Category Archives: Joyful

Mar29

Looking Forward to the Move, but Living in the NOW

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New experiences are pretty exciting to me!

So moving to a new (to us) house, in a new area will be like Christmas morning!

I find myself daydreaming about
how we’re going to arrange our furniture,
what new furniture I’d love to buy to fill the house,
what our interior decorating style could be,
where I’ll go to the grocery store,
what parks we’ll explore,
navigating walks through the new neighborhood,
new outdoor toys I want Little Man to have, etc.

I’m looking forward to having a bigger yard, a shorter distance to drive to church, a garage, and a place that we can comfortably have guests over!  Sometimes I find myself daydreaming about less logical expectations.  When we move, I’ll probably get more sleep, Little Man will probably be a little better behaved on those tough afternoons, the dog will shed less, I’ll probably cook better dinners, and be more organized.  It’s like I’m not just planning to move into a new house, but a utopia of perfection.

Of course I know those irrational expectations are silly.  But it’s what I see when I daydream about the future!

The truth is, there is ALWAYS something to look forward to and imagine how life will be better when we get to that point.

But if we’re always focused on that point in the future, then we’re never fully living in the present.  And even when we reach that point, we’ll probably be preoccupied imagining the next milestone of things will be better when….

I think that the best way for me to thoroughly enjoy our new home the most, is to thoroughly enjoy the home we’re living in now.  We have 2-3 more weeks to make memories here, to walk up and down the hilly loops of the neighborhood, to mingle with our neighbors, to pull weeds, and to play in the driveway.

Instead of counting down 2-3 weeks as the point at which I’ll reach my utopia, I think I’ll count each day as a joy to be where we are NOW!

joy:  Yesterday’s special memory was playing in the front yard with Nolan.  While I sat in the driveway, he walked up the small hill of our neighbors’ yard, then came running down to crash into me with a giant hug, over and over again!

Jan15

My Series on Afterbelly.com

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I’m excited to share with you an encouraging blog, Afterbelly.  You can always find open and honest, encouraging words, especially for moms of little ones.  Nathalie eloquently reminds us of God’s grace through the trenches of temper tantrums and the highs of cozy cuddly moments.  She also features personal stories of moms from all over in her Monday’s Mom section.  (By the way, if you’re a mom, you should consider sharing your story here!)

I had an opportunity to share a series, The Gift of Thanks, at the end of last year on Afterbelly.  Actually, I wrote the series at the end of last summer, and the idea behind it gave me the motivation to start this blog and the idea for the theme, counting joys.

The whole series is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;  for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2:  Receiving

Part 3:  Give Thanks

Parts 4 & 5:  Prayer & Rejoicing

joy: Rereading something that the Lord put on my heart months ago, that I definitely need to be reminded of.

Sep13

Is “Christian Hedonism” an Oxymoron?

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I came across the phrase “Christian hedonism” in the book Desiring God by John Piper.  It’s such an odd phrase!  I’m sure that it would make the wheels turn in the minds of anyone who is familiar with Christianity.  Honestly, it sounds like an oxymoron.

It seems that following Jesus Christ would mean denying oneself of personal pleasures.
But then wouldn’t your personal pleasures transform into the passions of Christ himself?
But then would pursuing your own passions put yourself in the center of worship?

Are the wheels turning in your head?  What do you think about the phrase “Christian hedonism”?  It helps me to look in the dictionary:

Christian |ˈkrisCHən|
(adjective) professing belief in Jesus as Christ.  Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
(noun) one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ.  One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.

hedonism |ˈhēdnˌizəm|
(noun) the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.• the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

When we consider that Christianity involves following Jesus Christ, it seems that our personal pleasures should be the LAST thing that we’re seeking.  When I think about the word, “Christianity”, I picture myself, among other people literally following Jesus, like the disciples.
He’s my Savior.
He’s my Friend.
He’s my Counselor.
And He’s the example that I follow.

Jesus lived a life on earth of service.  After the Last Supper, before He died on the cross and was resurrected, He very clearly showed His friends the attitude, the posture, that He wanted them to carry on.
Washing feet.
Within that home, he assumed the lowest position by washing their feet.  Although He is the Most High King and Son of God, even He humbled Himself to that action.  He was setting that example for me, too.  Surely I can humble myself to service, too.

When I reflect upon my decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not just when I feel like it, and not even just most of the time, I really know that it’s a full-time thing.
It’s a whole-life thing.
Every day.
Every area of my life.
It’s an all or nothing thing.
Jesus gave his life for me.  And I want to give my life to Him.

want |wänt, wônt|
(verb) have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for:
(noun) a desire for something:

In the Bible, God gives many commands.
Jesus summarized them into this:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

This includes giving generously.  And when I do that, the grip of greed on my heart releases.

This includes really listening to others.  And when I do that, the heavy blanket of pride that covers my mind diminishes.

It includes approaching each day with an eternal perspective, putting God first.  This releases me from the bondage of worry.

I know that when I obey God, the natural consequence is JOY!

I want to have joy.
The kind of joy that is only found in Jesus Christ.
I want Jesus Christ in my life!

If that means that I’m seeking my own pleasure, so be it.
God draws me to Himself, knowing that I can only be completely satisfied when I’m in Him!
Only when my heart is putting Him first.
Only when I’m worshipping Him.
In song.
In thought.
In action.
In everything!

The only appropriate response when coming into the holy presence of Almighty God is WORSHIP.
And God is everywhere!

When I acknowledge God’s presence,
and worship Him with all that I am,
JOY is unavoidable!

I want to worship.

It’s my desire.

It’s my pleasure.

I WILL pursue my pleasure of putting God first in my life!

joy: “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him.” -Piper

Sep8

The Power of a Smile

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This morning, I heard on the radio that medical research shows that
SMILING at someone
can give them the same internal reaction as
winning $40,000.

(I have NO idea where they came up with that amount!)

And that medical research also shows that people who
SMILE more often
live 7 years longer.

(Being an analytical person, I’m so curious as to how in the world they came up with that number!)

But there’s no doubt that there is
POWER in SMILING.

I think it’s most impacting whenever we don’t feel like it,
but we make ourselves smile.

It might sound like I’m suggesting that you be insincere.
But really, I’m suggesting that we force ourselves to embrace the
joy that is readily available!

I do believe that there is a time for mourning, and a time for tears.

But living out the normal, day-to-day days,
joy should be a priority!

Each day, there is something that we can worry about,
something that we could be afraid of,
another “what-if” question to ask.

And as we force our physical face to lift,
pulling up the edges of the mouth,
something inside lifts also.

We can begin to realize that really
there are more things to be thankful for
than things to worry about.

And if you’re stumped on what to be thankful for,
here’s a given:

Jesus Christ loves you and laid down His life for you!
Because he knows you!
He wants you to know Him, personally!

joy: Smiles are attractive!

Sep3

My Ecclesiastes

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Recently, I came across this quote from C.S. Lewis:
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself,
because it is not there.  There is no such thing.”

Exactly!  While I’m trying to count the joys around me throughout the day,
whether it’s colorful toe nails, getting the mail, sipping coffee,
sinking into the couch, hearing a familiar song,
or even closing my eyes and smiling just because,
I know that those things aren’t actually significant in themselves.

So what- if there’s a bright color on my toenails.
So what- if I walk down the driveway to get the mail.
What difference do these little things really make?

The world will keep turning.
Time will continue ticking.
The days will keep coming.

Sure, some things will make me happier than other things.
But what does my happiness really matter?
I suppose it just makes the time that I’m here on earth more pleasant.
Yet if I’m truly honest, I don’t care about happiness,
if it’s not invested in something real.
I don’t care about pleasant feelings if it’s just a means to an end in itself.

I want to be a part of something bigger than myself,
more significant than my wavering emotions.

Maybe I already am.
And when I realize what that is, the joy might be uncontainable!

I believe in God the Father, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s son, who died for my sins,
making it possible for me to be in relationship with God,
then was raised from the dead and continues to be my Lord and Savior.
I believe in the Holy Spirit who brings God’s presence right here, right now.

When I let my eyes see from a heavenly perspective, in realization that God is in control and He loves me,
worries begin to dissipate and
joy increases.

If God created us to be in relationship with Him,
then He must want us to delight in Him.
He must want us to delight in each day that He gives us,
each gift that’s given.

Where are the gifts?
I believe they are everywhere that we’re ready to receive
with thankful hearts.

In every glance, there is something to be thankful for.
In every breath, step, blink, sound, relationship, experience.
We are learning, growing, developing, and experiencing creation that God himself has made!
When we become aware of the presence of God in each moment, joy is unavoidable!

I have two healthy legs, and I can walk to the mailbox, breathing in fresh air, feeling the ground under my feet!
Thank you, Lord for senses, for my health, my ability to walk, and for the United States Postal Service!
And look at those toes, what a fun color!

Letting the counting begin!

joy:  C.S. Lewis quotes are priceless!

(If you’re on Facebook, you can share your “joys” on the Counting Joys page!)

Aug27

Beautiful Interruptions

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I love routines.
I love having a plan.
I love efficiency.

And my husband, my counter-balance, has been helping me to “take a break” and be a little more spontaneous……pretty much since the day we met!  In college, Solomon found that sometimes, the only way he could spend time with me, was to “study” with me.  Only about 30 seconds into a book, he’d say, “You need to take a break.”  You could say, we definitely balance each other!

On the first day of our honeymoon, I was ready to efficiently find out what there was to do in Lake Tahoe and make a plan for the rest of the week, so we wouldn’t miss out on anything.  That would be the logical thing to do, right?  But when I let him know my plan, he simply said, “Nah, I don’t think so.”  Trying to be a respectful, newly married wife, I just said, “Okayyyyyyy.”  And can you believe where that got us?!  Mountain biking around Lake Tahoe, a spontaneous trek to San Francisco, riding a tandem bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, running into Ikea, eating at amazing restaurants, and making adventurous memories together!  Six years later, I’m still learning to be more spontaneous!

Obviously, planning has its place.  And actually Solomon is now using his passion for helping people and his brilliant mind to help people through comprehensive economic advising with Peachtree Planning of Tennessee.  He works harder than anyone I know!  But his flare for spontaneity and fun is growing on me.

I’m enjoying the freedom I have as a SAHM, to fly by the schedule set by my son’s naps, meals, and my own interests and commitments.  Yet, it’s always flexible, depending upon priorities.  And the greatest priority that I can think of is people.  I’m learning that letting my personal agenda be replaced with the Lord’s agenda always involves people.  You can count on my planner being filled with chores, reminders, and goals for each day.  Tracking my mental “to do” list here, helps me to accomplish what I set out to do.  I love the feeling off checking tasks from my “to do” list.  But the most important goal for everyday, is to be available for people.  Even if it wasn’t planned.  Even if it interferes with the original plan.  People are the priority!

My summer morning routine involved,
Breakfast
Walk, with Little Man in the stroller and the puppy on a leash
Fill the watering can, and let the puppy take a drink while I brush his coat
Water the plants
Playpen time for Little Man
Nap/ shower
Lunch
Errands
Well, you get the point.  What can I say, I like schedules!  There was a particular week this summer that our routine was beautifully interrupted.  Each morning, two boys, their dad, and their dog, named Katie, crossed our path.  Drawn to our puppy, and accepted by Little Man, the boys adopted my boys into their hearts.  As we grew more acquainted, I learned that their mother would soon give birth to a baby girl, a little sister.  Each day that week, we’d cross paths.  I’d ask how their mom was doing, knowing she must be ready for the baby to come.  And I was delighted to hear the surprise in “big brother’s” voice, when I told him that I was praying for his mom, “You Are?!?!”

It’s so much easier to be available for people when I set my own schedule, and there aren’t added pressures.  The real challenge begins when there are expectations set by others, pressing deadlines, or enforced schedules.  Is it possible to be available for people when your free time is limited?  I believe that no matter how much time is shared between people, that the priority can be felt and sensed.

I was reminded of the importance of people and relationships upon hearing about a friend’s experience in a third world country.  She had an extended stay in a remote place, ate grubs, and had all kinds of crazy adventures.  But one of the most surprising experiences that she shared with me, was the way they honor people.  For example, if someone had a commitment, such as speaking at church, but a friend came by their home, they would stay with that friend and visit for hours, even if it meant skipping the commitment!  While I’d never want to skip out on an important commitment, I was encouraged to be more flexible with my own plans, to spend more time giving a friend my full attention!

I think it’s great to have plans and routines.  But what if each day, my planner included:
Be aware of the people around you.
Strike up a conversation and really listen.
Be physically available to help.
Be mentally available to pray.

Checking the chores off of my lists is rewarding.

But being available for people, just might be life-changing.

 

joy: Each time a friend makes me a priority and really listens.

Aug26

You Are MINE!

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I’ve worked with children for many years, but there’s just something different when I look at my child.  Just knowing that he’s MY child is unbelievable to me!  I love all children so much.  That may sound sappy, but I really do.  It’s just a passion that the Lord has put in my heart.  Some people are passionate about design, some are passionate about cooking.  Really, I hope that everyone is passionate about what they do in life.  As far back as I can remember (probably even when I was a kid myself), I’ve been passionate about letting children know that they are prized possessions and delicately designed masterpieces created by their Heavenly Father.  Of course, that message can be portrayed in a number of ways.  But the priceless, valuable time of childhood has always been of the utmost importance in my heart.

As I reflect on the awe I feel to know that one of God’s children is actually my son, my eyes well with tears.  I’m more than honored that He would entrust one of his treasures to my husband and me.

Even through my son’s mischevious bouts, his outstanding and wonderful qualities shine through in my heart more.  Even after a rough day of whining, I still consider him to be overall an exceptionally easy going guy.  And in the future, it’s inevitable that more weaknesses will be revealed just like they will be revealed more in me.  But those flaws will never define who he is in my heart.

My son is ambitious, loving, playful, silly, adventurous, ingenuitive, brave, smart, and of course, extremely handsome!  I can’t contain the pride I feel when I see him reach new accomplishments or even just lean in to give me a kiss.

I’ve seen other children do the same things.  But this one is MINE!

Can you hear the Lord saying that about you?  “This one is MINE!”  If you’re feeling down and can’t find a reason to feel confident, listen closely.  The Lord is looking at you, beaming with pride.  His eyes are welling with tears as He reflects upon the fact that you are His!  Through your flaws, through your weaknesses, your beauties and strengths shine through greater in His eyes.  Listen closely, He’s whispering to you, “You are MINE!”

I have to admit, there are people in my life who are not “mine”.  I’m guilty of letting their flaws shine through more in my eyes.  But they are God’s children, too.  Can I see them the way the Lord sees them?  I’m counting on His grace for that.  Listen closely, He’s whispering, “They are MINE!” “You are MINE!”

joy: God treasures ME even MORE than I treasure my son!  Unbelievable!

Aug16

Happiness v. Joy

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Happiness

  • Comfortable
  • Favorable circumstances
  • Dependent upon factors outside of my control
  • Makes me confident in myself
  • Conditional
  • Temporary
  • A pleasant feeling
  • Shakeable
  • Found in myself

Joy

  • Peace in the knowledge that God is in control
  • Whether in favorable circumstances or not, I know that all things
    work together for good for those who are called according to
    His purpose & that includes me!
  • Dependent upon my attitude
  • Makes me confident in Jesus
  • Unconditional
  • Eternal
  • Uncontrollably bubbling up, overflowing from my spirit!
  • Solid
  • Found in the hope of Jesus!
joy: I like making lists!