I am choosing joy. I am choosing to believe in the faithfulness and goodness of my God.
When I get to thinking that I have had more than my fair share of "bad" things happen - I have to stop myself. The Lord chose to save my daughter from death when I didn't even know she was at risk of dying. The Lord makes sure that my son gets "caught" almost every time so that I can try and counsel him toward a different path.
God blesses us each and every day!! Honestly I don't have to look very hard for it either. Whether it's a friend stopping by, someone calling to offer to grocery shop, the amazing sunsets we are spoiled to have here over the lake, "coincidences" happening so that Don & I can be on the same page before we need to parent together...or my mom just this very second sending me an email telling me they are coming to get me and go to DQ. NO JOKE - as I was typing this an email popped up. That might mean nothing to you, but to go for a drive with my parents to see the sunset with a mocha chip blizzard - oh the joy!!
Okay guess I have to wrap this up since they'll be here any second. Just want to encourage you to keep your eyes open to the blessings all around you. Do not let satan trip you up and distract you from what the Lord is up to in your life. (I am talking to myself here)
Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. (Isaiah 50:7) I pray the LORD finds me with my face set right up against His, pressing on...finding the joy like these two kids of mine!! Life isn't what they want it, they wonder why they can't catch a break...but they are still "living life"...
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26 comments:
Choosing Joy right along with you Sheryl. So blessed to call you my friend.
Love, Linda
Oh girl! You are choosing gratitude which brings joy! Good for you! Through the sacrifice (sometimes) of thankfulness joy comes. Hugging you tight...with joy!
Lila
I so needed this today; thanks for the wonderful words.
Nancy in NC
Thanks for that encouragment right in the middle of your circumstances.
I would be pretty joyful if I was going to DQ... with my sisters though. My Mom passed away... and my Dad has a new wife... and ever since... he has forgotten who his daughters are.
ToOdLeS.
That is so true. Awesome encouraging words tonight. Love the pictures too. That girl can jump!
You just blessed my day and I want to thank you. Actually, you are teaching me many valuable lessons by your honesty and openess on your blog. Hope you enjoyed the DQ visit.
Your words: "Do not let satan trip you up and distract you from what the Lord is up to in your life." struck a chord in my soul.
Thanks for this encouraging word.
Love the pictures and the inspiring words.
I have never heard that verse before! Thanks for sharing it. What a great perspective too. I think it's so important to look at what we DO have and what we are blessed with. So much easier to give thanks when your heart is grateful.
Blessings, and have a wonderful weekend.
Love you Sherly!
KB
Count it all joy...a trip to DQ will do that to a person. No really, I love your decision to choose Joy. That's big!!
Providencial words!! We have to keep choosing joy each and every day, sometimes multiple times a day!
set like flint to find joy! LOVE it! hope you enjoyed the ice cream!
Sheryl,
I never did see the movie yet. In my experience though the book is always better than the movie. However, since I am a lover of movies and I am not easily disappointed, its a good excuse for a girl night.
I gave my copy to my sister and when she finishes it... we will go see the movie.
ToOdLeS.
"I pray the LORD finds me with my face set right up against His, pressing on...finding the joy..."
Sheryl, I loved how you worded this! May we all press in closer to God and find the Joy He has for us.
This was absolutely beautiful! It is so true to not forget about the small blessings and coincidences (which are always God:). Thank you for sharing! I hope you enjoyed your DQ!
Hi Sheryl, I have enjoyed finding your blog, and look forward to getting to know another on-line sister. Blessings to you, my new friend.
Janet Ruth
Sorry, me again. Thanks for letting me know about the comment problem on my site. I think it is fixed now.
I like your outlook in this post. I haven't had the chance to read more. I will be praying for you and yours. God bless.
Amen, Sheryl! Praise God for drawing us near in times of difficulty and opening our eyes to His wonder, love and wisdom. Thanks for your transparency.
I smiled at your comment, Sheryl... but I'm happy to tell you we are more than friends. We are sisters!
Blessings and blue skies,
Roxanne
I'm astounded at how much grace God continues to pour out. It's there, if we should choose to see it, no matter what.
LOVE the pictures.
You are a stong woman!
Your outlook on life and your heart for God and His Kingdom ways always ministers to me when I come here and read your posts! Thanks so much Sheryl for sharing your life with us!
Sheryl, what a beautiful heart and resilient spirit you have! I am touched and inspired by your words. Thank you so much for sharing them with us. Praying for you right now...
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
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