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Thankful Thursday ~ Choosing Joy

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:10-12 ESV ~ emphasis added)

Sometimes we think that happiness equals joy. But the truth is that it is not even close. Currently I am listening to Kay Warren’s “30 Day Choose Joy Devotions“. Each message is only about 3 1/2 minutes long, but her reflections are very powerful. Maybe you want to give it a try?

You see, joy does not come from people, possessions, or positions. True joy comes from God. Not just joy, but peace and comfort. Although I always have had quiet time in the morning, I have changed my habit. Instead of getting up at 4:30am (last possible minute too), I changed it to 4am.

Sure, it was at first a little hard to get up 1/2 an hour earlier, but it is so much worth it for me. I am not rushed to read my devotions and God’s Word. And sometimes I just sit quiet and meditate on His Word.

I am thankful that God continues to guide me and even helps me grow. The extra 1/2 hour has made the world of difference on how I approach my days. I choose joy, His JOY.

What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving a link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today; remember: sometimes it takes a change in your habits to grow.

Love and peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. Relax Your Grip
2. Praying The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Marriage
3. “Hope” List
4. Simply Helping Him ~ Our Moments
5. Come Unto Christ
6. jhunnelle @ choosing life		 7. How Meal Planning Has Helped Me
8. Calgon, take me away!
9. bp
10. Deidra M@ The Middle
11. life by ashley pichea
12. Dancing in the Rain		 13. lorig
14. Ms. Kathleen – Contentment: To Live is Christ
15. Style N Season: He Will Complete The Good Work In You
16. Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
17. Edwards Granddaughter

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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Mother’s Day Winner Announced

Good evening all,

I hope you all had a fabulous Mother’s Day. I apologize for announcing the winner so late, but I tried out a new low-sodium dish. I have to say: It was yummy and my beloved enjoyed it greatly. I will post it later this week.

But I am digressing…I used Random.Org to draw the winner for the Mother’s Day giveaway:

The winner of the Wall-Art by Holley Gerth and Dee Kasberger is commenter number 4 – Lori from All You Have to Give. Congratulations, Lori. I will contact you via email to get your snail-mail address.

Have a blessed Sunday evening and a beautiful week.

Love & peace,
Iris

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Praise & Worship ~ Michael Card

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
(Matthew 11:28 ESV)

Sometimes an old hymns brings me to tears at church. So did today during communion “Come Ye Sinners – Poor and Needy”. It is so wonderful to know that Christ stands ready to receive us in His arms.

I have found this beautiful rendition by Michael Card on YouTube. Listen to words and the music is just down my alley…

Praise and worship, not only on Sundays, but every day.

Love & peace,
Iris

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Thankful Thursday ~ Healing

I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.
(Psalm 7:17 ESV)

I am so thankful for doctors this week. My husband has been sick for quite some time now, and he finally decided to visit his doctor. He is still not out of the woods, but now he is taken care in a hospital. Hopefully by tomorrow night I know more what really is going on with him.

This journey has been frustrating, painful, but also very rewarding. You see, this journey brought me even closer to God. In Him I find the strength to go on. He gives me the peace I need right now to encourage my husband that all will be well soon.

My husband’s sickness also made it clear that I love him very deeply; more than I knew. I can’t imagine to spend the rest of my life without him. I guess we all need to hit some kind of low point for things to become clearer; to really be more intentional with our relationships. Not only our marriages, but also friendships.

So this week, I am thankful for doctors, my marriage and especially God’s peace and strength. What are you thankful for this week? Please do share with us by leaving the link to your Thankful Thursday post below.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: be more intentional with your relationships.

Love and peace,
Iris

Thankful Thursday Participants

1. The Fontenot Four
2. jhunnelle
3. Melanie @ M&M
4. It Feels Like Chaos
5. Ms. Kathleen
6. The End from the Beginning		 7. Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand
8. bp
9. Deidra M. @ The Middle
10. lorig “Only a Mustard Seed”
11. Deanna
12. First Day of My Life LINKUP		 13. God’s Hand Writing
14. Jenny Anne@Royal Little Lambs
15. Denise
16. Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
17. Laura @ Beholding Glory
18. Gina

Learn more about Thankful Thursday here.

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