have to be prayed up and in close connection with God through the Holy Spirit so we can be aware of Satan’s attacks.

Second, do something for someone else. You hear this all the time. When we think of someone else, the focus is not on us and our problems, and often puts our problems into perspective. For instance, we had the tsunami scare here last week (you read about it in the last post), but Hawaii fared pretty well. Other places—not so much. Japan’s death toll is over 10,000, and there are millions of people without food, water, and several thousands without shelter. My problems are miniscule compared to that.

We’ve all heard the expression “What don’t kill you, makes you stronger”, as well as the Christian version “God won’t give you more than you can handle”. Both are relevant. It’s when we zero in on the here and now that we lose our joy. Here and now, life may be rough. Here and now, things may seem out of hand. Here and now, we may want to go stick our head in the sand like an ostrich. But here and now is a mere moment in the scheme of things. Just like a valley is formed between mountains, so we will rise out of our circumstances with time.

Even now, writing this blog post is giving me renewed hope and strength. Remembering to whom I belong and that this is all temporary is feeding my joy. I’m not quite out of my slump, yet…but I’m getting there.

How do you fight these days?

I AM SAFE!

Since I saw that Kimchi hasn't posted today, I thought I'd give you an update. Kimchi, I hope you don't mind! (I know she's deailng with sick kids while not feeling so well herself!)

Do you know what a tsunami is? It's that thing that drowned New York in the move "The Day After Tomorrow". It's also the thing that hit Hawaii really early this morning. Guess what?

I slept through it.

I know, it's bad to say, but I did. We're far enough inland and up high enough that we were unaffected by the waves. The coastal areas were hit, but so far no major damage...at least not compared to the coast of Japan.

I awoke this morning, not thinking about much. I set the kids up with some cartoons and turn on the computer. I started to contemplate breakfast as I pulled up Facebook. Voila...a bunch of posts on my wall expressing concern and prayers. Um...did I miss something? Oh wait, there was supposed to be a tsunami last night. (Yes, sometimes I'm a little slow in the morning)I rushed to find my phone--sure enough, voicemails and texts. Oy! Darn that time difference!

First thing I did after that was call my mom.

Since then, I've been trying to update everyone. I hate that I made everyone worry so much. I wish I had been up earlier so that I could have assured everyone I was okay.

Now, though, my prayers go up for all the people in Japan who suffered, not only a earthquake with hours of aftershocks, but also a 23-foot tsunami.

At some point, I'll get back to unpacking. :)

Joy Comes...

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

Joy comes when I see my sweet 3-year old little girl try to crack eggs by herself and smile with pride.

Joy comes when my oldest son says to me, “ Mom, I love you!” for no apparent reason.

Joy comes when my teenage daughter calls me up and asks me to go prom dress shopping with her.

Joy comes when my husband tells me I am beautiful when I don’t feel so beautiful.

Joy comes when a perfect stranger compliments me.

Joy comes when my youngest son asks me to play Star Wars Clone Wars!

Joy comes when I laugh so hard it makes me cry.

Joy comes when I can pour a cup of coffee and enjoy it in peace.

Joy comes when I get alone with my Heavenly Father and pour out my heart in real ways and He always responds with, “I love you my daughter!”

Joy comes when I read a passage of scripture and it grabs hold of my heart and heals me instantly!!

Joy comes when I can let my failures go and admit that I am not perfect and am a work in progress!

Joy comes knowing that when I am not enough, God is!

Joy comes when I wake up to bacon cooking!

Joy comes when the news broadcasts destruction around the world, but my family is safely home with me.

Joy comes when I find money in the dryer, especially when it is enough to buy a Starbuck’s!

Joy comes when my husband puts on his uniform and stands for freedom and what he believes in.

Joy comes when a friend calls me up crying and I can give her encouragement through a prayer.

Joy comes when I can let my oldest grow up and leave the nest and trust God with her life!

Joy comes when my children cry and are hurting and all they want is me.

Joy comes when I see my parents with their grandchildren.

Joy comes when I am not the one shoveling the 10 inches of snow in the driveway of my Kansas home.

Joy comes when a recipe goes well the FIRST time I make it.

Joy comes when no one seems to understand me, but God does!

Joy comes knowing that no matter what happens in my life, I have a Savior who is there for me and is willing to pour out His grace and mercy day and night and offer me more when needed!

Joy comes when forgiveness from a friend was given to me when I needed it.

Joy comes when I can get on my treadmill and hit my 30 minute goal mark.

Joy comes when my hair decided to cooperate for once.

Joy comes when I can call a dear friend and she will drop her life and listen to mine.

Joy comes when I see soldiers returning home to their families at the airport!

Joy comes when someone I barely know trusts me to pray for them.

Joy comes when I have prayed for someone and the prayer was answered.

Joy comes with knowing that I am loved even on my worse day!

Joy comes because I choose to look for it and  I know the ONE who gives it.   What joys do you cherish and will it last for eternity?

Training with Joy!

In October 2009, I ran my first half- marathon in Long Beach, California.  It was a day I will never forget! I challenged my body beyond anything it had ever done before;giving birth seemed like a walk in the park compared to it! I remember being assigned my  race number and feeling  like an "official" athlete. What was I doing? I thought to myself, but off I ran and ran.  Crossing the finish line was the most exhilarating experience, and there was no greater joy than knowing I had just overcame my own limitations, fears and accomplished my goals!  Discipline had just become my friend-my best friend!

I learned a lot about myself and my body during the six months I trained for the race, which also paid off for me spiritually too.   I learned to overcome my flesh daily.  There were many days I had to run  long miles.   Sometimes, before I even hit the pavement to run, my body and mind were already screaming, NO WAY! On those days, I had to literally talk out loud and convince myself with positive affirmations to get myself moving.  By faith we have to move in a direction, sometimes just one step at a time until we reach our goals.   I would not allow my mind to convince my body otherwise.   It was a mind game and as long as I could train my mind, I could train my body.   It was like the two had to connect.   Believe me when the Word says that our literal words bring forth life or death, this also includes our thoughts.  We can defeat ourselves in our mind before we even begin our days.  How many of you can relate?   The days I spoke out loud positive things towards my training, the more I overcame my flesh and joy would come! The days I gave into my negative thoughts, my body would follow and I lost my joy. Training my mind was more important than training my body- this was key!  Trust me, running is more mental than physical.  Actually, that can be said about most things in life. Our minds can be a powerful tool.  We can train our minds to be joyful in all situations being able to overcome life. 

When we allow joy to rule our minds, we can move mountains in our lives.  I found joy in training my flesh! Maybe that is why the Apostle Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to hold our thoughts captive to Christ-the joy giver! The power lies within our thinking.  Learning to tap into God’s truth can help discipline you in ways that can change you forever, bringing  you more joy than you could ever imagine. 

Today, I still use this training concept for my spiritual life and I remain in spiritual training. God ‘s Word tell us ,  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:25) Needless to say, we are running the race for Christ and He is the prize we are running after.  Our spiritual finish line is Heaven for all of eternity.  Every day I am challenged with life and I have to train my mind to choose joy daily. Some days, it is like running long miles where I feel like giving up or not wanting to run in the first place, but joy is worth going after- Christ is worth it!
  Without a strategic plan and discipline in training, we run aimlessly.   Train with purpose!  Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  True joy comes for those who choose to train with the One who makes all things happen.  Are you willing to train and find that same joy today in your life?

Make a Joyful Noise

As the weekend approaches, I'm in a whirl of excitment. We are finally getting our house next week. In case you didn't know, in January my family and I arrived in Hawaii, where we'll be for the next three years (my husband is in the military). We've been in a hotel ever since. It's been a frustrating experience, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Praise the Lord!

So, today, let's make a joyful noise! Not just for me, but for each other. I am far from a feminist, but I still think we need to rejoice in the fact that we are women. God made each of us unique in powerful ways. We have so much potential when we open ourselves up to God's purpose for us.

We are strong! Who else could endure running a household, work, family, ministry...all while cramping and bloating? Yeah!

We are nurtuters! Not only did God build in the natural instincts to take care of our families--it goes far beyond that--we help others. We extend our light to friends and even strangers.

We travel in packs! Okay, men make fun of us because we do everything together. We laugh/cry together, we shop together, we workout together, we even go to the restroom together. Well, we're social creatures, what do they expect?

We are emotional! Just another God-given ability. We are emotional for good reason, it gives us a supernatural knack for relating to other people.

That's just a short list of what makes women so wonderful. I'm sure I could go on and on, but then I would potentially bore you. I rejoice in the wonderful femmes that God has placed in my life over the years. Some were only there for a season, some are closer than sisters. That's pretty amazing for a girl who turned her nose up at the other girls in high school.

So, call up a girlfriend and make a joyful noise. Tell her how awesome she is and how much you value your friendship. Another thing about women, we never get tired of hearing how much we mean to someone!

Enduring Joy

The other day, I had one of “those” days. You know the ones, you’re already not feeling well, and everyone around you seems to be out to make you feel worse. Hubby was short-tempered, kids were fighting, baby was teething…blah blah blah. I had just about reached the point where I questioned the sanity of getting married and having three kids, when I looked over at my cranky little boy. He gazed up at me with wide eyes. “Ma-ma.” Of course, my heart melted. I felt a smile twitching at the corner of my lips. “Ma-ma-ma-ma.” He reached his arms up to me. My eyes filled with tears. Tears of joy. This is what life is all about.

Being a joyful person, like being a Christian, does not mean you won’t have bad days or go through rough times. It’s the way you approach those circumstances, how you choose to respond that reflects that joy.

Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy. Psalm 126:5

We are not promised an easy life. Quite the contrary, in the New Testament, Jesus assures us that we will face trials. It is how we respond that sets us apart.

The most basic of responses is to realize that we are not made for this world. Earth is a temporary layover—our joy lies in a higher place. So, no matter the troubles we find in our mortal life, we can rejoice because our eternity is made for Heaven.

Another way of thinking of it is reminiscent of the “Footprints” poem. God is with us always, even when we can’t feel Him. He carries us through the hard times. We need to put our full trust in Him so that He can give us that peace to get us through whatever troubles cause us to weep.

As I proclaimed on Monday, joy is in the doing. So to maintain joy while we face trouble, we can’t sit and dwell. Focusing in a destructive manner will only garner more negative feelings. So, get up and tell yourself that you will not let this situation defeat you. You will overcome it by stepping out in the joy you own, taking steps to face/endure/resolve it with God’s guidance.

The same goes when you see another woman in distress. We all know how hard it is to go through something awful alone. Why would we want that for someone else? Prayerfully reach out to her in a way that will edify her and bring her out of the slump she’s in. Sometimes that may mean just sitting with her, no words, no advice—just companionable silence that says “I’m here”.

Life doesn’t come with a guarantee, but our redemption comes with joy unyielding. When we know who we are, what God wants for us, we can make it through any storm the winds of change bring our way. “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13