tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65535507206832908362023-11-15T08:06:05.631-08:00a cup of joyChristian Encouragement for Women's SoulsJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-63005703682787905782021-05-31T10:36:00.000-07:002021-05-31T10:36:15.914-07:00Do you need a new identity? <p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What do a fisherman, a leper, a paralytic, and a tax collector have in common? (No, this isn't the opening line of a joke!) They all gained new identities through humble faith in and obedience to Jesus. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">In Luke 5, Jesus encounters these men and changes their identities and lives. He meets each of them amidst their "normal", and afterward, their lives are renewed, restored, and repurposed into a new normal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some of us are like these men today. Some of us need new identities amidst struggling to find a new "normal" in what is hopefully the end of what could be argued as the greatest pandemic in history. I believe we can find guidance in our quest from Luke 5. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Simon and his mates had been hard at work all night fishing with nothing gained. I can only imagine their physical weariness after dealing with heavy nets and the disappointment of lacking success. Jesus told Simon to go out into deep water and to let down the nets for a catch. Simon obeyed and received a haul so big the nets began to break and the boats began to sink! Simon then humbled himself before Jesus, acknowledging his sin. After what was possibly the biggest catch of Simon's career, Jesus told Simon, "Do not fear; from now on, you will be catching men" (v. 10). Simon (along with his partners James and John) left everything--his livelihood, his success, his "normal"--and followed Jesus. Simon gained a new identity through his obedience to Jesus. Sometimes, we, too, must go out into the deep waters and pull up everything we have--our past, our sins, our disappointments, even our successes--and lay it all at Jesus' feet. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Luke 5 continues with a leper encountering Jesus. This man was covered with leprosy. He was full of leprosy. I imagine this man had been sick for decades to be that affected, given that the disease spread slowly. Lepers were banned from normal society, labeled as "unclean", shunned from physical contact and personal interaction, and required to announce their presence by shouting, "Unclean! Unclean!" to clear the way before them. The leper fell on his face before Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean" (v. 12). I can hear the desperate tone of his voice, knowing Jesus was the only One Who could help him. The first thing Jesus did, before He spoke a word, was touch the man. I love that. I love that Jesus saw that man's every need--not just for a physical healing, but also an emotional healing. Jesus then said, "I am willing; be cleansed" (v. 13). The leprosy immediately left the man. He was no longer a leper. He gained a new identity through his faith in Jesus. Sometimes, we, too, need to be desperate for Jesus to touch us and to meet us where we are, just as we are, trusting that He will refuse to leave us the same way. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Luke then writes of the paralytic and his persistent friends. The room in which Jesus was teaching was so crowded that these friends lowered the paralytic on his stretcher through the roof and down right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus forgave the man his sins and healed him, saying "Get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home" (v. 24). The man immediately obeyed and was healed and went home glorifying God! He received a new identity. He was no longer a paralytic. This story reminds me of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda whom Jesus healed in John 5. Jesus asked the man if he even wanted to be healed. Sometimes, God is waiting on us to obey--to pick ourselves up and get moving--rather than embracing our excuses and relying on our limitations. And, sometimes we need friends to step up and help! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The last member of our repurposed ragamuffin band in Luke 5 is a tax collector named Levi (also called Matthew). Tax collectors were not popular people. They had a reputation for taking more money than was due in order to line their own pockets, not to mention working for the detested Roman government! Verse 27 tells us that Jesus went out of the place where he had been teaching and had healed the paralytic, and he noticed Levi. Jesus simply said, "Follow Me," and Levi got up from his tax booth, left everything behind, and followed Jesus. Subsequent verses tell us that Levi hosted a big reception for Jesus in his home. Levi left his tax collector position and became a disciple of Jesus, gaining a new identity, along with continued criticism! Sometimes, we have to not only leave everything behind, but also bravely embrace our new identity, in spite of criticism. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, do you need a new identity? I hope these four examples have encouraged your heart and provided guidance for your journey. Trust that Jesus is willing and able to heal and to restore you. He loves you, just as you are, right where you are, yet He loves you enough not to leave you the same. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-52379463456611989712021-05-12T11:01:00.000-07:002021-05-12T11:01:37.118-07:00Perspective and Peace<p> It's no secret that I am extraordinarily clumsy. In fact, I was voted "Most Likely to Have Freaky Accidents" in my handbell choir. I will say that I've been enjoying a nice, long streak of being accident-free. I broke, literally shattered, that streak yesterday morning. </p><p>I know better than to be anywhere in our house without my glasses and some sort of footwear, but I was in a hurry to finish getting ready for the day. I was in our kitchen and had already made my post-run protein breakfast smoothie. I started making my morning coffee and reached over the smoothie glass to grab the container of collagen powder to add to my coffee cup. Without my glasses on, I misjudged my angle. I knocked over the smoothie glass, and it shattered all over the kitchen tile. Lots of glass. Lots of smoothie. </p><p>I was too afraid to take a single step because I couldn't see well enough to avoid the glass. My field of vision was one, big blurry mess. Fortunately, my husband was in his home office at the time. I called him, and he immediately came to help. God bless him. </p><p>The first words out of his mouth were not words of condemnation, insult, anger, nor shame. He simply said, "How can I help?" I asked him just to get me my glasses and my slippers so that I could see and safely move to begin the cleanup. After he retrieved my glasses and slippers, he stayed to help me gather the glass and mop up the mess. </p><p>As I was mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming the kitchen, I said, "God, I'm sure there's a lesson here for me to learn, other than remembering to wear my glasses and slippers." I heard the Holy Spirit speak to me: "That's just like Jesus." </p><p>When I make a mess of my life, when I am blinded and too afraid to take a single step, He is there. When I call Him, He comes immediately. He doesn't speak words of condemnation, insult, anger, nor shame. He doesn't just give advice and then walk away. He stays beside me, helping me with the cleanup. He clears my vision by offering His perspective, and He protects my feet with His peace and guides me in paths of righteousness. </p><p>Oh, for grace to love Him more. And glasses and slippers.</p><p><br /></p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-68236232945963542502013-02-13T18:19:00.003-08:002013-02-13T18:19:30.978-08:00Fresh Mercies<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been one year since my last blog post. Yikes! I cannot believe how much time has gone by! I began 2012 with the intention of writing posts on a regular basis, aiming for just one a month, lest I be overly ambitious and fail miserably as a result. Turns out, writing more than one for the ENTIRE year was overly ambitious! I had many partially written devotional posts that I never got around to finishing. Or, as is more accurate, posts that I did not deem "perfect" enough for posting. Such is the writing life of a woman who is a control freak, a perfectionist, and a victim of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Please do pray for my husband and 3.5-year-old daughter. Ha, ha. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On this Valentine's Day eve, I had planned on a traditional post related to Jesus, our eternal Valentine, etc. But, something struck a chord on my heartstrings this morning. In addition to my above listed "issues," I am also a Pinterest addict and a coffee addict. This morning on Pinterest, I found a picture featuring a glorious cup of coffee and Lamentations 3:23, which says, "His mercies begin afresh each morning." I had read that verse many times before and had even rejoiced in its truth, yet I had not been able to grasp the meaning in a personal way. Something about the cup of coffee on that print this morning finally brought clarity to the verse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One key to enjoying a fabulous cup of coffee is a fresh brew from quality beans (and, if you're like me, a fresh brew from a French press). There are few things that can gross me out like a cup of stale, nasty, cold coffee. There have been many times in which I have taken a sip of what I thought was a nice, hot, and fresh cup, only to discover that it was old and cold. (I can add easily distracted to my list of "issues"!) Coffee is meant to be enjoyed as freshly made. And guess what, my friends? The same is true of God's mercies. Every morning, God brews up a fresh pot of His amazing mercies for us to savor. We don't have to rely on the preceding day's mercies to get us through what lies ahead. God has new mercies for us every single morning. Isn't that wonderful?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have no idea when my next blog post will be, and I know my high-strung self well enough to know not to make another goal for a specified number of posts! So, in the meantime, I encourage you to join me in raising a cup of gratefulness to our loving Father God for brewing fresh mercies every morning. Oh, how He loves us!</span><br />
<br />Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-25884285028763434032012-02-14T10:41:00.000-08:002012-02-14T13:51:06.121-08:00An Eternal Valentine<span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Valentine's Day, blog friends! As you can see, I took the last year off from blogging. I will post later regarding the previous year's happenings, specifically as relates to the radical challenge for 2011. But, today is a special day and is worthy of a posting all its own! While </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">the origination of this grand day is beautifully recorded for us in the annals of history (and of folklore), we have an even more beautiful recording of both the origination of and meaning of love in the Bible. We have the first and ultimate Valentine: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son..." (John 3:16). And how I thank Him for that!<br /><br />Valentine's Day has always been a favorite holiday of mine, second only to Christmas Day. Even when I was a single gal, long before I met my man or had a first date, I loved Valentine's Day. I have always believed that the love we celebrate on Valentine's Day is not and should not be confined to the love between a man and a woman, although that is a wonderful aspect of today's celebration for many of us. Some of us pay homage to the love of friendship or of family. I have many memories of making special Valentine dinners for my folks to express my love for them when I was still single. And to be honest, there were plenty of dinners during which I was inwardly cringing and crying over spending yet another Valentine's Day without a beau of my own. As a Christian, I knew that Jesus was my Eternal Valentine; but, what I had was head knowledge, not heart knowledge.<br /><br />Although I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was three-years-old and as my LORD when I was 15-years-old, it has not been until now, as a 30-something, that I have accepted Jesus as the Lover of my soul. It has taken this long for the truth of who Jesus is to sink into my heart. He is not just a mighty Warrior, conquering death and the grave. He is not just a gentle Shepherd, laying His life down for mine. Maybe I am the only one or one of a few who has been blinded to this Lover role that Jesus has longed to play in my life. In case you find yourself in need of renewed vision, as I have, consider these Scriptures:<br /><br />"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever would believe in Him would not perish, but would have eternal life" (John 3:16).<br /><br /></span>“ 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness' " (Jer. 31:3).<br /><br />"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zeph. 3:17).<br /><br />"But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him" (Ps. 103:17).<br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />"</span>The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27).<br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span>"For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Ps. 57:10).<br /><br />"See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me" (Is. 49:16).<br /><br />"...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:39).<br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br />Of course, there are many, many other such Scriptures. These are just my favorites! My heart is filled with joy and gratitude to know without doubt that God's love for me is everlasting and that absolutely nothing can separate me from that love. He holds me in His strong, all-powerful yet gentle arms. And that is the best hug I can ever have!<br /><br />If you find yourself in need of a Valentine today, may I suggest Jesus? Perhaps you have never fully given your heart to Him. Or maybe you need to remember your first love and renew your love for Him. Wherever you are in your walk with Jesus on this glorious Valentine's Day, take hold of His hand and commune with Him. He wants to be your Eternal Valentine.<br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-169633995530657192010-12-30T18:46:00.000-08:002010-12-30T20:20:01.073-08:00A Radical Plan for 2011<span style="font-family:georgia;">Well, hello there, blog friends! Long time, no post. I know. That's life with a 19-month-old. I give myself credit for having my priorities in order, though!<br /><br />I have 10 blog posts waiting to be typed out here. I thought about making a New Year's resolution to have at least one blog post every month. Alas, like most of my past New Year's resolutions, my plan would be doomed to failure after March! I actually gave up on making New Year's resolutions a few years ago. I prefer to make gradual, subtle changes (both at the beginning of a year and throughout the year) in order to achieve a goal that I establish at the beginning of a new year. For example, for the past couple of years, I've had the goal of becoming healthier. So, some of my subtle changes have been to switch from white rice to brown rice, from regular pasta to whole wheat pasta, etc.<br /><br />For 2011, after prayer and tears (you'll see the reason for the tears below), I'm taking a more...<span style="font-style: italic;">Radical</span> approach to planning out my year. I'm establishing more...<span style="font-style: italic;">Radical</span> goals for myself. One of my favorite books that I read this year was <span style="font-style: italic;">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</span> by David Platt. I cannot recommend this book enough! </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">As I read <span style="font-style: italic;">Radical</span>, I was reminded over and over of John Piper's works.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> So, if you're a Piper fan, you'll probably love this book, too! Before reading this book, I had been blinded to the Truth of Jesus' command to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19). When Jesus said to "go" and to "make disciples", He wasn't making a suggestion or giving us an option. He <span style="font-style: italic;">commanded</span> us. Because I have Jesus, I owe a debt to the rest of the world. I am obligated to share Jesus with those who have never heard the Gospel, on both a foreign and a domestic basis. God has graciously blessed me with so much, and I do not want to squander what He has entrusted to me. What seems radical to man is normal (and can even be pleasing) to God.<br /><br />After describing how he, his family, and his church body have made radical changes in their lives to spread the knowledge of Christ in the world, Platt ends his book with a challenge to the reader to conduct his/her own year-long radical experiment. He lists five action points: 1. pray for the entire world; 2. read through the entire Word; 3. sacrifice your money for a specific purpose; 4. spend your time in another context; 5. commit your life to a multiplying community. I have committed to conducting my own radical experiment in 2011 because I want more of Jesus in my life and because I want to repay the debt I owe to the rest of the world. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />Platt recommends an organization called Operation World for assistance in praying for the entire world, and they send out daily prayer e-mails. Hey, if it's in my inbox, I'm going to read it/pray it. I'm just that e-mail conscious!<br /><br />Unfortunately, I can't say that about the Word. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">I am ashamed to admit that I have never read through the entire Bible. I've tried, but I never make it past Leviticus! I found a great reading plan that breaks up the Bible into a different category (e.g., Minor Prophets, Major Prophets, History, Gospels) for each day of the week, and I think that will help keep the momentum going. And I am excited to see what God works in and through my life as a result of having more of His Word in my spirit!<br /><br />I don't do much for myself in the area of rewards. I am a frilly, frou-frou kind of a girl, but I don't get my hair done regularly, I don't have acrylic nails, I don't get pedicures. But, there is one treat I give myself. Coffee!!!! Ah, my drug of choice. So smooth, rich, energizing. Yes, I love my coffee, both brewed at home and chosen as a special coffee house treat. Some girls can say that they get up every morning because they just love Jesus that much and can't wait to start their days with Him. As I confessed to a close girlfriend just today, I'm not one of those girls. Don't get me wrong...I love my Jesus. But, coffee is the reason I get up every morning. My daughter is a big reason for why I get up, but I have to walk by the kitchen first because her room is on the opposite end of the house. Most mornings, the first thing I think is, "Dear Lord, if I can just get to my coffee maker in the kitchen." Platt challenged his readers to <span style="font-style: italic;">sacrifice</span> their money for a specific purpose and pointed out that in order for it to be a true sacrifice, it would have to hurt. Um, yeah, the biggest pain in my life would be to give up coffee. FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. Mercy, Lord Jesus. Yes, I have cried. I have cried real tears over this commitment. I know there are dark days ahead as I detox from my smooth, rich, warm drug. The specific purpose for which I have chosen to sacrifice is the building of a water well in an impoverished community. I was stunned to read the statistics of deaths and diseases associated with contaminated water in other areas of the world. It warms my heart, so much more than a cup of freshly brewed coffee ever could, and tears run down my cheeks all over again, to know that mommas will be able to give their babies clean drinking water, in a very small part because I was willing to give up my coffee for a year. FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR. Day by day, I tell myself. Day by day. You can begin praying for my poor husband and daughter now. They will surely need it.<br /><br />As far as spending my time in another context, I started teaching ESL at my church while I was still reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Radical</span>. I will continue participating in that ministry in 2011. Jon and I were also recently asked to teach the K&1st Sunday school class at church two Sundays a month. I really feel like we're in over our heads, so we'll see how long we survive! If God wants me/us to go on another foreign missions trip in 2011, I/we will respond in obedience. But, I must say that local missions opportunities are a lot more feasible with a 19-month-old in my life! Not to mention easier on my heartstrings. Oh, how I love my little bundle of cuteness! She still smells just like a package of Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies. All buttery sweetness.<br /><br />God has placed us in a warm, welcoming church. We have so many opportunities to serve and to impact the world for Jesus. It will be exciting to see what God has planned for Mansfield Bible Church in the coming year.<br /><br />So, that's it. That's my radical plan for 2011. Long-winded, I know, but all my posts are long-winded! I hope you will pick up and read a copy of <span style="font-style: italic;">Radical</span> and prayerfully consider how God would have you to respond. And when you read, sip a cup of coffee. And say a prayer for me. And for Jon and Claire.<br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-88889541600229977322010-07-17T09:01:00.000-07:002010-07-17T11:34:59.953-07:00Refreshment for a Momma's SoulAs a momma of a 14-month-old, there are many days when I could use some refreshment. Please know that I love my baby girl to pieces! Claire is my pride and joy, and I am grateful beyond words to God for entrusting her to us and for the privilege and blessing of being a SAHM. But, as much as I love her, and as grateful as I am, there are days when I wonder if I will be bald from pulling my hair out by the time Jon gets home from work! And after speaking with several women in my community about this issue, I know that I am not alone in needing refreshment from time to time (if not daily!).<br /><br />During just such a trying day not too long ago, our gracious Father led me to read Isaiah 66:13, which says, " 'As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,' says the Lord." I have read this verse many times in the past, but it has taken on a deeper understanding now that I am a mother. Just a few days later, Claire was not feeling well, and I spent a lot of time just holding and rocking her. While I was rocking her, my thoughts went back to the above verse. I began meditating on how a mother comforts her child....tenderly, gently, lovingly, patiently, selflessly, unconditionally. There are times in a young (or in my case, young-ish) momma's life, and at every stage of motherhood for that matter, when we need God to comfort us tenderly and to soothe us. What a blessing to hear Jesus promise to comfort us tenderly just as we do our own children!<br /><br />Isaiah 40:11 tells us that Jesus "gently leads those that have young." I love this verse! I tear up just thinking about it. I am greatly comforted to know that God does not expect me to be a perfect mom (despite the pressure that I put on myself) or to "get it right" every day of Claire's life. He knows that I cannot be an effective mother or the mother that Claire needs in my own power or ability (or sanity!). That is why He promised to gently lead me and all you other mommas out there. I like to think that God ordained for the adverb "gently" to be in this verse because He knew just how frazzled we can become in conducting our momma duties!<br /><br />Here are two more of my favorite verses for being encouraged in motherhood:<br />"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jer. 31:3).<br />"The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:17).<br /><br />Are you having a rough day/week/month/season of motherhood? Do you need Jesus to comfort you tenderly? Do you need Him to lead you gently? Do you need Him to quiet you with His love? Do you need to know that He delights in you and that He is with you? Meditate on these verses and listen for God to speak to you. He longs to be gracious to you, and He rises to show you compassion (Isaiah 30:18).Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-51621232186921055672010-07-17T08:47:00.000-07:002010-07-17T08:54:01.414-07:00Products are available!<span style="font-family: georgia;">This is just a quick post to let you all know that <span style="font-style: italic;">a cup of joy</span> products are available for purchase at Pirate Coffee Company in the heart of historic downtown Mansfield! Pirate Coffee Company is located at 116 N. Main Street. They have delicious coffee drinks (as well as coffee alternatives), and everyone is friendly and personable.<br /><br />I have plans to have my products available at other retail locations, as well as getting my store website finished. But, for now, go to Pirate for a pick-me-up for your body and your soul!<br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-24804287144264212482010-07-17T08:09:00.000-07:002010-07-17T08:46:00.641-07:00One Last Word on Contentment (a.k.a., The Joy of Contentment Part 3)<span style="font-family: georgia;">Crazy as this may sound, I have been working on seven different blog posts, which might explain why I have not been able to get a single one typed out here. Ha, ha. But, in an effort to whittle down the list, here is one last quick word (in two points) on contentment.<br /><br />1. In a recent edition of Parenting magazine (July 2010), a 4-year-old girl was asked whether her pet would rather be a person. The wise child responded, "He is used to being a guinea pig. You are supposed to like what you are and not want to be something else." How interesting that a 4-year-old girl can figure out something with which most adults continue to struggle. If only we could fully, gladly embrace what and how God has created us to be!<br /><br />2. I recently received an e-mail from a popular retail store known for its eclectic, international merchandise. The subject line read, "Gimme, gimme, gimme! I need! I need!" Because I am always thinking of a new blog post idea (hence the seven posts mentioned above), I could not resist viewing the content of the e-mail, you know, to verify the authenticity of the subject line. (I would never think <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> actually needed something from this store. Ha, ha.) The content was just what I expected: the usual presentation of various pillows, scented candles, and decor items. What struck me about the subject line was the blatant marketing strategy. The company was directly feeding thoughts into the readers/customers minds. And don't you know that Satan works the same way? If he cannot tempt you with enticing presentations, planting the seeds of discontent, he will begin feeding you the thoughts outright, much like transplanting grown plants. The primary need for a plant to thrive following transplanting is good soil. Is your mind good soil for those thoughts of discontent? Or are you allowing your mind to be transformed by God's Word (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:26)?<br /><br />So, that's it. Time to cross another topic of the list!<br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-41065301194937470022010-05-17T06:42:00.000-07:002010-05-20T18:26:19.293-07:00The Joy of Contentment--Part 2<span style="font-family:georgia;">At long last, here is Part 2 for "The Joy of Contentment." One of the facets of God that I believe in the most is that He has a sense of humor. And because He is a sovereign God, His sense of humor is timely!<br /><br />During my hiatus from the blog world, which has been over a month now, God has been dealing with me on a different aspect of contentment. And that, my dear friends, is the aspect of state of being. He hasn't dealt with me on this aspect anywhere near as frequently as He has the aspect of material things or my physical appearance (as discussed in Part 1). However, as I said above, He has a marvelously well-timed sense of humor. And though He hasn't dealt with me on being content in my current state as frequently as other aspects of contentment, the teaching sessions have not been less painful.<br /><br />Even if I am not actively writing on this blog, I'm always musing over possible subjects, anecdotes, etc. with which to write a post. So, my mind is always set to "Play" if not "Fast Forward". Okay, it's usually set to "Fast Forward". I've never been known for being a patient person. One thing God has used motherhood to teach me is the practice of appreciating the beauty of a moment. I say "practice" because taking time to smell the proverbial roses is not an action that comes naturally to me. Sometimes God wants to make sure I don't forget how to appreciate those moments and how to be content, as Paul said, in whatever state I am (Phil. 4:11).<br /><br />Just over a month ago, I experienced a very painful neck injury. It was a fairly minor injury, but it was debilitating nonetheless. As a result of this injury, I wasn't able to hold or to take care of my daughter for several days, and I also missed two races. It did not take me long to realize that this setup was a prime learning opportunity if I would allow it to be so. I had the choice to fight the situation, and in the process drastically slow down my recovery, or to relax and to submit to God, choosing to be content even in my albeit short-term debilitated state.<br /><br />In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul writes, "</span>I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. <span style="font-style: italic;">I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation</span>, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:11-13 NIV, emphasis mine). Now granted, I have never faced the same caliber of trials as Paul had: multiple shipwrecks, floggings, abandonment, times of hunger and exposure, etc. But, the secret to which Paul refers to can be learned by anyone, regardless of degree of trials. Philippians 4:5b-7 says, "The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." In these verses, Paul provides us with the prescription for contentment. Because our kind and gracious Lord is near, we do not need to be anxious, fretful or worried. Rather, we should be praying and supplicating (asking God for help) with praise and thanksgiving in every situation.<br /><br />In addition to being impatient, I'm also a chronic worrier. And for me, discontentment and worry often go hand-in-hand. Discontentment is a strong state of mind. But glory be to the most high God that His peace is an even stronger state of mind! His peace is perfect, going beyond our measly human ability to comprehend. When I allow God's peace to settle my mind and spirit, being an umpire for my soul (Col. 3:15 AMP), I feel perfect contentment, regardless of present circumstances. I know that I can trust my loving, faithful Father to provide what is best for me and to work out every situation for my good (Rom. 8:28).<br /><br />If you are in a state of discontentment today, I challenge you to let it all go in prayer, with thanksgiving. And as my beloved Grandpa says, may the peace of God be with you!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-13581768502605560542010-04-04T12:20:00.000-07:002010-04-04T13:28:11.243-07:00Easter Musings<span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Resurrection Sunday! I decided to take a departure from the current series on contentment in favor of some Easter musings. I big puffy heart love me some Dove chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps, but what I love even more is my Savior!<br /><br />Last week, as I was reflecting on the wonder of Christ's sacrifice and everything that means for us who believe, I came across Colossians 2:13-15 which says, "</span>When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Glory and hallelujah!<br /><br />The portion of verse 14 that says "nailing [the written code] to the cross" brought to mind the verses in the Gospels dealing with Jesus' trial and crucifixion, specifically John 19:19-22. Within these verses, we are told that Pilate made a sign which said, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" in the three main languages of that day (Aramaic, Latin, and Greek). That sign, which bore His name, was nailed to Jesus' cross for everyone to read.<br /><br />Here is what struck me about these two passages in Colossians and in John: The written code that accused us and demanded justice for our sins was nailed to the cross of Christ just as a sign bearing His name and His very body were nailed to that cross. Are you with me? It is not just that His body broken and His blood poured out provided for the forgiveness of our sins; it is also that His very name was nailed to that cross. There is power in His very name! "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).<br /><br />On this glorious Easter day, I want to ask you one question: Have you confessed Jesus Christ as Lord, as your own personal Lord and Savior? I wonder about Pilate, who I believe was in a real heart-based quandary regarding whether Jesus really was Who He claimed to be. During His interrogation by Pilate, Jesus said to him, "I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice" (John 18:37). Pilate replied in the next verse, "What is truth?" I wonder what Pilate saw in Jesus' eyes, as Jesus spoke truth to him, even telling Pilate from where Pilate's power came (John 19:11). While Scripture does not say how Pilate ultimately chose to believe, I think it is important to note the exchange in John 19:21-22, just after Pilate had the sign nailed to Jesus' cross. The chief priests wanted the sign to state that Jesus merely claimed to be the King of the Jews, to which Pilate replied, "'What I have written I have written'" (v. 22). We will have to wait until Christ returns for His Bride to find out what happened to Pilate.<br /><br />You may be in Pilate's shoes today, wondering what is truth. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). His very name has the power to save. I encourage you, plead with you, that if you never have given your life to Jesus, to call on His name today. Do not wait another day, hour, or minute to commit yourself to Him. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9-10). I pray with all my heart that you will not spend another day searching in vain for truth. Jesus wants a relationship with you. He wants you to spend time with Him in daily, continuous communion, and not just for a couple hours Sunday mornings.<br /><br />If you have any questions about salvation, please leave a comment, and we will search the Scriptures together for answers. I encourage you to find a good, Bible-based church to help you grow in your faith and in your knowledge of Scripture. And remember that Christ died and rose from the dead so that you can have a new life!Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-45968673296581936292010-03-23T13:17:00.000-07:002010-03-24T10:22:46.595-07:00The Joy of Contentment--Part 1<span style="font-family:georgia;">I tend to write out of the flow of whatever God is dealing with me at the time, and for the sake of being transparent and hopefully touching at least one life, I tend to write with candor.<br /><br />In this case, the issue is contentment, and I will be honest about my tendency to be seduced into pitching my tent in The Land of Discontent. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">For me, The Land of Discontent includes towns such as Greed, Envy, Not Trusting God, and Pride (which is also the capital of this deceptive land). The streets beside which I have pitched my tent include I Hate My Thighs, I Hate My Arms, I'm Tired of that Color, I Want a Bigger Car (sometimes this street sign is misread as I Need a Bigger Car), and one of my long-time favorites, I Wish I Were Like Her.<br /><br />I confess that this is not the first time God has dealt with me regarding a lack of contentment in my life and my dwelling in this particular sin, but it is surely one of the most intense times.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> The Apostle Paul gave me and you plenty to meditate on regarding contentment. And the Holy Spirit never wastes a Scripture or an opportunity to remind us of His Truth! I will be dividing this discussion into two parts for ease of chewing.<br /><br />Prayerfully consider </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">1 Timothy 6:6-8, which says, </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. </span>For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out<span style="font-family:georgia;">. </span>And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.<span style="font-family:georgia;">" </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">The middle portion is easy to comprehend and to accept. But, the first and last portions can be a bit harder to swallow.<br /><br />I have been pondering the first portion: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." In the preceding verses, Paul described certain men who regarded godliness as a means to gain. But, Paul points out the beauty of contentment coupled with godliness. Godliness is not about being "good" in God's eyes so that He can give us more of what we want or what we think we need or deserve; godliness is about being like God, imitating His character according to the grace He provides, and being content with what He, in His perfect sovereignty, sees fit to give us.<br /><br />The last part of this passage, </span>"And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content,<span style="font-family:georgia;">" speaks to the importance of distinguishing true needs from deceitful wants. </span>Granted, our world today is much, much different from the world in which Paul lived, and you may be successful in arguing that even our true needs are different these days due to various societal and familial demands. Electricity and technology have made huge differences. And yet, in some respects, our worlds are the same because human nature is the same. Recall with me that since the beginning of time as we know it, humans have been attracted to things they wanted, but not necessarily needed (Genesis 3).<br /><br />Now, I have to be honest again and tell you that I often struggle with distinguishing my true needs from my deceitful wants. And not just mine, but my daughter's, as well. It is very easy for me to say to my husband (who, I must add, is a wonderfully responsible provider), "But, Jon, Claire needs a new dress for church." (Forget the fact that she already has five dresses that fit perfectly well and that make her look absolutely darling.) And if I am in a particularly challenging (uh, make that deceived) state of mind, I will add, "Don't you want your daughter to look pretty for Jesus at church?" Um, deceived much? Mercy, mercy, mercy. Praise God that He, in His infinite wisdom, gave me a husband who is much better at distinguishing our family's needs from our wants.<br /><br />I think that is enough candor for now. Keep reading for Part 2!<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-81091677877216956052010-03-06T11:42:00.000-08:002010-03-06T14:28:25.075-08:00The Joy of Abiding<span style="font-family:georgia;">Most of us in the church have heard John 15:11 quoted many times. In this verse, Jesus tells His disciples, "These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full." We often focus on the later half of the verse (to have full joy or any joy is a good thing, after all), but we fail to consider what those "things" were to which Jesus referred.<br /><br />In the preceding verses, Jesus explains that He is the true vine, God the Father is the vinedresser, and we (the body of Christ) are the branches. Throughout verses 1-10, He stresses the vital importance of our abiding in Him, of allowing His words to abide in us, and of our abiding in His love. The consequences of our failing to abide are severe: a lack of fruit and a kind of spiritual death. However, the consequences of our obedient abiding are wonderful: Jesus' joy and joy to the full. (Note that Jesus did not say enough joy to get us by; He said a full joy!)<br /><br />Here are some definitions of "abide," courtesy of dictionary.com: "</span>1. to remain; continue; stay<span class="ital-inline"></span> 2. to have one's abode; dwell; reside <span class="ital-inline"></span>3. to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship, etc.; last." Take a moment and chew on that definition as relates to our abiding in Christ. We are to remain in Him, to make our dwelling with Him, to continue in a relationship with Him. We would not expect a relationship with a friend to continue on a good level if we rarely communicated. Should we expect it to be any different in our relationship with Christ?<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">When we fail to abide in Christ, we dry out and whither up, and consequently bear poor fruit, if any at all, and we lack joy. Here is an example: When I get caught up with taking care of my sweet baby girl and my wonderful husband, keeping the house clean, cooking meals, running, and all the other tasks in my day, I can forget God. I don't mean that I forget to have my quiet time. I mean that I forget God. (Just keeping it real.) I forget that He's there inside me, around me. I forget the vital importance of abiding in Him and communing with Him. And when I fail to commune with God, my attitude reflects it. My life begins exhibiting very poor fruit...being short-tempered, frazzled, impatient, unkind, unloving. And I get sad and even depressed. On the other hand, when I remember to speak to God as freely as inhaling and exhaling, then abiding in Him reminds me of His awesome love and mercy. And because I am reminding of His love and mercy toward me, a wretched sinner, I am better able to fulfill Jesus' commands to love others and to show them mercy. And what joy there is in that!<br /><br />So, ask yourself these questions: Am I abiding in Christ and in His love? Am I bearing good fruit for the sake of Christ and for the glory of God? Am I experiencing Jesus' joy to the full? I pray today that you will know the joy of abiding in Christ, of allowing His words to abide in you, and of abiding in His love.<br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-44285525630785584522010-02-16T11:15:00.000-08:002010-02-22T16:51:55.830-08:00Are You Choosing Joy?<span style="font-family:georgia;">In an earlier post, I compared our hearts to teacups. If we so choose, our hearts can be receptacles for the Lord's joy. The key word here is "choose." When James admonished his brothers and sisters in Christ to "consider it pure joy" when they faced trials (1:2), he pointed out that it would require deliberate, purposeful action on their part.<br /><br />In his book <span style="font-style: italic;">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</span>, Francis Chan writes the following:<br /><br />"We tend to think of joy as something that ebbs and flows depending on life's circumstances. But we don't just lose joy, as though one day we have it and the next it's gone, oh darn. Joy is something that we have to choose and then work for. Like the ability to run for an hour, it doesn't come automatically. It needs cultivation.<br /><br />When life gets painful or won't go as we hoped, it's okay if a little of our joy seeps away. The Bible teaches that true joy is formed in the midst of the difficult seasons of life.<br /><br />A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4)."<br /><br />There are countless numbers of people on our planet who are facing major trials right now. But, they are not countless to God. He sees each one of them. And He sees you. There are many people who are facing the ongoing effects of natural disasters: death, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, sickness and disease, just to name a few. In comparison, my trials are minor. Perhaps you can say that your trials are minor in comparison, as well. And maybe you cannot say that. But regardless, Jesus wants to be your joy. He wants you to find strength in His joy (Neh. 8:10). He wants to be your everything, your heart's desire.<br /><br />Choose Jesus today. Choose His joy. And find your strength.<br /><br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-24943038221234447152010-02-02T07:31:00.000-08:002010-02-22T16:54:22.676-08:00Running for the Joy of the Lord<span style="font-family:georgia;">I've always been intrigued by the Apostle Paul's comparing the Christian walk to an athlete preparing for and running a race. I've been running for several years, but now that I'm finally serious about it, I think I have a good grasp on what Paul was talking about.<br /><br />Running requires discipline, sacrifice, purpose, focus, perseverance, and determination. And the Christian walk is much the same. But, I'll save all that for another post. Something else is on my mind this morning, and I think I'll run with it instead. Ha, ha.<br /><br />Every runner has bad days. We don't have as much energy or stamina as we usually do, we become injured, or we finish a race later than we had wanted to finish. I had just such a day two Saturdays ago. I was running with my training group and was struggling to keep pace. I kept falling further and further behind. I battled my negative thoughts the entire time: "Just give up. You're not good enough to run with them. You'll never be fast enough to keep up with their pace." And it didn't stop there. I struggled through every run for the next week. I allowed my poor performance on Saturday to hang over me like a rain cloud for the next six days. By the time the next Saturday came, I didn't want to go meet my training group. I knew I would fail again. I wouldn't be able to keep up with their pace. But, despite my thoughts of quitting, running wouldn't let go of me (as has happened many times in the past). I decided I owed it to myself, and to my precious husband who had paid for my training program, to follow through on my commitment to the program. So, I went. I ended up having one of the best runs of my entire life! It was hard, but is was worth it. I ran at the front of my group, becoming one of the pacesetters for the day. That sense of accomplishment and victory has stayed with me throughout this week. My runs have still been hard, but it's been easier to silence the negative voices in my mind.<br /><br />We've all had bad days spiritually speaking. And some of those days turn into seasons. We lose our temper toward our spouse or kids (or both!), we slack off at work, or we don't feel like going to church or reading our Bibles or praying. We start to believe our negative thoughts: "You're a poor example of Christ. You're not good enough as a witness. You'll never get this Christian walk right." Over time, our believing those negative thoughts can lead us to give up or at least want to give up. But, here's the thrilling part: God won't let go of us! When we are faithless, he is still faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). He has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). Do the elements of God's character mean that we won't have bad days? Of course not. But because of His unending faithfulness and everlasting love, we can keep running the race. And we can run with the intent to win! We can experience victory on a daily basis!<br /><br />Wherever you are with Christ today, whether on a mountain top or in a valley, I want to encourage you to run and to run well. A day will come when all our races will be over. I want to finish strong. I want Jesus to say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matt. 25:21). Now, that's a joy worth the running! And what a finisher's medal we will have to present to our Lord (2 Tim. 4:8)!<br /><br /></span>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6553550720683290836.post-27013481843577189092010-01-29T11:40:00.000-08:002010-02-22T16:55:38.566-08:00God's Timing Is Always Perfect<span style="font-family:georgia;">This blog is part of a business 5 years in the making...and dreaming and planning. But, God's timing is always perfect! Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." In other words, the right word given at just the right time is a thing of beauty. And so, I am humbled and honored to share with you the business God gave me, which we named <span style="font-weight: bold;">a cup of joy</span>.<br /><br /></span>The mission of <strong style="font-weight: bold;">a cup of joy</strong> is to provide Christian inspirational products and devotionals that encourage and bring joy to women of all ages. <span style="font-family:georgia;">Right now, <span style="font-weight: bold;">a cup of joy</span> includes this blog, a website (www.acupfjoy.com--which is currently being developed, so stay tuned!), and various </span>paper products featuring my poetry. All of my poems are based on Scripture and are covered in prayer.<br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />My hope and prayer for this blog is the same as it is for my business: that you will be encouraged and reminded that God wants you to live this life full of His joy!</span> When we face trials of various kinds, it can be difficult to "consider it joy" (James 1:2). But, we can ask the Holy Spirit to be as a tea pot in filling the tea cups of our hearts to overflowing (John 15:11; Psalm 23:5) with the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).<br /><p></p> <p></p> <p>May God use this blog to glorify Him, to encourage you, and to fill your heart and life with His limitless joy!</p>Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04901815986823278250noreply@blogger.com1