Facing the Giant

Happy New Year - 2018!

I love the beginning of a new year because I realize that I am in a new season, a new year of my life adventure.  2017 has past and now, we only have the memories and photos of what roads we traveled on.  

2018 - We begin a new chapter of blank pages in our book of life; crisp and clean, just like fresh fallen snow (which I LOVE!)  The landscape is a glistening white, clean snow canvas.  No footprints to follow, no tire lines of someone else's traveled path, no dirty snow piles along the way; just fresh beautiful white snow.  A new adventure begins!

It is also a chance to start over - do over - a mulligan, I guess is the correct golf terminology.  For me though, it is a Facing the Giant.  Have you ever read the story in the Bible of David facing the giant Philistine - Goliath? If you have never heard of this story read 1 Samuel 17.  I recommend YouVersion app from the App store or go to BibleGateway.com and search 1 Samuel 17.

He was a giant who was over 9 feet tall!  I know some tall people, but this man was over 9 feet tall!  Can you imagine?  I am only 5'4 and over 9 feet is extremely tall for me!   With a tiny stone and a slingshot, David faced the giant and killed him in the forehead.  He faced Goliath “in the name of the Lord Almighty, The God of the armies of Israel” (vs. 45)…so that all those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s…” (vs. 47).

Each day we face a multitude of trials and obstacles – Giants!

For some it is the normal day to day things we struggle to accomplish; the laundry, housecleaning, dirty dishes in the sink or grocery shopping.  Some may face health issues, recovering from sickness, cancer and even death.  Some may face struggles to get active and lose weight or just trying to gain weight or have a baby.  Some may be more emotional; struggling with sadness, in despair, and loneliness.  Others struggle with finding a job, or finding a home, or finding money to pay unexpected bills or repairs from a home, or car. What obstacles are you facing?  What Giants stand before you?

My giant has many faces! I face:

        Lord Almighty

Spiritual Battles

Physical activity

Exhaustion – Rest/sleep

Health Issues

Loneliness

As you notice my mountain gets taller as I add things, but, I am putting My Lord, Almighty on top to help me face the rest of my giants. 

This year as we face the giants in our lives, may you go thru it in the name of the Lord Almighty!  He is the God of hope and who save us!  He will arm us for battle and help us conquer. Take that first step into the fresh snow and make your own journey with the Lord Almighty before you.  Remember the battle is the Lords!

Blessings to you, my friend, as you journey a new adventure in 2018!

Joani

2017 - A new year full Wisdom and Compassion

Wisdom and Compassion

2017 will be the year that I will again try to gain wisdom through the reading and studying of God's spoken word.  I do not want to dwell on what happened in 2016 , even though it was a great year of blessings for my family.  Spiritually though, I failed at it.  My soul is saddened how I let worldly things get in my way of spiritual growth.  

As I read Lamentations 3 today and these words spoke and touched my heart.  Lamentations 3: 19- 24:

"I remember my affliction and my wandering,  the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning;   great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;     therefore I will wait for him."

I started this year out with my flesh feeling sick.  I have a bad cold and am not feeling 100%. I skipped church because I didn't want to pass this on to anyone else. Today, though is another day.  I feel a little better after some needed rest and so as I start this new year, I have this hope;  God loves me and his compassions never fail!  He has renewed me.  

He is faithful and  He will be my portion!  I put my trust and hope in Him today as I walk this earth.  Every day I will look for some way to seek Him, for truth and wisdom, and share it with others so they too may be blessed.  

Thanks for visiting!

Joani

Harvest Time!

Hi friends!

It's been seven months since I last shared LIFE with you!  Where has that time gone?  

Since my last post, I can say I have been rejoicing, praying and giving thanks in ALL circumstances  and not in any particular order.   If you haven't read that post, go to the Featured post Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks and get connected.  God has truly blessed me and I can not thank Him enough for his showers of blessings that he poured out on my life!  

Five, beautiful grandchildren have touch my heart beyond what I imagined!  Having children is a blessing but grandchildren?  WOW!  They are ALL such a joy to Papa and Oma! (That's my Grandma name.) 

 So in birth order, my little loved ones are: Logan, Mackenzie, and Madison, In March and June welcomed Emma and Piper into our family and in our hearts!

Today I want to talk about harvesting.  Galations 6:9  "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

As August ends, I reflect back on the past seven months.  It's like a garden of  activity growing in our life.

Beautiful babies were born and some friends past on...
               I endured work challenges and a job change...
                              We had birthday celebrations, (Yeah Mom "M"- 80 years old and still Sassy and                                    sweet!)
Our holiday celebrations included honoring all the mother's and fathers, a Easter egg hunt, and fourth of July pool fun...
               We splashed in many pool parties...
                                 Had a great family reunion!...
                                                and to top it all off, many weekends camping and relaxing!

All this planting, watering and growing our family "memories" made me so busy and exhausted.  I failed to stay in the Word!  I got tired of some of my "Church" activities and took a sabbatical. I got distracted and failed to read and nourish my soul.
Friends, there is only one thing that I can do - get back into working the soil of my heart and feed it with God's word.

These past months God shined down His love and  poured out His grace on our family!   Now it's time to give back!

It's harvest time!
           Time to get dirty and busy for Him.
                      Time to plow deep into God's word.
                                     Wait.  Wait for His voice to speak to me.
                                                 Pray and communicate to Him the desires of my heart.
                                                                Listen for direction and guidance.
                                                                         Praise Him for his blessings and care!
                                                                                     Give Thanks daily!
                                                                                                  Honor the Sabbath - Get some rest!
                                                                                                           Don't give up.  Don't get weary!
                                                                                                                       It's harvest time!

Thanks for stopping by!

Joani

Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks!

Happy February loves!

This past year has been a whirlwind of busyness!  I have skipped many months of sharing what God is doing in my life, so lets catch up a little!

Let’s begin with  “ Rejoice, Pray, and  Give thanks.”

God’s word says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18  “Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Rejoice because I am now a grandmother of  three beautiful grandchildren!  My daughter “Mary” had a little Girl “Madison” in November!  We are truly rejoicing with the family for God’s grace in a beautiful, healthy baby!  My other two little ones are a joy for “Papa” and “Oma”.  What a delight it is to hear them actually call us that!  They are not quite 2  and we love on them whenever we can! 

God continually shows us that He is listening and answering our prayers.  We learned that we will again be grandparents  with not one of our daughters, but 2 of our daughters—Again!  Both daughters are due again with children in the spring of this year!   We found out that baby “girls” will be joining our family!  So “Papa and I continue to pray for them  and their families.   So We rejoice again with good news and still pray trusting and believing God will  hear them being lifted up.

“Give Thanks in ALL circumstances”  Yep! I got that covered too!  We have a wonderful summer filled with camping and family adventures, worked through some tough days at work and always, ALWAYS thank the good Lord for another day to live life together!  So we continue to DAILY thank God for  all  the joys, and pains of life!

I hope you  remember to “Rejoice,  Pray and Give Thanks Daily!  Thanks for visiting!

 Joani

Happy Retirement

Happy Retirement to a special friend/Co-worker!  This past week we celebrated "Her" Retirement and  I made this Retirement Survival Kit for her.  It turned out beautiful!

Inside the Large sand bucket  were a lot of goodies and quotes attached to them and wrapped them all in clear cellophane.  When she opened the gift, I had previously numbered them and had her read them to our group.  

I also created a "Do not Disturb" door hanger and attached it to the pail handle.  

Here is the list of items and quotes that went with each item.  I printed this list and pasted it to a pretty scrapbook paper.

1. Smiley Face Cookie :  We’re wishing you a  “Happy Retirement” 

2. Markers:  Retirement “Marks” the beginning of a new journey.

3. Toothpicks:  When your retired you can “Pick ‘n Choose” what you do... (and when you do “it”)

4. Tootsie Rolls:  May your retirement “Roll Along smoothly”

5. Crayons:  May your days be colored with sunshine and love.

6. Cotton Balls:  This is for the day you need to cushion your rocking chair while you enjoy sitting on the front porch. 

7. Tea Bags:  Relax—because retirement is one looooooooooong “Tea” break!  No more watching the clock for "5 o'clock.

8.  Aqua Spa Bath Soak:  Don’t worry about the time anymore... take the time and relax the stress is over!

9. Seeds:  (Beets, Lettuce and Forget Me not seeds)  Don’t “Beet” up  yourself for sleeping in every day and don’t “Forget me Not” (your co-workers).  Remember “Lettuce” get together once in a while.

10. Light up Balloon:  Retirement holds  a bright future!

11.   Sponge:  Remember to soak up all the happy memories that you had here at work.

12.   Marbles:  These marbles replace all the ones you’ve lost while working here!

13.   Reeses Pieces:  Retirement means never going to “Pieces” again!  Now you have the time to follow your dreams.

14.   Bananagrams:  Leave the “Going Banana’s” to one who now has your job!

15.   “NO!”:  Here are 10 fun ways to tell people “NO”  when they ask you to do something, because you are retired now and too busy doing nothing! 

16.   Go  Fish Game:  Take time to relax and  maybe “Go Fish”- ing. 

17.   Swedish Fish:  Even the little fish are fun to catch, - remember retirement is suppose fun!  Enjoy the little things in life!

18.   Candles:  Light up the room with  a happy memory of what the future holds

19.  Clown Nose:  Take time to goof off and “Clown around” because you can!

20.   Mints:  To remind you that you are “Worth a Mint” to others!”

21.   Neon Fiesta String:  Let the party begin!

22.  Nice! Trail mix:  Happy adventure trails await you!

If you would like more information on this kit, please send me a message. I hope you have a beautiful

day filled with God's blessings!

Joani

Display Case Creations

I am active in the church I worship at and find that I love to use my gifts to create and decorate.  Of course, many times I find that this is very difficult for me to come up with ideas and I lack vision.

I struggle with trying to "FILL" the display case, but I was told sometimes just a simple image gets the message across just as well as filling the white space.  So here are some images of what was created in our display cases.  (There are lights inside the display cases and so I apologize for the poor photography...not one of my strengths).

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Recently my church did a new series called "LIFE: its not just a game".  I created this display case  and peg people for the series
.
If you would like to hear the messages of this series go to Grace Church web site and scroll down to LIFE : It's not just a game.  http://www.gracechurchlansing.org/about/listen.cfm

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I hope you enjoy these...more to come.

Blessings,

Joani

Eternity

My hubby and I are in a small group of friends studying Dr. David Jeremiah’s “Angels” book.    If you have never done this study I strongly recommend reading this.  As we listened to his cd, and read God’s word, we learned that “Angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s side. (Luke 16:22) Where? In eternity with God.  

Eternity...have you ever thought of what that means?  Time without end, infinite time, forever.  Many times I think about eternity and even more so when a person dies, and always during holy week.  Life on this earth has an ending date, and I don’t know when that will be for me, but I do know what the Bible says about eternity.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – 14 “I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.  I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.”

Knowing this, what wonder!  God set eternity in the human heart!  For believers, we have a spiritual thirst to be with Him eternally.  God wants us to enjoy life, but this is only a stopping point on our journey.  Heaven (or hell) is eternity.  It’s scary for many to think about death and where we will end up after we die.  But we also have a choice to make; accept the gift of salvation or reject it.  Really we are choosing our future journey…Heaven or Hell.  It is eternal one way or the other. 

As holy week approaches, I am reminded of the greatest sacrifice my heavenly father has done for me…He gave his one and only son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for me.  He gave his life so that I may one day live with Him in eternity!   (John 3:16)

I am eternally grateful and thankful that I accepted God’s greatest gift and will one day live with Him in eternity.  I hope and pray you make a choice to live with him too!

Blessings!

Joani

Waiting Patiently

I just returned from a week of extreme physical labor with my mission team.  My body ached and cried out to me every day that I climbed out of my bunk bed.  Knowing that I was part of being the “hands and feet of Jesus”, serving, praying, singing, clapping, crying, loving and rejoicing with my team and “Texas family” made me forget those physical pains.

Today I will share just a glimpse of what we did one day.  Our team went to deliver Christmas gifts to two Mexico churches that we are supporting.  It was an amazing joy and love that overflowed in my heart to see these children wait patiently for their names to be called. 

Once they received their gift, they had to wait and wait and wait and wait until every one of their names were called. For a child that must of seemed like an eternity!  Then, after a short word, they were given the go ahead and the room echoed cheers and screams of joy for the new gift they received.

Tears flowed from my eyes as I searched for the girl and little boy who would open the gifts I purchased.   I packed a school bag full of supplies into a medium size box and I purposely used red shiny paper so that I would be able to spot the gift.  I found the girl right away, so I hugged her and told her as best that I could in English, that gift, came from my heart to hers.  Here we are with our photo taken together, but then, finding the little boy was not so easy.  

I tried taking a photo of him receiving it, but he ran so fast back to his mother that I only caught the back of his head.  So I had to be a detective and search for the “striped, plaid shirt that was in my photo.

Remember the days when we had to take the film from our camera into Walgreen's  or a photo store to get it developed before we saw the photos?  We had to wait two or three days back then, or more.  Now you can get them developed within 24 hours.   My smart phone camera is awesome. I can see him instantly after taking the picture.  Finally I found him with his mother in the court yard, but he didn't have my red papered gift; he was playing with his brother’s new gift!  I don’t know his name, but he was so sweet!

Later I learned that for some of the children, it was their very first Christmas gift they ever received!  Wow!  That is mind boggling!  Well, after all that excitement we were even more blessed to serve the whole church a meal out in the courtyard!   I was too busy serving them for a photo, but God received the glory and we received Joy and hearts full of love!

Our children waited so patiently for their gift and just like them, we are waiting for Jesus Christ's return - God's greatest gift!  

Revelations 22:12 says “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

May we remember to be watchful and earnestly seeking Him for His return!  I hope you find Joy in serving Jesus as much as I am!

Blessings!

Joani

Go and Serve

I have been asked a few times "why do I want to serve on a mission field?

Why go to a place that is foreign, where there is sickness, diseases, war, troubles and poverty?

Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?"  And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

I heard God speak to my heart many times, after listening to our pastor preach sermons about the “Great Commission”.  I wanted to be obedient and follow Him when I have that opportunity.  Many years went by as I said “No” to the opportunities because of “Life, jobs, family, children or fear”.   Maybe I had excuses but it was also God's plan and His timing of when I should go.  Five years ago I went on my first trip to Mexico and it was a eye-opening experience.

When the opportunity comes and I put excuses before God, how can I face Him?  I will be on my knees, crying and seeking forgiveness because He does not want one soul lost!  I want to be one who hears “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

A week ago "Grace Beyond Borders" Mission team was commissioned to "Go and Serve” in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Texas and Mexico.  I am happy to be a part of this team!  Pray for us as we “Go and Serve”.

Blessings,

Joani

Joy in Seeking Jesus

I am so excited to travel and go on the upcoming mission trip.  This will be my second mission trip to Mexico!   I really wish that I had taken Spanish in high school, although, knowing the language would help but, it isn't a necessity.  I will rely on a friend to help when I need to communicate.

Today my fellow mission teammates and I packed up a U haul trailer filled with tools, supplies, clothes, and Christmas presents from our church family.  I love my church family!  They are so generous when it comes to giving to the children!  We will have the opportunity to see the little ones faces as they open up their gifts.  So much Joy!!!  How exciting!

This joy reminds me of when I became a Christian.  Some woman led me to receive Jesus Christ back in August, 1980 while I was at camp and they probably were filled with joy as I said "Jesus I need you" in my life, and in my heart!  Pam, (and Susie), if you ever read this…. Thank you!  Thank you, for leading me to the "Cross"…to accept Jesus in my heart. YOU have seen my pain, and my tears. my face as I received Jesus Christ in my heart the day that I couldn't do it no longer without Him!  I can't tell you how often I think of "Windy Gap" and "Young Life” and how I wouldn't be the person I am now without your leading and Christ's direction in my life.  You were able to see that joy! 

Being raised in the Christian faith doesn't mean that you're a believer, whether Protestant or Catholic.   My parents raised me in the knowledge of the Christian faith….teaching me about the stories in the Bible and of the Trinity.  I went to Christian grade and high school and studied the Heidelberg Catechism but that didn’t make me a follower and believer of Jesus.   But saying "Yes I am a sinner, confessing my sin, and accepting that I need a Savior and Yes to Jesus I need You in my heart to save me - a wretched sinner....who can't go on anymore without Your grace and mercy and forgiveness, yes, I need you to change me from the inside out! Yes that makes me a believer.  A renewed, refreshed, reformed, changed, transformed heart does!  I have a new spirit within me!

It's a mystery to me....how He, God could love me and my crap, and  love me so much that He would send His SON' - JESUS- to die for my sins!  Why?  So that, I , would be with Him in heaven.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world (or me, JOAN) that he gave His one and only Son(Jesus), that whoever ( or JOAN) believes in him (Jesus) shall not perish but have eternal life.  

Why?    For Eternal life!  He died for me so that that I will live with Him one day in eternity.  Heaven is my final resting place.  If you don't believe in Heaven, then there is only one place left.  Hell.  I don’t believe in purgatory.  I can’t find it in the Bible… (So if you do, please share where with me) 

You see my friends who are reading this………God, our creator, doesn't want anyone to go to Hell!    He doesn't want anyone to perish!  He loves you and me so much!  He wants us to be with Him in eternity!   His son, Jesus Christ,  bore the punishment for my sins on the cross so that I will live with God forever.

Jesus says in John 14:2 -4 "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

To me, it is a great comfort to know that I have a room prepared just for me by my Savior!  One day, I will be in heaven, see Jesus and all of the saints, my loved ones, my grandparents, my earthly father, and most of all, my creator and maker, my heavenly Father!   

May you find Joy in seeking Jesus today!

Joani

God IS THERE

Four little words:  THE LORD IS THERE  written at the end of Ezekiel 48:35.

Did I need to read this devotion today!  Yes I did.  Yahweh Shammah in Hebrews means THE LORD IS THERE!

After worrying last night about my Mexico trip fears, God spoke to me through my devotions.  "I will be there"!   Fears and unknowns are just part of the trusting. 

 Quoted from my devotions:

"Philip Yancey once observed "faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse."  Oh that we would trust him even if the twists and turns never make sense this side of heaven.  That's what trusting God is all about.  As we live and move and have our being in Him, the dark places become opportunities to trust that He knows the way and to hold on tight..He is Yahweh Shammah, THE LORD IS THERE"  

Then I read  Isaiah 43:1-3, 5

1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

5  Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."

Tears started to flow...I  am feeling ashamed for not having faith and trusting in God.  I know that he is preparing my heart for Mexico.  May I truly not fear and trust Him on the road ahead..  May I look for the opportunities to serve and show the love of Jesus.

Blessings!