Friday, April 30, 2010
Well I'm at the flannagans and unpacked all my supplies and resting on the balcony with the team. Its hot...think texas in june with no ac, no hot water, and running water questionable...but we can take a bucket bath! Got through custome easy although there suddenly were 2 theodores fighting over my bags. Cost me a few dollars to settle the dispute but no worries. The devastation is unreal...but has been cleaned up a lot. I haven't taken pics yet...just soaking it in. I've been to some very poor nations and this is the worst. There are 4 locals living in the house..all missing limbs, legs broken, like a hospital. We are getting a plan together for the week and soaking it all in. People are sweet but have a look of sadness and fear. Everyones on crutches. My heart goes out to them...
In miami, everything has gone super smooth since the over sleeping. There was a mix up on the plane seats and I ended up sitting and talking to a guy who could have been my bro-in-law, shannon's, brother! He wasn't supposed to sit by me but just stayed after it all got worked out. Him and his buddies were headed to bahamas fishing. He saw my Bible and started talking, asking me about my mission trip, etc. We talked for the entire flight and he started asking me a lot of religious questions after awhile and turns out he has fallen away from his catholic faith. I was able to witness to him...and yes, I cried, but it was a special time. He hugged me when I deplaned and I hope I gave ray and his wife something to think about as he is feeling the conviction to get his family in church. I just see God's hand everywhere. I feel God's presence and I know I'm covered in prayer!
Well the first excitement of the trip...I woke up when I was supposed to be leaving!!! Let's just say there was some excitement getting off and yes I can get ready in 10 minutes! So much for the last nice shower...delene and I have already prayed that traffic will part like the red sea. The first snafu of the trip as I knew would come...many more I'm sure but just praying the Lord works them all for His good!
Monday, April 26, 2010
You Want Me To Do WHAT?
Is it just me, or has God ever asked you to do something so absurd, that you literally laughed out loud??? I'm sorry, but anyone who says God doesn't have a sense of humor, has not been walking with Him very long!
I had one of those moments about six weeks ago, while driving down the road in my car (yes, I do a lot of talking to God in my car for those of you passing me by staring). There was no doubt this command was from Him, because I would have NEVER come up with this one in a million years. In fact, after it was just blurted out into my mind, I literally said "NO WAY" and then laughed. For the first time, I think I know how Sara felt when God told her she was going to bear a child after being barren for 90 years or so...and she laughed. However, God emphatically said, "You will do this, but this time is not right now". Ummm, okay God, get back to me when the time is right because really and truly, I don't want to do it anyway (what He asked really isn't the point here and no, I'm not going to tell you all!).
Even though this was something really against my own will, I did still pray about it every day for six weeks so I didn't forget. But, I have to admit, I was more than a little relieved that so far, God hadn't called me up and asked me to actually do it. WHEW!
But, as only God will do in His infinite timing and wisdom...the day came. I was sitting in my chair, doing my morning Bible study and I was reading in Romans. I had actually just read the following that jumped off the page at me:
Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
And then...the presence of God "happened"...all I could hear was Him saying, today's the day to do what I commanded you. I was pretty startled...like huh??? Really? Today God? And then I did what probably most of you do, too...I started trying to weasle out of it! And over and over I just kept hearing, nope, today...do it...today...the time is now. And of course, I do what I always do when I feel the presence of God, I started crying! It was very hard to even finish my Bible study because of His LOUD VOICE in my head...OKAY ALREADY!!! And just having read about being persistent and obedient, did I really have any other choice? Sure I did but I am no dummy!
This "thing" I was commanded to do...if I told you what it was, you would probably say, what's the big deal? Out of all the things that God has asked me to do in the past six months, it should have been a cake walk. But for some reason, for me, it was extremely difficult (and don't you know that God knew that, too). Probably because it meant swallowing some pride and being needy. It took a lot of prayer to get me through it...and afterwards, I was literally sweating and I am not even joking. That is how much against my own flesh and my own will it was...but I did it and the burden lifted and God just said, "well done".
Now, I wish I could tell you that after I did this "thing", that the heavens opened up and a ray of light came down upon me or something really juicy and spiritual happened. I'm here to report that didn't happen. In fact, quite the opposite...some hardships and pain came my way after the fact that really made me question why God ever had me to do this? It definitely didn't get clearer but got more confusing afterwards. One day I may be able to look back and go, "Ohhhh...now I get it!"...or maybe I won't!
But, what I'm learning is that some times, we aren't supposed to get it. God's own word even says His ways are definitely not our ways. Yeah, I'm agreeing with you on that one God! However, do we really want to serve a God that we could outsmart and understand? I don't think so. I think in this particular instance, that God was possibly testing me...would I be obedient? Was I listening? Would I lay my own fleshly desires down and walk in the spirit, even if times got rough? And what I may never know is what seeds were planted when I followed His call and directions. I hope I see the harvest but there is a good chance I won't.
In these times, I just have to trust in God because He sees the bigger picture. Man, when I get to heaven, I'm going to have a list of questions to ask...course by then, I doubt I will even care!
In persistence and obedience,
Joy
I had one of those moments about six weeks ago, while driving down the road in my car (yes, I do a lot of talking to God in my car for those of you passing me by staring). There was no doubt this command was from Him, because I would have NEVER come up with this one in a million years. In fact, after it was just blurted out into my mind, I literally said "NO WAY" and then laughed. For the first time, I think I know how Sara felt when God told her she was going to bear a child after being barren for 90 years or so...and she laughed. However, God emphatically said, "You will do this, but this time is not right now". Ummm, okay God, get back to me when the time is right because really and truly, I don't want to do it anyway (what He asked really isn't the point here and no, I'm not going to tell you all!).
Even though this was something really against my own will, I did still pray about it every day for six weeks so I didn't forget. But, I have to admit, I was more than a little relieved that so far, God hadn't called me up and asked me to actually do it. WHEW!
But, as only God will do in His infinite timing and wisdom...the day came. I was sitting in my chair, doing my morning Bible study and I was reading in Romans. I had actually just read the following that jumped off the page at me:
Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
Romans 2:13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
And then...the presence of God "happened"...all I could hear was Him saying, today's the day to do what I commanded you. I was pretty startled...like huh??? Really? Today God? And then I did what probably most of you do, too...I started trying to weasle out of it! And over and over I just kept hearing, nope, today...do it...today...the time is now. And of course, I do what I always do when I feel the presence of God, I started crying! It was very hard to even finish my Bible study because of His LOUD VOICE in my head...OKAY ALREADY!!! And just having read about being persistent and obedient, did I really have any other choice? Sure I did but I am no dummy!
This "thing" I was commanded to do...if I told you what it was, you would probably say, what's the big deal? Out of all the things that God has asked me to do in the past six months, it should have been a cake walk. But for some reason, for me, it was extremely difficult (and don't you know that God knew that, too). Probably because it meant swallowing some pride and being needy. It took a lot of prayer to get me through it...and afterwards, I was literally sweating and I am not even joking. That is how much against my own flesh and my own will it was...but I did it and the burden lifted and God just said, "well done".
Now, I wish I could tell you that after I did this "thing", that the heavens opened up and a ray of light came down upon me or something really juicy and spiritual happened. I'm here to report that didn't happen. In fact, quite the opposite...some hardships and pain came my way after the fact that really made me question why God ever had me to do this? It definitely didn't get clearer but got more confusing afterwards. One day I may be able to look back and go, "Ohhhh...now I get it!"...or maybe I won't!
But, what I'm learning is that some times, we aren't supposed to get it. God's own word even says His ways are definitely not our ways. Yeah, I'm agreeing with you on that one God! However, do we really want to serve a God that we could outsmart and understand? I don't think so. I think in this particular instance, that God was possibly testing me...would I be obedient? Was I listening? Would I lay my own fleshly desires down and walk in the spirit, even if times got rough? And what I may never know is what seeds were planted when I followed His call and directions. I hope I see the harvest but there is a good chance I won't.
In these times, I just have to trust in God because He sees the bigger picture. Man, when I get to heaven, I'm going to have a list of questions to ask...course by then, I doubt I will even care!
In persistence and obedience,
Joy
Friday, April 23, 2010
Kamp KVH Open House Pics!
Katy Holland, one of our FAVORITE KVH clients/family, won one of our door prizes. Woohoo Katy! We can't wait to take care of Kosmo and Chico's hotel reservations while you go for a spa weekend or something relaxing and get away one weekend! Be thinking on it!
Jeremy, from Novartis Animal Health, manned the grill all night and cooked up a lot of hot dogs! I think he is pretty brave waving food in front of Jake's face! Thanks to Jeremy for the help and volunteering...maybe we will keep you around after all!
Aimee Smith, Candice Smith (no relation!), Sara Blankenship...fearless Team KVH! Great job girls...you guys rock! Don't they look like they are having fun?
Jennifer, my practice manager, and I about to cut the cake...wasn't it cute? Loved the dog picture--great job Brookshire's! I have to admit, I cut all around the face until the very end. I just couldn't cut into that cute picture!!! And kudos to Jen...minus a balloon snafu, the night went off perfect and I give her all the credit...this was her baby!
Dr. Joy with Brittany Alambar in the carousel jump house...that was fun! The kids liked it when Jennifer and I jumped because "we made them go high"...what does that say about us??? Let me just say...I haven't jumped in a jump house in awhile. Guys, that is a work out! I need one in my backyard for a work out routine! The jump house was a huge hit with the kiddos and kept them busy. I think the kids in Krum slept well last night!
Thanks to everyone who came out and had fun with us. We need to celebrate more often! The night was too much fun and a success, but this girl is tired today. Must have been all that jumping in the bounce house!!! We were so thankful that the rain held off until late last night though. God heard our prayers to keep it dry, at least in Krum, so hallelujah!
Have a blessed weekend and enjoy the sunshine!
Joy
Kamp KVH Open House...Success!
Last night, we held an open house for our new boarding facility, Kamp KVH. It was a total success...thanks Jennifer for all your hard work and even though the dancing elephants didn't get here, the rest was great! Just giving her a hard time...
As I drove home last night, at dark-thirty, tired but oh so happy, I was just reminded that we truly have the best clients in the world! I am so blessed to have an extended family through my job...who can say that? God is so good to me and has just blessed me and this business every step of the way!!! So thanks to each and every one of you for adding richness to my life by your friendships. And to my staff...once again, you all work so hard and have such great attitudes...what can I say other than YOU GUYS ROCK! GO TEAM KVH!
I'm so glad I got to have extended chats with several of you (you know who you are!)...thanks for encouraging me, supporting me and always being in my corner. And more than that...believing in God's awesome power in all of our lives.
I will post pictures as I we get them downloaded...I think there are a few of me in the bounce house that I may be bribed with in the future! Now how many vets are as cool as me? None that I know of!!!
Thanks again for the continued support of my business and for being so loyal to me. If I heard it once, I heard it MANY times last night..."you saved my dog"! That makes me feel like we are making a difference so thank you for your kindness and encouragement.
My cup overflows,
JOY
As I drove home last night, at dark-thirty, tired but oh so happy, I was just reminded that we truly have the best clients in the world! I am so blessed to have an extended family through my job...who can say that? God is so good to me and has just blessed me and this business every step of the way!!! So thanks to each and every one of you for adding richness to my life by your friendships. And to my staff...once again, you all work so hard and have such great attitudes...what can I say other than YOU GUYS ROCK! GO TEAM KVH!
I'm so glad I got to have extended chats with several of you (you know who you are!)...thanks for encouraging me, supporting me and always being in my corner. And more than that...believing in God's awesome power in all of our lives.
I will post pictures as I we get them downloaded...I think there are a few of me in the bounce house that I may be bribed with in the future! Now how many vets are as cool as me? None that I know of!!!
Thanks again for the continued support of my business and for being so loyal to me. If I heard it once, I heard it MANY times last night..."you saved my dog"! That makes me feel like we are making a difference so thank you for your kindness and encouragement.
My cup overflows,
JOY
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thorn in My Side
As I have shared, I'm headed to Haiti in 10 days (note to self, I must start packing!)...I have asked for prayer and support and I think I even said that I know I will come under attack because I am trying to do something for the Kingdom and I expect that. First off, let me just say I am BRILLIANT because that was a moment of foreshadowing. Just kidding...I just know what God's word promises us. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-3) Remember my comment about a dog not barking at a parked car? Well, let me just say, this week, I have a pit bull barking and chasing me, frothing at the mouth, so I must really be moving and a threat to the enemy!
Let me just tell you a few things that have happened in the past few days...as a background, we are one employee short at my office because our beloved Trisha had her baby last week and is out for a while on maternity leave of course. Even though the baby was 6 weeks early and it was a suprise, we were ready for it and we are all just relieved that baby Harmon and Trish are doing great! Soooo, yesterday, I had an employee out of the blue just not show up for work and then quit today--no notice--all through a text message no less. For reals??? When I got that text this morning, honestly, I started laughing! I just said, outloud, "Good try but not today devil!" Now, as a side note, if this had happened 6+ months ago, I probably would have thrown my phone across the room, stormed around the house, gone on a rant, got my blood pressure up and boiling, and just would have been good and mad. But my anger issues and how that was a stronghold in my life is a blog for another day. Today, however, I recognized it as an attack and just a nuisance and another pain in my side. Remember Paul?
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong.
Preach it Paul!!! On top of the employee situation, we also are having an open house for our kennel this Thursday. It is calling for rain on Thursday now...did I mention that most of everything we have planned is to be outside??? Oh, and did I mention that when I woke up this morning, before I got the "I quit" text, that my dog had thrown up all over the house over night and was sick? And, did I mention that I started having a tooth ache on Sunday but have no time to have it looked at before my Haiti trip? I'm not saying these nuisances are equal to the "thorn in Paul's flesh" but they are just a pain in my rear!
I'm just turning all of this "stuff" over to the Lord and He will work it out. No point in losing sleep over it. He's got a plan and I guarantee you, it's a good one! I'm just following Him and casting all my cares and troubles upon Him. He can carry it. I know I'm on to something good or I wouldn't be getting chased! So, instead of being worried, I am EXCITED! You know, I'm not supposed to understand all the "why's" of this life...I'm just supposed to trust God with the details!
Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Thorn in my side but not in my heart!
JOY
Let me just tell you a few things that have happened in the past few days...as a background, we are one employee short at my office because our beloved Trisha had her baby last week and is out for a while on maternity leave of course. Even though the baby was 6 weeks early and it was a suprise, we were ready for it and we are all just relieved that baby Harmon and Trish are doing great! Soooo, yesterday, I had an employee out of the blue just not show up for work and then quit today--no notice--all through a text message no less. For reals??? When I got that text this morning, honestly, I started laughing! I just said, outloud, "Good try but not today devil!" Now, as a side note, if this had happened 6+ months ago, I probably would have thrown my phone across the room, stormed around the house, gone on a rant, got my blood pressure up and boiling, and just would have been good and mad. But my anger issues and how that was a stronghold in my life is a blog for another day. Today, however, I recognized it as an attack and just a nuisance and another pain in my side. Remember Paul?
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong.
Preach it Paul!!! On top of the employee situation, we also are having an open house for our kennel this Thursday. It is calling for rain on Thursday now...did I mention that most of everything we have planned is to be outside??? Oh, and did I mention that when I woke up this morning, before I got the "I quit" text, that my dog had thrown up all over the house over night and was sick? And, did I mention that I started having a tooth ache on Sunday but have no time to have it looked at before my Haiti trip? I'm not saying these nuisances are equal to the "thorn in Paul's flesh" but they are just a pain in my rear!
I'm just turning all of this "stuff" over to the Lord and He will work it out. No point in losing sleep over it. He's got a plan and I guarantee you, it's a good one! I'm just following Him and casting all my cares and troubles upon Him. He can carry it. I know I'm on to something good or I wouldn't be getting chased! So, instead of being worried, I am EXCITED! You know, I'm not supposed to understand all the "why's" of this life...I'm just supposed to trust God with the details!
Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?
Thorn in my side but not in my heart!
JOY
Shooting Stars
Does anyone remember that song "Signs, Signs, Everywhere there are signs"? For some reason that is stuck in my head today as I type this blog!
Two weeks ago, I had gone to a women's conference called "Storm Shelter"...man, was it ever powerful! It was all about how to survive and thrive in the storms of this life, because let's face it...we all are going to have storms. These women had been able to turn horrible situations into powerful messages for the Kingdom by submitting to God's will for their lives and God had just worked it all for good! After I got home, I just had a lot on my mind and was doing a lot of self-reflection. I really was at a cross road....what do I pray for now? I really was at a loss of even the direction of my prayers at this specific point.
It was one of those nights where you could see every star in the sky, and it was a peaceful, perfect spring Texas night outside (remind me of this night in about a month when all I want to do is be in the a/c!). I went out and sat on my porch in my rocking chair and just started talking to God about where does He want me to go next in my journey. Often times, I do a lot of talking TO God, but sometimes I am not the best at talking WITH God and listening for His voice. Am I the only one that does this??? It was just a special time where I sat there, cried, and just let it all out and laid it all at God's feet. As I sat and looked up at the beautiful, clear night, I realized that if God strategically placed every star in the sky, why would I ever think that He was not in control of my life? He knew way before I was even born how my situation would go and exactly how it will end. That gave me great comfort. I just sat there and asked Him, "Am I going about this situation right? Is this what you want me to be doing? Because God, it's hard!" Because, in reality, God had directed me early on in the course of events to stand for my marriage (that's a story for another day) but I hadn't really asked and LISTENED in awhile if this is STILL where He wanted me to be. No sooner did these words leave my mouth, exactly where I was looking in the sky, a shooting star dashed across the sky. I just started sobbing...it was a sign for me and I just felt the presence of the Lord. Did any of you see that falling star that night on April 10th? Probably not. I just heard God's quiet voice speaking over me to stay the course, this is what He has called me to do and that shooting star was a sign from Him regarding my covenant to Him and my husband and my marriage. Now THAT was a popcorn moment for sure! I just got down on my knees, and humbled myself before God and thanked Him for all He has done for me and that He cares about me and my situation enough to speak to me in that way. He holds the entire universe in the palm of His hand, yet He still has time for every little detail of my life and my problems. He reveals His plan to me and what to do next slowly, but surely, but only when I am ready for it. He knows what the next step will be and how it will all turn out...
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Pressing On,
Joy
Two weeks ago, I had gone to a women's conference called "Storm Shelter"...man, was it ever powerful! It was all about how to survive and thrive in the storms of this life, because let's face it...we all are going to have storms. These women had been able to turn horrible situations into powerful messages for the Kingdom by submitting to God's will for their lives and God had just worked it all for good! After I got home, I just had a lot on my mind and was doing a lot of self-reflection. I really was at a cross road....what do I pray for now? I really was at a loss of even the direction of my prayers at this specific point.
It was one of those nights where you could see every star in the sky, and it was a peaceful, perfect spring Texas night outside (remind me of this night in about a month when all I want to do is be in the a/c!). I went out and sat on my porch in my rocking chair and just started talking to God about where does He want me to go next in my journey. Often times, I do a lot of talking TO God, but sometimes I am not the best at talking WITH God and listening for His voice. Am I the only one that does this??? It was just a special time where I sat there, cried, and just let it all out and laid it all at God's feet. As I sat and looked up at the beautiful, clear night, I realized that if God strategically placed every star in the sky, why would I ever think that He was not in control of my life? He knew way before I was even born how my situation would go and exactly how it will end. That gave me great comfort. I just sat there and asked Him, "Am I going about this situation right? Is this what you want me to be doing? Because God, it's hard!" Because, in reality, God had directed me early on in the course of events to stand for my marriage (that's a story for another day) but I hadn't really asked and LISTENED in awhile if this is STILL where He wanted me to be. No sooner did these words leave my mouth, exactly where I was looking in the sky, a shooting star dashed across the sky. I just started sobbing...it was a sign for me and I just felt the presence of the Lord. Did any of you see that falling star that night on April 10th? Probably not. I just heard God's quiet voice speaking over me to stay the course, this is what He has called me to do and that shooting star was a sign from Him regarding my covenant to Him and my husband and my marriage. Now THAT was a popcorn moment for sure! I just got down on my knees, and humbled myself before God and thanked Him for all He has done for me and that He cares about me and my situation enough to speak to me in that way. He holds the entire universe in the palm of His hand, yet He still has time for every little detail of my life and my problems. He reveals His plan to me and what to do next slowly, but surely, but only when I am ready for it. He knows what the next step will be and how it will all turn out...
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Pressing On,
Joy
Negative Two
For those that don't know, I'm a big sports fan (well football and basketball) and I am blessed to be in an area where I get to see a lot of games LIVE. I went to the Mavs vs Spurs Game last night (and the Mavs won Game 1 by the way...Go Dirk!) and just had a ball with my friend, Ashley. Being there, in the arena, just takes me back to my high school basketball days and brings up a funny, but embarrassing memory that I will share with you all. I got to play on our Varsity team when I was a freshman at Lindale High. That was a big deal...but I wasn't a big deal by any means! One game, I was warming the bench (I was good at that) and after the half, we must have been up a billion points or something and I got to go in to the game. With my usual vigor and all-or-nothing attitude, I was ready to play. I got the ball at the inbounds by a second miracle and I took off, as fast as my legs would carry me to the hoop (aka not very fast). In hindsight, I remember thinking, why am I all alone? I could even hear some shouts behind me but I was so focused on that goal and my path, that I ignored everything but that goal and blocked it all out. I was on a mission...I went up and shot the layup and by another miracle, I scored 2 points. Sweet! Then, I turn around and see everyone staring at me dumbfounded, mouths hanging open...turns out, I forgot that we had switched baskets at the half (as you do EVERY GAME) and I scored 2 points FOR THE OTHER TEAM!!! Horrors!!! Let me tell you, for the rest of my high school days, even after I didn't play basketball anymore, I was known as "Negative Two". Has anyone ever done that but me??? I'm glad I can laugh about it now but it was pretty mortifying for a 15 year old girl!
The reason I bring this up is that I started thinking...isn't that what I've done in my life in the past unknowingly? I've been so focused on what "I can do and accomplish" on my own, out of my flesh, that I have just flat out ignored the voice of God, and have rushed ahead without heeding His will for my life. I have had the tunnel vision where I think that I know the path and nothing is going to stop me. Just like the "negative 2" experience, I'm running ahead, all alone with God shouting behind me "Wait for me"...and I just don't. And you know what? At times, if I'm honest, that path was pretty easy. Life was pretty darn good. I was no threat to the enemy, so he just let me go and didn't try to get in my way. Why would he? Our pastor has a saying that "dogs don't bark at parked cars"...if we aren't doing anything to win people over into the Kingdom and live and testify in the spirit, then satan stays out of our way for the most part. But, the second we submit our will to God's will, we start to move forward with Him, and we are walking with God and boy, does the enemy start to chase us and get in our way and life can get pretty messy. Just imagine a mangy mutt, nipping at your heels, and frothing at the mouth as you dance around!!! God's word promises us that by walking with Him, we will always have struggles and I assure you, there will be pain. But through our pain and sufferings, there will be growth, refining of our character, and God will use these experiences and pain for His Kingdom's good and there will be beauty from ashes. He will use our life experiences to help others in their struggles on their journey...and that is redemption at its finest (cindy beall).
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
2 Corinthians 1:4-6 ...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer
I quote the first verse not to cause fear that the enemy is prowling around looking to destroy us...but to cause awareness and to expose him and his bag of tricks. We live in a fallen world. Stuff happens. We have to deal with it. God will allow us to be tempted, but He always gives us a way out. Always. He will never give us more than we can handle and He knows what that looks like for each of us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Some days, when life just looks hopeless, I have to remind myself that the ultimate victory is ours! We fight FOR VICTORY FROM VICTORY! Not today, devil, not today...!
I have chosen in my life to quit living the "Negative 2" experience, but instead be on fire for God and tap in to the Kingdom power that is available to each of us, right here and now on Earth. I am tired of Christians having the "hang on till heaven" mentality. Hey, I can say that because I was one of them in the past. Toeing the line is not rewarding and not something God is proud of, nor are you honoring God. Jesus calls us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:22-24). Notice that if we seek HIM first, everything else will fall into place. Sound to good to be true? Try it and see what happens! Get ready for God to bless your socks off! Join me in running WITH GOD, towards the RIGHT GOALS in life and heck, let's be ambitious and drain a three-pointer...nothing but net!
Blessed be HIS NAME!
JOY
DISCLAIMER! In my writings, you will notice, I borrow quotes from a lot of sources and I promise if I can remember who said the precious pearl of wisdom, that I will always give them credit where credit is due! However, sometimes I forget who spoke something to me...so I apologize in advance that if I steal a word/phrase from you, I don't intend to be a thief! Take it as a compliment that you made an impression on me and now I am paying it forward to others!
The reason I bring this up is that I started thinking...isn't that what I've done in my life in the past unknowingly? I've been so focused on what "I can do and accomplish" on my own, out of my flesh, that I have just flat out ignored the voice of God, and have rushed ahead without heeding His will for my life. I have had the tunnel vision where I think that I know the path and nothing is going to stop me. Just like the "negative 2" experience, I'm running ahead, all alone with God shouting behind me "Wait for me"...and I just don't. And you know what? At times, if I'm honest, that path was pretty easy. Life was pretty darn good. I was no threat to the enemy, so he just let me go and didn't try to get in my way. Why would he? Our pastor has a saying that "dogs don't bark at parked cars"...if we aren't doing anything to win people over into the Kingdom and live and testify in the spirit, then satan stays out of our way for the most part. But, the second we submit our will to God's will, we start to move forward with Him, and we are walking with God and boy, does the enemy start to chase us and get in our way and life can get pretty messy. Just imagine a mangy mutt, nipping at your heels, and frothing at the mouth as you dance around!!! God's word promises us that by walking with Him, we will always have struggles and I assure you, there will be pain. But through our pain and sufferings, there will be growth, refining of our character, and God will use these experiences and pain for His Kingdom's good and there will be beauty from ashes. He will use our life experiences to help others in their struggles on their journey...and that is redemption at its finest (cindy beall).
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Romans 8:16-18 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
2 Corinthians 1:4-6 ...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer
I quote the first verse not to cause fear that the enemy is prowling around looking to destroy us...but to cause awareness and to expose him and his bag of tricks. We live in a fallen world. Stuff happens. We have to deal with it. God will allow us to be tempted, but He always gives us a way out. Always. He will never give us more than we can handle and He knows what that looks like for each of us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Some days, when life just looks hopeless, I have to remind myself that the ultimate victory is ours! We fight FOR VICTORY FROM VICTORY! Not today, devil, not today...!
I have chosen in my life to quit living the "Negative 2" experience, but instead be on fire for God and tap in to the Kingdom power that is available to each of us, right here and now on Earth. I am tired of Christians having the "hang on till heaven" mentality. Hey, I can say that because I was one of them in the past. Toeing the line is not rewarding and not something God is proud of, nor are you honoring God. Jesus calls us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:22-24). Notice that if we seek HIM first, everything else will fall into place. Sound to good to be true? Try it and see what happens! Get ready for God to bless your socks off! Join me in running WITH GOD, towards the RIGHT GOALS in life and heck, let's be ambitious and drain a three-pointer...nothing but net!
Blessed be HIS NAME!
JOY
DISCLAIMER! In my writings, you will notice, I borrow quotes from a lot of sources and I promise if I can remember who said the precious pearl of wisdom, that I will always give them credit where credit is due! However, sometimes I forget who spoke something to me...so I apologize in advance that if I steal a word/phrase from you, I don't intend to be a thief! Take it as a compliment that you made an impression on me and now I am paying it forward to others!
Haiti Mission Trip
I have alluded to my upcoming mission trip to Haiti in earlier blogs and have gotten some questions regarding the trip. The reason I am going...well that was a popcorn moment for sure so I guess I better share!
I have wanted to go on a mission trip through Christian Vet Missions for about as long as I have been a vet (8 years). Even went as far as filling out an application with them and going through the process TWO YEARS AGO. But did I get off my rear and go anywhere? Nah. However, in my defense, I must admit I felt a bit selfish leaving my husband behind while I traipsed off into the wild blue yonder and left him at home alone. We worked so hard and had so little free time, that I always felt we should spend our free time and vacay time together. We have had some wonderful trips and both love to travel and I have some precious memories of our time together that I will always cherish and don't regret for a moment. Some of you know, others don't, but I am currently going through a very painful divorce (is there such a thing as a non-painful divorce?). The purpose of this blog is not to talk about the divorce by any means, but it is a part of my life, unfortunately, and for sure a big part of my spiritual journey and it will come up from time to time. God has given me through all of this journey, an unconditional love for my husband no matter what the circumstances are that surround us and I continue to stand firm FOR our marriage and my husband and I know one day, maybe even after divorce, that God is going to use our marriage and our trials and hardship for HIS GLORY and HIS purposes. Call me crazy, but that is how I feel and what God has been speaking over me through this process. I am full of hope and faith in God's perfect timing and plan for both of our lives. The world says it's over...I say God always has the last word.
I digress again...hang tight...popcorn moment ahead...!
So, through these struggles, I started thinking, I need to get away. I looked high and low, and could not find any one to go with me on any sort of trip no matter how much I tantalized them (why do all of you have to be responsible and stay home with your kids? Isn't this world all about me? LOL!) with exotic locales. So, I did what we do as humans...I threw myself a grand ole' pity party for one and I felt really down-right sorry for myself.
It was pathetic, even I must admit.
But, then, as God will do in His infinite wisdom and timing, I was sitting in church that Sunday and Toby, our pastor, was preaching on some subject that was so good and thought provoking and had me on the edge of my seat, yet I can't even remember what the subject was now (sorry Toby). BUT, BUT, BUT...all during that service, the Holy Spirit just spoke to me and said, "Quit feeling sorry for yourself. You need to go on a mission trip with CVM. You can accomplish traveling and helping others by using the gifts God has given you in one fell swoop". It is like a light bulb went off over my head and I said THAT'S IT! I hot-footed it out of that service, sped home, got online and looked at some trips that CVM had coming up and one going to Haiti really caught me eye, but I ended up sending an email and basically said..."I will go where ever is needed in the world and I want to go in the next 3 months. I can be gone 2 weeks. Use me!". Well low and behold, they called me back the next day and said they needed a vet to go on a trip...you guessed it...to Haiti at the end of April and had just been praying about what they were going to do as it still hadn't been filled with a vet and the clock was ticking. As they said, God always provides. Yes, yes, He does. I got all the info from them regarding the trip, prayed on it that week and said YES, I'm all in.
So, I am leading the team--myself, 2 vet students from Ross University at St. Kitts, and one "civilian" worker--and we will be meeting up with two long-term missionary vets stationed in Haiti. Most likely, we will be doing a widespread vaccine campaign due to the after mass of the earthquake and the widespread diseases in animals there (think Rabies, anthrax...this a'int the good ole US of A). Originally, the trip was to help the local vets learn more surgery skills as they have a lot of "head knowledge" but don't get a lot of hands-on training. However, we have been told to be flexible as things are not just day-to-day but moment-to-moment there right now. Haiti has been and still is a pretty dangerous place and I remember when I signed up with CVM in the beginning I thought, I would go to anywhere BUT Haiti...too dangerous (and that was BEFORE the earthquake). Good one, God! I have learned NEVER say never in this life! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?! My family and my employees are all begging me NOT to go as they are scared for me and of course I am so darn loveable they can't stand for me to be away from them for one moment (yeah right!). But you know what? God definitely called me to this trip and I know He is not only going to protect me, but He is going to do something through me and to me on this trip, you can bet your boots on that one! So you guys and gals just cool your jets and get on your knees and pray! I have not once been afraid of going on this trip. Not once...and I would tell you. God has called me to it and He will lead the way. When God speaks something to you and over you, He gives you strength and wisdom to do what He asks! 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. We are all in anticipation of what we will face while in Haiti, but also we feel that God has called each of us to this trip for a specific purpose. Stay tuned for the during and after report.
We touch down in Haiti April 30th and will be there until May 8th. Please start praying for all of us NOW...not only for our protection, but for us to have servant's hearts, show love to the people of Haiti and plant a lot of seeds for the kingdom that will be harvested in the future. Pray for us to use every situation for God's glory, no matter what the inconveniences are that are thrown our way because I KNOW we will be under attack. Voodoo and demonic oppression has always been heavy in Haiti...even most of the "religious" practice voodoo. It is entrenched in their culture. However, they are RIPE to hear the good news of the gospel right now, so pray for lives to be won for the Kingdom! Thank you for praying for us all...but don't be afraid for us. Many of you have read the comments on my earlier blogs and see my friend Mike has suggested I put a knife in my boot...I've gotten a lot of comments about that one! I've go you one better...I will be putting on my full armor of God every day and I will be wielding the sword of the spirit...that's better than any "hog sticker"!
Hard headed for the Kingdom,
Joy
I have wanted to go on a mission trip through Christian Vet Missions for about as long as I have been a vet (8 years). Even went as far as filling out an application with them and going through the process TWO YEARS AGO. But did I get off my rear and go anywhere? Nah. However, in my defense, I must admit I felt a bit selfish leaving my husband behind while I traipsed off into the wild blue yonder and left him at home alone. We worked so hard and had so little free time, that I always felt we should spend our free time and vacay time together. We have had some wonderful trips and both love to travel and I have some precious memories of our time together that I will always cherish and don't regret for a moment. Some of you know, others don't, but I am currently going through a very painful divorce (is there such a thing as a non-painful divorce?). The purpose of this blog is not to talk about the divorce by any means, but it is a part of my life, unfortunately, and for sure a big part of my spiritual journey and it will come up from time to time. God has given me through all of this journey, an unconditional love for my husband no matter what the circumstances are that surround us and I continue to stand firm FOR our marriage and my husband and I know one day, maybe even after divorce, that God is going to use our marriage and our trials and hardship for HIS GLORY and HIS purposes. Call me crazy, but that is how I feel and what God has been speaking over me through this process. I am full of hope and faith in God's perfect timing and plan for both of our lives. The world says it's over...I say God always has the last word.
I digress again...hang tight...popcorn moment ahead...!
So, through these struggles, I started thinking, I need to get away. I looked high and low, and could not find any one to go with me on any sort of trip no matter how much I tantalized them (why do all of you have to be responsible and stay home with your kids? Isn't this world all about me? LOL!) with exotic locales. So, I did what we do as humans...I threw myself a grand ole' pity party for one and I felt really down-right sorry for myself.
It was pathetic, even I must admit.
But, then, as God will do in His infinite wisdom and timing, I was sitting in church that Sunday and Toby, our pastor, was preaching on some subject that was so good and thought provoking and had me on the edge of my seat, yet I can't even remember what the subject was now (sorry Toby). BUT, BUT, BUT...all during that service, the Holy Spirit just spoke to me and said, "Quit feeling sorry for yourself. You need to go on a mission trip with CVM. You can accomplish traveling and helping others by using the gifts God has given you in one fell swoop". It is like a light bulb went off over my head and I said THAT'S IT! I hot-footed it out of that service, sped home, got online and looked at some trips that CVM had coming up and one going to Haiti really caught me eye, but I ended up sending an email and basically said..."I will go where ever is needed in the world and I want to go in the next 3 months. I can be gone 2 weeks. Use me!". Well low and behold, they called me back the next day and said they needed a vet to go on a trip...you guessed it...to Haiti at the end of April and had just been praying about what they were going to do as it still hadn't been filled with a vet and the clock was ticking. As they said, God always provides. Yes, yes, He does. I got all the info from them regarding the trip, prayed on it that week and said YES, I'm all in.
So, I am leading the team--myself, 2 vet students from Ross University at St. Kitts, and one "civilian" worker--and we will be meeting up with two long-term missionary vets stationed in Haiti. Most likely, we will be doing a widespread vaccine campaign due to the after mass of the earthquake and the widespread diseases in animals there (think Rabies, anthrax...this a'int the good ole US of A). Originally, the trip was to help the local vets learn more surgery skills as they have a lot of "head knowledge" but don't get a lot of hands-on training. However, we have been told to be flexible as things are not just day-to-day but moment-to-moment there right now. Haiti has been and still is a pretty dangerous place and I remember when I signed up with CVM in the beginning I thought, I would go to anywhere BUT Haiti...too dangerous (and that was BEFORE the earthquake). Good one, God! I have learned NEVER say never in this life! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?! My family and my employees are all begging me NOT to go as they are scared for me and of course I am so darn loveable they can't stand for me to be away from them for one moment (yeah right!). But you know what? God definitely called me to this trip and I know He is not only going to protect me, but He is going to do something through me and to me on this trip, you can bet your boots on that one! So you guys and gals just cool your jets and get on your knees and pray! I have not once been afraid of going on this trip. Not once...and I would tell you. God has called me to it and He will lead the way. When God speaks something to you and over you, He gives you strength and wisdom to do what He asks! 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. We are all in anticipation of what we will face while in Haiti, but also we feel that God has called each of us to this trip for a specific purpose. Stay tuned for the during and after report.
We touch down in Haiti April 30th and will be there until May 8th. Please start praying for all of us NOW...not only for our protection, but for us to have servant's hearts, show love to the people of Haiti and plant a lot of seeds for the kingdom that will be harvested in the future. Pray for us to use every situation for God's glory, no matter what the inconveniences are that are thrown our way because I KNOW we will be under attack. Voodoo and demonic oppression has always been heavy in Haiti...even most of the "religious" practice voodoo. It is entrenched in their culture. However, they are RIPE to hear the good news of the gospel right now, so pray for lives to be won for the Kingdom! Thank you for praying for us all...but don't be afraid for us. Many of you have read the comments on my earlier blogs and see my friend Mike has suggested I put a knife in my boot...I've gotten a lot of comments about that one! I've go you one better...I will be putting on my full armor of God every day and I will be wielding the sword of the spirit...that's better than any "hog sticker"!
Hard headed for the Kingdom,
Joy
The Bigger Picture
Have you ever had a moment where you can just step back, get outside of yourself, and look at your situation with fresh eyes? I had the rare chance of doing that this weekend through a women's conference hosted by our church, CTCC, in Keller. The speaker was Cindy Beall, from Lifechurch.tv, and she was just amazing and a kindred soul! I encourage you to read her story and what God has done in and through her and her marriage at www.cindybeall.com ...wow, wow, wow is all I can say! She's one of my inspirations for this blog so thanks girl!
I digress (that could happen a lot with my mind so I apologize in advance)...ANYWAY...for a moment, this weekend, I was able to step outside of my circumstances and see God's bigger picture for my life and my husband's life. The world wants us to be wrapped up in our flesh and me, me, me all the time so we often don't realize how far reaching our influence can be and how one little life can effect a great number of people. What I am realizing is that God sets things in motion long before we even have a clue what is going on. He can use one person to create a ripple effect and "pay it forward"...that is why it is so important to share your story. The possibilities of lives touched through the "ripple effect" are just endless. Think about Saul/Paul in Acts...here is a man who persectued and actively set out to destroy anyone preaching about Jesus and the good news. He was even present and "in agreement" when Stephen was stoned and killed for his teachings. But then he had the first ever "road to Damascus" experience and was blinded, literally, by an interaction with Jesus. After what I suspect was three VERY long days for Saul, his sight was restored by another miracle of God through Ananias and he immediately could see again...physically and spiritually...he was saved and baptized and at ONCE began to preach that Jesus is the true Son of God.
Do you think all of this was a suprise to God? Nah...in fact he picked the least likely candidate to become probably one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, evangelists of ALL time! And God still does that today. Our God takes absolutely HOPELESS situations and uses them for His glory. One of my favorite sayings of Cindy's this weekend was that "We learn that God is all we need when we see that He is all we have"....SO TRUE! I've come to realize that I was not placed on this Earth for my pleasure and fun time but I was placed here and created for such a time as this for God's work and His holiness. The rest is just gravy...
One other thing that happened this weekend made me grasp God's awe inspiring power...I got to stand in church next to Ashley and Lex Parker today and worship. Their story is not mine to tell, but it is a testimony of what God can do when we seek Him first and bind our will to HIS WILL. The impossible becomes the possible. This is a couple who have been to hell and back...and I am not exaggerating. If you had told me a year ago I would be standing next to them in church today, I would have been extremely skeptical. The world told them, and all of us, that their situation was hopeless, move on, forget about it, etc. I never thought in a million years that I would see them standing there together, happy, whole and just overflowing with God's love and promises. But, that just shows God's power (man doesn't He like to show off!). God cannot be put in a box! The possibilities are endless...He can do whatever He wants when He wants and praise Him for that! As I stood there next to Lex, I was just overcome by God's power and vision for each of our lives. It was all I could do not to break down and cry as my heart was just overflowing with hope, joy and the fact that another couple is on the road to OVERCOMING the enemy's attack on marriages and once again, God will be shown to be victorious and the enemy will be sent packing. Hallelujah! I get so sick of people saying, "well they have free will so they can turn from God and do their own thing." While this is true to a degree, don't think for a second that God does not know the exact thing that will break our free will, and in our broken-ness, He will get to work! There is nothing outside of His control!
So, I thank God for giving me a glimpse of the bigger picture and for His words of reaffirmation this weekend. To borrow from my friend, Shelby, I see over and over again that "without a test, there is no testimony; without a mess, there is no message". So true...thank you God for my messes and my tests and use them all for your glory and power!
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Have a blessed Monday!
Joy
I digress (that could happen a lot with my mind so I apologize in advance)...ANYWAY...for a moment, this weekend, I was able to step outside of my circumstances and see God's bigger picture for my life and my husband's life. The world wants us to be wrapped up in our flesh and me, me, me all the time so we often don't realize how far reaching our influence can be and how one little life can effect a great number of people. What I am realizing is that God sets things in motion long before we even have a clue what is going on. He can use one person to create a ripple effect and "pay it forward"...that is why it is so important to share your story. The possibilities of lives touched through the "ripple effect" are just endless. Think about Saul/Paul in Acts...here is a man who persectued and actively set out to destroy anyone preaching about Jesus and the good news. He was even present and "in agreement" when Stephen was stoned and killed for his teachings. But then he had the first ever "road to Damascus" experience and was blinded, literally, by an interaction with Jesus. After what I suspect was three VERY long days for Saul, his sight was restored by another miracle of God through Ananias and he immediately could see again...physically and spiritually...he was saved and baptized and at ONCE began to preach that Jesus is the true Son of God.
Do you think all of this was a suprise to God? Nah...in fact he picked the least likely candidate to become probably one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, evangelists of ALL time! And God still does that today. Our God takes absolutely HOPELESS situations and uses them for His glory. One of my favorite sayings of Cindy's this weekend was that "We learn that God is all we need when we see that He is all we have"....SO TRUE! I've come to realize that I was not placed on this Earth for my pleasure and fun time but I was placed here and created for such a time as this for God's work and His holiness. The rest is just gravy...
One other thing that happened this weekend made me grasp God's awe inspiring power...I got to stand in church next to Ashley and Lex Parker today and worship. Their story is not mine to tell, but it is a testimony of what God can do when we seek Him first and bind our will to HIS WILL. The impossible becomes the possible. This is a couple who have been to hell and back...and I am not exaggerating. If you had told me a year ago I would be standing next to them in church today, I would have been extremely skeptical. The world told them, and all of us, that their situation was hopeless, move on, forget about it, etc. I never thought in a million years that I would see them standing there together, happy, whole and just overflowing with God's love and promises. But, that just shows God's power (man doesn't He like to show off!). God cannot be put in a box! The possibilities are endless...He can do whatever He wants when He wants and praise Him for that! As I stood there next to Lex, I was just overcome by God's power and vision for each of our lives. It was all I could do not to break down and cry as my heart was just overflowing with hope, joy and the fact that another couple is on the road to OVERCOMING the enemy's attack on marriages and once again, God will be shown to be victorious and the enemy will be sent packing. Hallelujah! I get so sick of people saying, "well they have free will so they can turn from God and do their own thing." While this is true to a degree, don't think for a second that God does not know the exact thing that will break our free will, and in our broken-ness, He will get to work! There is nothing outside of His control!
So, I thank God for giving me a glimpse of the bigger picture and for His words of reaffirmation this weekend. To borrow from my friend, Shelby, I see over and over again that "without a test, there is no testimony; without a mess, there is no message". So true...thank you God for my messes and my tests and use them all for your glory and power!
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Have a blessed Monday!
Joy
Testing...can anyone hear me?
Tap, tap, tap....anyone out there? Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3....
Some may ask, why is SHE blogging? Good question...this is one thing that I never thought I would do but this weekend, the Lord has really laid it on my heart as a way to share my spiritual journey. Those that are friends with me probably get tired of the charges from me texting you things God has laid on my heart for the day, so this is a way to save everyone some money and still be open and honest about what God is speaking to me and through me! God is leading me towards something and this verse sums it up:
Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
We're not supposed to get it all right now, but God does have a vision and purpose for each of our lives. I feel God has been changing me from the inside-out and He is preparing me for something...what? I don't know...but if you follow along, you will get a first-hand glance of it I assure you! We can walk this journey together, as God intended us to do all along. We are called to listen for His voice, let the Holy Spirit guide us and be obedient to His call, even if we don't know what is coming up. That's faith people...and let me tell you from experience, it is the most rewarding and freeing thing when you just submit your will to God's will for your life! As I have said to others, it is so easy...yet so incredibly hard to do because it means we have to deny our flesh and have our will be broken for God to work through us and use us for HIS purposes. But what JOY comes through this transformation!
On my recent journey, God has recently really convicted me that I need to speak His name and what He is doing in my life boldly and confidently. The "silencing effect" in all of our lives is truly of the enemy. Each one of us has a story to tell and there is power in that story for the Kingdom! We are not alone and when we become authentic and vulnerable, God will use that testimony for His good and His purposes. I have seen it over and over in my situation, and I have learned that there truly is power for God's purposes in our weaknesses. I truly believe that God DOES work all things for the good of those who love him...I have seen that over and over again on my journey and I know God wants me to share His work with anyone I can get to listen! So...here it goes...
And some may ask where the title of my blog came from or what it means. Well, it has become an inside joke with my close sisters in Christ that anytime I can really feel the Lord moving and shaking, I say, "Sit back, get your popcorn out because this is going to be good and we are going to see some miracles of God's hand!". It is my way of saying...God is awesome and I know that but He STILL continues to astonish me in how He works and how much He loves us down to the tiniest details.
So get that popcorn ready and come along with me on this journey. This is not about me but all about Jesus...and all the glory belongs to HIM!
Comments are welcomed and encouraged...let me know what God is doing in your life!
In Christ,
Joy
Some may ask, why is SHE blogging? Good question...this is one thing that I never thought I would do but this weekend, the Lord has really laid it on my heart as a way to share my spiritual journey. Those that are friends with me probably get tired of the charges from me texting you things God has laid on my heart for the day, so this is a way to save everyone some money and still be open and honest about what God is speaking to me and through me! God is leading me towards something and this verse sums it up:
Habakkuk 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
We're not supposed to get it all right now, but God does have a vision and purpose for each of our lives. I feel God has been changing me from the inside-out and He is preparing me for something...what? I don't know...but if you follow along, you will get a first-hand glance of it I assure you! We can walk this journey together, as God intended us to do all along. We are called to listen for His voice, let the Holy Spirit guide us and be obedient to His call, even if we don't know what is coming up. That's faith people...and let me tell you from experience, it is the most rewarding and freeing thing when you just submit your will to God's will for your life! As I have said to others, it is so easy...yet so incredibly hard to do because it means we have to deny our flesh and have our will be broken for God to work through us and use us for HIS purposes. But what JOY comes through this transformation!
On my recent journey, God has recently really convicted me that I need to speak His name and what He is doing in my life boldly and confidently. The "silencing effect" in all of our lives is truly of the enemy. Each one of us has a story to tell and there is power in that story for the Kingdom! We are not alone and when we become authentic and vulnerable, God will use that testimony for His good and His purposes. I have seen it over and over in my situation, and I have learned that there truly is power for God's purposes in our weaknesses. I truly believe that God DOES work all things for the good of those who love him...I have seen that over and over again on my journey and I know God wants me to share His work with anyone I can get to listen! So...here it goes...
And some may ask where the title of my blog came from or what it means. Well, it has become an inside joke with my close sisters in Christ that anytime I can really feel the Lord moving and shaking, I say, "Sit back, get your popcorn out because this is going to be good and we are going to see some miracles of God's hand!". It is my way of saying...God is awesome and I know that but He STILL continues to astonish me in how He works and how much He loves us down to the tiniest details.
So get that popcorn ready and come along with me on this journey. This is not about me but all about Jesus...and all the glory belongs to HIM!
Comments are welcomed and encouraged...let me know what God is doing in your life!
In Christ,
Joy
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