The other day the kids and I were
in the back yard playing and getting some fresh air. It was one of
those days were the temperature was perfect. Just a few plush white
clouds in the sky, the sun shining to warm our skin and the wind
blowing just enough to keep us cool at the same
The neighborhood was quiet and all
I heard were birds chirping. Then we noticed a bright yellow
butterfly fluttering across our yard. My daughter noticed it first
and giggling with delight she ran off in hopes to catch it. Like
the little brother he is, my son ran after her. They ran in circles
chasing this butterfly, laughing with joy. And while they were
captivated by this insect, I was captivated by them.
Now, I still have my fair share of
breaking up fights, toddler whining, baby diaper blowout type of
days. So when we have moments like this I savor them. I squeeze my
brain muscles as hard as I know how to make sure I remember these
moments forever. The moments where I can't believe this is my life.
Where it feels like a dream in the best possible way and my joy is
But I don't want you to confuse my
joy with the things and relationships. The joy comes from opening
my heart to receive whatever it is that God has for me. For
me, it's being a wife, a stay-at-home momma of two,
and ministering to women through Beloved (this was totally not
my life plan but that's another story for another day). But
for you it might be something completely different. A fast paced
career life, a missionary traveling the world, or even a
professional athlete. The joy does not come from what
we have or do, but from simply being in the will of
God. In this week's video Bible Study, "That Your Joy May Be
"Now many times the kids and
promotion and/or degree will be God’s will for our life, but when
we abide in Christ our joy will not be dependent on them. When
we abide in Christ we have the freedom to wake up each day, loosed
from the chains of people pleasing, self-doubt, pity parties, and
comparison and simply find joy in doing God's will . . . that
I leave you with Colossians
“And so, from the day we heard, we
have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with
the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and
understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully
pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in
the knowledge of God.” - Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father, thank
You for the fruitful, joyful and full life that You offer. I pray
for help to live an obedient life that glorifies You. I love You.
In Jesus Christ Name I pray, Amen.
Well, Beloved. This is the last
video in our "Abide" Bible study series. I hope you enjoyed it and
it was a blessing to you, bringing you hope and freedom where you
needed it most. Comment
and let me know which video was your favorite. I'd love to know.
And next week .... Girl, I've got BIG SUPER HUGE NEWS coming your