Yes, indeed, this is one of my favorite Christmas songs, Joy To The World, the Lord Has Come, Let earth receive her king...I know many of us can say that there is no joy around here not even during this time of the year, as 2008 has been a whirlwind for most of us. If we are not facing challenges in our finances, it's in our relationships, or our health. Even in the midst of challenges can we still have joy? As President elect Obama theme for his campaign, YES WE CAN. Joy comes from within, happiness is without. Something must be happening for us to be happy.
If our relationship is right with God and right with ourselves, we can have joy that nothing can take from us. A song writer said, this joy I have, the world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away! Sound good, however, in reality we have to fight to maintain our joy, no matter what, refuse to give it up. Actually nobody can take our Joy; the only way it leaves is we give it up. We give it up by preferring to be right than agreeable. We give our Joy up with negative thoughts, or ill will toward others, or we just don't believe that we can experience joy and face challenges at the same time.
YES, WE CAN!!! The bible says the Joy of the Lord is our strength, and in these times we must have strength to make it to the other side of our challenge. I am not allowing my Joy to leave me, at least not for long, because I must have strength to face daily challenges. For example, very early this morning while I was dressing to go to doctor appointments, my phone ranged and it happened to be the lady that baby sat for my oldest daughter. I have not heard from her in a very long time and she was making small talk, when people call me very early or very late or I realize they are in crisis, I always pray while they talk. I finally asked her why are you calling me so early in the a.m. and she responded, I have a matter and I need assistance. She told me her daughter was stranded while she was on her way to be with friends inOregon
I usually have an end of year letter but this year so much has happened there is no way I could get it into a blog, so I will just bring all of you up to date on my family and my health issues. As for me, everyday I am feeling better. I still have some areas in my body that I am seeking God to give me total health in this area. I am so excited that I was able to make up my bed all by myself on the weekend. I was also able to wash my clothes, and clean up a room. It has been before May, 2007 since I have been able to do this. I am so excited about my strength and endurance.
Yesterday, I drove on the ice and snow and this time last year no way would I have even thought about it. I have been able to spend more than an hour with Joshua whom I enjoy so very much. He makes me laugh out loud all the time. Speaking of Joshua, I enjoy his parents company but sometimes I enjoy being alone. Last night I thought they left and they returned and Carletta said as she was laughing, we don't leave we multiply and return. Juakemo said, politely, we would like to stay another night as he smiled. Of course Joshua can stay as long as I have energy to have fun with him. I am so grateful for Juakemo and Carletta and Joshua couldn't have a better person in their lives that this wonderful man. I remember when they were dating, I told Carletta, you are going to beat circles around Juakemo, is that who you want for a mate?!? Now that they have been together for almost 12 years, and watching them grow and love each other, no other person on this earth could be a better husband and father that Juakemo, and I am so grateful for him, and he speaks to me with so much kindness. He definitely has wisdom from above as he is easy to be entreated.
Timothy and Tasha and NaQuawn blessed my soxes off with such an outstanding Thanksgivings. It was a joy being in their home, Tasha getting to know me a little better, and I am getting to know her. We laugh lots together and they are such hard working people. Even NaQuawn works hard as a 10 year old, as Tim will give him assignments to complete in his business, and he is a Junior Primerica agent. I am excited for this family to grow, work hard, and yes multiply.
Deborah was laid off from Chicago Suntimes, but they are asking her to write articles. It is exciting to see how she is using her talents and skills to provide her living expenses, while she pursues new employment. She thought she had something of interest to her but found out that because of the economy they postpone the offer. She will do well as she allows the Lord to lead and guide her. Nothing gives a mother more pleasure than to know that her children can take care of themselves.
I am currently taking a bible course which not only encourages me to read my bible more, but the wonderful people I meet in these classes are friendships that will be for life. I am studying now to take a state test for insurance purposes, and I am carefully taking care of myself, which is a full time job. I most definitely am enjoying my time with my Honey, which is just a real delight as I learn so much from him and he honors me by listening to me not just with his ears, but with his heart. I am absolutely blessed to have so much wonderful things going on in my life at this time. Even in spite of all the challenges I face daily, but the ones that I encourage others to walk thru, as EVERYBODY who is somebody, is facing some form of challenge. It's not that we have challenges, but it's how we respond to them.
Merry Christmas to all of you, and keep your eyes on the Lord, because anything that's in our lives that can be shaken, during these times, they will be shaken. Only God can get us out of these challenging times, not President elect Obama. I feel like the Lord is saying...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!?!
These times do not make me panic, because when most people were experiencing the good life, I was going from challenge to challenge, but thru it all, I learned to trust God. This is nothing compared to some of the things God has already brought me through. That's why I can sing Joy to the World, not only at Christmas but all thru the year.
If our relationship is right with God and right with ourselves, we can have joy that nothing can take from us. A song writer said, this joy I have, the world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away! Sound good, however, in reality we have to fight to maintain our joy, no matter what, refuse to give it up. Actually nobody can take our Joy; the only way it leaves is we give it up. We give it up by preferring to be right than agreeable. We give our Joy up with negative thoughts, or ill will toward others, or we just don't believe that we can experience joy and face challenges at the same time.
YES, WE CAN!!! The bible says the Joy of the Lord is our strength, and in these times we must have strength to make it to the other side of our challenge. I am not allowing my Joy to leave me, at least not for long, because I must have strength to face daily challenges. For example, very early this morning while I was dressing to go to doctor appointments, my phone ranged and it happened to be the lady that baby sat for my oldest daughter. I have not heard from her in a very long time and she was making small talk, when people call me very early or very late or I realize they are in crisis, I always pray while they talk. I finally asked her why are you calling me so early in the a.m. and she responded, I have a matter and I need assistance. She told me her daughter was stranded while she was on her way to be with friends in
I usually have an end of year letter but this year so much has happened there is no way I could get it into a blog, so I will just bring all of you up to date on my family and my health issues. As for me, everyday I am feeling better. I still have some areas in my body that I am seeking God to give me total health in this area. I am so excited that I was able to make up my bed all by myself on the weekend. I was also able to wash my clothes, and clean up a room. It has been before May, 2007 since I have been able to do this. I am so excited about my strength and endurance.
Yesterday, I drove on the ice and snow and this time last year no way would I have even thought about it. I have been able to spend more than an hour with Joshua whom I enjoy so very much. He makes me laugh out loud all the time. Speaking of Joshua, I enjoy his parents company but sometimes I enjoy being alone. Last night I thought they left and they returned and Carletta said as she was laughing, we don't leave we multiply and return. Juakemo said, politely, we would like to stay another night as he smiled. Of course Joshua can stay as long as I have energy to have fun with him. I am so grateful for Juakemo and Carletta and Joshua couldn't have a better person in their lives that this wonderful man. I remember when they were dating, I told Carletta, you are going to beat circles around Juakemo, is that who you want for a mate?!? Now that they have been together for almost 12 years, and watching them grow and love each other, no other person on this earth could be a better husband and father that Juakemo, and I am so grateful for him, and he speaks to me with so much kindness. He definitely has wisdom from above as he is easy to be entreated.
Timothy and Tasha and NaQuawn blessed my soxes off with such an outstanding Thanksgivings. It was a joy being in their home, Tasha getting to know me a little better, and I am getting to know her. We laugh lots together and they are such hard working people. Even NaQuawn works hard as a 10 year old, as Tim will give him assignments to complete in his business, and he is a Junior Primerica agent. I am excited for this family to grow, work hard, and yes multiply.
Deborah was laid off from Chicago Suntimes, but they are asking her to write articles. It is exciting to see how she is using her talents and skills to provide her living expenses, while she pursues new employment. She thought she had something of interest to her but found out that because of the economy they postpone the offer. She will do well as she allows the Lord to lead and guide her. Nothing gives a mother more pleasure than to know that her children can take care of themselves.
I am currently taking a bible course which not only encourages me to read my bible more, but the wonderful people I meet in these classes are friendships that will be for life. I am studying now to take a state test for insurance purposes, and I am carefully taking care of myself, which is a full time job. I most definitely am enjoying my time with my Honey, which is just a real delight as I learn so much from him and he honors me by listening to me not just with his ears, but with his heart. I am absolutely blessed to have so much wonderful things going on in my life at this time. Even in spite of all the challenges I face daily, but the ones that I encourage others to walk thru, as EVERYBODY who is somebody, is facing some form of challenge. It's not that we have challenges, but it's how we respond to them.
Merry Christmas to all of you, and keep your eyes on the Lord, because anything that's in our lives that can be shaken, during these times, they will be shaken. Only God can get us out of these challenging times, not President elect Obama. I feel like the Lord is saying...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!?!
These times do not make me panic, because when most people were experiencing the good life, I was going from challenge to challenge, but thru it all, I learned to trust God. This is nothing compared to some of the things God has already brought me through. That's why I can sing Joy to the World, not only at Christmas but all thru the year.
Love Always,
Ernestine P. Stewart
No comments:
Post a Comment