Count it all Joy

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11)

I once heard a story about a teenage boy who was dealing with cancer and decided to make a joy list and asked his care taker to give it to his parents after he died. I thought that was such a powerful thought for a young boy to do. Instead of focusing on his death he was thinking of others. So I asked myself this simple question, what would be on my joy list? Could I make one even in the midst of all this grief? How many times do we get so shaken by all that is going on around us and allow it to blind us to the joys in life. There are so many if one takes the time to look for them. I like to think of them as blessings. Because there are so many blessings we receive each and every day.

Therefore I have decided to make this a tribute to all the blessings I have received. If I count it all joy for all the things the Lord has blessed me with then I believe it will help aid in the healing of the brokenness I feel.

Counting

One thing I never want to forget is that I woke up this morning, and that I live in a beautiful cozy apartment. I get to hear the birds singing, see the sun rise, and feel the warm tropical breeze blow through my windows. I am indeed blessed. I am healthy, have food to eat, two dogs to cuddle with and whose love is unconditional. I have the ability to go anywhere I want when ever I want and my time is my own. As I continue to count, I feel blessed that I get to volunteer at the Hawai’i Animal Sanctuary, and Legacy of Life Hawai’i two ways I can give back to my community. I still get to be a part of PCSO Victims Services Unit in Arizona.

Along with all that I have 3 amazing adult children plus a loving son n law, daughter n law and if that were not enough I have 6 very wonderful grandchildren. I am truly blessed.

But the most important of all these blessings, there is the gift that Jesus gave me so long ago. It was his death on the cross so that my sins can be forgiven and I can have a personal relationship with the Father. It’s his constant unconditional love and grace that is there always that keeps me looking forward and not back. If I truly am honest with myself then I must admit that if it were not for my faith and hope I would not be able to see the many good things he has done in my life. Also that it is important to stop and take inventory of all those blessings so that I don’t allow the craziness of this world get me down.

Because I know all too well that life throws us curve balls all the time, My happiness may not remain; but if I am willing to walk with the Lord, my inner joy will remain. If I remember to count my blessings then my joy will sustain.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

As another month comes to an end I remind myself that life does go on, and more importantly God’s got this. No matter how uncertain life can be there is one thing I can be certain of and that is Jesus makes a way where there is no way. Cast all my cares on the Lord for he is good. Oh if it were only that easy all the time then I would not have days that feel so empty.

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I bet this sounds like one might have it all together but believe me this one does not. I struggle just like everyone else but the difference for me is at some point I look up and ask for help. I have had to learn it’s ok to ask for help that doesn’t not make me weak it makes me humble and allows the Lord to bless others. The gift that keeps on giving.

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I hope this new post blesses you and that you will share it with others. I welcome your comments and hope you will feel led to subscribe to future posts via email, the link is at the bottom of the post. Thank you and May God bless you through out this Easter season and beyond.