“… for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10d
North Lake Tahoe from above Incline Village
North Lake Tahoe from above Incline Village
On Friday night I went to an event in San Francisco and rode CalTrain home. Two of my friends were with me and we had a deep discussion on how it is difficult to contest ‘experiential’ religious conversions.
Several questions were posed on how to tell if it is the ‘real deal.’ Did the experience change them? Were they changed on the inside? Was the change for the better? Was it a permanent and lasting change?
I sat their thinking as the scenery sped past at 55 mph. What changed in me when I found Christ? What was it that I wouldn’t give up that was tangible and replicating? What did I have that others around me didn’t?
Joy. I have joy.
I have joy when the sky is black, when the world has turned its back and more dark clouds are rolling in. I have joy when the impossible is a constant confrontation and it seems silly to possess it. I have joy that bubbles and boils over and affects those around me. I have joy that seeps into and changes souls. I have joy that looks adversity in the face and laughs at the ‘challenge’ God is going to pull me through…and I am actually excited to see how He is going to do it. I have a child-like joy that is constant and overflowing.
I heard a saying once – ‘Happiness is from Happenings, Joy is from Jesus.’ I think this is so true. Happenings come and go – get the diploma, warrant the award, receive the recognition, make the money, pull off the desired position, the desired prestige, the desired power, only to have the happiness, like the tide, come and then go away again.
The happening was impactful, meaningful and life-changing but the happiness associated with it didn’t last. To have something continue on it needs an eternal foundation, a timeless quality that is never-ending and perpetual.
The only thing I know that has all these qualities is God. He is eternal, timeless, never-ending and perpetual – and full of joy. Want ceaseless joy? Simple - get Jesus.
One of God’s indelible signatures is joy – has he written on your life?
Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house until God puts me in different accommodation.
Car – I have the car – affectionately known as the “White Limo” by her past owner. I need to have some minor repairs done and then she will be ready to go! Thank you for all your prayer around this issue. And a special thanks to my benefactress!
Samson – is at home with Afton (my cousin) while my aunt, uncle and I went off to Tahoe for an extended weekend. He has been ‘slipping’ outside more and more, but the good thing is that he comes in when he is called (yes, he comes to his name when HE wants to!) – Thank goodness Afton and I sound a lot alike!
Work – We booked our first LEMON Leadership conference for November 2nd! Thanks for praying. The office is really quite with most people out on the road. Lyn and Davey are leaving this Sunday for South Africa.
Computer – better. Prayer? or maybe it likes the cooler weather!
Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Car – That I can get the necessary repairs completed and the insurance coverage settled.
Work – For more LEMON Leadership bookings, for safe travel for the teams going out and that I will be divinely inspired how to improve remote training next time around.
Family – my mom had eye surgery that is recovering slowly, my sister is contemplating ear surgery again, and my aunt has had an ongoing throat thing for 5 plus months…
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.
Thanks for reading this – and for your support,
Dena
Several questions were posed on how to tell if it is the ‘real deal.’ Did the experience change them? Were they changed on the inside? Was the change for the better? Was it a permanent and lasting change?
I sat their thinking as the scenery sped past at 55 mph. What changed in me when I found Christ? What was it that I wouldn’t give up that was tangible and replicating? What did I have that others around me didn’t?
Joy. I have joy.
I have joy when the sky is black, when the world has turned its back and more dark clouds are rolling in. I have joy when the impossible is a constant confrontation and it seems silly to possess it. I have joy that bubbles and boils over and affects those around me. I have joy that seeps into and changes souls. I have joy that looks adversity in the face and laughs at the ‘challenge’ God is going to pull me through…and I am actually excited to see how He is going to do it. I have a child-like joy that is constant and overflowing.
I heard a saying once – ‘Happiness is from Happenings, Joy is from Jesus.’ I think this is so true. Happenings come and go – get the diploma, warrant the award, receive the recognition, make the money, pull off the desired position, the desired prestige, the desired power, only to have the happiness, like the tide, come and then go away again.
The happening was impactful, meaningful and life-changing but the happiness associated with it didn’t last. To have something continue on it needs an eternal foundation, a timeless quality that is never-ending and perpetual.
The only thing I know that has all these qualities is God. He is eternal, timeless, never-ending and perpetual – and full of joy. Want ceaseless joy? Simple - get Jesus.
One of God’s indelible signatures is joy – has he written on your life?
Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house until God puts me in different accommodation.
Car – I have the car – affectionately known as the “White Limo” by her past owner. I need to have some minor repairs done and then she will be ready to go! Thank you for all your prayer around this issue. And a special thanks to my benefactress!
Samson – is at home with Afton (my cousin) while my aunt, uncle and I went off to Tahoe for an extended weekend. He has been ‘slipping’ outside more and more, but the good thing is that he comes in when he is called (yes, he comes to his name when HE wants to!) – Thank goodness Afton and I sound a lot alike!
Work – We booked our first LEMON Leadership conference for November 2nd! Thanks for praying. The office is really quite with most people out on the road. Lyn and Davey are leaving this Sunday for South Africa.
Computer – better. Prayer? or maybe it likes the cooler weather!
Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need to a cat friendly space close to the office.
Car – That I can get the necessary repairs completed and the insurance coverage settled.
Work – For more LEMON Leadership bookings, for safe travel for the teams going out and that I will be divinely inspired how to improve remote training next time around.
Family – my mom had eye surgery that is recovering slowly, my sister is contemplating ear surgery again, and my aunt has had an ongoing throat thing for 5 plus months…
Financing - Eventually my position will be salaried but at first I need to raise ~$3000 a month cover expenses. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.
Thanks for reading this – and for your support,
Dena
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