Stay focused on joy...
We will be covering Joy on Feb 4th.
We will be revamping the schedule, so there will be some changes. See the side of the blog. Of course, this is subject to change! :) I will update when there are changes.
I hope everyone is safe after the storms!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Last day of the week
Our last day for our Journals of Joy.
It is such a slippery mess this morning - I'm working from home today. Trying to at least - Kids are home too. And it's not just my road, it's also the roads getting to 31E and to the babysitter's place that are no good.
Check out Deb's comment on yesterday's post - she is so right - it is beautiful. Here's a photo from our back porch. Earlier today, all the cattle were huddled up near the barn in the background.
Enjoy the beauty God has put before us today, but please be careful. There's more coming at us!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday Class
Just a reminder to everyone - if Barren County Schools are out due to weather, we will not be having WOW. This includes all the adult classes including Fruit of the Spirit. Hopefully, all the bad stuff will miss us - by that I mean the ice.
On another note, Robb has strep throat. So he is "under the weather." But he got a penicillin shot!! So it is just a matter of time (hours) before he's better. He should be ready for Wednesday - I'm just the teaching assistant and administrator! :)
Keep on journaling, just one more day!
On another note, Robb has strep throat. So he is "under the weather." But he got a penicillin shot!! So it is just a matter of time (hours) before he's better. He should be ready for Wednesday - I'm just the teaching assistant and administrator! :)
Keep on journaling, just one more day!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Joyful Music
Everyone has their favorite type of music that they love listening to - rap, reggae, pop, heavy metal, southern gospel, classical, country, and the list goes on.
But what about joyful music - the kind that speaks to your every being and you can shout out, "AMEN!"
Let me tell you about my favorite right now - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I'm not sure how one would categorize this style. I like it for a number of reasons - there is a good mix of funky rhythms and classical instruments, extremely low and high notes, and a wide variety that mixes the different styles mentioned above.
What brings me joy is the history of the church and Jim & Carol Cymbala. Carol is truly blessed by God and it shows through the music of the choir. She does not have formal music training and if you watch her on a DVD, she does not direct like a director. She cannot read nor write music. But that doesn't matter. God blessed her and equipped her with what she needed.
There are other churches that are similar in style and in their music program. But none of the music compares to the blessings I receive with the Brooklyn Tabernacle. There is where the joy comes from - something God has given through an indivdual to spread to the whole world.
To find out more about Brooklyn Tabernacle, check them out at their website: http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/
But what about joyful music - the kind that speaks to your every being and you can shout out, "AMEN!"
Let me tell you about my favorite right now - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I'm not sure how one would categorize this style. I like it for a number of reasons - there is a good mix of funky rhythms and classical instruments, extremely low and high notes, and a wide variety that mixes the different styles mentioned above.
What brings me joy is the history of the church and Jim & Carol Cymbala. Carol is truly blessed by God and it shows through the music of the choir. She does not have formal music training and if you watch her on a DVD, she does not direct like a director. She cannot read nor write music. But that doesn't matter. God blessed her and equipped her with what she needed.
There are other churches that are similar in style and in their music program. But none of the music compares to the blessings I receive with the Brooklyn Tabernacle. There is where the joy comes from - something God has given through an indivdual to spread to the whole world.
To find out more about Brooklyn Tabernacle, check them out at their website: http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org/
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Almost through the week
So, we are about at the halfway mark. How are the Journals of Joy coming along?
Any thoughts as to our other homework? I have one comic strip I enjoy - Dilbert. It seems like he experienced my engineering world at Dana.
If you cannot read this, try clicking on the comic - it should link to www.dilbert.com
And while the end message is not good, it describes life in corporate America. So why do I enjoy this so much? Because I am not the only one enduring these things. And it describes my job perfectly! :)
See you in the funny papers!
Any thoughts as to our other homework? I have one comic strip I enjoy - Dilbert. It seems like he experienced my engineering world at Dana.
If you cannot read this, try clicking on the comic - it should link to www.dilbert.com
And while the end message is not good, it describes life in corporate America. So why do I enjoy this so much? Because I am not the only one enduring these things. And it describes my job perfectly! :)
See you in the funny papers!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Where's the Joy in Jury Duty
Yes, I received my paperwork to be a circuit court juror.
My initial thoughts:
Why now?
UGH!!
This stinks!
Thoughts as I reviewed the schedule:
AAAAHHHHH! The last two dates are during my scrapbook retreat!! That's MY time! And of course, I'll probably get picked!
But then God speaks to me, "Michelle, are you sure this is the right attitude?" And the answer is a definite, "NO!"
So, where is the joy?
The joy is in the fact that we have a jury system in our country. Trials are decided by a panel of our peers and not just one person.
The joy is to be able to use my fruits of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit and apply this to what may come. There may be something of tremendous importance that God wants me to do during this time.
There's the joy! Knowing that God will use me and see me through whatever is put before me.
Have a joyful day!
My initial thoughts:
Why now?
UGH!!
This stinks!
Thoughts as I reviewed the schedule:
AAAAHHHHH! The last two dates are during my scrapbook retreat!! That's MY time! And of course, I'll probably get picked!
But then God speaks to me, "Michelle, are you sure this is the right attitude?" And the answer is a definite, "NO!"
So, where is the joy?
The joy is in the fact that we have a jury system in our country. Trials are decided by a panel of our peers and not just one person.
The joy is to be able to use my fruits of the Spirit and gifts of the Spirit and apply this to what may come. There may be something of tremendous importance that God wants me to do during this time.
There's the joy! Knowing that God will use me and see me through whatever is put before me.
Have a joyful day!
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
In the past couple of days our weather has started to warm a bit.
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!
Take this opportunity to get outside and let him speak to you through his creation and rekindle some JOY in your life.
We've noticed a continued increase in the hits to this site.
It's encouraging!
Maybe the word is getting out about our class and we may have more to join us next week.
To quote part of the Doxology, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!"
R
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!
Take this opportunity to get outside and let him speak to you through his creation and rekindle some JOY in your life.
We've noticed a continued increase in the hits to this site.
It's encouraging!
Maybe the word is getting out about our class and we may have more to join us next week.
To quote part of the Doxology, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!"
R
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Joy Journal
Yes, I'm in the blogging mood!
So what is a blog - this is an online tool that acts as a journal. You can add photos, slide shows, lists, links, etc. You can also make it a private or public blog.
What a great way to maintain your Journal of Joy!
I'll post some of my thoughts throughout this week to prompt those that are struggling.
JOY for Wednesday -
Robb came home last night EXCITED! A good number of people came to the class. There's opportunity here for all of us to become more Christ-like and let our fruits shine to those that do not know Christ.
The comments on the blog and getting that up and going - it is public, so maybe someone that does not know Christ will stumble upon this. What an opportunity!
Yes, joy does come from within, but to be able to reach others or help others grow in Christ - that's joy!
So what is a blog - this is an online tool that acts as a journal. You can add photos, slide shows, lists, links, etc. You can also make it a private or public blog.
What a great way to maintain your Journal of Joy!
I'll post some of my thoughts throughout this week to prompt those that are struggling.
JOY for Wednesday -
Robb came home last night EXCITED! A good number of people came to the class. There's opportunity here for all of us to become more Christ-like and let our fruits shine to those that do not know Christ.
The comments on the blog and getting that up and going - it is public, so maybe someone that does not know Christ will stumble upon this. What an opportunity!
Yes, joy does come from within, but to be able to reach others or help others grow in Christ - that's joy!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Successful Introduction
I hope that you all had a good time at the Introduction meeting tonight!!!
I want all of you to realize that I don't want to be a "teacher", but rather a facilitator of learning. As we move through these lessons I want all of us to learn from "each other".
I believe that all of you are attending the class because you are wanting to know MORE.....
I'm excited and encouraged by some of the comments already. I can't wait to get started.
See you next week!!!!!
R
I want all of you to realize that I don't want to be a "teacher", but rather a facilitator of learning. As we move through these lessons I want all of us to learn from "each other".
I believe that all of you are attending the class because you are wanting to know MORE.....
I'm excited and encouraged by some of the comments already. I can't wait to get started.
See you next week!!!!!
R
Week 1 Prayer List
Brad Alexander
Nell Eaton
Debbie Morris (baby Kaydence)
Littia Wimpie
Beatrice Perkins
Jessica Clark
Please keep these people in your prayers this week.
Nell Eaton
Debbie Morris (baby Kaydence)
Littia Wimpie
Beatrice Perkins
Jessica Clark
Please keep these people in your prayers this week.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Welcome
Welcome everyone to the Fruit of the Spirit class! Our first class session is Wednesday, January 21, 2009. We will be adding thoughts here throughout the week to help cultivate your fruit.
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