A Joyful Moment
If you are looking for a great place to take a vacation (and you are military) definitely check out Short Stay Navy Outdoor Recreation Area. This little quiet spot is located near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. It’s operated by the U.S. Navy for active duty military, reservists, personnel, retirees, and their family members. This is a favorite spot for our church’s annual women’s retreat.
I had a chance to stay in one of the villas for a second year in a row. The villas look out over the peaceful waters of Lake Moultrie. I love to look at large bodies of water (notice I said look – I’m not a swimmer). The imagery is powerful and pulsating no matter how often you view the same scene. Being a very visual person, the water reminds me of how small I am and the greatness of an Almighty God. These moments bring me unspeakable joy because I know I’m under His protection.
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 NIV
Our speaker this year was Tricia Stoner and her theme centered around “Joy.” She shared some humorous and honest stories of her ten years as a missionary in Slovakia. While I never lived overseas, I found myself being able to relate to her stories of loneliness, language barriers, and homesickness for the states. When I’m going through trials, I feel very small and overwhelmed in the sea of my troubles. During those times when we are feeling alone or misunderstood, the waves of remembrance rolls over us and the Almighty God seems nearer to us. He has been calling all along to sit with him, but we keep right on with our jam-packed schedules. As our to-do lists get longer and the days seem to zip by, we become stressed, depressed, frustrated, irritated … you name it. Joy is the last thing on our mind. It’s the last thing on our mind because our priorities are out of wack!
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
The JOY-less life is not what God has in mind for us. Jesus had his priorities together. In his journey, all the way to the horrific cross experience, he went through all of this for “the joy set before him.” He knew the trials he had to go through, but he also knew what was on the other side. I should not wait until the next time I go away for a relaxing retreat or the next time I’m going through a trial to seek joy. Moments of joy do not have to be far and in between. My Father wants me to experience joy by seeking Him continually.
Verses to Remember
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2 NIV
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 NIV
Holy Week
Today is Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday Jesus traveled into Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowd placed palm branches on the ground at his feet. The palm tree was a tree of honor. This day starts Holy Week (Mark 11:8-10) . I wrote a special message last year as a reflection of this week. Click here to read. Have a blessed week!
The Daffodil Shout!
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12 NIV
Without fail, this event happens every year without me noticing the subtle changes taking place around my front door. Getting up in the morning can be a little troublesome, especially on cold mornings. By the time I get myself together, I’m making a mad dash out the door towards the car that needs to be warmed up. In the evening, I’m just happy to see my front door after surviving my forty-five minute commute from work. All the while something is brewing around my front door.
Interestingly enough on one of my non-rush days (Sunday) something stops me in my tracks. Something is different! Up until this point all has been quiet in my little front yard garden. But now there was some life! Even though this happens every year, it always amazes me to see these pretty, buttery yellow flowers – known as daffodils.
About four years ago I had no clue what they were, I just knew they were pretty and kind of unexpected. Keep in mind it is not spring yet and the temperature is still in the 30’s at night. It struck me as odd to see these flowers push their way up into the cold air. I have since learned to appreciate them while they bloom, because sure enough in a few weeks nature seems to come alive all at once. My rose bush suddenly begins to form little leaves on them. The trees in the front and back yard have tiny buds on them. The grass is starting to get some green back to it. Even the weeds are making there way into the world. Spring is definitely on its way!
If I had to pick my favorite season, I would have to say it is Spring! I have grown to love digging in dirt whether it is the ground or in a flower pot. At one time I could not keep a house plant alive for more than a few months. Sometimes I still have a little trouble with my house plants, but that is another story to tell. Since living in our house, my husband and I take particular care with the yard. He mows the grass, while I tend to make things pretty with flowers.
One trick I have learned from more experienced gardeners is the art of planting annuals – flowers that grow back every year. Fortunately the past owners of our house planted bulbs and apparently a lot of bulbs. I came across some of these bulbs a few years ago as I reorganized the front yard in a way that I could maintain it. Bulbs are not the prettiest looking things, but the daffodil bulbs without fail do what they were designed to do. … the results are beautiful!
Now as I head out in the morning and come back in the evening, the daffodils capture my attention. As I anticipate seeing some of my other flowers return, I will enjoy them until they fade away. It is March and the daffodils seem to dance with joy as they are rocked by the wind. If they could be personified even more, as the sun’s rays magnifies the buttery yellow texture, they seem to SHOUT for joy. Despite the cool temperatures still ahead, the flowers radiate and represent warmth. They remind me to keep my JOY in spite of the seemingly winter like conditions that are taking place in certain areas of my life. God is working quietly in the spiritual realm (the bulb) and the process will transform me. Hallelujah!
Shout for joy to the LORD , all the earth. Psalm 100:1 NIV
My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you- I, whom you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 NIV
Copyright 2005 Tyora M . Moody
Your Best Life Now
After you start reading this book, you can easily see why it is a bestseller. Like Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, Osteen’s book takes on the challenge of Christian living.
He summarizes how to live your best life now in seven steps.
One: Enlarge your vision
Two: Develop a healthy self-image
Three: Discover the power of your thoughts and words
Four: Let go of the past
Five: Find strength through adversity
Six: Live to give
Seven: Choose to be happy
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