Chicago During Covid-19 #8

Chalk art that reminded me to choose joy.

Find joy through prayer. “In God’s presence there is fullness of joy (from Psalm 16:11).”

Loved by God – 2

Conceived
and wanted.

Prayed for
Loved.

Mother
with father beside her
delivered
baby girl;
named her Jaema Kaye.

Now we praise.
Through prayer,
sharing God’s joy.

For baby,
our granddaughter,
Who is loved by God.

 

The Lord is There.

Due to circumstances beyond his control, a winsome young man has found himself in a disappointing job. Day after day he enters a prison-like gray cubicle. He doesn’t see sunshine. Or clouds.

He struggled with depression. Until now. Every morning he enters his cubicle and pauses to imagine Jesus. Sitting there. Waiting for him.

He is finding joy.

The Lord has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”

Repentance Brings Joy

Sometimes we hesitate to confess and repent because we don’t want to burden God with our sin. It’s helpful to remember that Christ already bore our sins in his body (1 Peter 2:24).

And that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).

Joy

People often comment about her joy. It’s genuine.

Her secret? She prays, confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

Happy Birthday, Anneliese!

Joy in Heaven

I treasure every picture and card my granddaughters make, and proudly display them on our refrigerator. They bring me joy.

There’s a red paper covered with purple scribbles.
A white card with purple, green and red scribbles.
A princess with blue skin.
A card covered with carefully written letter-like shapes.

God treasures our prayers like that, holding them in heaven’s golden bowls.
The prayer of the upright is His delight (Proverbs 15:8 NKJV).

Pray with Unbridled Enthusiasm

I sat outside her bedroom, waiting. When my granddaughter woke she ran as fast as she could, into my arms. I still feel the joy she gave me.

I want God to see me, running eagerly to Him, every morning. I want to bring God joy.

Unforeseen Blessing

Waiting for marriage was sometimes heart achingly hard. So I prayed, a lot.  I often reminded the Lord, “You seek godly offspring (Malachi 2:15).”

At just the right time, the Lord answered. Now my daughter is a happily married mother. (I know. I just visited her home. I can’t stop thinking about my granddaughter. She loves life and laughs quickly.)

If I could have seen the joy that was coming, the wait would have been easier. I can’t go back and relive those days of longing, but I can assure you, that whatever you long for, whatever you pray for, God’s answer will be unimaginably good.

Undeserved Privilege

We’ve prayed. You’ve prayed. And the Lord answered.

Yesterday our offer on a condo was accepted. We will enjoy living with a gorgeous city view and Lake Michigan in our backyard. (The short commute to work will be wonderful too). But even better than that, we have the lasting joy of knowing the Lord who gave because He loves.

Thank you for helping us pray!

 

Sorrow Brought Joy

Grief-stricken, many women trailed behind Jesus as he carried the cross. But He endured that cross for the joy set before Him (from Luke 23:26-27; Hebrews 12:2).

Suffering brings agony.

Pray for eyes to see the joy beyond pain.