Joy

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

Before I met Jesus, I barely saw the world around me. I struggled with pessimism, melancholy, anxiety, and depression. I numbed my mind with alcohol and antidepressants. The world seemed dismal and gray. The glass was always half empty. My heart had become so hard it was nearly impossible for me to find joy in anything.

But God. He had a plan for me to run away to Florida and meet a girl who would tell me how Jesus changed her life. He knew I would want what she had. In the blink of an eye, I became new.

Suddenly, I could see the world around me in full dimensional color. I discovered joy. Joy in being accepted. Joy in realizing I had been given another chance to understand that I had a good life. Joy in being forgiven.

I have been more alive these last 15 years than I ever was in the first 42. I always liked being a nurse, but with Jesus, I have great joy in nursing. I have always loved hiking, but with Jesus, I have overwhelming joy being with him in this beautiful world he created.

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12

Friends, I pray you find the joy of the Lord and hang onto him with all you have! In Jesus’ name!

Unconditional Joy

Son#2 is getting married. Next week! I get to welcome a new daughter into my family. But really, I welcomed her as my daughter the day I met her in July. I loved her from the minute I met her. Because my son loves her. Because she loves him. Because I saw first hand how she brings out this joy in him that I hadn’t seen in many years, a child like joy. My heart nearly burst with happiness to see this side of him again.

I recently shared with my son that I knew from the minute he asked her on their first date that she was going to be his wife. I just knew. I knew before he knew. I prayed like crazy for the Lord to make this happen and he heard my prayers and said YES.

I am thrilled for her to be part of my family, to get to know her over the lifetime she will spend with us, to love her unconditionally, to bless her unconditionally, to make sacrifices for her unconditionally. I get to be a new mom, to a grown up daughter. My Dilly. I am so blessed!

‘And standing beside you, glistening in your pure and golden glory, is the beautiful bride-to-be! Now listen, daughter, pay attention, and forget about your past. Put behind you every attachment to the familiar, even those who once were close to you! For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness. Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord! Wedding presents pour in from those of great wealth. The royal friends of the Bridegroom shower you with gifts. As the princess bride enters the palace, how glorious she appears within the holy chamber, robed with a wedding dress embroidered with pure gold! Lovely and stunning she leads the procession with all her bridesmaids as they come before you, her Bridegroom King. What a grand, majestic entrance! A joyful, glad procession as they enter the palace gates! Your many sons will one day be kings, just like their Father. They will sit on royal thrones all around the world. I will make sure the fame of your name is honored in every generation as all the people praise you, giving you thanks forever and ever!’ Psalms 45:9-17 

Unconditional, fantastical, marvelous joy!

~m

FiveMinuteFriday_Joy

GO

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. So they say. For those caught up in the American Christmas culture, it’s the most stressful. Some years are better. Some years are worse. I’m happy to report I’m having a joyful Christmas season. 

You see, I broke my ankle 2 weeks ago. What!? Yup. Slipped on a perfectly smooth and nearly level granite boulder while doing my favorite thing with my favorite people, hiking. Oh, I confess I was initially panick stricken. Filled with hows and whys and what ifs. 

But God. 

God got me off the mountain by helicopter free of charge. Yes I said helicopter and free. God made sure I had the best surgeon. Yes there was surgery. God made sure I could have the facility I work in cover their fee as a benefit for being their employee.  God made sure all the people I owe money were filled with compassion and understanding to accept my bills would be paid late. God has been providing meals for me from my church family. God is making sure my company will hold my job until I’m mobile again. He’s been in every detail. Speaking love to me. Saying, “You only need to sit back and watch while I take of everything Michelle.”

So yeah. JOY! This Christmas is going down in my history as one of the best. I’m so humbled and thankful and in awe of my Father! 

Joy to the world 🌎 the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King 👑 

STOP

Happy FiveMinuteFriday!