Joy Gone Awry

December 17, 2012

By: Julie Clinton

"Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:17

Think back to your wedding day for a moment.  If you’re not married, dream ahead with me.  Picture what it was like or what it would be like to have your sister or maid of honor fixing your hair and giggling with you in the dressing room.  Picture yourself walking down the aisle, looking at the handsome groom awaiting your beautiful countenance.
What feelings have surfaced within you?  Joy?  Excitement?  Exhilaration?  Or, maybe Anger?  Frustration?  Sadness?  Unfortunately for some of you, a day that was supposed to be a completely joyous occasion that brought about only positive feelings now brings pain and heartache.
Jonah experienced an absence of joy.  The absence of joy can ruin the memories of what is supposed to be beautiful.  After Jonah disobeyed God, a whale swallowed him up for three days.  God's mercy forced the whale to spit him out.  Even after the whale experience, Jonah was angry with God for saving Nineveh.  It's hard to decipher from the text, but it is safe to say that his motives were self-centered.
I pray for the presence of joy in your life.  Do not allow self-centeredness or a lack of focus on the significant things cause the joy in your life to go awry.  May your joy be found in the significance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Dear Lord, Help me to have true joy. I know I may not always feel "happy" but I can still have joy. Help me to remain focused on what really matters in life. Amen.

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: Jonah 1:17
• Tuesday: Isaiah 61:10
• Wednesday: Psalms 63:5
• Thursday: Psalms 64:10
• Friday: John 16:22
• Saturday: Psalms 68:3
• Sunday: Nehemiah 8:10

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Intrusion

November 27, 2012

By: Julie Clinton

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Do you ever come home to a house that is in total chaos and wonder whether intruders came into your home? Have you wondered if your family has completely forgotten any civilized way of living that you may have taught them? Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Does anyone around this house get it? Does anyone appreciate what it takes to keep up and get everything done?!” For a moment you may even wonder if the only way to prevent chaos is to actually stay home 24/7.
During these moments it’s easy to feel invisible. Under appreciated. And angry. Know that Jesus is in touch with the burdens of life that you carry and how much they hurt and exhaust you, draining you from your desire to know him and realize his dreams for you. But when you give your troubled heart to Him, He gives you rest for your soul. His gift is the kind of rest that will cure burnout and renew your enthusiasm for Him! While it may not help clean the house, it will keep you from strangling someone! Smile.

Prayer

Dear Lord. When my life is in chaos and everything I have to do seems like a heavy burden, help me. Remind me that I can leave my concerns with You and find rest. Amen.

• Bible Readings for the Week Ahead:
• Monday: Matthew 11:28
• Tuesday: Isaiah 40:29
• Wednesday: Colossians 3:12
• Thursday: Psalms 51:10
• Friday: Exodus 33:14
• Saturday: Isaiah 41:10
• Sunday: Isaiah 40:31

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I read an article from a dear friend today and this quote stuck out to me....."Do not complain about what you permit." ...

WOW !!! This has set the wheels in my mind and my heart spinning. I've been asking myself what have I been complaining about and Am I permitting these things into my heart and mind.

Lord show me the things I have been complaining about and guide me in removing them from my life and not to allow them back into my life. In Jesus Name!!! Amen!!!

Ok, ladies....this chapter about working at home has really convicted me!! I'll share more later but I wanted to share this with you NOW!

Years ago, before I had children, I was told about the "Fly lady" on the internet. I looked her up and got hooked on how she manages her home. I adopted her philosophy and really got my small and empty house clean and organized....and clutter-free (for the most part). However, the years passed and children came, and we moved several times....you get where I'm going with this.
Well, after reading chapter 6 I knew what I needed to do. I've subscribed (free) to the flylady once again and am on the road to a clutter-free and always clean home....it really does work but it takes time, patience, and commitment!


I'm sharing the link with all of you if you want to give it a try. Remember, its a lot of information on her website but just do the steps like she suggests and you will see a difference in how your house looks and how you feel about housework. My favorite parts are her "baby steps" (31 days of making small changes around your house and in your head!) and her "control journal".  I'm excited to get re-started and back on track.


Please let me know if you decide to take on the Fly Lady challenge with me! I'd love to be able to have and give support on this journey!

www.flylady.net

Weekly Reading for October 31st- November 6th

Chapter 6: The Honor of Working at Home

Welcome Ladies!
This is a blog to help us with information, prayer requests, helpful insight, and motivation to be the Godly woman that the Lord has designed us to be.

We can't wait to see each of you tomorrow at Brandy's home at 10am. We will be discussing chapter 5, The Pleasure of Purity.