UPDATE ON DAD BELOW!!!
What a blessing it was to receive a Sisterhood Award from Kathy @ Blessed Builder. I first 'met' Kathy on January 23rd of this year, when she left such an encouraging comment on my blog. Immediately I recognized a kindred spirit and my life has been enriched by the friendship she has extended. Many times she has built a blessing into my heart through her kind words and sweet heart. She is beautiful inside and out. The love of Jesus shines radiantly on her countenance. My wish is that one day I will have the pleasure of meeting her face to face, visiting her store and sharing a cup of tea.
Therefore...
Since getting an award means passing it on to ten other "sisters", I will choose gals who have become friends on a more personal level. Please know that even if your name isn't mentioned below, so many of you are special to me...it's just that right now...these gals have gone the extra mile to minister to my heart.
1. Nichole @ Living My Life on Purpose.
2. Cheri @ Seven Branches.
3. Holly @ well...just Holly!
4. Melissa @ Melissa Taylor.
5. Sita @ Sita's Sanctum.
6. Zoe @ Called By a New Name...
7. Renee @ Journey of My Heart.
8. Heather @ On the Road... Walking with Jesus.
9. Elaine @ Peace for the Journey.
10. Leah @ The Point.
UPDATE ON DAD!
Although there is so much to write since my last update on my Daddy, words fall short. I find I have 'run out of steam' sharing the story. Today Dad is having two procedures done and will be given anesthetic again. Sure would appreciate your prayers. The Dr's are concerned with his blood levels and want to check for internal bleeding. Daddy will also be transfered to another hospital very soon. Unfortunately this will now require a lot of driving and extra time for our family. Please pray we will be able to work out a schedule to still see Daddy as often as we are able, yet keep our husbands and children happy. A challenge these days. We are now 8 weeks of daily being with Dad. Yesterday as we stood in a circle and held hands with Pastor Jonathan in my Dad's room, the Lord's presence again filled this place as He continues to carry us through. Thank you for the strength we have found through your love and prayers.
16 comments:
Dear Joy~
You are a gift from God! I am praising Him for you today! Blessings to you, sweet friend.
Love you,
Cheri
Joy,
What a sweet a surprise!! Thank you for the award!! I am honored and blessed by you.
Know that I continue to pray for your family. I understand the 'balancing act' issue with family of origin and husband/children. I am dealing with that now as my mom is not doing well. It was much easier when my daddy was alive. He could do any care that was needed. Now that he is gone, my mom's care falls to my sister and me.
I think God either has much to teach us, dear Joy, or He trusts us with these heavy burdens a great deal. Either way, let's just cling tightly to Him!!
Leah
You know what just speaks volumes to my heart Joy? Is just how closely you are walking with Him. Yeah I know that it doesn't 'feel' like it at all times and in all moments. But girl to give so much of yourself in such loving ways you have to be filled by Him to overflowing. To be your friend, sister and journey mate...is so meaningful to me. Thank you for your blessings on me and your amazing friendship. God brought us together On Purpose! I am so glad He did.
I love you my friend and I am committed to bring you and your family before our amazing God. For He loves you and has great things for you!
Joy,
Humbled to be included in your 'award'. Thank you.
So glad to hear of God's Presence in the room...and whether or not you see or feel His Presence in the days ahead, just know His Providence is certain, His love is certain, His power is certain.
Wihtout being conscious of it, your transparency in this 'ordeal' is advancing His kingdom, not only in your own life, but in others who read and see that you persist in trusting...
Continuing to uphold you..
Love, Sita
You are too sweet, Joy. Thank you for such kind words, and I am glad Jesus has blessed you through the gift he has given me.
I have noticed that we are kindred in another way,that you too often think in "songs". Words spark memories of songs. Here is one from an old Amy Grant song...
"If there's anything good that happens in life, it's from Jesus."
I am keeping your family in prayer today. The passage that comes to mind for you is Luke 3:5; Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth.
Love and blessings,
Kathy
Humbled beyond words. I can only imagine the jewels in your heavenly crown, I just hope I get to be one of the many who help hold that crown on your sweet head. You a joyful gift to us all.
Continued prayers for your family and especially your dad as he transitions to a new hospital.
Oh dear Joy,
Thank you! I would give this award right back to you! :) You have been such a blessing to me this past year or so we have 'known' each other. You have encouraged me and walked with me and prayed me through some of the most difficult times in my life. I am glad that I have been able to be an encouragement to you. What is that verse? I can comfort out of the comfort I myself have received.
I praise God for you, and I will continue in prayer for you and your family.
Love you dear sister, and I do hope that sometime we will be able to meet face to face on this side of heaven. If that isn't within the will of God, I can't wait to see you in Heaven.
Love you so much,
Heather
I share a fractured relationship with my own sister; thus, my sisterhood with you holds a special place in my heart and life!
We are family... and as we used to say in high school (when was that?)...
love you like a sister (lylas)--before the days of texting.
peace~elaine
Dear Joy,
My heart just aches for you. I'm praying for your Dad, and your whole family. When I was in your situation and one particulary exhausting day God pointed out a blessing to me (at the Nursing Home). Everyday after that I would search out blessings and there was one EVERYDAY!!! Watching for His blessings became a sort of game with me and it helped distract me from the hopeless feelings that normally surrounded me there. Make this season of your life a memorable season. Jesus will give you rest in the shelter of His arms. Lean on Him every minute. He can take it. He's a BIG GOD!!!
Love you,
Dana
Sweet sweet friend. What a treat to see your note in my inbox this morning promising me a little surprise :-).
You are such a gift of encouragement to me. I am honored to call you friend and blessed to call you my sister - in Christ.
Love you so!
Renee
PS. Praying for your Daddy today during his procedure and for all of you as he transitions to a new hospital.
Rejoicing with you on your "Sisterhood" award! And rejoicing for those to which you presented the award as well! Such encouragement and love....we all can feel it between you all! :)
Praying for your sweet father...for you, your mom and family.
Congrat's Joy! You truly deserve this award; you are a sister we all look up to. I love the insight you give daily, on our Chronological Bible Study. You bring many verses alive for me!
And all you new sisters' that were selected...Congrat's to you too!
I love to read how you all "encourage one another." You are living out Hebrews 10:25.
Blessings,
Lori - AZ
Congratulations on your award. I am so blessed to know that you are my sister-in-Christ!
Continued prayers for your dad AND for you.
As Elaine said...LYLAS
Joy,
You are still in my prayers. Thanks for the update on your dad so I can pray more specifically. May God's peace and grace surround you and your family.
praying for you and "daddy", sister.
Joy, just to let you know I had to send that award right back at you. Check my post. Love, Sita
Post a Comment