Life has been different lately. Consuming. A bit exhausting. So very busy. We have had to make the difficult decision to leave the house and property we loved and thought we would raise the kids on and rent a house for now. I have seen my mother suffer incredible pain as she is fighting cancer and recovering from surgery. We experienced a fire at our house a week before we moved and have since experienced all that goes with the repair and insurance. And, we have had sick kids (fever, coughs, aching) for over 2 weeks.
A friend said to me on Sunday," Well, it seems like you have had 4 of life's most stressful happenings in just a few weeks time."
My life is really quite wonderful, and compared to what others are going through, mine is nothing to even blink at. But, there have been a few challenges in my life as of late. And I find myself surprised by joy that I feel.
I don't know why I would be surprised...God's joy is not dependent upon earthly circumstances. I just have had a rather "peachy" life and I guess I thought that when I did go through hard times, I would feel "different" somehow...maybe that it would consume my every day.
I am so very thankful for the peace of God which reminds me constantly that GOD is the one in control. How freeing it is to release the control I never had! I am also very thankful for the people God puts in my life, not the least the 7 wonderful people I live with, to add sunshine and constant reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness. I am so glad to find out the the old songs and lessons I learned as a child are true...God does give joy in the middle of uncertainty in your life...and I don't think I will ever be surprised again. Just thankful.
(Pictures of the lovely house we are in now to follow soon!)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Surprised by JOY
Posted by julie f at 1:46 PM
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9 comments:
This is so beautiful, Julie. I'm sorry for the tough times your family has been going through, but you're so right about how freeing it is to surrender the control we never had. God's grace just gets more amazing with every blow life sends. Love you!
Your beautiful post is such an inspiration and a wonderful word picture of the Scripture that refers to being "sorrowful but always rejoicing." Thanks for sharing your heart.
What a great attitude, Julie! I am attempting to learn to be joyful in any circumstance and you have certainly given me a great example! Hang in there!
The word "Inspiring" came to mind when I read your blog. I am sorry life has been hard for you lately specially with your mom. I am amazed at God's grace in your life, and I most say that you have blessed me with your attitude through all this. I am sure it hasn't been easy for you but it shows where your hope and trust is. I love you bunches and thanks for sharing. Dom
Powerful words! Good to know they're all true. Blessings!
What a breath of fresh air this morning!!! Your example of joy is truly a blessing to me!!
Love ya bunches!!!!
Wow! When it rains, it pours! Glad you are hanging in there. I'm sure you'll look back at these times and wonder how you managed to get through all the stress--that is grace. God gives it to us when we need it! We are praying for your Mom. Love you guys!
sorry for the challenges that have come your way in such a short space of time...but so glad to hear God is giving you strength. God is good and his joy is what will get you through the struggles 'intact'. God bless you and your young ones. OH...by the way, Kaleb and I are coming to Idaho at the end of May for 1 week....if you are free, it would b great to see you!!
Love
Dara
This economy is getting tough on all of us. Sounds like you are keeping it all in perspective. May God richly bless you.
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