Today I have to do.....
I wake up this morning with my to do list plastered on my brain. Actually, I had this list on my brain all night...so why do I wonder when my feet hit the ground that I am filled with anxiety?
Scripture tells us to "... seek first his kingdom and his righteousness..." (matthew 6:33). I am not told to first seek ME and MY wants and my agenda...and my emails....I am to seek Him...FIRST.
How hard it is to seek Him first when you have a list with 20 items that used to be 5?
So....I follow that inner churning in my soul, and go and seek Him. I pack up my agenda, and the anxiety that comes with it...go to my quiet place...and sit with the Lord. I sit...I squirm...I wait "patiently"....turning my thoughts from what I need to do, to the One who I need.
Then comes that peace, that peace that transcends all understanding. It washes over me. It washes over my agenda. God is so faithful...He always shows up when I show up.
He reminds me that today is His day. He has plans for me. He has blessings for me. I give Him my day, my agenda, all of me...so He can do His job in my life...for today.
I have learned to hold onto my list loosely, as it isn't mine. When I only get down to number 3 on my to do list, I have to look back over my day and smile at what God changed or added to my agenda...the phone call from a friend, a conversation with my kids, a flat tire...God's glorious plans all wrapped up in whatever comes my way.
So today I will write my "to do" list in pencil.....to allow God the opportunity to erase and add His agenda for me ...His perfect plans fitting neatly into His perfect day...He made for me...for you.
May your day be filled with His peace as you give Him your agenda....so you can experience the blessings , in all the things He has planned for you.
Peace to you,
Joni
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
*Please let me know if your mailbox is getting too full...as I will stop sharing my moments with the Lord with you....as I know emails pile up. I just get very excited and have to share how amazing He is!
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As I sit at my desk, on this rainy day, writing about "walking with Jesus"...the church bells begin to play the hymn "He walks with Me".
I didn't even know that I knew the lyrics...but with tears in my eyes, I sang (in my head!) the chorus , as the bells played the melody.....
"And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known..."
This Jesus...walks with me, and He talks with me...and He tells me that I am His own...
He is with me...always! Walking in these truths, is when joy fills my heart, enabling me to walk through anything.
How awesome that God blessed me with this song, as I was writing about walking through this life with Jesus.
Jesus asks us to come, to sit and to listen to His voice, before getting up to walk.
The cool thing is that He doesn't tell us first to clean up our act, or even lose 10 pounds...He tells us to come...as is...
As this song begins....
"I come to the garden, alone...While the dew is still on the roses"
Our walk begins with "coming to the garden"....to "seek first his kingdom..."(Matthew 6:33 )...and to listen...before taking the steps.
Do I chose to come to Jesus as soon as I wake up in the morning? Do I chose to come to Jesus...first.. when I am overwhelmed? Do I chose to come to Jesus when I feel lonely? Do I chose to come to Jesus...just because He wants me to?
What a journey "Life" is! What peace there is knowing that we
have Jesus as our fellow companion, walking right beside us...so He can
"direct our paths" (proverbs 3:5) and equip us with everything we need for the journey.
May your day be filled with His joy...as you Come to the garden...so your Savior can walk and talk with you!
Peace your way,
Joni
(Now the bells are playing "Let there be peace on earth"...I think God is trying to tell me something!)
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:27-28
He Walks With Me
I come to the garden alone While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the son of God discloses
And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of his voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that he gave to me within my heart is ringing
And he walks with me...
I'd stay in the garden with him though the night around me is falling
But He bids me go through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
(Like I said, the chorus is all I knew....Thank you Lord for Google!)
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THE PRECIOUS PRESENT
A wise man (my husband) once said...
"Contentment means being okay with where you are today, where you were yesterday, not worrying about tomorrow. Content in knowing that whatever happens is okay because it is in God’s control."
The only way to be in the moment is to be in the moment.
The moment may be a trial you are experiencing.
The moment may be a choice you have to make.
The moment may be a task that you have to complete.
The moment may be the lowest moment of your life.
The only way to be in the moment is to be in the moment.
As I was running this morning, I asked the Lord to show me how to be peaceful in the moment...how to enjoy it...to be ever present.
He answered me through that
inner voice that speaks to my heart...
...that He has been teaching me how, by making me be in it...
How is one to know how "to be" unless one is taught.
The moment is where I learn to lean on God.
It is so much easier to walk around the pink elephant in the room, as avoidance is the easier road to take.
But you know what...avoidance never got rid of the pink elephant. Avoidance never cured the illness. Avoidance never mended the relationship. Avoidance never completed the task.
When running away isn't an option, and you are forced to be in the moment... that is where you meet God. That is where God does His best work. Always refining us on the Potter's wheel..
I had to laugh when I realized that God is teaching me how to be in the moment by forcing me to be in it.
It is at this place where you meet God at a deeper level.
Where He is found.
Because God is controlling the moment. Jesus is with you in the moment. And the Holy spirit is strengthens you in the moment.
So on this beautiful day...whatever moment is facing you...may you meet God like you never have before..in that moment...
Because it is in His precious presence that one is able to accept the present as a gift.
His Peace,
Joni
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12
Hmm....can you tell the word of the day is "moment"?
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The Perfect Present
Shopping for Christmas gifts...for our loved ones, for our friends, for those who are in need...
Choosing the perfect gift to express our love.
Christmas....a holiday set aside for the
Birthday Celebration of Jesus.
A celebration of God's perfect present, sent from above to all of us. The perfect "one size fits all". The perfect present that is for a girl, a boy, a man and woman. The perfect present that satisfies all our needs. The perfect present that doesn't need batteries. The perfect present that doesn't have to be put together. The perfect present that you don't have to go to the Mall to purchase. The perfect present with free shipping. The perfect present that is delivered instantly.
The perfect present with the perfect price...
Free.
The perfect present when unwrapped....
Turns anxiety into peace
Turns sorrow into joy
Turns guilt into forgiveness
Turns rejection into acceptance.
Turns hatred into love.
Jesus...the gift that keeps giving. The perfect gift for us...the perfect gift for all of our loved ones. The perfect gift for everyone.
May you experience true peace and joy, every season of your life, as you unwrap the Perfect Present...
Jesus...and pass it on.
May Blessings Abound,
Joni
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:17-18
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Happy Birthday...Jesus!
Today is my daughter’s birthday. She is no longer a teen...as she enters into her 20s. I smile and my eyes fill with tears as I remember that day she was born. The day that God chose for her to come into this world. I remember looking into her eyes, with the same expression that I had when I looked into the eyes of my 24 and 26 year old precious childrens’ eyes, on the day of their births....in wonder, in such amazement that it warmed my heart in an unexplainable way.
As everyone is preparing for Christams day...to celebrate the birth of our King, I think about His birth. The day that He was born to Mary....a humble little girl. I wonder what happened to her heart that day when she looked into her precious baby’s eyes. I can’t even imagine. I bet her heart was on fire. I bet she was a wee bit wondering....”Why me? Why would God chose me to give such a gift?”
I have asked that question myself...
“Why me, Lord. Why would you give me....after all that I have done and after all that I continue to do ...such a gift...your precious son.?”
And God answers...
”Just because I love you.”
So simple, yet so hard to ingest. JUST BECAUSE.
Wow...Just because He loves me. Just because He loves you.
I think of the words from the chorus of the song, Who AM I..
"Not because of Who I am. But because of what you’ve done.
Not because of What I’ve done. But because of Who you are."
It isn't about me. It really is about Him. God...wanting to hand us all His gift of love, all wrapped up in His infant Son, born 2010 years ago.
So when I look into the eyes of Jesus....my eyes fill with tears and my heart gets warm...as I experience His forgiveness, His love, His grace...and remember how He has changed this heart of mine, and continues to do so.....
Just because....
May you unwrap the only true gift of Christmas, given to you from your “Daddy” above and experience all the blessings that He has for you...
His Peace, Joy, Love, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Hope...
JUST BECAUSE ..
He Loves You!
Happy Birthday my daughter.
Happy Birthday my Jesus!
His Peace,
Joni
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
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Is it Givingthanks...or Thanksgiving?
This is the time of year when we are "supposed" to be thankful.
Thankful for crowded grocery stores, thankful for the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies.... and for the lonely string bean...that adds that " green" to our table.
Thankful for buying the turkey napkins and candy canes...all at
the same time because there are only 31 shopping days until
Christmas.
Thankful for the alarm clocks that will buzz at 4am on " black
Friday" because there will only be 29 days left to shop.
Thankful...
I cry this morning with tears of heart felt thanksgiving...
For the lord... For saving me.... by sending his precious son...
To die so I, so we... could all live " happily ever after".
I cry heart felt tears for my precious children and husband who
God has given to me as gifts...to love and to be loved.
I cry heartfelt tears for my mom and dad who God gave to me to
care for me and love me.
I cry heartfelt tears for my siblings who I don't share enough
how much I love them and for the smiles they have added to my
life.
I cry heartfelt tears for those who are crying today with tears
of loss, sorrow, pain and loneliness.
Yet I cry out prayers for all those hearts that this thanksgiving
they will experience the peace & the joy of the Lord, in the
midst of their circumstances.
I cry for the distractions of the " holidays" which crowd out the
real meaning of "Givingthanks" (Thanksgiving) and the birthday
celebration of a little boy born 2010 years ago in a stable....
Who has given me... Given you... Given all of us....
The ultimate gifts of
Forgiveness...Salvation.... & Freedom.....
The Freedom to dance with our two left feet...
Just because God is thankful for us... Thankful that He made
us.... As we are all His workmanship.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you my special someones who are all
gifts to me... I thank God for placing you in my life.
So tomorrow as you are eating your turkey take time to also.....
"Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."
Psalm 34;8.
His Peace to you,
Joni
"Trust God. Wait Patiently. Watch Expectantly"
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This morning, as I was sitting on the beach, talking with God (He loves the beach!), I kept looking for "signs" that He was with me. I shuffled through my worship songs, just waiting to have that "ah ha" moment....when God and I are so in synced....when you know that it isn't a coincidence, and so clearly Him.
Well, I wasn't syncing this morning. I went from song to song...just waiting to get that "feeling"...nothing happening. So I got up, ran back home, still clicking through the songs to get that "God moment"....well the God moment came...and it wasn't in a song. It came through my heart....that I was "testing" God.
Yup, I was testing God. I was looking for Him, looking for that mountain top experience...in the beach, in the ocean, in a song. Testing Him...challenging Him to make Himself present to me.
Are you really there God?
Are you really who you say you are?
The little stubborn child in me screaming, "I want you right now and I want you to do it my way?"
Wow...
God did show up. He showed me that He is with me every second, even when I don't have that "Ah Ha" moment. He is with me when I am looking for Him in the beach, a sunrise, a friend. He hasn't gone anywhere. He wants us to seek Him first...but that is giving Him your first "second", your first "thought", your first "thanks".
Because God is so gracious, He does send those precious nuggets from heaven...those "Ah Ha" moments, those power surges of the Holy Spirit, the unexpected blessing, the day that you get to check off everything on your to do list, the positive test results, the paycheck, the smile from your child, just taking a breath....
He is always present, it is me that moves away.
May your day be blessed with "Ah Ha" seconds as you take your Father's hand and walk through your day, seeing Him in all things...no matter how big or small...He is there.
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him..."
(Psalm 145 17-20a)
Peace to you,
Joni
Monday, January 03, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"In A Couple of Days and it Will All Be Over" are the words I just overheard in Starbucks. Those words...brought tears to my eyes. How sad.
This Christmas season, I have been having such a hard time wrapping my arms around the holiday "falalalalaling" and putting it in a box with the baby Jesus. Not to be a Debbie Downer or a Scrooge...I just have a burning desire for everyone to experience the birth of Jesus in their life like I have.
Beneath the tinsel and bows....there lies a little baby. A little baby who was wrapped in cloths in a manger. A little baby who was born to die. A little baby who brought hope into the world. A little baby who is hope. The power of this little baby....every day, every season in our lives...whether it is a winter, spring, summer or fall.
Jesus is Jesus beyond December 25. December 25 is just the beginning. He is the gift of the day. He is the gift that keeps giving.
Down deep, I am happy that "in a couple of days it will be all over"...but what I am really happy about ....is that the hustle and bustle, the running around, the "what should I buy so and so", the "I ate way too much"...will be over.. all of the distractions of the seasons will be gone...
But....when all the decorations of the tree are taken off..and there before your eyes is a bare tree...a tree with less needles then it had when it was first brought into your house...Jesus will still be Jesus. Jesus will still be under that tree...waiting to be unwrapped every day, as Jesus is the tree of life...
" I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life..." (John 14:6)
May you unwrap this precious little baby into your life and experience the most expensive gift that you will ever get. May He richly bless your spirit, so each day becomes a Christmas celebration.
Love to you from my heart...this heart of mine that is in love with this precious little baby who has given me all that I will ever need.
Merry...Merry...Christmas....
Today....Tomorrow...Forever.
In His Glorious Peace,
Joni
"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with the Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
This Christmas season, I have been having such a hard time wrapping my arms around the holiday "falalalalaling" and putting it in a box with the baby Jesus. Not to be a Debbie Downer or a Scrooge...I just have a burning desire for everyone to experience the birth of Jesus in their life like I have.
Beneath the tinsel and bows....there lies a little baby. A little baby who was wrapped in cloths in a manger. A little baby who was born to die. A little baby who brought hope into the world. A little baby who is hope. The power of this little baby....every day, every season in our lives...whether it is a winter, spring, summer or fall.
Jesus is Jesus beyond December 25. December 25 is just the beginning. He is the gift of the day. He is the gift that keeps giving.
Down deep, I am happy that "in a couple of days it will be all over"...but what I am really happy about ....is that the hustle and bustle, the running around, the "what should I buy so and so", the "I ate way too much"...will be over.. all of the distractions of the seasons will be gone...
But....when all the decorations of the tree are taken off..and there before your eyes is a bare tree...a tree with less needles then it had when it was first brought into your house...Jesus will still be Jesus. Jesus will still be under that tree...waiting to be unwrapped every day, as Jesus is the tree of life...
" I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life..." (John 14:6)
May you unwrap this precious little baby into your life and experience the most expensive gift that you will ever get. May He richly bless your spirit, so each day becomes a Christmas celebration.
Love to you from my heart...this heart of mine that is in love with this precious little baby who has given me all that I will ever need.
Merry...Merry...Christmas....
Today....Tomorrow...Forever.
In His Glorious Peace,
Joni
"May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with the Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Choices... Every second we are making them. Some easy... some hard. Some right.... some wrong. Some come naturally, like brushing your teeth and some unnatural... like saying "no" when "yes" is so much easier.
Standing at the crossroads...
One road paved with fear and doubt...
The road of denial...the one taken because it provides a quick fix, instant gratification...the easier road to choose yet always leads to a dead end.
And the other road paved with trust and faith.
The much harder one to take...in the moment.
So why would I want to walk down the more difficult road?
Because "... wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
BUT
small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
Traveling down the broad road always brought me to the same destination: one big mess.
Today, when I am at the crossroad...I choose the narrow road because my Lord promises to be with me...
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" (Isaiah 43:2-3)
No matter what comes into my life, I can face it with the Lord by my side. I have nothing to fear because I have someone that I can trust. The road of fear and doubt is no longer an option.
I have faced some bumpy roads... And some I have avoided.... wishing I would have taken the " road less traveled" first... but what is so cool is when I have chosen the wrong road Jesus was always right there...to pick me up and wipe me off... with his forgiveness...
And then He pointed me back to the right road...and walked with me. He has done it....and will continue to do so... every time I take my eyes off of Him and wander down the wrong path.
With scuffed up knees, I will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus...who stands at gate of the narrow road...so I will be able to walk through life with peace and joy, no matter how bumpy the road appears to be.
May your day be a smooth ride as you travel down the narrow road, hand in hand, with your Savior.
Peace to you,
Joni
"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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
Standing at the crossroads...
One road paved with fear and doubt...
The road of denial...the one taken because it provides a quick fix, instant gratification...the easier road to choose yet always leads to a dead end.
And the other road paved with trust and faith.
The much harder one to take...in the moment.
So why would I want to walk down the more difficult road?
Because "... wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
BUT
small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
Traveling down the broad road always brought me to the same destination: one big mess.
Today, when I am at the crossroad...I choose the narrow road because my Lord promises to be with me...
"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;" (Isaiah 43:2-3)
No matter what comes into my life, I can face it with the Lord by my side. I have nothing to fear because I have someone that I can trust. The road of fear and doubt is no longer an option.
I have faced some bumpy roads... And some I have avoided.... wishing I would have taken the " road less traveled" first... but what is so cool is when I have chosen the wrong road Jesus was always right there...to pick me up and wipe me off... with his forgiveness...
And then He pointed me back to the right road...and walked with me. He has done it....and will continue to do so... every time I take my eyes off of Him and wander down the wrong path.
With scuffed up knees, I will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus...who stands at gate of the narrow road...so I will be able to walk through life with peace and joy, no matter how bumpy the road appears to be.
May your day be a smooth ride as you travel down the narrow road, hand in hand, with your Savior.
Peace to you,
Joni
"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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
Monday, September 06, 2010
This morning, three black crows decided to take a bath in a huge pothole at the bottom of our driveway. One flew in, and was splashing around...another crow spotted him and waddled (yes, waddled) over and jumped in with him....then a third. All having a grande 'ole time...in a pothole.
Taking a "bad" thing and using it for good. Something which causes a bumpy ride in my car, is providing a spa for birds.
It made me smile. It made me think about those things in my life which I allow to steal my "smiles" ...my peace, my joy. Those potholes in my path as I journey through life.
How is one to bathe with joy when these “disruptions” come? (a pothole is defined as” a disruption in the surface of the roadway”…interesting)
Just as this hole is serving a purpose for the birds, the holes in our life are also serving a purpose.
All things happen for a reason. God uses all things...for His purposes. Most of the time, we have no clue what is going on, and question why would God allow such a trial, an unexpected "bump" in the road....
With our every question, He has an answer…because….
" … we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God always working behind the scenes, putting together a puzzle in our lives...using all things...even a pothole in the street...
That hole...has shown me peace. That hole has taught me patience. That hole has made me smile.
Thank you God...for the birdbath at the end of my driveway.
God has filled many of the holes in my life. If it wasn't for the holes, I would never had needed a “hole filler”. Anything that I give Him, He fixes and fills with His love. He has everything that is needed to fill whatever holes are in our life.
No hole is too big for God.
These are opportunities to bring me closer to my Lord...where He grows my faith as I lean on Him and allow Him to "pave" my way.
The crows have left, and a little sparrow just came and drank from the pothole.
The annoyance in my life is an oasis for the birds.
Now when I drive out of my driveway, and my coffee spills all over me...because of the pot hole in the road...I will smile....knowing that this "bump in the road" is being used for good…. a resort for the neighborhood crows.
May you find joy in then midst of whatever bumps in the road are in your life right now…as you lean on the Master "hole filler".
Peace to you,
Joni
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 8:12
Taking a "bad" thing and using it for good. Something which causes a bumpy ride in my car, is providing a spa for birds.
It made me smile. It made me think about those things in my life which I allow to steal my "smiles" ...my peace, my joy. Those potholes in my path as I journey through life.
How is one to bathe with joy when these “disruptions” come? (a pothole is defined as” a disruption in the surface of the roadway”…interesting)
Just as this hole is serving a purpose for the birds, the holes in our life are also serving a purpose.
All things happen for a reason. God uses all things...for His purposes. Most of the time, we have no clue what is going on, and question why would God allow such a trial, an unexpected "bump" in the road....
With our every question, He has an answer…because….
" … we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
God always working behind the scenes, putting together a puzzle in our lives...using all things...even a pothole in the street...
That hole...has shown me peace. That hole has taught me patience. That hole has made me smile.
Thank you God...for the birdbath at the end of my driveway.
God has filled many of the holes in my life. If it wasn't for the holes, I would never had needed a “hole filler”. Anything that I give Him, He fixes and fills with His love. He has everything that is needed to fill whatever holes are in our life.
No hole is too big for God.
These are opportunities to bring me closer to my Lord...where He grows my faith as I lean on Him and allow Him to "pave" my way.
The crows have left, and a little sparrow just came and drank from the pothole.
The annoyance in my life is an oasis for the birds.
Now when I drive out of my driveway, and my coffee spills all over me...because of the pot hole in the road...I will smile....knowing that this "bump in the road" is being used for good…. a resort for the neighborhood crows.
May you find joy in then midst of whatever bumps in the road are in your life right now…as you lean on the Master "hole filler".
Peace to you,
Joni
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 8:12
Friday, September 03, 2010
His Shining Light
My search for the "perfect" sunrise....waking up early, rushing down to the beach with my camera so I could capture the most amazing picture of a sunrise. Day One....cloudy, no sun. Day Two...Too foggy. Day Three....one speck of orange...and the Days continued...no perfect sunrise. Trying to get the perfect sunrise to depict the perfect Savior. So....no picture, no perfect savior??? What a wake up call for me.
How the clouds or the fog get in the way of our experiencing the sunlight. What we can't see behind those clouds...is that there is that circular orange ball, shining always...even on a rainy day.
Our Savior...Our Jesus....sent to earth to shine in our hearts. God's "Son"...the light of the world....born to Mary, so He could die on a cross for me, for you..for everyone. As I have been waiting for the sun to rise, I seem to forgot that the Son did rise. He rose so, I can live...so I could experience love, joy and peace...like I have never experienced before.
May His light pierce through any clouds or fog that may be in your life right now.
Bask in the Lord's words below...as you allow His Son to rise in your hearts...so you can experience the perfect "sonrise" every morning.
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24
Peace,
Joni
"Trust God. Wait Patiently. Watch Expectantly"
My search for the "perfect" sunrise....waking up early, rushing down to the beach with my camera so I could capture the most amazing picture of a sunrise. Day One....cloudy, no sun. Day Two...Too foggy. Day Three....one speck of orange...and the Days continued...no perfect sunrise. Trying to get the perfect sunrise to depict the perfect Savior. So....no picture, no perfect savior??? What a wake up call for me.
How the clouds or the fog get in the way of our experiencing the sunlight. What we can't see behind those clouds...is that there is that circular orange ball, shining always...even on a rainy day.
Our Savior...Our Jesus....sent to earth to shine in our hearts. God's "Son"...the light of the world....born to Mary, so He could die on a cross for me, for you..for everyone. As I have been waiting for the sun to rise, I seem to forgot that the Son did rise. He rose so, I can live...so I could experience love, joy and peace...like I have never experienced before.
May His light pierce through any clouds or fog that may be in your life right now.
Bask in the Lord's words below...as you allow His Son to rise in your hearts...so you can experience the perfect "sonrise" every morning.
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24
Peace,
Joni
"Trust God. Wait Patiently. Watch Expectantly"
Monday, August 23, 2010
Fix Your Eyes....
I walked into a door yesterday....as I was going into a Starbucks!
I was so preoccupied with a particular thought, that I didn't even see the plate glass door in front of me. The blow to my head woke me up out of my trance.. and the expressions on the faces of the 4 people who witnessed this, brought me back into reality. The hard part was staggering into the store, acting like nothing happened.
I chuckled to myself, as I was processing what I just experienced.
I was so fixed on a thought... that I was oblivious to my whereabouts. Now for me, that is a feat... as it takes a lot to get this hyper Italian to be totally zoned out.
Wow....the power of a thought.......
So... what if I was to be this focused on Jesus?
Oh the doors that would be opened up in my life...
the door of peace, the door of joy, the door of love....
Taking my eyes off of me, myself and I...and to focus them on
"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy.." (Philippians 4:8-9)
...then...
I could probably walk through a plate glass window and be thankful....
Will I still feel the pain...The sting of life? Oh yes...But fixing my eyes on the One who is walking with me...step by step...I am able to walk away with a smile on my face because I know that He
is right there beside me... to pick me up, to wipe my tears, to comfort my soul....
But most of all because I know that the bruises I encounter are nothing compared to "an eternal glory that far outweighs them all".
So this bruise above my eye will remind me to re-focus my eyes throughout my day...fixing them on my Savior...
As you walk through your day today, make sure you look up...keeping your eyes fixed on Him....so you will experience His peace in all things...and avoid walking into any closed doors!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Peace your way,
Joni
"Trust God. Wait Patiently. Watch Expectantly."
I walked into a door yesterday....as I was going into a Starbucks!
I was so preoccupied with a particular thought, that I didn't even see the plate glass door in front of me. The blow to my head woke me up out of my trance.. and the expressions on the faces of the 4 people who witnessed this, brought me back into reality. The hard part was staggering into the store, acting like nothing happened.
I chuckled to myself, as I was processing what I just experienced.
I was so fixed on a thought... that I was oblivious to my whereabouts. Now for me, that is a feat... as it takes a lot to get this hyper Italian to be totally zoned out.
Wow....the power of a thought.......
So... what if I was to be this focused on Jesus?
Oh the doors that would be opened up in my life...
the door of peace, the door of joy, the door of love....
Taking my eyes off of me, myself and I...and to focus them on
"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy.." (Philippians 4:8-9)
...then...
I could probably walk through a plate glass window and be thankful....
Will I still feel the pain...The sting of life? Oh yes...But fixing my eyes on the One who is walking with me...step by step...I am able to walk away with a smile on my face because I know that He
is right there beside me... to pick me up, to wipe my tears, to comfort my soul....
But most of all because I know that the bruises I encounter are nothing compared to "an eternal glory that far outweighs them all".
So this bruise above my eye will remind me to re-focus my eyes throughout my day...fixing them on my Savior...
As you walk through your day today, make sure you look up...keeping your eyes fixed on Him....so you will experience His peace in all things...and avoid walking into any closed doors!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Peace your way,
Joni
"Trust God. Wait Patiently. Watch Expectantly."
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I just received a postcard, from a very dear friend,
Who lives far far away, but one whom I depend.
I knew I was thought of, as the words were sincere,
Beginning with... "Dear Joni, I wish you were here..."
I smiled with joy, as someone was thinking of me,
In a way that they were wishing, with them I could be.
I was a bit confused, as I had sent the same note,
Awaiting a response, to what I had I wrote.
As I looked at the postcard, I couldn't believe my eyes,
This special someone, was finally answering my cry.
I took a deep breath, as I didn't know what to think
As I began to read the words, that were written in gold ink...
"I received your postcard, and your message was clear...
That you wish I was with you, as you wrote, "Wish you were here".
I have three words to tell you, and please take them to heart,
"I AM Here" my child, as I have been, right from the start.
You don't have to wish anymore, because I'm right by your side,
Through this journey called life, I 'm along for the ride.
In good times and bad, you can count on me,
Living inside of you, is where I will always be.
So Joni, I Wish you were Here....believing in my name,
Trusting in me, you will never be the same.
Thanks for your postcard, I'm returning it back to you,
Love God, and PS... I love you too."
I got the message, loud and clear...
That God never left me, as He is right "here".
"Here" in the moment, "Here" in my day
"Here" even when things, aren't going my way.
He's my Father in Heaven, and my Father "Here" on this earth,
He's always been with me, since the day of my birth.
The postcards I send Him now, are filled with my thanks and a prayer,
Because I am certain, that He is Here...as He is Everywhere.
************************************************
May you be filled with peace, knowing that the Lord is with you...
no matter where you may be,
no matter what you may be feeling,
no matter your circumstances.
Peace to you,
Joni
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Who lives far far away, but one whom I depend.
I knew I was thought of, as the words were sincere,
Beginning with... "Dear Joni, I wish you were here..."
I smiled with joy, as someone was thinking of me,
In a way that they were wishing, with them I could be.
I was a bit confused, as I had sent the same note,
Awaiting a response, to what I had I wrote.
As I looked at the postcard, I couldn't believe my eyes,
This special someone, was finally answering my cry.
I took a deep breath, as I didn't know what to think
As I began to read the words, that were written in gold ink...
"I received your postcard, and your message was clear...
That you wish I was with you, as you wrote, "Wish you were here".
I have three words to tell you, and please take them to heart,
"I AM Here" my child, as I have been, right from the start.
You don't have to wish anymore, because I'm right by your side,
Through this journey called life, I 'm along for the ride.
In good times and bad, you can count on me,
Living inside of you, is where I will always be.
So Joni, I Wish you were Here....believing in my name,
Trusting in me, you will never be the same.
Thanks for your postcard, I'm returning it back to you,
Love God, and PS... I love you too."
I got the message, loud and clear...
That God never left me, as He is right "here".
"Here" in the moment, "Here" in my day
"Here" even when things, aren't going my way.
He's my Father in Heaven, and my Father "Here" on this earth,
He's always been with me, since the day of my birth.
The postcards I send Him now, are filled with my thanks and a prayer,
Because I am certain, that He is Here...as He is Everywhere.
************************************************
May you be filled with peace, knowing that the Lord is with you...
no matter where you may be,
no matter what you may be feeling,
no matter your circumstances.
Peace to you,
Joni
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Monday, August 09, 2010
The Surf Rake
Early in the morning, the Surf Rake machine combs the beach to make the sand one big soft blanket. It picks up the debri...all ready for a new day.
What peace I recieve when I allow the Lord to comb me...first thing every morning. He irons out the kinks...those things that get in the way of my experiencing His joy...as I ask Him:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
(psalm 139:23-24)
...I am in a very vulnerable spot, but one which the Lord can do His job on this heart of mine. Scared at first to expose myself to Him, but then I laugh as He knows my heart.(1 Chronicles 28:9). He knows everything about me...down to every hair on my head....and I have a lot of hair....
So if this God...knows it all anyway, then why not share it all with Him. When I come clean before Him, He meets me...He listens...He smiles...and then He changes me. What comfort to know that I have someone who I can tell anything to, at anytime....who loves me unconditionally.
Now that is freedom...and peace.
May you take a moment to sit with the Lord and share your heart....honestly with Him....so you can experience the gift of His presence and His unconditional love.
No matter what you tell Him, or what you feel...He will meet you right there...with His grace...His amazing Grace.
Peace to you,
Joni
Early in the morning, the Surf Rake machine combs the beach to make the sand one big soft blanket. It picks up the debri...all ready for a new day.
What peace I recieve when I allow the Lord to comb me...first thing every morning. He irons out the kinks...those things that get in the way of my experiencing His joy...as I ask Him:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
(psalm 139:23-24)
...I am in a very vulnerable spot, but one which the Lord can do His job on this heart of mine. Scared at first to expose myself to Him, but then I laugh as He knows my heart.(1 Chronicles 28:9). He knows everything about me...down to every hair on my head....and I have a lot of hair....
So if this God...knows it all anyway, then why not share it all with Him. When I come clean before Him, He meets me...He listens...He smiles...and then He changes me. What comfort to know that I have someone who I can tell anything to, at anytime....who loves me unconditionally.
Now that is freedom...and peace.
May you take a moment to sit with the Lord and share your heart....honestly with Him....so you can experience the gift of His presence and His unconditional love.
No matter what you tell Him, or what you feel...He will meet you right there...with His grace...His amazing Grace.
Peace to you,
Joni
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
CAST ALL.....
I was watching some fishermen at the beach yesterday, as they put bait on their hooks and then cast their lines into the ocean. Peacefully standing by the water's edge fishing, because they trust and believe that the "dead" bait will catch a fish...or not.
I have no interest at all in fishing, especially when putting the slimy worm or dead fish on the hook for bait...
But watching them "cast", made me think of the things that I need to cast, to get rid of... those things which steal my peace, my joy...
because the Lord tells me to in I Peter 5:7...
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
As we "cast",
throw off, shed... our worries to the Lord, He immediately "catches" whatever we give to Him...Why...because He cares so much about us. He is always willing and ready to take our worries and replace them with His peace.
Simple concept, yet hard to do. Daily I will cast worry to the Lord, but quickly reel it back in.
Some days I am doing a lot of fishing...casting the same care over and over again to the Lord...but am I really "casting" all ? I love when I truly give it ALL to Him, leaving the outcome to Him. With total reliance and trust in Him...I will reel in His blessings.
I want the peace that I see in the fishermen, as they patiently wait for the outcome...and they are trusting in a dead worm! So can you imagine when you trust in a living God, the creator of the Universe...for all things...the catch that you would get?
I have decided to take up fishing.....but for the Lord's peace.
May you experience God's peace as you "cast all" to the Great Fisherman ....because He cares for you.
Peace to you,
Joni
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
I was watching some fishermen at the beach yesterday, as they put bait on their hooks and then cast their lines into the ocean. Peacefully standing by the water's edge fishing, because they trust and believe that the "dead" bait will catch a fish...or not.
I have no interest at all in fishing, especially when putting the slimy worm or dead fish on the hook for bait...
But watching them "cast", made me think of the things that I need to cast, to get rid of... those things which steal my peace, my joy...
because the Lord tells me to in I Peter 5:7...
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
As we "cast",
throw off, shed... our worries to the Lord, He immediately "catches" whatever we give to Him...Why...because He cares so much about us. He is always willing and ready to take our worries and replace them with His peace.
Simple concept, yet hard to do. Daily I will cast worry to the Lord, but quickly reel it back in.
Some days I am doing a lot of fishing...casting the same care over and over again to the Lord...but am I really "casting" all ? I love when I truly give it ALL to Him, leaving the outcome to Him. With total reliance and trust in Him...I will reel in His blessings.
I want the peace that I see in the fishermen, as they patiently wait for the outcome...and they are trusting in a dead worm! So can you imagine when you trust in a living God, the creator of the Universe...for all things...the catch that you would get?
I have decided to take up fishing.....but for the Lord's peace.
May you experience God's peace as you "cast all" to the Great Fisherman ....because He cares for you.
Peace to you,
Joni
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
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