Counting Gifts – and fighting for Joy.
In: A Quiet Spirit, Celebrating Our Little One
I’m learning that peace is something God gives freely, when I follow His recipe for it.
I’m also learning that joy is something I have to fight for.
We’ve all had a lot of peace through this time in our lives – sometimes so much it doesn’t seem real.
But joy – now that’s something a bit harder to come by.
The easiest way I’ve been able to discover the small lights of joy in these dark days is through finding small flames with which to be thankful.
I’m so thankful my good friend and prayer warrior recommended this book to me – before I hit this mountain climb. Maybe it’ll be a blessing to you as well – no matter how big or tall your own mountain is?
6 comments
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Kim H
September 9, 2012 at 11:43 am
i was reading and re-reading parts of “To Heaven and Back” by Dr. Mary C. Neal, and I came upon this excerpt…” I had always been a “happy” person and generally saw the rosy side of things,but joy is clearly different than happiness. It is not based on circumstances, but on presence, hope, and promises of God. Even when it feels as if we are being crushed by earthly troubles, we can remain joyful. If we keep our focus on God, our spirit cannot be trampled. Joy is a state of mind and a state of being. It reflects a conscious choice to believe in the promises of the Bible.”.
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Sue
September 25, 2012 at 12:19 am
I am your distant cousin, Sue. I have been praying for you. I love Ann Voskamp, her book and her blog, A Holy Experience. I have really been working on going through the day counting the ways God is showing me he loves me. I love counting 1,000 gifts. Your story has been a blessing to me.
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Kim
September 25, 2012 at 7:45 am
Sue – thanks for stopping by and sticking around for so long. That book has been such a blessing to me as well. If God is indeed the creator and author of all things – who am I to not be grateful for what He gives? He is the rewarded of those who diligently seek Him.
May you (and I!) today both find many blessings in what we’re given.
And I’m totally asking my mom how we’re related. 😉
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Jan Evett
September 6, 2012 at 9:19 am
Thanks, KIm. Wishing you much love, peace, JOY and prayers today! God bless.
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