Joy for the Journey

I’m Still Here!

sherryjohnson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:54:08 +0000

I keep thinking about the “goal” I expressed in my first post–to post something every day!!! While my statement that it should be easy since God “daily loadeth us with benefits” was true, I failed to take into account that I may not always have access to a computer to post my daily blessings!!!!! Even now, as I’m typing this, I’m not home. I have about six minutes left in my lunch break, so I wanted to at least let everyone know that I’m still here!!! Lord willing, I’ll be posting something more substantial in the next few days. Thanks so much to all of you who have been so encouraging to me! I appreciate you! And your “contributions”!

(By the way, I’m still trying to figure out this blogging business. I assumed that posts would be displayed with the most recent on top. For some reason, it doesn’t work that way. I’m still trying to figure it out!)

A Word about Redbirds

sherryjohnson — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:05:10 +0000

Those of you who were at our East Coast Ladies Retreat in 2004 probably remember the theme: Looking for the Redbirds and Giving God the Glory. For many of us, redbirds have come to symbolize God’s blessings. Whenever I see a redbird, I think of God’s goodness, and often I’m reminded of specific blessings.

For me, it seems that trying circumstances are what the Lord uses to remind me of His goodness. I guess it’s because I’m forced to look to Him. When I do, I find that He is there. Always. His grace is sufficient.

Our church first used the redbird theme at our ladies meeting near the beginning of 2003. My pastor’s wife asked me to come up with a reading or poem which would reflect that theme. Being unable to find anything, I wrote something! For some reason, it’s on my mind now, so I’ll go ahead and share it here. (Keep in mind, at that time we were preparing to go to war in Iraq.)

God Gave Me a Redbird Today

I know of a lady who often expressed

How God would use redbirds His children to bless.

How redbirds were blessings, I just couldn’t see,

Till God showed me some redbirds He’s given to me!

I’m not talking feathers–red plumage or wings–

But spiritual blessings–they’re wonderful things!

This morning, for instance, it happened once more–

My husband had left–he’s preparing for war.

I turned on the news and was instantly met

With rumors of terror and nuclear threat.

Ol’ Saddam’s got chemical weapons galore,

And Usama bin Laden is speaking once more.

I turned off the news and fell to my knees.

“Oh, Lord, I need something–please.”

Just then, the phone rang.

It was my redbird!

How quickly I learned that my prayers had been heard!

My husband was at the end of the line,

Just calling to let me know he was fine.

From a tent in the desert, here’s what he said,

“God answered our prayers! He gave me a bed!”

God knows us; He loves us; He keeps us in mind.

In the midst of our trials, He proves He’s still kind.

So if you are troubled, and your blessings are few,

Just think of the redbirds He’s given to you!

Thankful for low gas prices!

sherryjohnson — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:16:47 +0000

I realize that the current lower gas prices are a reflection of the economic mess our world is in, but I’m very thankful anyway! My family has recently increased our gas consumption significantly (out of necessity). It was right about that time that gas prices began to dip. Thank You, Lord!

Thanks!

sherryjohnson — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:12:47 +0000

This is just a quick “thank you” to everyone who has encouraged me concerning this blog. It is definitely a “work in progress.” I’ve already blown my initial goal to post something every day. My problem is not a lack of blessings–it’s a lack of time at my computer!!! I actually have written out about half a dozen entries which have yet to actually get posted. I’m working on it! I still would appreciate your input. I have been encouraged by the comments posted so far, as well as by the e-mails I’ve received. I’m convinced now, more than ever, that it’s a good thing to encourage each other! (I Samuel 23:16)

The Blessing of the Blog!

sherryjohnson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:26:44 +0000

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).

Yesterday was hard. In fact, this past month has been among the most stressful periods of my life. Last night I felt I was near my breaking point. When I got home from church, I went straight upstairs and fell into bed. I didn’t even bother to remove my coat. Then it hit me. That blog! What was I thinking?! What possessed me to think that I could post a new entry every day? Especially now, as I’m feeling very little “joy for the journey”?

I stayed down for some time, crying and pouring my heart out to the Lord, feeling zero desire to get on the computer and “share blessings.” Still… as time passed, I noticed a change in me. All the burdens that were combining to weigh me down were suddenly beginning to lighten up. I became very aware that others were praying for me, and I began to realize–once again–that God is REAL. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is beyond His reach.

It hit me that this blog just may have been God’s idea! If no one ever reads anything I write, I still personally benefit from my posts because I have made myself accountable to share blessings. In doing that, I have become more conscious of God’s presence and work in my life and in my circumstances.

No matter how “bad” my day may be, God is still God, and He is still good! His grace is sufficient!

Sharing Blessings!

sherryjohnson — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:49:15 +0000

Computers have their uses, but for me, blogging has never been one of them. Until now! Recently, my pastor’s wife encouraged those in attendance at our East Coast Ladies Retreat to keep a journal of blessings, things for which we are thankful. That gave me an idea.

It always encourages me to see (and read) how God is working in the lives of others. For years, I have been meaning to write a book of answered prayers and other examples of God’s grace and power. There are so many stories I’d love to share! Still, I didn’t really know how to go about doing it. This week it hit me that a blog could serve the same purpose. Blogs can actually be used for more than griping and gossip! They can also be used for good!

If you have a blessing you would like to share with others, I would love for you to do it here! I’ll do the same. My goal is to record something every day. I know it’s possible because He “daily loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19).