Be Joyful Always

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. — I Thessalonians 5:16-18

It's not always easy to be joyful always. When we are hurting and sore or tired and discouraged, it's easy to become depressed.

But God calls us to give thanks in all circumstances.

I can give Him thanks for the blessings He has given me and my family.

And for friends who met me after work to treat me to appetizers, praying for me and surrounding me with love.

For other friends who hike with me and pray for my healing.

And for a husband who loves and cares for me.

I am not always good about praying continually, but I am glad God is near so I can talk with him throughout my day.

What a comfort and blessing!

God Has Given Me a Heritage

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. — Psalm 61:4-5

Sunday I had the privilege of working in our church preschool during the early service. What a blessing to share God's Word with children from under 2 to almost 5. 

They loved looking in my hand mirror as we sang, "God cares about [Josh]" to each child. And when we talked about Jesus dying for us, one of them said, "That makes me sad," and I had to agree, it makes me sad, too. 

But that's not the end of the story. And their faces brightened up as we talked about how Jesus came alive again and now lives in heaven. We practiced telling our friends, "Jesus loves you."

And we finished with blowing and catching bubbles and dancing with joy.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing. What a beautiful Palm Sunday day.

You, God, have heard my prayer. You have given me the heritage of these who fear your name.

God, My Rock

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. — Psalm 61:1-3

Last week, Kirk's colleague and friend Julie gave me this book, and I just finished reading it on Saturday. 

What an encouragement it was to read the stories of others who have gone through this journey and even tougher ones, coming out stronger on the other side.

The subtitle is, "Surviving and Thriving During and After Your Diagnosis and Treatment." It gave some wonderful tips for how to thrive and take care of yourself.

The author suggested creating a worry box where you put all of your worries for the day, giving them up to the box. I like the idea of casting my cares on God so I don't need to worry.

She also encouraged setting aside time for meditation and prayer each day. Words of wisdom.

And she suggested surrounding myself with friends who will encourage and support me rather than people who will cause me to stress out. Check! My friends have rallied around me with support and encouragement.

I am so blessed to have a house full of food, cards and flowers. Kirk mentioned that our home seems like a florist shop. Love it!