Joyfull Living

"If you give a little more then you're asking for your love will turn the key." If you grew up in the 70s era, you can probably sing the words right along with the Bee Gees. On my morning runs, I fill my heart with doses of preaching or inspirational encouragement. Usually on the last mile, I let Pandora music bring me home.  Winding down from a run, I sang along with this song. Just days from coming home for a romantic mini vacation, the song flowed from the heart and brought a smile to my face as I realized the truth of the words.  Sweet hubby and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage next month. Along with that wonderful milestone we are looking at the empty nest as the youngest of our sons is graduating with college plans in the fall. The transition to the empty nest is upon us as we spend most evenings alone. The years of ball games, travel ball tournaments, jam packed schedules have faded away. The kids are busy with school and work but no longer 'ne...

Easter is one of my favorite holidays.  The joy begins with the truth of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus and what it means for us today. It is also a weekend full of celebrating with church and family.  There is much preparation and planning that goes into Easter weekend for my family. Those weeks ahead help us prepare for a whirlwind of activity the weekend brings. There is a children's Easter activity we take part in each year at our church as well as being involved in Easter Sunrise Service. Following church service, we gather with our family for a special lunch and time of fellowship. This weekend contains back to back events that keep us busy and enjoying each event. I love and thrive on being an active part with such special times.  But then, Monday comes and it's all over. Nothing new on the horizon to plan out, no details to be constantly going through my mind, no food to prepare, no house to clean, just some extra time to be still.   ...

This is Easter weekend, which in our home begins with a day off from work/school and a full weekend ahead which will include church and family celebrations. The Easter weekend begins with Good Friday. As a Christian, Good Friday is a significant day of the year because it celebrates probably the most profound weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.  On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith.  Beginning with Good Friday and why it is called 'good', lies the basis of our faith. Our sinful nature, God's redeeming plan...

Beginning a  committed time to pray may take some adjustments and sacrifice. But, once the habit is established we position ourselves to seek and hear from God much deeper. This will become a precious time to begin each day, but will also equip us to face any challenges through the day we may face. Prayer will become your immediate reflex rather than your last resort. Here are a few ideas in life that can become prompts to pray: Newness:  Take time to pray whenever you begin something new. Pray at the start of each day, dedicate it to God asking for His cleansing, protection and guidance. Begin each new year, job or relationship seeking God's wisdom, help and direction. Needs: God is able to meet any need. When we face physical, emotional or spiritual needs, may these prompt us to pray. Blessings:   What has God done for you today? Daily He loads us with benefits and blessings. He protects us, forgives us and guides us. May we be ready to thank Him for a...

There are many times in our life we are extremely motivated to pray. A crisis, hope, all consuming fear will drive us quickly to our knees. It is almost an instant reflex - a cry for help to the God who can. But prayer and God is much more than a relief system, it is about a relationship - and they take time and effort. As we grow in the area of prayer, a daily time set aside to pray is a valuable and powerful tool in our walk with the Lord.  I Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to 'pray without ceasing'.  Although the constant action of prayer continually is not feasible, our attitudes can be in tune to talking or listening to God all through the day. It should become a natural part of our thinking, not only in our scheduled prayer time but through the chaos each day may bring.  God desires that prayer become an ongoing opportunity we engage in by quietly praising, thanking and leaning on Him at any moment. But along with this constant attitude of prayer, th...

There is such great freedom in prayer since it is simply communicating with God. If prayer were set on a schedule or with a formula, there wouldn't be any room for heartfelt expression. But if prayer is approached too casual, the effectiveness may be limited. What is the balance of freedom and structure? Four broad types of prayer can be explained in the acronym A.C.T.S. Most every prayer will fall under one of these types. But a vibrant prayer life will probably incorporate each of these for a beautiful balance of remembering Who we are praying to, searching our hearts for anything that will hinder prayer, a time to be grateful and to think and support others.  These four types of prayer provide a useful and natural progression as we interact with the Lord.  A.: Adoration is a prayer that praises and worships God. Through this type of prayer, we are not requesting anything from Him, merely adoring Him and honoring Him in our hearts. It turns our complete attention...

Every morning in my home, a healthy devotional routine takes place before the day gets away from me. My little prayer system works well, but can always use heart adjustments. Rising before anyone in the house, I grab my coffee, blanket, sit in my favorite chair surrounded by the Bible and devotionals and begin with prayer. This prayer routine probably looks different than yours...and that is ok! A certain place, posture or words is not what makes prayer - prayer. In fact prayer is not about just prayer. Think about your cell phone, its primary purpose is not for itself but to serve as a conduit and connection we use for relationships and contact. If we held up the phone without engaging another person with it, we are not making it do what it was created to do. Likewise, even if our attempts at prayer look and feel like prayer, they are not truly prayer if God is not engaged.  Prayer at its heart, is communicating with God. Reverently and openly. Sincerely interacting w...