I love you.

Tags

Arts, God, Online Writing, Poetry, Relationships, Romance, Victoria Osteen, Word

Hey what’cha been thinking about lately? Do you remember the last time someone told you, “I Love You”?  Did you really take the time to let those words sink in… I mean did you dwell on them for a bit? I think we probably all are guilty of letting these words become common place. Parents to Kids, Kids to Parents, Spouses, Close Friends…. God intended LOVE to impact us! HIS love for us is so HUGE that a life was given, and blood was shed, and miracles were performed…. all on account of His great love for us. Does that still impact you, Do you let it sink in? I don’t care where you have been or what you have done… HIS love is unconditional.

When we are hurting… sometimes those words, I love you, bring insecurity, bring pain, bring broken dreams crashing back to memory. THIS does not have to happen! Every thought we dwell on is an active choice. We need to choose to dwell on the magnitude of “I LOVE YOU” from God, and let everything else go.

Victoria Osteen was giving this challenge to wives as she spoke at a ladies morning bible study and it really hit home. When my husband says I love you… do I take the time to really let it get in my heart, or do I brush the words off as something he always says when he leaves for work? Do I let everyday life barriers get in the way of letting his words work positively in my heart.

I remember the first time he said those words to me.  We had been together for a little while and one day after work at Red Robin we were getting ready to go home and he grabbed a coaster and wrote those words out…  I was so excited! That day our relationship changed… it went to a whole ‘notha level. The words I love you are meant to do that. They are powerful!   It doesn’t matter if you are married or not, have children, or even have broken heart today … YOU are loved! Next time someone says “I Love you” – take a little time and let it go to your heart!

God’s love is so big for you – take a few minutes and let that sink in!

Jer. 31:3 Long ago the LORD said:
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.
With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

FAVORED

Tags

attitude, bible, Christian, encouragement, grace, jesus god, leadershio, mom, pastor, ridiculous attempts, uphill battle, wife

Ever feel like you face an uphill battle working for the favor of those around you? It’s not something you tell people, it’s just what you think and then do = Employers, teachers, parents, children, spouse, pastors, friends… and the list is endless. So much of what we do can be traced back to our desire to be accepted, to be honored, to find favor with those around us. – insert your scenario here- Mine seems to be

Where the Battle is Won or Lost

Tags

endless laughter, endless trail, Holidays, joy, messy house, mom, new attitude, new perspective, New Year, toddler

UMMMM. guilty mom confession…. The tree is still up! My suitcases are still unpacked all the way, the laundry is piled high, Oh and my 2yr old discovered that crayon and markers make pretty marks on the walls… Yep, one look at my house and an “I don’t want to do this” attitude kicks in. The Holidays were a whirlwind of crazy fun. Tons of kids running and playing  through out the house, a trip to Disneyland, endless laughter, sick days and an endless trail of memories aka: messes to clean up and new Christmas gifts to find homes for. It kind of looks impossible from here…. where do I put everything….maybe I can just throw everything away. lol.  In my own strength, I easily take on a negative “I don’t know where to start and so I give up attitude…..” And here is where I start initiating commando mom,”operation irritation”, clean up mode with my whole family.

A free gift

It’s the Christmas season… Everyone is looking for that special gift for their loved ones. I was reminded this morning of the simple, free gift I have to give already…

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Real love is the greatest gift you can give or receive…it is all many of us really need. No one will want your Jesus, if they don’t first see His love through you. Look for ways to Love people today; aka be a witness of Jesus!

If you have been saved and received the Holy Spirit, you can ask for a fresh download of Gods love for today, cause lets be honest, it’s not always easy to love people, especially those who don’t deserve it.

People around you are thirsty for love…So many people are hurting and lonely during this season. Maybe you are one of them.

Take a moment and receive God’s overwhelming, undeserved, great love, it will fill your soul and satisfy your longings! It gives peace, joy, confidence, and purpose!

Jesus came, gave his life, and conquered death, and is alive today, all so we can receive and then give out this gift, this love!

Please let’s make a fresh commitment to go to the source, be Holy Spirit led and give this free gift of love in great abundance!

Counterfeit

What if each individual in the church took their place and loved the way God intended? A pastor at our church recently said this: “Socialism is only a counterfeit perversion and twisting of Of Gods purpose for the church…” Acts 2 “all things in common”. As Christians we are to give. God so loved, that he GAVE us his very best, one and only sin, JESUS! we are to give… Not be forced to divide. Grace gives life, law brings death. If believers would take their place… Giving, loving, looking out for the needs if others …”Politically Correct” ideas would look like foolishness to the world because they would see Christians who are contagious because they are truly Loving People with great generosity. This Christmas season give generously! Get involved with Those who are effecting their community! If you are part of Harvest church… We are helping the monumental toy drive give away 4000 presents to children in need. Come help us! Find out more at http://www.harvestchurch.us/?id=events&section=bulletinhere

Nothing. From weakness to strength.

Tags

Christ, Christianity, Felt, God, Holidays, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, suitcase, Thanksgiving

NOTHING. That word rang out Loud and clear in my head, over and over. I just felt as though I could do nothing. Thanksgiving was wonderful… I had so much fun. I felt so very thankful for the amazing blessing of my kids, my husband, my life! But on arriving home from a super fun Thanksgiving get away at my Parents house…   I looked around at the enormous pile in front of me of mangled suitcases, toys, shoes, coloring books, crayons ect.

RT @God

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Christianity, God, Online Communities, Religion and Spirituality, Retweet.com, Social Networking, Twitter, Uncategorized

I just love reading through twitter. I follow many amazing pastors and leaders and often times when I am having a rough day, I will take a twitter break just to go find something encouraging to pump myself up with. What follows next: my poor followers then get hit with a barrage of “re-tweets“… And there you have it “RT @” whoever has inspired me that moment.
Maybe you are like me and you have some familiar places you run to for encouragement, a friend, a tv show or website. Maybe you are like me and you have a whole conversation in your heart of all you are facing in the moment and some of your insecurities, failures and fears seem to “RT” themselves even though uninvited.
Let me just take a moment to remind you that the only “RT’s” we should be believing and listening to are the ones that say “RT @ God“.

Wearing Pink…

Tags

Awareness, Breast, Breast cancer, Cancer, Conditions and Diseases, Health, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink ribbon

October is a special month for me, not only is it my birthday month… but it always reminds me of the precious gift health and life is. I was 21 and preparing to get married, move away from home and start a new life with my husband in Northern CA. During a routine check-up, my doctor became alarmed

50 years of ministry and marriage.

Can you imagine getting married at 17\18, giving up a honeymoon and immediately moving to Mexico as a missionary…? That is exactly what my Mother & Father -in-Law did. Next year they will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary which also co-coincides with their ministry and missionary anniversary.  After a few years in Mexico they embarked on a powerful journey to the country of Brazil where God has performed amazing miracles. Together they have planted many churches all over Brazil, raised up leaders and today serve as a true father & mother\Apostle to the churches and leaders they have raised. Just a few minutes of listening to their testimonies and you will be astounded at the ways in which God has provided for them. We were honored to have them in our house for 5 days, talking and gleaning… and needless to say, we had a wonderful weekend as they imparted into Harvest Church leaders. My Father-In-Law preached on Sunday about building a legacy. Incredible stuff. Look for a link to it in the future…..

As a woman in ministry, I was craving the insight of my mother-in-law on a few of the questions that were raised over the weekend. She raised 5 Godly Children who are all serving as Pastors today. When I asked her to do this she commented that she didn’t think she had anything to add to what her husband had said, that she was “so proud of Him and his preaching and advice over the weekend was fantastic”…. But that she would try to answer what I asked of her…. So I grabbed a cup of coffee, a pen and paper & sat down with her.

Here is what I asked “momma Lisa” about life and ministry… It will bless you no matter what area you serve at in ministry!

Q- What do you think is the most important thing for a woman to focus on in ministry?

A- Focus on how you can share your excitement about loving and depending on Jesus! Take time to look into other people’s lives and see their need! Figure out how you can help them and do it!

Q-  What did being a pastor’s wife look like for you?

A- I never wanted to be on the sidelines, I liked to be a team. I have a strong personality so I intentionally made sure he was the leader, I think that is biblical. I took time to follow up and cover all the bases in ministry.

Q- How did you eventually decide which areas were the most important to serve in, how can we determine that ourselves?

A- Start by identifying what you enjoy most doing for the Lord, I think figuring it out  comes when you counsel others on finding their spiritual gifts. It helps you clarify what you like yourself.

Q- What are some things you would counsel a woman in ministry to make a priority?

A   -Draw close to God, be in contact with Him everyday!

-Worship! I find my greatest joy in worship, It gives me so much strength and excitement…. It makes me anxious to get to heaven, yipes! But I want to accomplish as much as possible before then!

-Make your health and nutrition a priority. It will help you. I wish I had known more about it but God always provided and helped me to make the best of what I had.

-Have a goal of being passionate and in love with Jesus! So excited to have another day with my love, Jesus!

Q- What are some common mistakes we should avoid?

A  -Becoming self-centered, not Christ centered. Watch out for this!!

-Having priority on your ministry over your values.

-Putting priority on financial goals

-Desiring Fame.

-Forgetting to guard your marriage.

Advice: Always be on guard and don’t give into temptation in these areas.

Q- What advice would you give to mothers who are serving in ministry?

A- Involve your kids in helping other people… but Guard them from the hard issues of ministry and of peoples lives that we counsel in ministry!

Sometimes they do end up finding out things they shouldn’t have to. When this happens: involve them by showing them how you work through peoples problems and crisis’. Make them responsible for part of the answer… Ask them what they would do in the situation and teach them the right thing. Do this so they will not stand back and criticize people or gossip… we can’t allow that.

We did this with our kids and I think it taught them values to make decisions with and enriched their heart to love others. I think it built a love for people and ministry in them.

Q- What advice would you give to women and mothers in ministry.

A-  -Find Balance by being obedient to the Word of God: Find your values and receive the Joy of the Lord from the bible.

-Cultivate Love- have great compassion for others, make others happy as well as yourself (this includes family), Learn, Know, Teach others about God… God IS Love! Teach your kids about God’s love!

-Grow in the Principles of God – teach your kids (natural and spiritual) stories from the bible.

Sure hope you enjoyed this short interview. Love hearing from those who have gone before us and built the foundation we now stand on! Thank you “Momma Lisa”!

Lonely on facebook.

Tags

attitude, bible, blog, Christianity, encouragement, facebook, lonley

Have you ever had one of those lazy evenings when you lounge on your computer watching the live feed of social networks…? lol. Surfing around to all your favorite sites, flipping through TV channels… Ever have that night when nothing seems to be good enough? It’s that night when your soul is restless

10 things I learned in 10 years about being a mom.

Tags

children, Christianity, encouragement, family, love, mom, wife

10 years ago I gave birth to my first beautiful baby. She turns 10 on Wednesday! Look at that picture…. I was so young. lol.  The years flew by so fast, there were moments when time “flew” slowly… but they have been priceless! ) There are so many things I have learned about motherhood since then.

Here are a few of them:

1- GET filled up spiritually. Your healthy heart will reproduce itself! Your unhealthy heart will too! To be a spiritually healthy and productive mom, (aka: loving mom) we must first be filled up with God’s love… cause let’s face it- We don’t always FEEL like loving!

2- They grow up fast!!! Enjoy the small moments. Remember to Laugh. Remember to Play. Remember to enjoy life! Stop cleaning and doing, and just hold your babies. The precious baby moments will fly by. Play with them. Believe it or not, the toy years actually end… and you will miss it.

3- God will balance your family life if you let Him. Every time I go to God with my pre-planned schedule and pray about it before doing it…. He always adjusts it and makes it way better. He helps me see through His eyes what can wait til tomorrow & what is not important long-term for my kids. I always seem to have more time when I let God balance my time…. by praying about what to adjust. Sometimes the things I think are good ideas for my kids are not God’s priorities… His always bring eternal rewards. Personal devotions (prayer+bible) & Church should never get pushed off the list… it is like a tithe… when we give it first, God blesses all the rest!

4- Don’t be so worried about your husband – what he is and isn’t doing. Let him love the kids in his own way. Let go of your expectations for others and trust God.

5- Don’t resent the times you are alone... I am a mom in ministry… and I found myself parenting alone many times, sometimes for weeks at a time. The times you find yourself alone, run to God. God is using the alone time to draw your self-dependent, yet people-needing heart to Him. He will fill the lack!

6- Every word and every attitude you allow is an investment into your children. Invest wisely. They will imitate you. Make everyday problems into teachable moments. If you make a mistake turn it around to show them how to properly react.

7- Be consistent with LOVE & Discipline. These are the most important things and speak the loudest about God.  Don’t neglect to discipline and train your kids…but spend more time LOVING them than you do disciplining them. REWARD your kids with love even when they don’t deserve it. Love unconditionally! Always spend time loving on them after you discipline them.  In the toddler years it feels as though all you do is discipline, be consistent & don’t give up… they will learn how to manipulate you if you let them.

8- Parent with your own armor. Don’t compare yourself or judge others based on your own convictions. The only things you can be sure about are those things that are directly from the Word of God. All those things that were essentials in the beginning, “those things” YOUR kids would never do…  they all change and adjust! Parent the way God tell you to! Don’t worry about other people’s opinion… much easier said than done because judgement hurts, but Run to God and get your game plan… not TV or a book. Our world of competition is just a carry on from high school of popular vs unpopular. Don’t get caught up in all the stuff you are supposed to be doing or involved in… Do what pleases God.

9- Perfect moms do not exist. Give yourself a break. ) Let the house go sometimes and take time to enjoy your life… rather than manage and control it.

10- Dream God Dreams. The adjustment from Single-woman to motherhood can bring huge questions regarding your personal dreams & call from God. Most of us don’t talk about this… cause we want to look perfect.

I have had 4 kids and wrestled with depression during the times of change in each season… Call it postpartum or real life but here is what God showed me through it…  ALL through the bible we see the enemy hating children… Whole nations of babies being killed: (Times of Moses, Jesus, Pagan Sacrifice ect) And we see it today, with abortion. I think postpartum depression is part of this too. Mom’s killing their children… makes my heart ache. I think we are in a battle for the next generation & we need to recognize it as so. It’s a sneaky trick of the enemy to make us useless because of hidden depression… we then don’t take our place as a mom, a minister or teach our children what they need for Godliness.

We must fight the battle! We need to admit our frustrations and get encouragement from others! God cares about it… depression comes when we don’t know what to do next, when we can’t see beyond our now, when our dreams seem to have died, when our dreams for our children seem too big, and when it feels like we are all alone.

God wants to restore our vision and give us HIS DREAMS for ourselves and our children!

PRAY about everything, LOVE unconditionally, Encourage daily & Train in every moment.

You can do this!!!!! Anything is Possible Through Christ who gives us strength!  Praying for you today!

Love- Elana

Want more on this…. Here is a new book that I am about to read: It looks great!

@KerriWeems: from her twitter:

“My new book for moms is out! You can purchase #cluelessbook today on my website: kerriweems.com/resources”

10 Commandments of Small Group leading

Tags

church groups, Communication in small groups, life groups, small groups, youth group

1- Keep yourself pure. Right heart, attitude, motives, actions, speech and expectations! I tim. 5:22

2- Come Ready. Be there early, Be prayed up, read up (bible) and ready with a plan.

3- Pray Before You Say. Speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.

4- Don’t dominate or be dominated. Interact.

5- Love those in your group more than you expect from them. Invest into their lives by Loving them and knowing about them. Contact them outside of group setting. (FB- twitter, phone, email ect.) Seek them out!

6- Don’t tolerate negativity. In yourself or your group. Choose Joy! Smile!

7- Incorporate Jesus and The Word Of God into every mentoring moment! Small groups should inspire people to grow closer to God!

8- Have fun. laugh. play. inspire.

9- As a leader, at minimum do what you are asking your group to do. God is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek Him. Be ready to live out the words… follow me as I follow Christ.

10- You must be a Disciple before you make disciples. You can only be a great leader if you are first a great follower. Submit to your leadership willingly … Pure Heart issue.

For better or worse, In Titled times and un-Titled times.

Tags

Christ, Christianity, God, Honour, Jesus, pastor, People, titles, Youth Ministry

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As a “pastor‘s wife” for the last almost 15 years, the issue over titles has been a hot topic.

I fully believe in honor, In a time when respect is so scarce in the world We should teach honor and respect. We encourage all our members to respectfully call our Pastor’s with their title. We train our interns to use titles respectfully and require it while they are learning about honoring those in authority.

Oh the delicate balance of when it is a respectful thing to do and when it is a required and forced issue. Usually the issue is thrown off balance by insecurity in the heart of a leader!

I want my way NOW!

Many times a day, My 2 year old comes running up, yanks on my hand & demands his way RIGHT NOW. I think he is the cutest thing on the planet, and so if he has the right attitude I gladly give him what he is asking for, if it is good for him. The problem is that he is two! A good attitude is the main thing we are teaching right now and so when he throws a fit, he simply does not get his way.

I think many times we get impatient with God just like my two year old gets impatient with me. I love my boy, and only want the very best for him… that is exactly why he must wait sometimes. So when God says that “those who will inherit the Kingdom of God must come to him like children”… Don’t forget that this means GOD is the boss and we are obeying him and trusting His timing. Kids don’t get to do whatever they want. They don’t make their own schedule, they are dependent and often need gentle correction.

Our Impatientance only brings frustration and can deter us from the perfect plan of God!

The trusting part is the hardest sometimes… Just like a parent, God knows exactly why his kids are waiting and there is a plan in the works.

Praying for you today, that you will have the strength of the Lord in whatever area of your life you find yourself waiting and trusting.

Ps. 37:34 Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path, He will honor you and give you the land!

Remembering 9/11

Tags

9/11, George W. Bush, New York Times, Rudy Giuliani, September 11 attacks, United States, World Trade Center

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It was a beautiful Tuesday morning in the Bay Area, I was 9+ months pregnant. I was 4 days from my due date.  – It was September 11, 2001.

10 years later and it still feels like yesterday. The phone rang at 6:30 and again at 6:45, Still asleep we ignored the calls as probable telemarketing and slept a little longer. At 7:30 we got calls again and decided to check it out. As I woke, I told my hubby, “I think today might be the day she is born”, with a smile, he agreed…. then we checked our messages.

A friend of ours worked at a government site in the area and was on lock-down inside. His wife was worried and calling for us to pray… she quickly explained what was going on…” We flipped on the TV and began to watch the incredible, horrible scene that had just been played out. I will never forget as my hubby now said, “I’m praying for today NOT to be the day we meet our baby!”

Flight 93 was on its way to San Francisco, the news was real, it was raw with the list growing as names were released of those who had lived in the Bay Area. A youth pastor at the time, I spent all day on the phone comforting youth who were crying, scared and confused. Glued to the TV, I watched in disbelief as our whole country went on lock-down. I got a phone call from my family saying that a young man from my home church in Portland had been on the plane that went into the 2nd tower.

With tears, we held our loved ones close, and for a moment in time, as a country we forgot our differences and banded together. I will never forget the day when congress stood united together. Powerful.  In the days to follow, we had daily prayer meetings at lunch time, watched as President Bush and Rudy Giuliani became our heroes with their courageous leadership. All airports were shut down.

I prayed that my baby would now wait until airports opened up. My mom who was in Portland, became my hero and took a flight to the Bay Area on the first day that airports re-opened 4 days later. I remember how nervous I was for her getting on the plane, as fear gripped our hearts about  the future of air travel. But nothing could stop my mom coming for the birth of her first grand-baby. My new hero.

A month earlier, my husband had gone on a missions trip with our youth to Romania. I was 8 months pregnant at the time and stayed behind to work. I waited at the gate with him and watched as he walked onto the airplane. Little did I know this was the last time I would be allowed to the gate as a non-passenger. I remember, being stricken with fear and sorrow as he left, to the point where I cried two weeks straight and could barely get out of bed. At work, i prayed all day long to keep my mind off my husband and the unexplainable grief I felt as he was gone. I was on the phone everyday to my parents asking them to pray for me as I could not shake this feeling of grief.  I could hardly breathe for 2 weeks. It was crazy. As soon as my husband returned home, the feelings lifted and joy returned.

Some of my tears had been fear I allowed in of the “what if’s”, some of it was sadness because I wished was on the trip as well, But on the evening of 9/11, God reminded me of my experience. Tears streamed down my face again as God showed me how he had allowed me to experience deep grief so that I could pray for and help minister to those who had in fact just lost a loved one. How thankful I was that day to have my husband sitting next to me. I am so grateful for the countless heroes who gave their lives in service to our country over the last 10 years so that I could be free. I still tear up when I hear the stories of the families who were broken apart.

10 days after 9/11 I drove with my husband past bridges, houses, and business on every block that had U.S. flags flowing…. and gave birth to our beautiful first baby girl. Erika Danielle. So very thankful. I now have 4 beautiful children and a wonderful blessed life serving God with my husband.

This weekend as we remember 9/11, hold your family close and tell them of the faithfulness of God in your life. Never forget how God has blessed us! Never forget the hope we have in Jesus! Never forget to enjoy life. It is a gift!

Cultivating a Legacy of faith.

 

Invest in your legacy….Your life choices matter!

1- Choose to make Christ the focal point of your life and family

2- Choose to set up the next generation for success

3- Choose to continue believing in and investing into the next generation (including spiritual sons and daughters)

How to Cultivate a Legacy of Faith   by My anointed Hubby. Jonathan Wilkins.

He lives what He preaches! Hope it blessed ya!

Beyond what I can see.

Tags

Toy

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Um. Just came downstairs after letting my kids “watch tv” for a bit. I think almost every toy we own is out of place and upside down… and my oldest doesn’t even play with toys anymore. It kinda looks like a Toys R Us at the end of a long, busy day. lol. Yet, It is the work of only 3 very happy kids.

Just Keep Moving Foward.

Tags

Christ Jesus, Christianity, God, Jesus, New Living Translation, Prayer, Religion and Spirituality

Have you ever felt weary, tired, like you just aren’t doing it all the way you hoped to…. I want to encourage you today…. its ok… just keep moving forward. Don’t stop, give up give in!  I was riding a bicycle the other day and began to get tired… so I started coasting. I was not peddling, but I was still moving forward pretty fast. After about a minute, I began to slow way down and eventually would have fallen over if I had continued to coast. Coasting is not always bad…It was a perfect way to rest, but I realized it  was the time to start peddling again so I would keep my momentum and keep moving forward…..

Beauty in the Waves

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Sitting by the window with a delicious cup of coffee and a view of the waves crashing along the ocean side. So beautiful! I am in awe of the beauty of God‘s handiwork. I love, love, love the beach. Just a moment ago, as  I was sitting here peacefully, the door suddenly slammed open and 4 kids came rushing in… questioning, where were you? Haha, I reply, still right here the whole time. They had a handful of things that needed attention “RIGHT NOW”.

Choose joy – Day 4

Tags

joy

I love how Pr. Kay Warren depicted Jesus yesterday. A man with a great attitude, full of laughter, one who was contagious to be around. It was not just his words that drew people, but his very demeanor. I love that!  He spoke truth, but was full of LIFE. Jesus said “I have come that you may have ABUNDANT life” ! In my estimation an abundant life is one FULL of joy! This is how I want Jesus to look when people get to know Him through me.

I am so enjoying this 30 day bible study, I hope you are too. I am unable to continue posting these videos to this site but I am going to give you the direct link to Pr. Kay Warren’s website.  I think it is a worthwhile cause to continue to follow these daily CHOOSE JOY devotionals… here is how… all you have to do go to www.KayWarren.com, click on the choose joy devotions tab, add your email address and the videos will come directly to your inbox each day. I think you will love it.

I hope you will continue on this journey with me.

www.KayWarren.com

http://kaywarren.com/choose-joy-day-4/

temper, temper…. just when I was trying to “choose joy”.

Tags

attitude, blog, encouragement, family, family life, kids, motherhood, parenting, temper, thermometer

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 So right in the middle of posting about “choosing Joy”, I was given a perfect opportunity to practice it. \Warning: we are not perfect ) We are a continuing work in progress. Truth: Chaos was the word in our house for a few minutes the other night…  I would be a liar if I tried to pretend that our house was always perfect.

Choose Joy- Day 3

Here we are at Day 3. Yesterday’s Post was a simple reminder of Where our Joy comes from! We serve a God of JOY! He is not just out to punish us or remind us of our faults… God intends for our lives to be full of life and laughter…. Joy! What JOY for those who’s hope is in the Name of the LORD! If you are without that link to God’s overflowing joy, If you have lost your hope in Jesus, then you are most likely going through life in your own strength. Left to ourselves, we can only find happiness, which is based on circumstances. Jesus provided access to God, our joy source, which overrides all circumstance. My prayer for your day is that you have clear access, through Jesus, to the overflowing source of Joy from God that is rightfully yours!

Here is day 3 of Pr. Kay Warren’s Choose Joy series:

<p>Choose Joy | Day 3 from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/kaywarren”>Kay Warren</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

Joy is a choice – Day 2

So glad you are joining me on this 30 day journey… Yesterday’s devotional with Pr. Kay Warren was fantastic. I love how the simple picture of train tracks reminds us that even though we can’t run away from the hard things each day, we can choose joy in the midst of them. I also love how she confesses that joy does not come naturally for her…. so true for most of us. We cannot detach from the trials in our life… In Romans 5, it speaks of those very things developing our Character. God is going to give us courage to face life head on and learn how to have joy in the journey! May God give you joy, courage and confidence in all you do today! Here is day 2: )

<p>Choose Joy | Day 2 from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/kaywarren”>Kay Warren</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

I choose Joy! Join me in a quick devotional….

Kay Warren is doing a fantastic little series for the month of August and I want to invite you to join me in watching these videos on joy this month. I just love the title… I CHOOSE joy. It is truly a choice and one that affects EVERYTHING. I think you will like it and its only about 4 mins. long. Pr. Kay’s Perspective is not just the same ole’ stuff, It’s fresh and will bless you… So here is day 1

Choose Joy | Day 1 from Kay Warren on Vimeo.