Finding Joy

August 7, 2010 By 5 Comments

It was my honor and pleasure to be a guest on the Partners in Prayer for our Prodigals Blog Talk Radio with Diane Viere.

Setting Boundaries knows when we love an adult child whose life is out of control we can often feel helpless and hopeless. How do you step back into joy when your heart is filled with sorrow? Regardless of the type of sorrow you are feeling, there are ways of finding joy.

Finding joy among chaos and the feeling that your world is falling apart is completely possible and it was my pleasure to speak with her on that topic. This is a very honest and candid talk about being joyful – even through tears.

Setting Boundaries & Finding Sanity Blog Talk Radio Interview

Easy steps to Finding JOY when your heart is sorrowful:

  • Give JOY – This should go without saying, but we often forget that it IS better to give than to receive. When we give anything to anyone, our hearts are often flooded with joy. Giving back doesn’t have to always be expensive, huge gifts.  Cards, smiles, hugs – simple pleasures are just as joyful as other gifts.
  • Smile – Simple, yet can often can make a huge difference to a heart that is sorrowful.
  • Do not compare – Don’t do it.  Comparing things, dwelling on the “have nots” is asking for sorrow.
  • Notice and count the JOYs that are swirling all around you.  – So many little things make our life big, yet we tend to miss it because we are counting our “sorrows” instead of our joys. One easy way to do this is by journaling.  When you write down the JOYs, the happiness, the smile starters – you have something you can look at to remind yourself of the good times.
  • Plan JOY – We plan meetings, Dr appts, visits here and there. Plan some joyful things. Plan a family night. Plan a walk in the park. Plan it and then expect joy. The only rule is that there is no discussion of the sorrow that surrounds you.  PLAN and COUNT the joy.
  • Remember, this too shall pass. We will have trials, tears and sorrow, but it won’t always be this way.  Look ahead into the future. Joy is coming.

Some Favorite quotes:

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. Fyodor Dostoevsky

I could talk for days on end about finding joy, spreading joy and the like.  I hope you’ll be encouraged by listening to the interview and you’ll start finding joy.   Once you start looking for ways of spreading joy, you’ll easily begin to notice opportunities for making a difference.

To easily get started, take the 30 day challenge. One act of joy a day for 30 days, to get you in the habit of spreading joy.  If you think you can not afford to be spreading joy, think again!   Here are 50 ways of making a difference without spending a penny.

Are you ready to find joy? If so, you’ll soon realize that “There is NO joy like Spreading Joy!”

Follow Diane on Twitter http://twitter.com/prodigalHOPE as she regularly has free webinars and documents to help you while you are on the road to sanity!

So, tell me.  How do you step into joy when your heart is sorrowful?

How are you spreading joy?  Do you try to make a difference with someone at least ONCE daily?

Did this interview encourage you to find true joy, even through the tears? I can’t wait to hear YOUR story of finding and spreading joy!

{{{HUGS}}} yall

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: choices, difficulties, encouraging, giving, goals, happiness, ideas, motivation, passion, simple, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Session 8 – Bible in 90 Days

July 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

We just finished up Proverbs!  Wise words to live by.  I hope you enjoyed it and applied it where applicable.  Some of them deal with our faith – “Trust in the LORD”, some of them deal with our actions. They all speak to the heart and make us wiser for it.  As you read, keep in mind there are 4 types of proverbs:

  1. Synonymous – the second line repeats the first line in a little different way
  2. Antithetical – the second line is contrary to the first line
  3. Synthertic – the second line adds to the idea of the first line
  4. Comparative – a truth is explained relative to some experience or something in nature

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

  • Day 50 – Isaiah 14:1 – Isaiah 28:29
  • Day 51 – Isaiah 29:1 – Isaiah 41:18
  • Day 52 – Isaiah 41:19 – Isaiah 52:12
  • Day 53 – Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 66:18
  • Day 54 – Isaiah 66:19 – Jeremiah 10:13
  • Day 55 – Jeremiah 10:14 – Jeremiah 23:8
  • Day 56 – Jeremiah 23:9 – Jeremiah 33:22

Did you memorize a Psalm? Share that if you did.  I love Ps. 46. Many know Ps 23.  They are all awesome to hide in our heart.

Are you caught up on reading?  If not, don’t sweat it.  I’m on target with listening, (I listen while I work) but this weekend….I have got to get some major catching up done on the reading. 

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, choices, encouraging, goals, happiness, passion, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Session 7 – Bible in 90 Days

July 18, 2010 By 1 Comment

Wow, we are over half way done. This has been a wonderful experience so far.  A huge commitment but well worth it. There is a verse that says Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I want to grow my faith and I believe it can be accomplished by reading through the bible every 90 days.  That is my intention. What about you? Do you desire to grow your faith? Have you been reading? Are you up to date.  *Looks Around* Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but I’m managing to stay a week behind.  [whispers] BUT – that is OUR little secret! I know you’ll keep that to yourself! ;)

Reading Schedule for the Week:

  • Day 43 Psalm 89:14 – Psalm 108:13
  • Day 44 Psalm 109:1 – Psalm 134:3
  • Day 45 Psalm 135:1 – Proverbs 6:35
  • Day 46 Proverbs 7:1 – Proverbs 20:21
  • Day 47 Proverbs 20:22 – Ecclesiastes 2:26
  • Day 48 Ecclesiastes – 3:1 – Song of Soloman 8:14
  • Day 49 Isaiah 1:1 – Isaiah 12:22

Books You’ll Encounter This Week:

Proverbs: This is a book of pithy sayings that highlight general principles about how to live wisely.

Ecclesiastes: This book is written by a wise “teacher” and contains a discourse on the meaninglessness of life, even for those who live lives of privilege. With this blead stage set, the teacher concludes the book by pointing to teh only true souce of meaning and hope.

Song of Solomon:  Where Ecclesiastes contains some depressing thoughts, Song of Solomon is an iptimistic celebration fo love. Various interpretations see it as a love poem between lovers, a representation of Christ’s love for the Church, or an illustration of God’s love for his people.

Isaiah: Prophesying during the reigns of the later kings of Judah, Isaiah warns friends and foes alike.  He foretells the coming of Christ, praises the Lord’s faithfulness and offers comfort to God’s people.

Looking forward to Jesus: foretelling Christ’s Birth Isaiah 7:14 & Foretelling Christ as Savior Isaiah 54:4-6

Think about it:

1.  As you read Job, a book in which Job’s friends comfort him by advising him on the reasons for his distress, did you agree with any of the arguments made by his friends?

2.  Have you ever felt a bit like Job? When in distress where have you gone for solutions?  Friends, family, prayer, gym, self-help book, bar? All of these?  Now that you are reading through the bible and have done so for several weeks, will the places you search for solutions change?

3.  Did you notice that God is never mentioned in the book of Esther? Even so, there are examples of His work throughout.  Can you list some?

4.  Job is often associated with suffering and patience.  Can you build a case supporting the contention that this book is about faith?

5.  What is your favorite Psalm? What is significant about it for you?

6. Did the reading this week impact your thoughts on a current event or personal experience you are currently going through.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, encouraging, goals, motivation, passion, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Session 6 – Bible in 90 Days

July 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I am loving the reading as well as listening to the Bible during this journey.  At this point I’m thinking that it may be the Bible in 97 days, but really – is that a bad thing?  It is a tough thing to do, but I’m finding it very rewarding to put in the time and effort.

I love the fact that new things are jumping out at me, that reminders are tugging at my heart and make me smile when I think to myself “oh….yeah, I knew that.” 

If you ARE keeping up, then you’ll realize that I’m behind with the sessions as well. Not even going to make excuses here, just going to give you the information you need and SMILE real big and move on.

Reading Schedule:

  • Day 36 Nehemiah 13:15 – Job 7:21
  • Day 37 Job 8:1 – Job 24:25
  • Day 38 Job 25:1 – Job 41:34
  • Day 39 Job 42:1 – Psalm 24:10
  • Day 40 Psalm 25:1 – Psalm 45:14
  • Day 41 Psalm 45:15 – Psalm 69:21
  • Day 42 Psalm 69:22 – Psalm 89:13

Questions:

1.  Based on your reading so far, what are three or 4 ways God intends for us to benefit from the Scriptures?

God Reveals Himself to us  ~ God instructs us regarding how to live ~ God demonstrates His love for us ~ God gave the Bible so we could have ready references to answer many of our questions.

2.  What questions did your reading generate this week?

3.  Imagine what the temple might have looked like. What would have been the most striking to you.

4.  In his life and writings, Ezra adamantly encouraged people to follow the Law. Who could you encourage this week to read the Bible?

5.  List and describe some of Nehemiah’s leadership qualities. Would they be relevant for today’s leaders?  Did you learn anything that would help you as you lead others?

6. What is your favorite Psalm? Why? Do you have more than 1 that you turn to time and time again?

Books you’ll encounter this week:

Esther – Describing events several decades prior to those described in Nehemiah, the events in Esther may have enabled those in Nehemiah.  (This is my favorite book. Classic rags to riches – Cinderella story, as well as amazing woman risking her own life to save her country.)

Job- Scholars believe that Job was a contemporary of the patriarchs. In this philosophical idscourse, God allows Satan to test Job, then clears up some misconceptions of Job and his friends.

Psalms – One of the best-loved books of the Bible, Psalms is a collection of 150 hymns and poems, authored over a period of hundreds of years.

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, fun, goals, happiness, passion, spirit, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Single Step

July 1, 2010 By 4 Comments

Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”  I have found that sometimes we take that first step naturally, other times it is quite by accident. Then there are the times that we are forced into taking that step with no control over what is happening, no look into what will be happening or no clue as to why it is happening.

That first step can often be scary, confusing and downright difficult.  When we are facing a new direction, a new journey of yet another thousand miles, sometimes it is so easy to over look the positive because we are afraid or focused on the unknown.  Instead of checking out the scenery along the way of our journey, we are focused on the “what ifs”.  We need to eliminate the “what if” game from our life and enjoy our journey, enjoy the beauty that is surrounding us and know that even with challenges that lay ahead, joy is swirling all around us, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. 

As my life takes a new direction, I’m not fearful, I’m not worried – I’m excited!  The last 4 years of my journey has been such a hodge podge of emotions, challenges and events.  When I embarked on that journey in April of 2006, I was fearful. It was the most difficult challenge I had ever faced and I literally stood, looking at my virtual mountain and thought “ok, swallow me up, get it over with….I’ll never be able to do this, NOT in a million years.”  The only thing that was consistent was change and I had never been presented with so much to learn all at once.  I was afraid of an epic fail. 

Not only was there NOT an Epic Fail – but it was the best four years ever. Challenges presented themselves. People came into my life, securing a permanent place in my heart, new things were learned, old ideas were tossed out the door.  New friendships were made, faith was increased. 

My new direction is in employment.  At my last assignment, there was lots of smiling, singing, problems and mercy – the food and gatherings were always such fun!  There were projects that seem to never end and then the easy ones that made you feel as though you accomplished something right away.  There was the infamous 3 day work week *ahem* and the immediate “NO” (with a big smile) as certain people came through the door looking for stuff.  There were those that brightened the day with their laughter, smiles and hugs, as well as the 2 that made my path smell wonderful as I journeyed down the halls.  There was the direct leadership, that was always appreciative, realistic and supportive and made the day enjoyable, regardless of the challenges and ocean of paperwork that continued to grow.

Has your direction changed recently? Are you standing at the bottom of the biggest mountain you’ve ever faced and are thinking, go ahead…swallow me up? Are you moving towards the unknown? 

What are you doing to appreciate the journey? Are you noticing the little things that make life Big while you fight your way down this road? I hope so, because the JOY is there, swirling all about you – begging for you to notice and appreciate it.

Go ahead! Take that first step….your next thousand miles awaits you!

{{{HUGS}}} Yall

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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Session 5 – Bible in 90 Days

July 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We’ve come a long way through our Bible! I’ve enjoyed getting to know old characters again, being reminded that even though many failed and failed BIG that they were still mightly used by the Lord because they were willing to be used.  I’ve enjoyed hearing many, many times – do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.  I hope that you are enjoying the journey so far as well!

This Weeks Schedule:

  • Day 29 1 Chronicles 1:1 – 1 Chronicles 9:44
  • Day 30 1 Chronicles 10:1 – 1 Chronicles 23:32
  • Day 31 1 Chronicles 24:1 – 2 Chronicles 7:10
  • Day 32 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 2 Chronicles 23:15
  • Day 33 2 Chronicles 23:16 – 2 Chronicles 35:15
  • Day 34 2 Chronicles 35:16 – Ezra 10:44
  • Day 35 Nehemiah 1:1 – Nehemiah 13:14

Books we’ll encounter this week:

1 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 2 Samuel. This book was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended as an encouragement to the returnees. Its emphasis in on the more positive events/aspects of the reigns covered.

2 Chronicles Overview:  Covers much of the same ground as 1 & 2 Kings.  Like Chronicles, it was written after Judah returns from exile and is intended to encourage.

Ezra Overview:  When Cyrus became king of Persia, the Lord led him to free teh exiles to return to Jerusalem. Ezra, a teacher “well versed in the Law of Moses” arrives several decades later to discover that many from Judah have been intermarrying with the neighboring peoples.

Nehemiah Overview:  Whereas Ezra is a teacher and scribe, Nehemiah is a leader. The book of Nehemiah celebrates the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls against significant odds. The behavior of the residents when Nehemiah is in residence and when he is not harkens back to the era of the Judges.

Consider:

1.  How does the Lord use the prophet Nathan in 2 Samuel 12?

2.  Does David immediately realize the significance of Nathan’s story about the rich man?

3.  What does David’s response in 2 Samuel 12:13 say about his relationship with God?

4.  What were the consequences of David’s sin?

5.  Has there been an “aha” triggered by your reading this week that you have been able to immediately apply to your life?

Do you know that we are going to be halfway through the Old Testament? *Clapping* GOOD for YOU!!  If you have fallen behind, don’t give up!! Keep reading. Keep at it! You’ll be glad you did!

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, encouraging, goals, ideas, motivation, spirit, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Session 4 – Bible in 90 Days

June 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

As we near completing our first month of Bible reading, I’m excited that this goal is actually possible.  I’m still a little behind, but working diligently to catch up.   I hope that you are still on track and are enjoying your journey.  If you are behind, still work on it.  Think about it…how bad its it to have read through your bible in 100 days? hmmm? 

You can do this.  I have faith in you.

Bible Reading Schedule for this week:

  • Day 22 1 Samuel 28:20 – 2 Samuel 12:10
  • Day 23 2 Samuel 12:11 – 2 Samuel 22:18
  • Day 24 2 Samuel 22:19 – 1 Kings 7:37
  • Day 25 1 Kings 7:38 – 1 Kings 16:20
  • Day 26 1 Kings 16:21 – 2 Kings 4:37
  • Day 27 2 Kings 4:38 – 2 Kings 15:26
  • Day 28 2 Kings  15:27 – 2 Kings 25:30

In the early 1990′s H. Jackson Brown wrote Life’s Little Instruction Book. His son was going to college and he watned to share some gems of wisdom that he had gleaned over the years. He collected 511 gems of wisdom that were to guide his son’s life.  For instance – learn to make great chili, never buy a house without a fireplace, overtip breakfast waitresses, be brave – even if you’re not, pretend to be – no one can tell the difference etc etc.

His son responded enthusiastically and the document made its way to a publisher and became a best seller. It’s hard to know whether anyone was transformed by this  – but the Bible…that’s a different story.  Billions of people have been changed by its message of hope and salvation.

Books you’ll Encounter This Week:

1 Kings – The book opens with the region of Solomon, a time when Israel enjoys a great deal of influence, wealth and worldwide recognition.  Yet, even as the world’s wisest man, Solomon is corrupted by worldly matters and the faiths of his wives and concubines. At his death the kingdom becomes divided.

2 Kings – Continues the account of the kings and the divided kingdom through the fall of Jerusalem

Reading Tips:

Many new people and names are introduced that can be hard to distinguish from one another.  Some events are described more than one and the kings of Israel and Judah are handled in rapid-fire succession.  To minimize confusion, slow down, read attentively.  Notice the patterns of behavior by the various kings.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between modern Christians and the Bible?

2.  How is your perception of the Bible changing as you read each day?

3.  What questions evolved from your readings this week?

4.  Our reading shows us many instances when Israel only partially follows God’s commands. What are some examples and the results?

5.  Based on our reading to date, talk about what God tends to do whan a society turns to him for help.

6. List the tragedies and unfortunate events that befall Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth. Does any good come from all of this?

7.  What are some examples of tragedy or hardship from which good has emerged?

8.  Do you have any “life instructions” you’d like to share?

Click here to Listen to the Bible as you read it.

This Weeks Study Guide. There is good stuff here, don’t pass this by!

Here is the audio lesson . (You’ll need to log in!)

Please listen the lessons. I have the dvd’s but can’t post them here…copyright rules. We can discuss what you heard here as well. Listen while you cook, clean or are just taking time to enjoy this journey. I hope you’ll take advantage of this free resource. Listen towards the end of the 7 day time frame, as THIS would be what we would be watching/discussing if we were to be meeting weekly.

If you are seeing this for the first time, we started on June 1st, but you can start right now, just go to Session 1 and begin. Here is the main information page as well.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Bible In 90 Days, challenge, difficulties, encouraging, fun, goals, passion, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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