30 Days of Praise … Day 16 – Joy

Welcome to “30 Days of Praise!” Every once in a while I go into a month long journey of fasting, praying and praising. It helps me re-commit my life to Christ, keep my priorities in order, slow down from the craziness of everyday life and take time to really listen to what God wants to tell me. I am always amazed and excited where my journey takes me, and this time I will be journaling everyday and sharing my experiences with you.

Day 16~
I’ve had such a busy weekend, and I’m sorry I haven’t been online much or posted for a couple of days. As we were driving to church on Sunday I had my arm out the window and I noticed how warm it was outside, well actually it was hot in the 90′s. While I was enjoying the sunshine God reminded me of the blog post I wrote back in February about the Winter Blues. 

This winter was unusually cold and stormy, and the local schools were open until June 20th to make up for all the snow days. I actually prayed this winter, half joking and half really meaning it, that God would call us to minister in warmer climates so I wouldn’t be so cold all the time. LOL I know it was a vain and selfish prayer, and I love where we are called and don’t want to be out of the will of God for anything, but I REALLY dislike cold weather!

On our way to church this Sunday I realized something, God answered my prayer! He didn’t call us to a different location, but instead he brought the warm weather to me. For the past month we have had weather consistently in the 70′s and 80′s, and these past few weeks 90′s. I am simply LOVING this warm weather and trying to take advantage of it as much as possible. So anyway, as I had this revelation on the way to church I was so overwhelmed with joy. Joy and contentment that I haven’t felt in a long time. A peace surrounded me so close it was like God’s arms wrapping around me. Well I couldn’t help myself, I leaned my head out the car window and yelled, “I LOVE THIS WEATHER! THANK YOU JESUS!!!”

We had two of our 16 year old nephew’s with us and they both chuckled out loud, but I could tell they were a little embarrassed and were looking around to see who was watching. My husband said, “I can’t believe you so happy about this weather. This is absolutely miserable and disgusting” (he is so hot blooded he doesn’t even wear a winter jacket). So I said, “Well if you can’t be happy about the weather you can at least be happy that I am so happy.” And (totally out of character for him) he leans his head out the window while he is driving and yells, “Thank you Jesus she has found something to be content about!” The whole car was filled with laughter and this is how we drove into the church parking lot. A happy family simply enjoying the day and each others company.

I thank God that he cares about us so much that he sent a little extra sunshine my way this year because he knew my spirit really needed it. I don’t want to take one day for granted, and am trying to find joy in all the little things that I used to find a burden.

We recently got a clothes line and I love it so much. It gives me an excuse to get outside a little more, and really there is nothing like the smell of fresh line dried clothes! I also fold the clothes as I take them down so there are no piles on the couch waiting to be folded! BONUS!!

I love my new clothes line. (sorry about the nasty, stained towels LOL)

What is something you have found joy in?