Gateways to Joy

I sn't it something how we can have plans, but God always has the best of plans for us? This morning I woke to plans of my own.  Plans that didn't pan out, plans that didn't come to fruition. As I sat back telling myself to, "Be still.  Be still to see how the moment would emerge" something beautiful happen.  First the Lord calmed my spirit.  He told me, "Let this be well with your soul for what you are experiencing is a good thing.  Go with this daughter." I decided to listen.  To be obedient to the leading, to let the happenings be well with my soul.   And so it is. And the reading and meditation of my heart has been upon these things: <A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fhespetome-20%2F8003%2F398f6cb0-097a-4369-a75b-acdd06bcd03a&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widge...

S ometimes, many times even I forget. I forget to count my blessings and name them one-by-one .  I forget that the very thing that taste bitter is the very gateway that could bring me joy.  I think of this as I climb in the bed and look at him.  The one who has taken me as his wife. "Why is it that with just a bit of seeing things differently, the tilting of the head, an entire life can be changed.  Perspective and the ability to see becomes clearer and things that just hours ago appeared to be detrimental no longer seem as bad anymore?  Why? Right now, this moment, this season, I resolve to be slow. Slowed, not rushed.  Slow to stroll through the gateways of my life, to smell the fragrant flowers, to enjoy the strolls, and yes, even the messes. "Is having loads and loads of laundry to wash so bad?" No.  Today I resolve.  I resolve to work for my family as if I am working for the Lord.  Isn't that really what I am doin...

Seeing His beauty in the ordinary liturgy of your service.   "In other words, you choose your life, that is to say, you choose all the conditions of your life, when you choose the thoughts upon which you allow your mind to dwell." ~ Anthony Bloom "We are transformed by the renewing of our minds...." that's what the Bible says. Today may you learn that the mental diet of your mind is really the most important diet for your whole life. Let your mind dwell on the joy-gifts that only a gracious God can give. Happy weekend! xo, Angela blog subscription  | twitter | facebook

I   could feel it rising up within, trying to take hold of me, grip me tight. Anxiety. "I must pray." I whispered, then on with my day I went. Gathering together for this and for that.  Doing the next thing, and the next, and the next, when I came upon what I needed. "Wow.  God always comes through." I inhale deeply, a sigh of relief.   "Thank you Father." I silently whisper. I proceed to read. Peace.  Calmness.  They both sooth my soul and I feel rich. I am richly blessed. I know this because the Bible told me so. This feeling of being close to the Father and in sync with him is far better than anything this world could ever give me or you. Oh how blessed I am to be called a child of God: his daughter.  I am the daughter of the one and only true God.  And I know that I am loved.  I am loved by Love.  It feels good when you know you can give in to love, and you are most assured that you are loved like...