Tag: joy

THE GOD OF SURPRISES

I had the blessing of attending a retreat recently, and one of the exercises we did was to break into small groups.  We had three questions to reflect on and share, if desired, in our group and then with the whole group.

The first question was, “What has surprised you so far?” It was interesting to hear the variety of answers, since, as we know, God made each of us a little different and unique in our own way. We all have different perspectives, usually based on the experiences we’ve had. I like to hear people’s thoughts, which often reveal more of their stories.

The question echoed in my mind for a while, which made me think about how we never know what God will orchestrate in our lives. As I am more of an introvert, I was proud that I did speak up in our small group and share what surprised me. I shared how God surprised me with the relationships that I formed in less than twenty-four hours. I didn’t go into detail in my group, but it started with sharing a book with a presenter the first night before I even heard him speak. It was that little inkling I had to share a book then instead of waiting until the next day.

 

 

Much to my surprise the next day, I noticed he had the book with him as we went into the chapel before heading to breakfast. He told me he had already read two reflections. It was a lovely surprise that he sat at my table for breakfast. Towards the end, we were the two remaining people at the table and had a blessed encounter, sharing similar stories as tears filled my eyes listening to him. As we walked to the next event, he shared how perfect God’s orchestration was for this moment in time. We had a few more sacred encounters throughout the day that were God’s gifts—His surprises in our lives.

The final encounter was the next morning, when I was leaving early. I woke up early and couldn’t fall back asleep. I heard the birds singing at 6 a.m. and hopped out of bed, thinking I should go see the sunrise that I knew was about 6:30 a.m. I had a wonderful time walking with the view of the lake and horizon before getting a few pictures of the beautiful sunrise. I spent a few minutes in the chapel before heading to the kitchen to eat a little breakfast before I left. God’s surprise was for the presenter to come into the dining area as I was finishing my food. He sent me off with a powerful blessing and prayer, which was the perfect ending to the weekend.

 

A beautiful sunrise surprise at the retreat.

 

Another surprise from God was discovering the lady in the room next to me, whom I had met at this place back in 2021.  As we started talking more, we remembered sharing some of our stories and realized we had met. What a blessed surprise to reconnect and catch up!

 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”  –Isaiah 55:8-9  (NLT)

I believe this verse supports the idea that God is a God of surprises. We tend to think in more human ways that we have control over so much, but I believe that God is the true orchestrator. God is omniscient and is the Creator of the heavens and earth and everything that is in them. His mind is way above ours, and He knows how everything fits together. What a beautiful verse of encouragement to help us put our faith and trust in our Mighty God!

 

Photo courtesy of BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0)

 

Does it surprise you that…

…God chose Moses, a stutterer, to speak to the Israelites?

…Abraham and Sarah conceived a child in their old age, John the Baptist, who would baptize Jesus?

…Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin?

…Jesus ate with sinners and prostitutes?

…Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, yet he was the rock upon which Jesus started the church?

…God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die and rise from the dead to save us from our sins?

Be encouraged this week to…
…see what surprises God sends your way.
…be in awe and wonder at God’s orchestrations.
…be filled with joy knowing God works in and through ordinary men and women.

 

A heart surprise after seeing the sunrise.

 

REFLECTION:

What surprise has God provided in your life recently?
Have you seen how God has worked through ordinary you?

He chose the lowly, the laughable in the world’s eyes—nobodies—so that he would shame the somebodies. For he chose what is regarded as insignificant in order to supersede what is regarded as prominent, so that there would be no place for prideful boasting in God’s presence.  –1 Corinthians 1:28-29  (TPT)

Note: I will not post a reflection next week. Feel free to stop by and check out any reflections! God bless~

GRADUATION

It was a bit sentimental attending my youngest son’s college graduation and soaking up the excitement of everyone there. He was my only child who opted to attend his college graduation, so my heart was filled with joy at sharing in the experience. It was a special bonus that we unknowingly sat at the end of an aisle that was exactly where he processed.

As the graduates began the procession, my thoughts turned to the similarities between  our faith journeys here on earth and the time when we are called to graduate from this earth and are ushered into heaven. Continue reading “GRADUATION”

JOYOUS ONENESS

It is with great joy that I share with you that my second book, God’s Love Illuminated: Treasured Thoughts to Inspire Walking in God’s Abundant Love, received the Henri Award at the Christian Literary Awards in Arlington, Texas, on March 18, 2023 from Joy and Company. The Henri Award is chosen by a panel of judges who are given the task of reading the books in a certain category and voting on the one they feel is most deserving. The judges can be from different parts of the USA. God’s Love Illuminated was in the Non-Fiction: Victorious Living category.

God’s Love Illuminated
Henri Award recipient
Non-Fiction: Victorious Living category

 

What a wonderful journey God has orchestrated in my life since He put people in my path that led to the beginning of my website  8½ years ago, which has given birth to a  trinity of books in three years. I am in awe of Him, especially as it was never anything I planned to do. Continue reading “JOYOUS ONENESS”

PRAISES

A little bit of heaven on earth~~~

How does that sound to you?

Don’t we always think about how when we are in heaven we will be with the Lord forever and always praising Him? Continue reading “PRAISES”

ONE WAY

We all face struggles, trials, and problems in this world. They are a part of life.

Have you ever noticed how some people handle those things better than others?  Maybe you know some people who always complain, find fault, are negative?  And maybe you know some that just seem to handle adversity differently….maybe they are still positive and look at the bright side of life. Continue reading “ONE WAY”

EASTER JOY

Since the Easter season is really celebrated for fifty days until the time when the Holy Spirit was sent, let us reflect on the meaning of Easter Joy in our lives.
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Photo credit by Vicki DeLoach under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Easter is a joyful time
   when we see God’s love at the fullest.
          LIFE IS BEGINNING ANEW. 
If we look around, we see God’s love unfolding in nature—
   the trees begin to blossom
      and the chirping of the birds can be heard.
            LIFE IS BEGINNING ANEW.
Easter is when God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ,
    to die for YOU and ME
       and then to RISE on the Third Day.
            LIFE IS BEGINNING ANEW.
We are God’s creation,
    Jesus’ love must be reflected in each of us.
        The Lord loved you so much that He died for YOU!
            LIFE IS BEGINNING ANEW.
Let us share that Easter JOY of the Resurrection
     with every person we encounter
          and enrich their lives by our presence
              because of what Jesus did for YOU!
                   LIFE IS BEGINNING ANEW.
 
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  –Revelation 21:5  (NIV)
 
So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.  –Romans 15:32-33  (NIV)

THE VISION

One day as I was feeling all alone in this world, I had a vision–a different type of vision that made me ponder the true meaning of this life.

In the vision, I saw myself sitting outside, in the middle of a huge park.  It was a beautiful, crystal clear day, and a soft, gentle breeze was blowing.  People were scurrying all about, but nobody seemed to notice me, as I sat all alone, lost in the vision.

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Photo courtesy of H.L.I.T. under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0)

I couldn’t believe my eyes, as suddenly, one by one, “things” began to disappear.  First the trees, then the birds and the mountains.  Houses once seen in the distance were erased from existence.  Cars and buses were next–no longer to be found.  Last but not least, the people, one by one, disappeared–no more family, friends or even strangers around.  All the places where I had once seen God’s beauty in this world, suddenly vanished.

I looked around once more and there was only me surrounded by all this emptiness.  But, within my heart and soul, I had only an unexplainable peace.  I knew in my heart of hearts, that although all the “things” of this world were taken away, I still had “something.”

revised my first one 5791375633_b717ea8106_o

Photo credit by Waiting for the Word under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0) Hopetoinspireyou.wordpress.com added verse

You see, I was not alone–I had JESUS living in my heart–a treasure far greater than any earthly “thing.”  It was then that I realized the true meaning of life.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  –Philippians 4:7