{mexico part two}

An average day doing mission work in Mexico:
5:15 AM -- The alarm goes off on Olivia's phone. "California Dreamer" by the Mamas and the Papas.
5:45 AM -- Actually roll out of bed and get dressed.
6:00 AM -- Eat breakfast which usually consists of strong coffee and refried beans. The dining area is always crammed full with people, but the fellowship is irreplaceable.
6:30 AM -- Load up the vans and head out to the work site. The 20 minute commute is one of my favorite parts of the day; the sky is glowing pink from the sunrise, the city lights are still winking brightly, and mountains are towering on all sides of the sprawling city. On our ride we have entertaining discussions, sing hymns, and look out for landmarks such as Wal-Mart, the farmacia, and the Kim Kardashian sign.
7:00 - 8:30 AM -- The men and women separate into groups for morning devotions. There are more men than women, so they occupy the sanctuary and we take the chapel. While we pray and preach and listen, we can hear the men singing and praying aloud all at once; it is a powerful experience. Afterwards we frantically set up for another long day.
10:00 AM -- The labor begins. Carolyn and Olivia run the medical clinic with the help of Ilia. Sharon and I sit at the eyeglass table and manage with no interpreter. Our communication is limited to:
"Bien?"
"No, no bien."
"Mas?
"Mas!"
"Bien?
"Si! muy bien!"
"Buenas Dias!"
"Gracias!"
Needless to say, my ability to make up sign language improved rapidly. Thresia and some other women prepare food for the day and Michelle and Jeanine work fervently setting up the Children's Crusade program. Nick turns on the generator in the work trailer and immediately the welding, sawing, hammering, and drilling commences. One gets used to the humming and banging pretty quickly. In four days, electricity, 40 pews, and a flight of stairs are installed by the hard working crew of God-fearing men. I have been inspired by their perseverance and spirit.
12:00 PM -- Lunch begins. For a short while the construction stops and we enjoy the peaceful quiet while gathered under the tents. Everyone jokes around, Joe tells fishing stories, and someone always shares their testimony. Christian fellowship is rejuvenation for the soul.
1:00 PM -- The generator starts up again. The children begin collecting together begging for candy and presents, or just generally looking adorably. Is it just me or are Mexican children the absolute cutest? Some of the girls are especially sweet and help out as much as they can with huge smiles.
5:00 PM -- Dinner. Everyone is glad when dinner comes because it means that the day's work is done. Some of the Mexican church members join us.
7:00 PM -- The townspeople pull up in their dusty old trucks for evening worship; some of them bring instruments and some of them bring Bibles and all of them bring children. Hoards of children. So many children. They all lay out blankets and put the babies to sleep on the floor. One of our pastors preaches with the assistance of an interpreter. There are a few inside jokes our team has from interpreters making mistakes (Jalapeñosos!) resulting in the mission team crying with laughter. After the sermon, those who want to be saved or need prayer are invited to the alter and their Christian family comes forward to pray for them. It is a time of powerful prayer. Bold prayer. And the Spirit of God moving among the people.
11:00 PM -- The days are long: full of every emotion, hours of labor and determination, moments of peace. By the hand of God, they are brought to completion, and an exhausted mission team stumbles into the hotel welcoming sleep with open arms. Tomorrow is bright new day, full of opportunities to serve the Lord and spread His love!

Chihuahua, Mexico

Guess what my dears?! I am going to Mexico!
Recently my good friend texted me something like this:
"So, just out of curiosity... On a scale of 1 to 10, how interested would you be in a week-long trip to Mexico?"
I promptly responded with "12!!!!". And that was that. Plans were made, paperwork was filled out, and there was lots of texting back and forth in caps lock letters. The two of us will be joining a group of volunteers in October to go on a mission trip in Chihuahua City.

Don't you wish that there was some sort of magical mindset we could put on when getting ready to do mission work? I do too. It would be sumpin' else  if we could go into servants-heart-mode automatically and anticipate everything that might happen. But that's not how mission trips work.
In volunteering to do mission work, you are sacrificing your personal life to serve the needs of others.
You are striving to reach the unlovable and the suffering.
You are taking off your cultural blinders and stepping outside of that safe little world you live in.
You have no idea what will happen because it's all in God's hands, but you pray and you pray mightily that His will be done.

"And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."
[Mark 16:15]
 

"For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”"
[Acts 13:47]

 

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"
[Psalm 96:3]

Of course I will write a few follow up posts after the trip! I know that I will be a changed person and there will be stories to tell and new ideas to share. Until then -- Adios!

the small happy life.

 

     If I could describe my life in two words, I would use the newspaper headline in the picture: “Small” and “Happy”. 

 

My home in the country is cozy, my possessions are few, and my days are simple. Every day is a new opportunity to find joy in the little things. Things like cooking my own food, strolling down the road, finding a thick patch of wildflowers, country music on the radio, summer thunderstorms, the comfort of routine, and exploring.

 Of course I have goals for myself that I try to follow as closely as possible. For example: I want to live in the moment and not worry so much about the future. During my senior year of high school I was so anxious about what came next that I never fully appreciated the present. On the other hand, I am determined to work hard and meet the coming school year head on -- equipped and ready to take on adventure.

 

This summer has been an adventure already! Not only am I living semi-independently, but I started a new job (as a bank teller), I began online college classes (at Taylor University), and also had my first ride on a motorcycle (no big deal :) ) This is not to mention that my mom and I are starting a small business! As of now, we are working to write the business plan for a quaint tearoom complete with antique book stall. (This is an advertisement in case you want to stop by when it's open!)  

 

 Yup. My life is kinda brim full with blessings and excitement right now :) The challenge is to remain humble and thankful to Him who has given me so much! 

I pray that your life is also small and happy and overflowing with God's goodness!



advice for life.

    

Someone asked me recently if I had any advice to impart. (Because -- you know-- I'm so darn awful wise.) Instead of saying something profound and helpful, I stuttered and managed to spit out a few words. What are you supposed to say when you're asked for advice?

It bothered me that I was unable to answer properly. But, a few days later, I came across this:


ROMANS 12

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

 

³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

 

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
 ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

___________________________________________________________________________

      

          Paul has written a list of ways to lead a godly life; to put love into action.

So, if anyone else ever asks me for advice, then I will promptly refer them to this list and say: "here is your advice for life right here!"
I myself will be striving to apply this scripture to my daily life, because I desire to be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. "This is your true and proper worship."

noticing miracles

          Some time ago I asked my lovely writer friend Erica to come up with a guest post for my blog.
She willingly agreed and sent me the finished product this morning. I had to read it several times because it is so wonderful and thought provoking and wise. Because of the importance of this message, I believe everyone should take time to read these beautiful words written by one inspiring person!

 

 

I’ve been thinking about the nation of Israel lately.

We read though the Old Testament last year.  And believe me, reading through the entire Old Testament in one year really drives home the point about how good the Jews were at falling away from God.  It’s this endless cycle.  They’re faithful to Him, so He rewards them and makes them prosperous.  And because they’re so prosperous, they get complacent and start worshipping other gods.  So God punishes them.  And then they call out to Him, and he rescues them.  So they’re faithful to him, and he rewards them and makes them prosperous.  And so on.  And on.  And on.

And I must admit, I was tempted to laugh at them sometimes.  Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought something like this while reading the Old Testament: “Seriously?!  They saw God perform a miracle right in front of them.  He led them through the desert in a pillar of fire.  He parted the Red Sea for them.  He defeated Jericho for them.  How in the world could they just turn around and forget all that, and start worshipping other gods?  The nation of Israel was just so silly.”

Raises hand.  Yes, I’m guilty of thinking this, too.

But I’ve been thinking lately, how often do we do the same thing?  How often do we see a miracle from God and then just turn around and continue living life as if it had never happened? 

You may be thinking, but I’ve never seen a miracle from God.  I’ve never had anyone in my life miraculously healed, or been miraculously protected, or anything like that.  That may be true.  I don’t think I ever have either, though I believe those kinds of things do happen. 

But that’s not the kind of miracle I’m talking about.  I’m talking about little everyday miracles, the things we pass over without even thinking about it or don’t even think to notice.  Have you ever had something you’re nervous about go surprisingly well?  Or been somewhere at just the right time to do something you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do otherwise? 

Have you ever really stopped to notice the miraculous beauty of Autumn?  Or the miracle of new life in the spring?  Or even the miracle of life itself?

You see, we do exactly what the Jews did in Old Testament times.  We see a miracle, and maybe even marvel over it for a little while, then turn around and forget about it.  And we continued living life like we would have if it had never happened. 

So I guess the main point of this whole thing is that I’ve made it my goal lately to try not to forget everything God has done for us, and to try to see His presence in all the little miracles most people miss.  And I’m wondering if you’d like to make that your goal too.

night hike

          Thirty girls are strung out along the path, trudging through dew laden grass; I am one of the very last ones, stopping to watch a blinking glow worm or run my hand through the whispering leaves. Nothing can be heard but the crickets and our voices, catching the breeze and carrying upwards. City lights are merely a faint glow on the horizon...... far away from our country escape.

 'Look at the stars!' somebody says, just in time for a shooting star to blaze across the sky. The whole group of us 'ooh' and 'ahh', stunned by the majesty of the starry brightness. Silver light fills the sky with glory and you can see the very presence of God written clearly and strongly in the pattern of constellations and planets.

 He determines the number of stars and knows them each by name.

          Slowly, we resume our night hike. A group of friends hold hands in a row and begin singing in harmony. I understand why--it is their way of responding to the beauty around them. For me, I can only stare in silent wonder at the works His hands have wrought. If God is the magistrate of it all,  how blessed am I that my life is precious to Him!

When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,

he moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?

---Psalm 8:3-4      

come to me all who are weary



 

Weariness. It’s a word that vibrates through our being when we hear it. It makes us think of long dragging hours when we cannot find the strength to move, when our minds turn blank and our eyes close heavily. It describes our surrender to Life’s challenges and frustrations. 

Satan takes advantage of our tiredness. He knows that our walls of fortitude have fallen and we are too weak to resist. “When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.” –Deuteronomy 25:18

God doesn’t want that to happen; He offers us a constant, unwavering invitation to find rest in Him. Do we accept his invitation? Or do we shrug it off and say ‘I can handle this. I’m not tired.’ We try so hard to do things on our own, but all we end up doing is getting angry and spinning in circles until something trips us up. It’s humiliating and exhausting. We hate it, yet we keep trying with a dogged determination.  God spoke to this people, to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”—but they would not listen.” Isaiah 28:11-12

 

What if we accepted God’s beckoning call? Would the inward battling go away? Would the burden of exhaustion be lifted from our shoulders? Yes! God remains faithful to his promise and gives us the quiet strengthening peace that we ask for. He protects us; He surrounds us with His favor as with a shield. Not even Satan can reach us and runs away defeated! Weariness no longer hinders our soul and we soar on wings like eagles.

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31

 

~being yourself~

          Just the other day, while I was wasting a few minutes on the internet, this ad popped up. (Thanks a lot, viruses for flooding my computer with useless tabs.)  It said something to this effect: “10 ways to become a new person and gain popularity.” My first reaction was to cringe with disbelief; then I simply gaped with revulsion at the horror of this advertisement. Who would ever want to change their personality merely to ‘get’ friends?  

            Slow down there Laurel. I’m pretty sure you’ve wanted to trade out your identity before. 
 

I am not an outgoing person. It’d be easier for me to cut a hole in the ceiling and fall through than to converse with a stranger or tell stories at a party. Instead, I am perfectly content to hang back and listen—maybe respond with some simple phrases like: “yeah! I know what you mean!” “really? That sound’s great!” etc.

Society doesn’t exactly deem this behavior as “attention-worthy.” That’s harsh—I know ‘cause I’ve been there. If you’re not the life of the party, then you feel like people are judging you for even showing up. If you can’t tell funny jokes or make people laugh, then you feel like a total failure. And you wish—that for once in your life—charisma was a tangible thing and you could steal it.

Yup. I’ve wanted to change my identity plenty of times. But (even if it were possible) would that be the logical thing to do?  

            I think not. God made us the way he intended us. He is a purposeful God—perfect in every way, so I don’t believe he made a mistake when he gave us our reserved and quiet natures. That doesn’t mean we will ever be popular by the world’s standards, but we won’t be ‘friendless’ either. In fact, our friends (no matter how few) will always be more true and loving towards us than hundreds of fans. 

            So have confidence in yourself! You’re not socially backwards—and you definitely don’t need some article on the internet telling you to ‘become a new person’ just to ‘gain popularity.’ Just be yourself.

"Missionary life is simply a chance to die."

This book. Is amazing.

            Do you know that jittery excited feeling you get when something you read is so impactful and full of truth?  That’s how you feel when you read this book by Elisabeth Elliot. The life story of Amy Carmichael is so beautifully captured in this book that it kind of takes your breath away. And not only is it a narrative of her missionary work—it is also a way to be prayerful about your own spiritual journey.

 

   

Amy’s entire life was a witness to God. She was not perfect—in fact she often had doubts or made mistakes, but she openly admitted them and constantly sought Truth and Righteousness.

“Give me the Love that leads the way

The Faith that nothing can dismay

The Hope no disappointments tire

The Passion that'll burn like fire

Let me not sink to be a clod

Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God”

― Amy Carmichael 

 

One person who knew Amy well said: “Miss Carmichael was a blessing to all who came into intimate and understanding contact with her radiant life.  She was the most Christ-like character I ever met, and her life was the most fragrant, the most joyfully sacrificial that I have ever known."

      Amy was also humble and faithful.  God used her servant nature to work for others and He used her deep faith to move and inspire. Miss Carmichael started the Dohnavur Fellowship in India (which is still alive today--you can see their website here), she wrote dozens of books, became the mother to hundreds of children, and devoted 53 years of her life to missionary work without furlough. 

    

In so many ways I wish I could be like her, but then I tell myself: 'Laurel, all you have to do is believe with the same fiery devotion and then let God work through you.' That's all Amy had; her Faith and her Savior. But she built up a legacy and touched countless lives with her contagious love and compassion.

 

“There have been times of late when I have had to hold on to one text with all my might: "It is required in stewards that a man may be found faithful." Praise God, it does not say "successful.”

― Amy Carmichael 

“to the glory of His name let me witness that in far away lands, in loneliness (deepest sometimes when it seems least so), in times of downheartedness and tiredness and sadness, always always He is near. He does comfort, if we let Him. Perhaps someone as weak and good-for-nothing as even I am may read this. Don't be afraid! Through all circumstances, outside, inside, He can keep me close.”

― Amy Carmichael 

In closing, I urge you to pick up her biography (or perhaps one of her own writings.) Then you’ll see for yourself what wonderful things God wrought through her life!  

 

Other reading material on Amy Carmichael:

•  http://www.gfamissions.org/missionary-biographies/carmichael-amy-1867-1951.html
• http://www.historymakers.info/inspirational-christians/amy-carmichael.html
• http://www.corrinesimpson.com/amy-carmichael/
• http://www.youngandmarried.net/?s=amy+carmichael

create in me a pure heart

I have a confession to make:

I am imperfect. 

There are times when I am vain and boastful; I talk about myself too much, say things against others. My thoughts are impure, my actions unjust. Sometimes I just feel weighted down with uncleanliness. It’s a horrible tainted feeling which I’m sure every single human being has experienced.  

That’s when Psalm 51 comes in handy. Reading that passage is like washing off all the caked on mud in a hot shower! The words pour over you like water.  

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 

What assurance we can draw from that very verse alone!  

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…. 

We are humans—fallen short of the glory of God. But there is a difference between living in sin, and admitting our shortcomings to God and striving constantly to follow Him.  

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  

These are only segments from Psalm 51. You have to go read it for yourself to get every bit of wonderfulness from David’s song! I’m just putting it out there because we are broken and we need to feel God’s unfailing love and the joy of His salvation!

Priceless

My dear friend Catherine is a lovely writer! When she showed me this poem that she wrote I thought it was perfectly gorgeous:) Henceforth, Catherine is graciously letting me share it on my blog. Here 'tis:

 

A mirror is my enemy

Showing all my flaws

So many flaws

My face clouded with shame

I turn away

Forgetting I am perfect in God's name

Priceless

An unending battle

No matter how much

It is never enough

This I know

I will not give up

Yearning to be beautiful

God, let me see through Your eyes

The beauty that cannot hide

Beneath the shallow waters

That I am drowning in

I am a child of God

Priceless

An unending battle

No matter how much

It is never enough

This is know

I cannot give up

Yearning to be beautiful

Jesus I give up this fight

I am Priceless

Lift my eyes to Your light

I am Priceless

Shame is no more

I am Yours

I am Priceless

You ended my battle

No matter how much

You are always enough

Now I know

I surrender to You

I am beautiful

Priceless

 

--Catherine B. 

1 Timothy 2:1-3

       
¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3
 
These past few weeks have been days of uncertainty for our country; there has been a lot of friction between political parties which has overflowed into the personal lives of every individual. That's why I wanted to share this passage with you. No matter what your political stance is, God desires prayers and petitions on behalf of those in authority and for all people.

Petition that the leaders of our country will stand on principle and fight for what they believe. Pray that God will give them wisdom to make right decisions. Ask God to intercede on behalf of the welfare of America, and be thankful that we are indeed a nation under God.

Doing so will fill our lives with peace, godliness, and holiness. It will please God our Savior.

From the inspiredwomanblogs.blogspot.com

    

The Lord is my STRENGTH

hullo again.

     Hello folks! I'm back believe it or not--so sorry for not keeping you updated on the series of events. Starting the second week of June I was gone for three weeks straight. One week of CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) camp, one week of junior counseling for an elementary camp, and one week of an intense mission trip in South Dakota.  

     CYF camp was a time of fellowship and renewal. We had so much fun delving into the Bible, playing games, making new friends, worshiping every night, and generally goofing off:) I absolutely LOVED every minute of it. What a great experience....... whew. I'm  still riding a high from that week if you hadn't guessed already.


     Week #2 was junior counseling at elementary camp. This camp had such a different atmosphere than CYF. It was more laid back, and I had a bigger responsibility as a leader and a role model. For me personally, it felt good to come out of CYF and immediately have a chance to share my love for Christ. And I couldn't have asked for a more willing and receptive audience. Those kids were angels, I loved hanging out with them:)

 

     Last, but not least came the EPIC mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. A total of 19 teens and 6 adult leaders (well supplied with jolly ranchers) headed off on June 22. We didn't really know what to expect or what was going to be required of us, but our spirits were high and we felt ready to face anything.

 

    2 days later we landed in a small town (not too far from Wounded Knee) where a Youthworks base was established. (This organization is great! Their program staff were exceptionally helpful and very supportive. We wouldn't have survived without their wisdom and guidance;))

     The first couple of days were pretty rough for us. We were complete foreigners merely trying to help out in this small community. The culture, the lifestyle, the people--everything was new to us. All we saw on the first day was the outside of things--the brokenness, the poverty--and circumstances we hadn't expected.

     Then we met some of the people living there, worked more determinedly than ever, and strengthened the community within our group. That's when we looked deeper than just the outside--that's when we discovered the beauty of our surroundings and the Indians we were working with. Finding that beauty made the rough edges so much easier to deal with and gave us Hope.

JC and COMO First Christian Church Group. We called our selves FCCC
(First Christian Church Crew.)

 

   One morning we hiked up to the Camel Back Butte behind the school for devotionals. From up on our little mountain we could see for miles around, hear the birds, smell the yucca blossoms, and admire God's creation from a perspective we had never felt.

 



     South Dakota is a wonderful place! One our way back we drove through the Black Hills. The scenery there was breath-taking. We had to stop several times to take a gazillion pictures:)

Mount Rushmore!!!!!!!

 

 

Hullo Buffalo. We went to a farm where they let us feed the Buffalo treats.

 

 

 

We had great times during the 16 hour car ride. Whoopee!

 

 

     I am the most thankful little girl for these wonderful times I have had. I praise God for everything that happened in those short three weeks and ask Him to continue guiding me in the Way that is Good.

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. --Romans 8:28

    


(photo credits go to my big bro. Austin Dey and Dani Jennings. Check out Dani's awesome photography website here!) 

Trust and Obey

This is a short message I wrote for our church newsletter. Hope you enjoy it!

Last time I wrote for the Bell, I briefly mentioned the joy we experience when we come to know Jesus. But today I want to talk about something else that brings us joy! Can you guess what it is? It is obedience.

But how are they even closely related? The answer can be found in John chapter 15:

 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing……..If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

Jesus is really good at using imagery! He uses a vine and branches to describe our relationship with Him. Without Jesus (the vine) we cannot do anything---we wither and are thrown into the fire. (John 15:6) But if we abide in Christ, and obey God’s commandments our branches become heavy with fruit.

I want to interrupt this lovely imagery by asking you a question. How do you feel after finishing a huge project? You probably feel relief right? You feel like you’ve conquered something—you feel accomplishment. Well, if we keep God’s commandments, we are not only fruitful, but we are full of joy! That’s how obedience and joy are related. Obedience is the source of our fruitfulness and joy is its result.

As the old hymn goes: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!”

the grace of a cheerful heart

Psalms 68:3says: “may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.”

Joy is something we should experience when we accept Jesus as our Savior! Unspeakable, unstoppable, incomprehensible JOY!!

So, what does joy have to do with a cheerful heart? They are interrelated. Joy is an expression of happiness, a state of being. Cheerfulness is an action; willingness, pleasantness, and merriness. Once joy is instilled in us, then cheerfulness comes as a second nature.

How can we be happy ALL the time? There’s always something in our lives to beat us down; politics, death, work deadlines, etc. There is an answer: simply let Jesus shine through you! Give up all of your burdens to Him, communicate to Him incessantly, and openly praise Him. It’s not that hard to be a happy person when you’ve got Jesus behind you! Even if there are difficult things we have to deal with, complaining and being grumpy isn’t going to improve the situation. Instead, having a positive outlook is going to lighten the load.

So what do we get for being cheerful and joyous? People are most likely going to notice us. “Who is that person? She looks really happy. Is she like that all the time?” or “Wow, he looks like he’s full of joy. I wonder why.” This opens up an opportunity to tell them the reason you’re happy! The combination of your faith and the joy you express will probably make an impact on them. You can evangelize to others by being joyous!

Also, the book of Proverbs states that “all the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”  Having a cheerful heart makes our lives rich and abundant---not wretched! When Jesus gives us his unconquerable joy, Satan is unable to destroy our lives.

            “Let us seek the grace of a cheerful heart, an even temper, sweetness, gentleness, and brightness of mind, as walking in His light, and by His grace. Let us pray to Him to give us the spirit of ever-abundant, everspringing love, which overpowers and sweeps away the vexations of life by its own richness and strength, and which, above all things, unites us to Him who is the fountain and the centre of all mercy, lovingkindness, and joy.” –John Henry Newman