Consider it joy when you face trials of any kind.

When we found out I had cancer, I can tell you that we experienced a peace that went beyond understanding.   It enveloped our whole being.   I had never experienced that kind of peace before, but it was very precious.   It gave me the energy I needed to press through each day, to have an attitude of gratitude and joy for each new day I was given, and to be able to deal with the unknown future we were facing.   It was a precious gift.   I still have peace, just not the same level as when all this first happened.   God has been very good to us and I'm so thankful for the grace He gives us.  I'd like to share this devotion with you.   May it encourage you along the way!

"My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy."

 ~  James 1:2
Don’t mistake what this passage means. No one expects you to be happy about your difficulties.  The word happy comes from the word “happenstance”, meaning our feelings depend on what happens to us.  But we are expected to strive for joy.  Joy is a sense of well-being, a sense of security, a sense of peace, no matter what happens to us.  Joy is the feeling we want to achieve.  Joy is feeling secure and content in every situation, in every challenge and in every way, knowing that God is taking care of us even in the most difficult of days.

God of joy, help me to know your peace which passes understanding.  Help me to feel your security beyond compare.  Help me to be well within my spirit no matter what challenges come my way. Amen. 

May your day be blessed beyond measure -

Molly

An attitude of gratitude

"Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." ~   Philippians 4: 8

Our thoughts have deep significance to our well-being.  When we put our focus and energy on what is wrong in our lives we do nothing but stand against something.  It paralyzes us when we are focused on all the bad in our lives.  But when we put our attention on all that is good, on all that is right, it helps our attitude change and it changes our lives.   There's enough bad going on in the world today that affects our lives daily IF we let it.   We must make a choice to have an attitude of gratitude every single day.    An attitude of joy and gratitude will always enable us to do so much more than one of opposition and defiance.  Each new day is truly a precious gift!

Thank you, Lord, for the infinite ways in which my life is good.  Help me to focus on them so I see my life in a more positive and triumphant way.  Amen.

Blessings,

Molly

Reflecting on what JOY truly is.....

In this busy life we live, it's easy to get caught up in all that busyness and lose sight of the purpose so quickly.   I recently received this in an email and wanted to share it with you.

Here’s how to take back the joy you’ve lost: 

1.  Understand what joy is 
Joy is not the absence of problems or stress.  We all have troubles in daily life.  Joy is the understanding that in spite of those troubles, we know we will be okay.  It is holding onto a sense of peace and strength, security and ultimately goodness, even in the center of the storms.  It is an intangible feeling that we will be carried through until we reach the other side, until better days come.  It is a feeling of serenity that we are not alone, nor will ever be left all alone, to face our struggles and fears.  Joy is the gift of peace that comes from knowing that no matter what happens to us, we are being given the ability to get through the challenge, to grow, to emerge to a better and healthier life.  Joy is one of the best gifts we can ever create and receive.

2.  Reflect on joyful moments Even if you are going through a painful period right now in your life, make an intentional effort to think about the positive, touching, grateful moments you feel.  Those moments do come to us every day.  Even in the midst of sad, challenging or devastating times, there are always at least little moments of light and grace that temper the difficulties and bring some balance into each day.

3.  Create time for joy now If only for 10 minutes at a time - take a short walk, read a magazine article or story, watch children play, listen to some favorite music, view a part of a funny TV show, stare into space, look at a photo album, concentrate on something beautiful in nature allow yourself to focus on what pleases you.  It will help you to transcend for that time the stresses you are facing.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12

I wanted to share this devotion with you.   I pray it will encourage you as you press on to run the race that is set before you.   


Sometimes the key to survival is simply "setting our jaw" and going on faithfully trusting that God is there helping us, despite the apparent and outward circumstances. Choosing joy through hope rather than despair, choosing patient endurance in times of affliction, and choosing faithfulness in prayer are all decisions of the will trusting that the God who raised Jesus from the dead can also change our circumstances because he hears our voice.

PRAYER:
Create in me, O Mighty God, a resolute and steadfast heart so that I might persevere with joy no matter what the difficulty. This I ask in the name of your faithful Son. Amen.


Blessings,


Molly

Just wanted to post a quick note to let you know that I'll start posting again soon.   It's been a crazy spring around our house.   Ever since March came, things have just been busy.   I'm doing okay.   I'm having some back pain due to my rib cage being out of whack, but with some physical therapy, it's getting stronger.   I gave my testimony back in April to a ladies' group.   That went really well.   I was thankful the Lord calmed my nerves and spoke through me.   I haven't spoken to a large group in a long time, so it was definitely the Lord working in me.   The "old me" wouldn't have signed up for that.  :-)

Hope all is well!

Blessings,

Molly