I'll be Back!

Hi Sweet Friends,

Sorry to interrupt this wonderful series of posts - and I know the suspense will be killing you - but I'm leaving for vacation today and won't be back until July 7th. I had originally planned on taking my lap-top and continuing posting daily, but God spoke to me very cleary this morning through my friend Melissa, that I was to leave my computer AT HOME! So, I'm off for a week of "fun in the sun" (although the weatherman is reporting rain...)....but it will still be "fun in the Son" as I spend refreshing time with my Lord and Savior.

Hugs to you all,
Joy

You've Got a Friend

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Four

(Over the next several days I want to share with you a bouquet of friendship. Treasured friends who the Lord has beautifully allowed to bloom in my life and leave their fragrance of Christ forever on my heart. I pray that you will be able to inhale the aroma of His love as you read and may it encourage you to thank Him for the special, precious friends He has blessed you with as well.)

Almost four months ago now, my heart was feeling very discouraged. I had just finished reading the most miraculous account of God showing up in someone's life in the most amazing way, and I was longing to experience Him likewise. I wanted an unbelievable God story to share and I was questioning why He didn't demonstrate Himself in my life like He seemed to be doing daily for this other friend. I poured my heart out right here on this very computer screen, in this very blog, and someone did more than read the comment I wrote to this other friend, she responded. She heard the unspoken cries of my heart and reached out with His love to encourage me. Her words of understanding brought hope to my heart and a friendship was birthed.

This is why, upon arriving in North Carolina, there was one person I wanted to see before all the others on my list of special new friends. I was so warmly greeted in the lobby of the hotel by Luann Prater, who by the way so quickly endeared herself to me by her welcoming smile and then later with her concern for me in finding my roommate - bless you sweet friend. She directed Lorie and I to the "She Speaks" registration and reception area. With each step my heart was repeating one name.

We became friends before I registered for the Conference, but once I took that step of faith, I'm sure I heard her screaming across all these miles that separated us. Her messages of hope and encouragement continued. Some of our sharing was fun and silly, other times much more serious as we shared life together over cyber space. She became a prayer warrior on my behalf and a treasured confidant. She even sent me her cell phone number so that when fear and panic threatened, if needed, I could send an S.O.S. for further support. When her name appears in my in-box, I can't help but smile - she is just one of those people who brings life, joy and God's love and presence wherever the Lord places her.

Her name means "bee", and she certainly often seems as busy as one! Yet, in all her doing, it is her "being still" and knowing that He is God that attracted me to her. She is a woman of God who follows Him hard.

As I approached the information area, my eyes were scanning the faces behind the counter. I felt my heart drop like led, with no visual sighting of this gal who I was certain I would recognize beyond a shadow of a doubt from seeing her picture on her blog; hearing her voice on the phone; and sharing her heart through correspondance.

I gave my name. Received my registration packet. Turned to go. Suddenly a breath of fresh air breezed past my disappointment and with it came the face I was longing to see. Her exclaimation of excitement matched mine as she came hurrying out to throw her arms around me and we embraced face-to-face as friend-to-friend.



Melissa, do you really know how much you have impacted my life? There have been days when I just needed to know that someone cared and God would send His message through you. I wish so much that we could have spent more time together, but now that I've got this plane thing down pat (ah...well, maybe not completely overcome....), I'll just have to come back for a visit! Your sweet and passionate heart for the Lord is blessing many. You radiate His love and draw others to follow hard after Him. My life has been enriched through your friendship and I thank the Lord for you. You were my first picture in North Carolina, and my last, surrounding my visit with His presence through your self-sacrificing life as you served others all weekend. You are touching the lives of many. I am so blessed to be just one. Thank you for being obedient to God several months ago and welcoming me into your bouquet of friends. I leave you with this verse, Melissa. "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
Love ya tons!
Hugs, Joy

Beyond My Wildest Dreams

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Three (To start at the beginning, click here.)

"...it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him". 1 Corinthians 2:9

In my wildest dreams I never would have guessed what God had in store for me today.

My husband and I arrived at the airport and all too soon the necessary check-ins were accomplished and it was time to say goodbye. Trying to look as brave and excited as possible, I posed as my husband took a couple of pictures to chronicle this adventure.


I may be smiling on the outside, but inside I was feeling pretty hesitant. I turned to walk through the security doors - each step a step of faith...each footfall a following...each deliberate movement a new dance with my King.

Not being a seasoned traveller, finding my departure gate was an adventure. Thankfully the Lord directed me to a sign indicating I needed to board a bus that would take me to another building and I would be on my way.

Once I was seated in the correct terminal there was nothing more to do but wait and pray...and pray some more. I had brought with me 31 pages of typed Bible verses, prayers, and words of encouragement that friends, family, blog contacts, and Proverbs 31 Staff had sent to strengthen me along the way. Each thought was so precious. Each inspiration a gift of hope. Truths to treasure. More than sentences on a page, they were promises that spoke of victory already accomplished. I cherished each assurance and clung to every word, breathing in the testimony of triumph they conveyed.

With each passing minute, fear raced closer. Time was an enemy, constantly reminding me of the challenge ahead. I sat praying for God's peace to envelop me and praising Him for what He was going to do.

Suddenly my attention was drawn to a gal walking by. My heart skipped a beat. Gathering my belongings I followed after her, calling her name...."Lorie". She turned. We embraced. I had a friend. God was not going to make me face this journey alone. He had provided the sweet surprise of a travelling companion.


Lorie and I had attended school together in Grades 7 and 8, but over the last 30 years we had probably only seen each other about half a dozen times. What fun it was to sit and reminisce. My heart was overflowing.

As we stood in response to the boarding call, Lorie asked me where I was sitting. I told her I was near the front of the plane - aisle 2. She explained to me that her seat had been chosen and booked quite a while back, but when she arrived at the airport this morning she had been told that her seat had to be changed. She was disappointed as the plane was far from capacity and she couldn't understand why they would switch her seat. As she pulled out her boarding pass to see where she was now located, can you believe the joy that exploded in my heart like fireworks to discover that God had moved her right beside me!

Oh my friends, never doubt what God can do. God was still asking me to trust Him, but He was providing such wonderful evidence of His love for me. Could He have asked me to travel alone? Most definitely yes. But, in His great love, compassion and care He saw my timid heart and said, "Dear Precious Joy, I see how you have taken these difficult steps to trust Me. If only you had realized all along that I would never ask you to do anything too hard for you. I will always make a way for you, if only you would trust My heart. Before you had even registered for the Conference I had chosen a friend to travel with you on your journey from fear to faith. Where I guide, I will provide. You can believe My promises. I have good plans in store for you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Fall into my embrace and let me carry you the rest of your days, in peace and calm assurance that I will never leave you or forsake you. I gave my life for you, My precious child, don't doubt my provision any longer. I love you so very much!"

With a heart of reckless abandon I found my seat. God was going to fly me to heights unknown as my plane sped down the runway.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." Ephesians 3:20

(Be sure to be following the journey on my other blog, "Pondering in His Presence" as well.)

IPOD - Inspiring Peace Over Doubt

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Two (To read Part One click here.)

Stepping out in faith and travelling on my own was huge! Not only was I fearful of flying, but I faced so many unknowns. What would I do at the airport? Where would I go? How would I find my departure gate? Would I get on the right plane? What if I lost my luggage? Questions bombarded my brain like missiles from a fighter jet.

As my husband drove the car to the airport, I reached for the IPOD my son loaned me for this trip. Days prior to leaving my son had worked hard at downloading some songs from our CDs so I would have some music to accompany me on this journey. What I hadn't fully realized was the thought and effort he had put into each selection. As I scrolled the menu through to the Playlist entitled, "Mom's Trip", my heart caught in my throat as I began to read the titles of each song.

This is what I read: The Great Adventure; Ready to Fly; My Redeemer Lives; It's a Good Day; You are Everything; I've Never Trusted You Like I'm Going to do Right Now; Jesus is Alive; Safe and Sound; You are God Alone; Voice of Truth; How Great Thou Art; Fearless; All Things are Possible; Be Lifted High; For the Sake of the Call; Lord I Believe in You; He Holds the Keys; The Potter's Hands; Hold Onto Jesus; Brave; Stepping Up; The Journey; He Reigns; Shout to the Lord; God is Here; The Plan; Go; Love you So Much; Going with Jesus; Leap of Faith; Eagle's Wings; Who Had Faith; Downpour; That's What We Came Here For; Oxygen; Beyond the Clouds; I'm Taking You with Me; Hear Our Praises; Atmosphere; Glory to the King; Friends in High Places; I Do Believe; My Heart will Trust; Be Still and Know; God is in the House.

Don't those titles alone just infuse you with faith to trust! I barely read through two titles before tears were streaming down my face. My son had put so much thought, effort and prayer into choosing songs with lyrics that would remind me to rejoice and put my hope in God.

With these truths ministering already to my longing heart, I reached for the card my friend Carol had given me moments before. This is the prayer I read:

"Come to Me and rest in My loving presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you - now and always! Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur! Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to me and relax in my peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust!"

Wiping my eyes and soaring with Him to His destination!

Be sure to check back tomorrow as the saga continues - just think - we're not even at the airport yet!

***It's my friend Carol's birthday today. Praying the Lord will bless you abundantly for all the ways you have touched my heart with His love. You are a one in a million friend, and my life has been enriched by your friendship. May your greatest gift today be more of Him. Love, hugs and prayers.***

You say "Good-bye", I say "Hello"

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part One

I don't want to rush through my journey to "She Speaks", skimming the highlights, but linger and savor each treasured moment of how God revealed Himself to me in the most incredible ways. Yesterday I gave you a quick overview, but I now want to call you to join me and stroll slowly through a garden of delights. Let's meander, seeing the beauty, hearing His voice, enjoying His smile. The King called His princess, summoned her to come, and she obeyed.

This past Friday morning my alarm awakened me just before 5:00AM. The very fact that I was aroused from slumber gives testimony to God's provision of a good nights rest before my adventure was to begin.

As I hurried to get ready and meet my husbands departure deadline of 5:30AM to head to the airport, my mind was reviewing and claiming every 'fear not' Bible verse I knew. A twinge of excitement definitely resided within as I was about to step out in faith and trust God like I never had before.

Hurrying to gather all my bags and head to the car, my heart filled with the sadness separation and "Goodbyes" bring. Struggling to find the "good" in "goodbye" my heart was torn and tears threatened. Just yesterday I read these words:

"I'm not sure anything has ever been harder for me - the utterance of goodbyes, the playing out of them, their finality, their void, their distance. Yet there are some distances, some chasms, some signing offs that are purely necessary for life to blossom. Certain things - and I won't name them, because you already know them in your soul - choke us, wound us, and bind us in ways that keep us from new hellos. They deserve a farewell. Still we cling because the painful familiar is often more comfortable than the foreign amazing." (Kelly Minter, "No Other Gods")

Venturing out into the unknown brings risk and demands a choice. God was asking me to say goodbye - not just physically to family, friends, familiar - but to fear. Saying goodbye often creates a void, but God fills that space when we leave room for Him. Our goodbye's can turn into unbelievable, unimaginable sweet hellos.

As I walked to the car, my heart felt heavy, feeling the unavoidable pain of departure that was imminent. Just feet from the vehicle I suddenly jumped when I heard the words, "I don't want to scare you."

I turned to look and ran into the arms of my friend Carol. She had come at this very early hour to be God's reminder again that I was not alone. Make-up was lost and surrendered to tears that fell unrestrained and unchecked. Embraced by a friend, I gave permission, momentarily, for the anxieties and uncertainties within to be completely released so that God's peace could then take up residence and fill my heart.

Armed now with hugs, prayers and chocolate, I waved goodbye reminded again of God's amazing love and care for me.

Is there something in your life today that requires a wave goodbye so that you can fully embrace the hellos He has planned and waiting for you?

Please come back and join me again tomorrow for Part Two of "I Found Joy in a BIG God!"

Also, remember to check my other blog, "Pondering in His Presence" for more indepth coverage of this faith-walk journey.

Amazed

My heart is full to overflowing this morning. I honestly find my fingers still, unable to pen the joy that is drenching delight over my soul. No words can fully describe ALL that God has done over the last couple of days. God's Hand didn't just touch my life, He held it, embraced it, changed it.

Today, before I hurry off to work this morning, I just want to thank so many of you for your love and prayers. Before I left home on Friday I printed off 31 pages of prayers, quotes, bible verses and encouraging words to hold with me as a reminder of God's love flowing through each of you - to me - a very ordinary girl on the other side of a computer screen. Thank you all for reminding me that I was surrounded in God's care, protection and security as I stepped out in faith and trusted Him. You were all a part of this journey and I pray the Lord will bless each of you abundantly for the very precious kindness you have shown me.

Your prayers were answered my sweet friends. Over the next several days I will share my journey with you. For today I want to encourage you that God IS ABLE! Believe that. Trust that. Regardless of how things look and as threatening as they may feel, God's Hand is guiding and He is in control.

With arms open wide my heart sings:

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy is like a river with no wind
It overwhelms me covers my sin
Each time I come into your presence I stand in wonder once again

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
'Cause your grace still amazes me
Your grace still amazes me

Oh patient Savior, You make me whole
You are the author and the healer of my soul
What can I give you Lord what can I say
I know there's no way to repay You only to offer You my praise

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
'Cause your grace still amazes me
Your grace still amazes me

It's deeper, it's wider, it's stronger, it's higher
It's deeper, it's wider, it's stronger, it's higher
Than anything my eyes can see

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my kness
'Cause your grace still amazes me
Your grace still amazes me

(Phillips, Craig and Dean)

Be sure to check out my other blog, Pondering in His Presence for more of this journey!

The Gift of Music ***UPDATED***

"Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." I Samuel 16:23

Something so precious happened yesterday afternoon that I must share it with you. Halfway through my day, my doorbell rang, and "David " arrived, not with harp, but another stringed instrument was played. My friend Carol came with a priceless treasure...her gifts and herself.

I sat in a rocking chair positioned in front of my piano, eyes closed, as she began to play worship music that lifted my heart from it's terrified prison of fear to heights of freedom. She sang songs about God as my refuge. She tenderly sang of my life being held in His arms of love. She encouraged me with a simple word of hope and a gentle word of grace. She reminded me through song, that God did not despise a broken spirit and contrite heart. Her voice rang with the promise that God is a shield about me and the lifter of my "plane". The notes crescendoed to the truth that God is real and faith is stronger than what you feel. He is all the power I need.

It is said that music calms the savage beast. Martin Luther writes, "Music is a gift and largess of God, not a gift of men. Music drives away the devil and makes people happy; it induces one to forget all wrath, unchastity, arrogance, and other vices. After theology I accord to music the highest place and the greatest honour. We note that David and all the saints used verse, rhymes and songs to express their godly thoughts." Music is most often the way the Lord speaks His deepest Words to me.

I have never received such a gift. She was willing to fight any doubts or insecurities and share what the Lord had placed on her heart to minister to me. It was the most beautiful act of Christ-likeness I have ever witnessed or been blessed to receive. The gnawing ache in the centre of my stomach has abated. The Lord has regained His rightful place on the throne in my life and my heart is filled with overflowing gratitude and praises to the One who holds all my days in His hands.

Carol, sometimes silences speak louder than words. I pray in some small way the Lord will give you a glimpse of what your friendship means to me and how God used you mightily yesterday to calm my heart and bring me His peace. You are dearly loved my friend.

In the orchestra of life we all have been given instruments to play for His honour and glory. Play on!

Humbled by His amazing goodness to me,







**Updated**

After reading Lysa's blog today, thought I'd add a picture of my new look after coming home from the stylists! I might have some traces of fear on the inside, but my hairdresser said I'm looking good on the outside! HAHA!!!

Unedited Honesty

About to enter uncharted waters and unfamiliar territory. Unedited honesty comes hard. Didn't write here earlier today. Why? Desperately wanting to sound positive and encouraging - because that's what I do - that's what is expected of me - when the truth is I'm struggling. So many people tell me I have the gift of encouragement - so I've tried all day to find the perfect verse that will lift me up on eagles wings and carry the rest of you with me. But, today, emotions run too raw. Feeling like a complete failure. Overwhelmed with thoughts of disappointing God with all this fear. Trying to be strong on the outside - you know, the mask we all wear that we're trusting God as we skip along to the tune of all things working together for good.

What about when anxiety claims sleep? When thoughts magnify doubts. When you don't want to hear one more, "Don't be afraid" because your head knows those words and you could say them in your sleep...if you were sleeping.

Feeling the pressure of letting my son see his mom trusting in God and not totally falling apart. Needing support and encouragement from a husband who views fear as a waste of time. Questioning, what have I done? Did I make a hasty decision or did I respond to God's call? How on earth am I going to get on that plane and trust God on Friday?

As all these thoughts have collided and attacked today, something wonderful began to happen. God called on a team of mighty women to come alongside this very weary traveller and offer love and hope. I sat for at least an hour and cried over the most precious messages that began to fill my Inbox. Ladies, many of whom I have yet to meet, responded to God's hand on their heart to share their life with me. It wasn't messages of 'buck up and move on', but words of understanding, love and caring. I hesitate to begin to mention names because you know who you are....but to Teri, Melissa, Lelia, Marilyn, Glynnis, Liane, Sharon and Laura, I say a humble thank you. I cannot express to you the gift of acceptance you gave me tonight. No preachy sermons. No pat answers. No 12-step program to conquer fear. You've offered me something so much greater. Tonight, through you, I've experienced God's mercy. I've had a glimpse of unconditional love.

I was the beggar on the side of the road, attacked, wounded, dying. One good Samaritan even rang my doorbell at 9:30pm and off we went to Starbucks where she listened to my heart and spoke God's Word over me. To you my friend - words cannot express the healing ointment you provided after a day of looking brave while running scared.

Little Much Afraid is still afraid. I don't know if that will change. I know it can, but it might not. God is calling me to trust Him in a mountain of fear. I'd love to see victory before I step one foot on that plane, but it may not happen. Satan is doing his best to keep me from believing that God can handle all of this. I hate him and I hate what he is doing to my life - running wild right now over every moment of every day when I am vulnerable, weak and frightened.

"Your enemy is standing on your God given ground daring you to take possession of it" (Beth Moore). Them there are fighting words! Through Christ's death the battle has already been won. I do not feel like a "mighty warrior"...but neither did Gideon or David. The giant stands taunting. His words are like arrows. I cry as each one hits my shield, wishing the fight wasn't so hard. Longing for victory to come easily - without suffocating panic. I don't know what new strategies the evil one will use tomorrow. I pray for strength to get by each moment and with that moment I pray my faith will stand.

Martian Child

I just finished crying my eyes out over a movie that my husband and son both tolerated for the sake of their mother. I don't tend to frequent the theatre, as rarely anything invokes enough passion in me to actually go to the cinema. I rented this film today, but I'm so glad I did. Have any of you seen "Martian Child"?

I hate it when people give away the entire plot, so I won't, but this storyline touched me deeply. The idea of this little boy who didn't fit in to everyone's 'norm'. He wasn't like everyone else. He didn't do things like everyone else. He didn't talk like everyone else. His actions were critized. Judged. He was the target of ridicule. Cruelty. Mean kids. He was ostracized from activities. He wasn't accepted. He was "different". Yet, inside he was just a child longing to be loved. He wanted someone to hold him, believe in him, and find him.

It reminded me of another favourite movie, "August Rush". A similar tale of a young boy who desperately wanted to be 'found'. Music touches deep inner places of the soul. There were parts of this movie where I could barely breathe as it whispered so many unspoken cries of my heart. When the young boy played the music that was inside him, his entire face shone...when he was who he was created to be...his life was the most beautiful melody. Other people might find the movie boring...but it reached in and grabbed me. Wish I could remember all the lines. I was crying at the end...not because it has a sad ending...but crying for the longing to be 'found' like the little boy is found.

I've always been viewed as "different". Not in a weird way...but different. As a child of older parents who grew up in an era when girls always wore dresses, I was never allowed to wear slacks to school and I didn't own a pair of jeans until I was well into my teens. Not conforming to the "acceptable" dress code tends to automatically make you noticeable - and not in a good way. Add into the mix the fact that I didn't swear, I didn't smoke, I didn't drink, I didn't attend school dances, I went to church, I bowed my head in the cafeteria to ask a blessing every lunch hour, I actually did my homework, arrived at school on time, paid attention in class...and did I already mention I always wore dresses? I guess you'd have to assume I was asking for trouble.

Being different is not a good thing. All of us are suppose to be like the rest of us. "Don't make a scene". Look the part. Adapt to the role. Don't rock the boat. Conventional behavior. Similarity. Blend. Become. But, in all this sameness you actually grow to be invisible. You might look right or suitable in appearance, but you are only going through motions to satisfy everyone else. You cease to truly be.

Is it any wonder we have something inside us that calls for us to be distinct? God's Word tells us that we are a "peculiar people", 1 Peter 2:9. That doesn't mean we dress weird, but our action and character should be strange to this world. We are unique, special, out of the ordinary because we are not of this world. We are, if you will, "Martian children". This is not our home. One day we will no longer be strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints in the household of God, Ephesians 2:19.

Dennis, the little boy in "Martian Child" was diligent in watching and waiting for his father to return and take him home. My Father is going to return one day and take me home. Am I watching with the same enthusiasm and expectation? Do I long for His reappearing?

I'm glad my heart always has a "lost feeling" and an ache to be found. I am an alien in this life because I am not home yet. My citizenship is in heaven. Some days it's hard not fitting the mold and measuring up to everyone elses expectations, but that pain only deepens my desire for my eternal home.

In the movie, "Martian Child" a question is posed: "Why can't you just be who we want you to be?" Why? Because I am a one-of-a-kind, Designer Original, with specific gifts, talents, thoughts, dreams, passions, abilities and feelings and the God of the entire Universe wants me to enjoy who HE created me to be!

Enjoy the uniquenss of you today! Whatever crazy thing you do that is truly you, embrace it. God's smiling at you right now!

16 Years Ago Today **Updated**

The Lord blessed me 16 years ago today with my little 'chum'. Our son has continued to be an absolute delight. Our greatest joy is that he's walking with the Lord and serving Him.

Happy 16th Birthday!
We love you tons!

The Fragrance of Christ

Well, keeping up two blogs is proving to be a challenge....and wait until it becomes THREE!!! (If you want to read short daily devotionals, check out my other blog "Pondering in His Presence".)

My son is currently preparing for his Grade 10 school exams. That's right, summer holidays haven't begun for us over the border yet. He still has a couple of weeks to go. As we drive to school each morning we pray over his day and commit it to the Lord. This morning I was remembering the anxiety of exam time when I was a child. I would study hard and feel pretty confident, but I would still battle nerves when the exam paper was placed before me.

As a little girl my Mom would always pray with me before I left home for school. In fact, she would pray with ALL the friends that came to call on my sister and I to walk to school. At times our front hall would be filled with a dozen youngsters. I don't know that my sister and I were really that popular, but our home was known for refreshing cold drinks of water and candy, so it was a wonderful half-way mark for many making their journey to school each morning.

My Mom had another beautiful practice as well. On exam days she would spray a little perfume on my wrist and remind me that when I was writing the exam, and maybe a question appeared a little daunting, the aroma of the perfume would remind me that she was at home praying for me.

One day when I arrived at school I was talking with a girlfriend when suddenly she asked, "What smells so nice"?

I answered, "It's my Mother's prayers".

She replied, "They sure do smell nice".

God's Word tells us that our prayers should rise as a sweet smelling fragrance to Him.

Whenever you apply a little touch of your favourite scent, may the lovely aroma throughout the day remind you to take all your needs to Him in prayer.

Never Ending Story

It's funny the things that can get us reminiscing about the past. All of a sudden an aroma, a word, a song, a touch invades our thoughts and our minds drift back to a memory held forever captive in our hearts. That happened tonight for me.

I was watching a movie when an event depicted had me journeying back to a moment in my childhood. The Mom portrayed in this film was explaining to her adopted, illiterate daughter the joy of reading. My heart beat quicker with each adjective. I was one who lost herself in books as a child.

My parents took my sister and I to the Children's Library every Saturday and I can recall the anticipation of choosing stories that would transport me to another world. A land where I would become heroine - a girl of outstanding nobility and courage. I would travel to exotic places. Slay dragons. Capture thieves. Love and be loved.

I'd close my eyes and breathe in the scent of books. I would come home from the Library with my treasure, my arms holding hours of wonder and adventure. I would inhale each word. Let the book become a part of me. I would laugh, cry, turn pages in eager anticipation. I would read by flashlight under the covers when bedtime came too early and a tale still had to be told before this little girl could close her eyes and rest.

I've had a passion for words all my life. Watching "The Music Man" at every opportunity, I dreamed of becoming "Marion the Librarian". I wanted to surround myself with sentences, phrases, conjunctions, dotted "i's" and crossed "t's". Should a handsome man find me there, amongst the pages, as one found Marion, that would be wonderful too.

My dream became reality 28 years ago when my first job was working as a Library Clerk at a Children's Library. I thoroughly enjoyed each day of the twelve years I was employed there. In between doing the clerical jobs that were my responsibility, I was able to share my passion of the written word with children. Storytimes and reading clubs allowed me to remain a child myself, far past what the years would allow, opening up the hearts of children to the delight of reading.

Today I purchased a new book - a Bible study. I lingered over the artists cover design. I opened it so carefully as if holding gold, turning each page tenderly, feasting on the truths unveiled. The Scripture passages take me down roads, into far away towns. I share in the lives of Kings and paupers. I weep with those who weep and laugh with those who laugh. I read of great joys and unbearable sorrows. I meet a baby whose birth has changed my life forever.

Then, this Author, who holds pen over my life, will continue to write sentences over me. Sentences will become paragraphs. Paragraphs becoming chapters. A never-ending story that will continue for all eternity. Do the pages of my life rise as a sweet aroma to Christ? My life is to be a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on the tablet of a human heart. (2 Cor. 3:3)

Tomorrow is a blank page, a clean slate. Words wait to be written. An award winning novel, a best seller, a captivating love story between a Princess and her King. Your life is the most beautiful story being written. Surrender to His plot. Trust His conclusion. I can guarantee it will be happily every after!