joy

DESPERATE? DON’T PANIC!

(May 13, 2023) Mama Lava caringly shares a great truth…

Desperation will cause us to do crazy things! I have an embarrassing, but poignant, case in point.

Remember when Covid first hit? I saw an opportunity to do something I’d been wanting to do for a long time. I would begin baking my own bread. Not only would it be healthier than the alternative, but it would also save money and trips to the grocer. If you remember, the lines outside stores were long and cold, as they allowed only a few people in at a time.

I already had the ingredients I needed. Well, all except one. I needed yeast.

But… my grocery store didn’t have any. I realised many people were thinking like I was, spurred by the fact that bread had become difficult to find. The shelf was completely bare, and there was no assurance it would be restocked any time soon.

I went to Amazon for yeast. Also sold out? Interesting! I looked at my Sam’s Club (warehouse club for wholesale prices on top brands) app. They didn’t have any either. I started to panic a bit.

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PUTTING JOY BACK IN THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

(December 6, 2020) Carol Round shares an important biblical-based discipline…

If you ask any child what he or she likes about Christmas, you will probably hear the same answer. In their excitement, most would probably shout the word ‘presents’ or ‘toys.’

Ask any harried parent what he or she likes about Christmas and you’d get a different answer. You would get even another viewpoint if you asked retailers.

The holiday season is on us. Although the advertising blitz has been going on for a few months – or at least it feels that way – I find it hard to get excited. Am I alone? Where has the joy gone?

A season filled with joy
If you asked me to describe a season filled with joy, I would include the following: the company of loved ones, good food, fun, and relaxation, and maybe a few inches of snow. Although my wish list seems simple, for many, this ideal could not be farther from reality.

Too often, the holidays seem to exhaust us because we feel trapped by the shopping, spending, and frenzied preparations when we should be full of joy. A recent national survey revealed that 70 percent of Americans long for less emphasis on gift giving and spending. (more…)

HANNAH’S SECRET

Maureen McQuillan(September 9, 2016) Maureen McQuillan encourages those heavy with heartache…

Something that I keep coming across is this…at some point even Christians, guys or gals, need a breakthrough in laying everything before God, knowing that he has heard their cry, knows the pain they’re carrying…and to then let go and fully trust him. (more…)

BLINDED BY UNSEEN PRANKSTER, GOD ARRANGES FORGIVENESS 15 YEARS LATER

Mark EllisMark Ellis brings another great testimony of God’s goodness:

As a 19-year-old lifeguard in Laguna Beach, California he was living the lifestyle many only dream about.

‘In the beginning, everything was a new adventure that reminded me of stories I had read as young kid,’ says Dale Ghere. In his free time he dived for abalone, lobsters, clams and halibut. He also pushed beyond his comfort zone with night dives, swimming through blowholes, and making rock rescues. (more…)

CHRISTMAS: HOW ARE YOU PREPARING TO CELEBRATE CHRIST’S BIRTH?

Carol Round

Author Carol Round challenges…

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own’ (Matthew 6:33-34).

Golden balls and stars for the Christmas tree
A recent Facebook post titled Widow with five children seeks Christmas tree and ornaments, grabbed my attention among all the others constantly appearing on my feed. (more…)