My plate is full yet my cup runneth over

The past few weeks have been jam packed with going here and there, then here and then there. I haven't "slept in" (you know, like past 8:00 am) in I don't know how long. I haven't been able to sit down and make a menu for the upcoming week in over a month - don't worry, nobody is starving, the housekeeping fairies are somehow overlooking my house and my holiday decorations are not out yet! My plate is full right now. While I may have my moments of frustration, I am in awe at how my cup is over flowing. My daughters are blessing too big to even begin to describe - it is a joy to cater to their needs, my job was hand picked for me by God - even when overwhelming I am comforted by His presence with me in my office, My husband - full of surprises and as a result rekindles the tiny sparks that remain of my dreams. I could go on and on, but the gist is this. My plate is full - yes, I am doing a lot right now, but, my cup runneth over not only with the blessings that cause my plate to be full but also with the blessings to maintain the full plate. I am so happy.

Proverbs 15:13

Counting my blessings -

D. J.

Basking in Joy

I love joy! It's odd that we don't even realize we have lost it until it reappears again. Joy came back when I was breaking down the walls blocking blessings. Joy enables us to see with new and different eyes. I have a large backlog at work right now, Joy has opened my eyes to the fact that if I will not only ask God for help but actually focus on God through my work day that he leads me, guides me and directs me through my to do list and to do pile. My hubby has been kinda cranky since he has been on some steroids...Joy allowed me to see him differently. Instead of being so defensive, I was reminded to pray for him...within a mere day his countenance shifted. Joy opened my eyes to those in need around me, specific needs, and I saw a specific prayer request and have lifted them up in prayer and encouraged them. I got my feelings hurt at church, Joy helped me to see that what I percieved as the intended motive had no truth to back it up and that I should not jump to conclusions. Joy reminded me life, while hard at time, is full of momments of fun and laughter, full of momments to be present in and to enjoy. Today, I pray JOY for you.

Don't Block Your Blessings!

For a while now, I have been feeling like God has more for me that I just haven't been getting. I had actually decided that I was just in a season of reflection. This was very wrong. I had been blocking my own blessings from God. This became evident to me a little over a month ago. I love to sing, I don't read music, I do it all by ear and did I say, I love to sing!! But, since I am not a "musician" it makes me nervous to participate in a group of singers/musicians or to sing for anyone other than my children. Like scared nervous! I had been prompted for a LONG TIME to participate in our Worship Team at church. I did not act on that prompt for various percieved reasons, really I was just scared. Finally, I asked if I could help out and botta bing botta boom I am on the worship team. Now, I kid you not, the first Sunday I sang with them, when I sat down it was like a flood of communication from God! I wrote notes and wrote and wrote - it was amazing! I needed to offer a sacrifice to God, and I was too scared. Once I gave in and obeyed God's desire for me - a door was opened.

Once the door was opened I was enlightened as to another type of block I had put up. INACTIVITY. Sure, I pray, I go to church, I seek God. But, I wasn't praying for people like I used to, my heart wasn't where it needed to be at all times, I wasn't working on growing closer to God - I was just maintaining the relationship. My inactivity has been blocking blessings as well.

The blessings have been numerous since I sang - Financial blessing, blessing of peace, blessings in relationships, blessings of love and new understanding for others and blessings of compassion. It's simply amazing!