Joy Dare- September 3

3 Gifts Yellow:

1- home grown tomatoes- yellow that were a gift from my new supervisor.

2- sunshine- even with the humidity, the sunshine lets me know God is very near.

3- Lemon flavored La Croix waters... I can't get enough.  

Joy Dare- September 2

3 Gifts Cut:

1- a beautiful rose from a friend at work that makes my classroom smell sweet.

2- anticipated haircut this week-end.

3- homegrown tomatoes- more of a slice than a cut but oh so good.

Joy Dare- September 1

3 Gifts of Summer:

1- a season of rest and healing- a break from the stress of work and even a 3 week break from the stress of parenting.

2-new friendships- a time to meet new people and new families in our community.

3- growing in ways I never would have imagined- being bold enough to ask for what I need from others whether it be time or resources or help.  Being brave and stepping out in faith.  

Joy Dare- July 4

A gift in red, in white, in blue

 

• Red- the blood that was shed on the cross for me; as well as the blood that has been shed so that I might live in a free country.
• White- the forgiveness of my sins; as well as the color of peace that is over my heart the past few days.
• Blue- This one is hard.  I guess the emotion of being "blue".  I am so thankful that I am not deep in despair today.  Rather a little blue.  

Joy Dare- Day 3

A gift in faith, family and freedom:

 

Last night, I called on my faith family to assist me in letting something, actually someone go; to free my heart from bitterness, anger and the idea of revenge.  I no longer wanted the sinfulness in the core of my being.  Having a group of 12 people surrounding me as we prayed for peace, repentance and comfort in my heart as well as Peanut's heart was amazing.  I love the way God's hand moved to create the faith family I have long before chaos came when I would need them so much.  The freedom I felt after praying and letting God have control is something no one will ever be able to put into words. 

 



Joy Dare- July 2

3 Gifts Read:

 

1. My Bible- I've had the same one since 1995 and love to see where the scriptures I read as a college freshmen intersect in my life again years later.
2. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
3. old journals- its a great way to see how God has transformed my life over the years.
4. Gospel Transformation Series- a must for those who are learning more about God's grace, repentance, and forgiveness.
5. God's Best for my life- by Ogilvie
6. A praying life- Paul Miller
7. A loving life- Paul Miller
8. Blogs from dear sister's in Christ.

 

So a little more than 3 today.

Joy Dare- July 1

3 gifts loved:

 

1. pajama days
2. baking for someone special
3. hearing birds sing each morning as I sit on my porch with my Bible



Joy Dare- June 24

3 gifts- 1 in water, 1 in words, and one in white

 

 

The gift in water is easy.  The gift of tears.  They are tears of pain but they are cleansing.  When you cry as much as you possibly can... you realize it will be ok at least for a moment.

 

The gift in words... a little more difficult...  the ability to call someone and tell them you need help.  Basically to suck it up and ask for assistance.  When you can't seem to make head way on your own, its nice to know that God has placed friends in my life that can listen and help.

 

The gift in white... took me a while to come up with... but God's words written in black and white.  Whether they are from the Bible, from a recommended book, or from my journal... I am thankful that God still speaks to us.  Now if I could only learn to listen better. 



Joy Dare- June 23

3 gifts around the Table:

 

1. Ladybug placemats-  I have collected ladybug things for years and the placemats have been precious.  Right now, the symbolize my family of 2.  Where we sit, where we fellowship and where we can dine.
2. Ladybug candles-  Why do we buy pretty things and never use them?  This week I began using those pretty things.  Candles make my life brighter so as we sit, fellowship and dine, we burn a beautiful ladybug candle.
3. Fellowship- that is most precious... When we can get out from technology- esp the tv- and share a meal or a cup of coffee.  It is priceless.  I don't have many of these years left.  I want to treasure each one.

My Patio Table: 

That is where I meet Jesus every morning.  There is a cartoon strip that is popular called "Coffee with Jesus".  This is my coffee with Jesus time.  Once again, I light a lantern, read scripture and just enjoy the beauty that is my back yard.  There are no distractions out here until I bring my computer out to blog.  I can hear God beckoning me from the moment I wake up.  When I get outside I hear the rustling of creatures in the woods and birds in the trees and I know He is present with me.  This helps on the dark days.  Sometimes there are no words spoken other than through tears.  Sometimes there are shouts of joy but either way, He is here. 



Joy Dare- June 19

3 Gifts from your Heavenly Father:

 

1. forgiveness of sin
2. being clothed in His righteousness
3. peace that passes all understanding.



Joy Dare- June 17

3 gifts in your dad:

 

 

1. his creativity-  My dad has definitely passed down his creative genes to me.  I wouldn't classify myself as artistic but definitely artsy craftsy. 
2. his busyness- Sometimes this isn't such a blessing.  But he and my grandmother couldn't sit still for 5 minutes if their lives depended upon it. 
3. his love of music-  If I think back to my early childhood, I can remember my dad singing, whether it was in church choir or just in the car, there was always music.  

Joy Dare- June 15

3 gifts in His Word:

 

As my previous post stated, this has been a difficult week, filled with sadness at saying good-bye but also a week of learning more about the goodness that is to come in my own life.

 

  Here are the verses I have gleaned as I have read God's word this week:

1. Matthew 5:4-  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."- beyond true.
2. Luke 6:21- "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh."  I am finding more laughter in my life as we enjoy our summer vacation.  I am finding periods of joy instead the long periods of sadness and long suffering.
3. Jeremiah 29:13- " You will search for me.  And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me."  I tend to get weary, teary and stressed out when I take my mind off the cross and put it on the day to day battles.  When I can keep my eyes on Him, the answers seem to come.  I no longer have to worry about saying good-bye, about where we will live, or whether I will get an interview.  Its all in the palm of His hand.  The goal is to leave it there. 

Joy Dare- June 14

A gift unexpected, unwanted and unlikely:

 

I have avoided this post like the plague.  See my unexpected, unwanted and unlikely means saying good-bye.  There is a family in my life that has meant more than words can ever say.  They have wept with me, they have prayed with me and they have admitted that they don't understand why I am enduring what I am. They have been "real" with me and it isn't often that people inside the body of   Christ are able to do that.  It is sad to see them go, but what I know is that God has called them into ministry for a specific purpose.  I know God kept them at our church for as long as He did to help me navigate this journey- to gain my footing in Christ and to learn to lean upon Him alone.  My heart is beyond heavy at watching them leave but it is beyond joyous to know they have the courage to answer the call.  God will continue to provide me with mentors to help me as I continue to figure out life and learn more about His great gift of grace, but it is unlikely that anyone will ever replace the love, and respect this family has given me.  

Joy Dare- June 10

A gift at 8:00, 12:00 and 2:00

 

8:00- the gift of solitude.  A time when I can pray, read and collect my thoughts for the day.  (A cup of coffee is always an added bonus.)

12:00- the gift of rest.  A nap today after sharing time at the coffee shop with my daughter.  It amazes me how we can sit at the same table, reading different books and enjoy being in each other's company. 

2:00- the gift of service.  Peanut and I are volunteering at the local Animal Shelter.  We are "cat socializers" which means we get the cats out of their cages and let them play for a few minutes each day. 

 

Wow what the difference of a week can make.  Much more relaxed momma and kiddo.

Joy Dare- June 8

Three Gifts Empty

1. The laundry basket- its all folded and put away. 
2. Coffee cup- It's good to the last drop
3. my schedule for next week- Now that's a bit stressful but I will try to find the joy in that one. 

Joy Dare- June 7

3 gifts you are reading

1. Blogs by Ann Voskamp- but of course
2. The Bible
3. Gods Best for My Life
4. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
5. A Praying Life by Paul Miller

Joy Dare- June 6

3 gifts of ugly-beautiful:

1. Realizing how lonely I am.  I sat at an event all alone today.  It was a terrible feeling.  I didn't have anyone to relate to or talk to.  But as I left, I realized this is my new life.  It is beautiful because God fashioned it in his own creation.
2. Depression is ugly and rearing it's head these days.  Despite the smiles on my face, my heart aches for what is lost.  It will be beautiful but for today, I ache.

I don't really have a third one tonight. 

Joy Dare- June 5

A gift of peace, of hope and of love

Peace-  For today peace goes along with courage.  I was brave enough to open up to someone else about my journey.  Up until now, I have been very protective of myself and my heart.  Today I let someone else in. 

Hope- It is a very important day in our home.  Today is Gotcha day for my Peanut.  I brought her home 6 years ago today.  Priceless to celebrate that relationship.  The hope of her future is so bright.  The hope that one day she will see how God's hand has been guiding her throughout her life is what I cling to.

Love-  I struggle with this one.  I struggle with understanding God's love for me.  Someone has let me down in a way that I could not put into words.  Its hard to see myself as worthy.  I know it in my head but the heart knowledge just isn't there yet. 

Joy Dare- June 4

3 Gifts found in Christ:

1. forgiveness of the sin of doubt, the sin of self righteousness and the sin of self dependence.
2. selfless love- the love that covers all of the sins above even before they were committed
3. fellowship- the ability to come to Christ as a child, crawl up in his lap, and pray to him, knowing he hears every word. 



Joy Dare- June 3

3 Gifts from Today's Conversations:

 

1. Someone encouraged me to "trust the wisdom I have been given."  When trying to navigate tough waters, its easy to do what other people suggest.  Today I was reminded that God is the only voice I need to heed. 
2. Friendship happens.  I got to share a meal with a former co-worker today.  We reminisced about how life had changed for our little group.  We realized that friendships can never be forced... they happen naturally as you live life together and struggle with each other, hope with each other and celebrate with each other. 
3. I feel so lucky.  As I shared about my current life situation and how my church and community group are supporting me, I realized how blessed I am.  Most people wouldn't know how to deal with conflict.  Most Christians would turn their backs when a conversation became uncomfortable.  But I have people who sit with me in the darkness.  I have people to make my crazy ideas come to life.  I have people who truly want what's best for me and my Peanut.  

Joy Dare- June 1

3 things that are orange:

 

1. The cover of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
2. A favorite Yankee Candle scent
3. UT orange- Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee

Today was a really difficult day to find things orange to be thankful for.  But I found other things to be thankful for:

1. My church community group- where I can be real- tears, laughter and hugs.  I am so blessed to be a part of this group. 
2. Home- for months I dreaded coming home.  But now, home is less stressful and a place that I enjoy coming home to.
3. Summer break- tomorrow no responsibilities or obligations.  Wow. 

Joy Dare- May 29

A gift at 8 am, 12 pm, and 8 pm:

 

8 am- I am thankful for friends at work.  It has been a tough year but a certain co-teacher has made it all worth while.  What a blessing it is to have a friend that you get to work with.  God knew how much I would need her last fall as He placed us together as a teaching team.

 

12 pm-  I am thankful for closure.  Its so rare that we get to close one area of our lives before another one opens.  At work this week, I have been able to close my classroom for summer.  This means everything has been sorted, cleaned, organized, disinfected, bagged, cataloged and stored... too bad life can't be that way. 

 

8 pm- I am thankful for reminders of God's faithfulness in the most mundane tasks.   Tonight- reading my Sunday School lesson brought reminders of God's love and forgiveness.  I needed that tonight.

Joy Dare- May 28

3 Gifts in Today's Work:

 

1. laughter-  I worked on a project last night at home.  Peanut and I laughed a LOT.
2. sense of purpose-  It is so good to feel like I am doing something worthwhile.  I don't feel I do anything extraordinary... just normal things.  But on the days when you feel useful... well today was one of those days.  (This is different than an "identity" which is what I have always prided myself on.)
3. completion- As a school year is winding down, I feel the completion of several projects both at work and in my personal life.  It feels good.

Joy Dare- May 27

3 Gifts found in church: 

 

 

1- the message I receive each week:  We are a group of messy people living in a messy world.

 

2- the wisdom of knowing: A-I am more sinful than I can possibly imagine and B-I am more loved than I can possibly imagine. 

 

2-  the love and commitment I share with fellow believers who are all struggling in some area of life.  and the peace to know that I am not going through life alone.  

Joy Dare- May 26

A Gift worn, white and whispered:

 

 

I have a cream colored sweater that my mom let me borrow about 10 years ago.  We named this sweater, "the old lady" sweater.  Quickly I realized it didn't matter how old it made me look, what mattered was how it made me feel.  There is something about putting on a piece of clothing that belongs to your mom. 

It has since adopted me.  I always know where the cream colored sweater is even in the hottest of July's.  The buttons have long since fallen off and there are stains all over the front of it from who knows where.  Last fall, my daughter needed to go somewhere and I was in a rush to find shoes.  I found the shoes and proceeded to go back into my bedroom to change my clothing.  Peanut said, "Just come on, you wear that sweater here all the time anyways, you can wear it to drop me off."  Awe... acceptance that maybe one day I will buy a cream colored sweater that may be a bit small for me but will fit her just fine.  And when she is blue, she will pull out her "old lady sweater" and put it on and feel me giving her a hug.  and as I give her said hug, I hope she will realize that she is one in a million to me.  I think that is what my mom meant when she gave me her sweater many years ago.  



Joy Dare- May 25

3 Hard giving thanks for:

1-  Not having a consistent routine during summer months.
2-  Being alone  (or at least being lonely)
3-  Stillness and quietness... of my house right now. 

Geez, I could have started on an easier day. 

Most mom's I know would love these "gifts".  Most women I know would love a summer of less responsibility, being alone with their thoughts and everything being still and quiet around them.  I know there have been times earlier in my life where I would have carved little bits of quiet time in my busy life.  So why is it so painful now? 

If I could learn to view these things as a blessing rather than a curse, I think life would be easier.  So maybe I could learn to do something new with these. 

1- Do something constructive every day... meet someone for coffee, do an art project, exercise with a friend.  That would all add routine to my day.

2-  Learn to do things by myself.  Dare I say, go eat at a restaurant or to a movie?  Probably need to go with baby steps.

3-  Embrace the quiet.  Fill it with music, peaceful music.  Read a book, journal, blog?!?!?!

Ann Voskamp and Joy Dare Collection

 

I've managed to keep up with a music blog for almost 2 months.  I thought I would try something different.  Ann Voskamp has become a regular guest in my home and in my heart.  Her daily devotionals and blogs encourage me when... I am overwhelmed, when I am hurting and when... I just need to take in a deep breath of God's grace.  She does a Joy Dare with her followers in which she encourages women to find things to be thankful for each day.  Her thought is that when we are looking for the joy in our lives, the things to be thankful for, then we focus more on Christ and less on our circumstances.  So, I am going to try it.  This summer I want to focus more on thankfulness and less on worry.