JOY Blog --- Jesus, Others, You

JOY Through Trials

2012-02-08T20:45:00.000-06:00

Jesus-Devotional

Joy Through Trials

Often when hard times come our way, we are not ready for them. No matter if we know in advance or if we try to prepare ourselves for them, we rarely do a good job of preparing. It may be that we can never truly prepare ourselves for trials, for those hard times, hard things.

When I have trials in my life, I frequently think of this verse.

James 1:2-3 says:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

This is a verse I like to think about. I may not completely understand it, but it gives me hope. It gives me hope that I may persevere through those trials. It gives me hope because I know God will be with me through the trials.

But what does the verse mean? Why should we consider it “pure joy” when we face trials? And what does “pure joy” even mean?

My pastor preached a sermon on James a few years ago. Here are some of his thoughts on James 1:2-3:

~JOY is not a feeling of happiness. It is not something that if we try hard enough we can stir up.

~It is not a constantly cheerful mood. Sometimes the appropriate response is to be grieving, sad, and struggling.

~Nor is joy an expectation of relief and comfort.

~Joy is about understanding the spiritual dynamics of the trials that we come under.

In the last quote from my pastor, he says that joy is understanding, understanding the circumstances around us. But more importantly it is about understanding the spiritual dynamics of the situation. So what are the spiritual dynamics? Well, here are my thoughts on this. I believe that it is understanding that God is still with us. He will NEVER leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8). God tells us this many times in the Bible and in many different ways. I also believe that we must remember what the true joy is. In Psalms (Psalm 51:12), it says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me”. God gave us salvation through His Son Jesus. This Psalm is asking God to once again show us the joy that only comes from salvation in Him!

While this verse may have much more to it, the two biggest things that I get from it is (1) God will always be with me and never leave me and (2) I have true joy in my salvation that is found in Christ Jesus! My definition of “joy” has always been that it is something that is on the inside. Even when we may not be “happy” on the outside, we can have joy because of Christ and we can have JOY even in the trials.

______________________________________

This is something that God has laid upon my heart. I know I do not have this all figured out. I would love to hear your descriptions of JOY. I would also love to hear your stories of how God has been with you and given you joy through the trials that you have faced.

I have a personal story that I have wanted to share with you, to help you understand where I am coming from. So here it is:

It was my high school graduation and my parents were reading a letter to me that they had written for me for my graduation day. As my mom read it, she encompassed some of the things that happened during my high school years. One of the things that she said was in my four years of high school, I had lost three of my grandparents. It was true, but I hadn’t realized the expanse of it. I was there with them, I cared for them, I spent time with them, and then I watched them go home to be with Jesus. That day, was the first time I really recognized how hard it hard been on me.

November 2011 – The end of November rolled around and my grandpa started having some doctor appointments. The week before Thanksgiving, he had a test to check for cancer. Cancer, that scary word that no one wants to hear… the word that I have heard before. Three of my grandparents have had cancer. One grandparent had cancer before I was even born and survived. Another had cancer and also survived the cancer, but the treatment was very hard on him. My other grandparent died from cancer. Cancer was not a word I wanted to hear. Then in the weeks before Christmas, we found out that my grandpa did indeed have cancer. Lung cancer. And we also found out that it was not curable. Since that time, my grandpa has been having treatments. While the cancer has not spread and the tumor has not grown, it has not shrunk.

This is where I am at. Dealing with another trial. And realizing that God is with me. It is not easy. Every day, every day, I have to wake up and trust God. I have to trust that He has the bigger plan. I do not have control of it, but He does. Each day, I again have to give my worries to Him. Again and again, I make the decision to find JOY every day. And I can because I have the joy of Christ’s salvation in me!

Mandy H.

By Faith - "By Faith" song by Keith and Kristyn Getty

2012-02-05T20:08:00.002-06:00

"By Faith"

by Keith and Kristyn Getty

This song describes Hebrews 11, the "By Faith" chapter in the Bible. It talks about the faith that is described through out the Bible. It shows what this part of JOY Blog is all about!

Enjoy!

Helping in the Harvest - miss elaini ous'

2011-12-27T22:33:00.001-06:00

I don't know if you remember or not, but a couple months ago JOY Blog featured Miss Elaini here on the blog. She was featured both in "By Faith" and in "Helping in the Harvest". I would like to once again share with you the interview from May 2011 that I did with her for Helping in the Harvest. I would also like to encourage you to give to this cause!

In 190 days, this wonderful lady has raised $45,000 for orphans!!! Misselainious' goal is to raise $50,000! Please, consider helping her reach her goal by the end of the year!!!

You can do this by:

1. going to her website (http://misselainious.com/) and then going to the link that says "GIVE NOW".

2. Or Text ORPHAN to 52000 to give $10.

Please consider how you can be "helping in the harvest"!

Below is the link to both of the interviews that miss elaini ous did for JOY Blog. Also below is the Helping in the Harvest article!

Links:

By Faith...Miss Elaini!

Helping in the Harvest - Miss Elaini

P.S. Make sure you check out her "12 Days of Christmas"!

Helping in the Harvest - Miss Elaini

Interview with Miss Elaini

This is the "one dress"!

Photo by Christ Taylor***

• Can you tell us what you are doing right now?
I am wearing one dress for 100 days to raise $50,000 for orphans in India. I am blogging the picture of each different outfit daily. :)

• Why did you decide to wear one dress for a hundred days?
I saw another woman Sheena from the Uniform Project (she wore the same dress for a year!) and I decided that she had a brilliant idea.

• Who are you helping?
I am helping orphans in India through Warm Blankets Orphan Care.

How to Help

• How can we help and get involved?
Please spread the word. I have no illusions that I can raise $50,000 on my own. Or if you are really ambitions do a small fundraiser (bake sale, music night, etc.) in your community and then donate the money to the project.

Photo by Christ Taylor***

PRAY

• How can JOY readers pray for you and the people you are impacting?
Wow, thank you. Please pray for strength for me. Due to my health issues and a lot of responsibility I need grace. Pray that others would hear about this and give to hurting orphans. Pray for the orphans as they adjust to having a home and food. They have a lot of scars, pain, and insecurity. They worry if they will have food for the next day and often have to be given a loaf of bread to convince them to go to sleep.

GIVE

Photo by Christ Taylor***

• How can JOY readers give to this cause?
Go to misselainious.com and click on the Give Now button and donate! Even a dollar matters and counts. Everyone has 4 quarters right?

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

• What is something that JOY Blog readers can do right in their communities to help?
Become informed about orphans and then tell others. We have been given so much and it is a joy to give back.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:35-36 & 40 (NIV)

Links:

Website: http://misselainious.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misselainious/163820663674079
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Misselaini

Also, check out this month's By Faith for more on Miss Elaini!

***Used with permission from http://misselainious.com/

For the days after Christmas

2011-12-27T10:46:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we get so catch up in Christmas that it passes us by and then there is the let down after Christmas... This song is for all the days after Christmas!

Day After Christmas by Matthew West

From the album The Heart of Christmas

Happy "Day after Christmas"!!!

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T08:29:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas JOY Blog readers!!!

I pray you have a blessed day filled with loved ones!

Here is a passage from the the Bible. It is found in Luke 2. Remember this is what Christmas is all about!!!

Luke 2:1-20 ESV

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

YOU - 10 Uses for Lemons – Part 2

2011-12-11T23:59:00.001-06:00

YOU - 10 Uses for Lemons – Part 2

I found so many great things that I wanted to share with all of you that there has to be a Part 2! Check out Part 1 for more ideas if you missed that article!

Remember most of these you can use lemon juice for and you do not have to use a whole lemon.

The ones that I have tried are marked with a star (*)! The others I hope to try at some point, but be careful when you try them because I cannot guarantee that they will work! Comment below and let me know what you have done with lemons. Have you found any cool uses for them?

All purpose cleaning solution *(I haven’t tried this on everything, but it is nice on counter tops!)
Add lemon juice, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle for a natural, all-purpose cleaning solution.

Clean your microwave - Got hardened food stuck in the microwave? Don't reach for harsh chemicals, use lemons instead! Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to 1-1/2 cup of water and microwave on High for about 10 minutes. The water will boil and steam will condense inside the microwave. The icky stuff will easily wipe away with a paper towel or cleaning rag.

Lift tough grease stain - Put lemon peel in a water with some water in a blender. Apply the mash to the tough grease stain and scrub.

Brightens aluminum pots and pans - Fill the pot with water and add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, then boil for 15 minutes. For the outside of the pots and pans, scrub with a half of a lemon.

Soften rough hands and feet - Soak in equal part of lemon juice and water. Rinse, then dry with a towel. Repeat daily as required.

Get rid of dandruff - Got itchy, scaly dandruff? Apply lemon juice directly to your scalp and massage it in before you hop on the shower. Then rinse away and wash your hair as usual.

Treat insect bites - Apply a slice of lemon onto insect bites to help soothe the irritation.

Treat acne and blackheads - Got blackheads? Dab lemon juice directly on the acne breakout once a day for several days until the condition improves.

Relieve a sore throat * - Either add lemon to Hot water, Hot tea, or just plain water to help with sore throat. If you are putting in hot water or tea, I recommend adding some honey, too. This will soothe the throat.

Air freshener - Put a mixture of lemon juice and water into a spray bottle. Voila! A natural and inexpensive air freshener. You can also put slices of lemon in a dish or a dish of lemon juice and baking soda mixture to help absorb bad odor and freshen the room.

Resources:

http://www.rd.com/home/34-reasons-to-load-up-on-lemons/

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/101-new-uses-for-everyday-things-10000001030084/index.html

http://www.cluebert.com/unusual-uses/unusual-uses-of-lemons/

(Or just google “uses for lemons”).

YOU - 10 Uses for Lemons – Part 1

2011-12-07T17:31:00.000-06:00

YOU - 10 Uses for Lemons – Part 1

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade…” or you can do many other things with them! I found some fun things. The ones that I have tried are marked with a star (*)! The others I hope to try at some point, but be careful when you try them because I cannot grantee that they will work! Comment below and let me know what you have done with lemons. Have you found any cool uses for them?

(Most of these will work with just lemon juice, too.)

I found so many great ideas that there will be a “Part 2”!

1. Clean your face
A rinse with lemon juice and water will clean and exfoliate your face for pennies as compared to expensive facial soaps.

2. Clean your hands *
If your hands smell from peeling garlic or cleaning fish, rub your fingers with a lemon wedge to remove the odor. (Sometimes I use baking soda, too)

3. Spa Water* (Just did this yesterday)

For a nice, refreshing drink, fill a gallon (or quart or even just your glass) pitcher with water. Slice cucumbers and lemons and put them in the pitcher. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Enjoy your refreshing water!!!

4. Remove tough food stains (or tea stains) from plastic or glass *

Slice a lemon in half (or just use lemon juice), squeeze the juice onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with water.

5. Neutralize cat-box odor
Cut a couple of lemons in half. Then place them, cut side up, in a dish in the room with the kitty-box, and the air will soon smell lemon-fresh.

6. Clean tarnished brass
Make a paste of lemon juice and salt (or substitute baking soda or cream of tartar for the salt) and coat the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then wash in warm water, rinse, and polish dry. Use the same mixture to clean metal kitchen sinks too. Apply the paste, scrub gently, and rinse.

7. Polish chrome
Get rid of mineral deposits and polish chrome faucets and other tarnished chrome. Simply rub lemon rind over the chrome and watch it shine! Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

8. Prevent apples and potatoes from turning brown
Simply rub them with half a lemon. Or put some lemon in the water that they are soaking in.

9. Get rid of ants
Squirt some lemon juice into holes and cracks where the ants are coming in. Place small pieces of lemon rinds or peels around the house.

10. Soften dry and scaly elbows
Make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Rub into your elbows to exfoliate and soften the scaly skin. Repeat daily as required.

Resources:

http://www.rd.com/home/34-reasons-to-load-up-on-lemons/

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/101-new-uses-for-everyday-things-10000001030084/index.html

http://www.cluebert.com/unusual-uses/unusual-uses-of-lemons/

Author Favorites – Websites

2011-11-07T01:00:00.003-06:00

You- author favorites

Author Favorites – Websites

Rachel’s Favorites

Picnik

http://www.picnik.com/app#/home/welcome

Picnik has so many effects you can use to edit your digital pictures- for free! It can get addicting to play around with...

Homeschool Writers

http://homeschoolwriters.com/default.aspx

Not just for homeschoolers. This website has a list of writing contests (that allow homeschoolers to enter) for each month and some that run all throughout the year.

American Sign Language Finger Spelling Practice

http://asl.ms/

After talking a few sign language classes over the summer, my sisters and I found this great website to help us practice our fingerspelling (for when we got tired of practicing on each other). If you don't know the ASL alphabet, go here, or here if you want to learn more.

Sense and Sensibility Patterns

http://sensibility.com/

Okay, I haven't actually bought anything from here, but I love to look at the patterns and the pictures of what others have made on here.

Project Hopeful

http://www.projecthopeful.org/

I found this website recently and learned so much about HIV, AIDS, and orphans affected by them. Watch out or God may touch your heart like He did mine!

Mandy’s Favorites

College Plus!

http://www.collegeplus.org/

College Plus! is an organization that helps you to earn a college degree “faster, for less, for sure”! It is a coaching program that helps you plan your degree and guides you through it in a Christian setting. For more information, click this link to fill out a free application: http://www.collegeplus.org/?requestinfo?tellafriend=7379

Christian Book .com

http://www.christianbook.com/

I like to shop online and this is a bookstore I really like. Great resources with great prices!

Rebelution

http://www.therebelution.com/

This website says, The official definition of the 'rebelution' is "a teenage rebellion against the low expectations of an ungodly culture."

Modesty Survey

http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

This is something that is a part of the Rebelution. It is a survey that over 1,600 guys took telling us girls more about modesty. I find it very helpful!

Shabby Blogs

http://shabbyblogs.com/

This website has a lot of fun “decorations” for your blog! Backgrounds, buttons, and more…

A few more:

http://www.youtube.com/

www.facebook.com

www.amazon.com

Note from Mandy: I have many more websites that I like, there is just not enough room to post them all right now!!! These are some of the websites that I visit often…

What are your favorite websites? And why do you enjoy them???

Give Thanks!

2011-11-01T11:39:00.000-05:00

Jesus - Devo, You - Activity

Give Thanks!

With less than a month from Thanksgiving Day in the United States, I want to draw your attention the importance of it. The Bible talks constantly about giving thanks. We are called to be thankful, give thanks to our Father, to remember our blessings, and to share them with others.

In celebration of being thankful, I have chosen to do a countdown to Thanksgiving Day by giving thanks every day and I am sharing it with everyone!

On my personal blog, Musing Made by Mandy, I am sharing sometime I am giving thanks for each day, along with a Bible verse. I would encourage you to join in me on this countdown. Feel free to read what I am thankful for!

Ways you can share what you are thankful for:

Journaling (personal and with God)

Writing letters to people

Blogging about it

Writing it on Facebook

Tweeting it on twitter

Other social media

Telling a friend

Thanking our Father in Heaven!

Here is a preview of what I am doing…(a post from Musings Made by Mandy blog)

Count Down to Thanksgiving

So yesterday marked one month until Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is on November 24 this year! I believe it is important to remember why we are thankful. My way of doing this, is writing down what I am thankful for. I find that when I remember all the blessings that God has given me, I have a much better day.

So for the next month, I will be sharing what I am giving thanks for.

Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.

For the next month, I am giving thanks to God and sharing it with you!!!

What are you thankful for???

For more on what I am thankful for, check out Musings!

Author Favorites – Blogs

2011-10-08T20:02:00.001-05:00

Author Favorites – Blogs

~Introducing Authors Favorites! This is where the authors will share their “favorites” of things. This will go under the YOU section of JOY. Hope you enjoy this new section! For more info on Author Favorites, read below!

Mandy’s Favorites

JOY Blog
http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/
Check out the "about" tab above for more info!

miss elaini ous’

http://misselainious.com/

This blog is about a young lady that wore the same dress for 100 days and she is raising money for orphans!

Caitlin Muir – Confessions of a 20something

http://www.caitlinmuir.com/

In her own words, “...sometimes, the words just come out too quickly and I can't take them back. I'm a Christian, book reviewer, aspiring novelist, and singles columnist. Oh, and I'm adventure-prone. That sounds much more charming than accident-prone, doesn't it?”

Erynn Mangum (Author of great books)

http://erynnm.blogspot.com/

An author that writes about her life…She is fun. She writes Young adult novels, very fun!

Cross and Cutlass (MaryLu Tyndall’s Blog)

http://crossandcutlass.blogspot.com/

A Christian author that writes pirate books!!!

Musings Made by Mandy (My blog!)

http://musingsmadebymandy.blogspot.com/

This blog is a place where I will write my thoughts, reflections on the day, and any other pondering or contemplating that I do!

Rachel’s Favorites

Just the Randall Crew

http://justtherandallcrew.blogspot.com/

This is my mom's blog, which she keeps updated with some of the many things happening around our house...just in case you want to see what life is like for a family of 9.

Girltalk

http://www.girltalkhome.com/

I found this while reading their book with my mom. These godly women have a blog that is both funny and encouraging to read.

Look for other “Author Favorites” coming soon! Also comment to add your suggestions.

What would you like to see Author Favorite -

…websites

…books

…authors

…movies

…restaurants

…food

…etc…

Comment here with your ideas or email your idea to joyfilledgirls [@] hotmail [dot] com.

*** Remember these are just personal opinions! Feel free to add your favorites on the subject!

10 (or more) Uses For…Vinegar

2011-09-28T23:36:00.000-05:00

YOU - 10 (or more) Uses For…Vinegar

There are 100s of uses for vinegar. Many people use it for many different things. Here are a few ideas I found that I would like to try. I have used some of these, but not all of them. Please be careful in how you use these because I have not tried them all first hand. I would like to try all of these. If you have any suggestions on how to use vinegar, please post them! I love to hear how you have used vinegar first hand!

(The italic ones are the ones I have tried!)

Have fun trying!

Vinegar can…

Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.
Deter ants. Spray vinegar around door and window frames, under appliances, and along other known ant trails.
Relieve sunburn by lightly rubbing it with vinegar.
Clean coffee and tea stains. A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.
Deodorize the kitchen drain (and other thing;, mugs, water bottles). Pour some down the drain. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.
Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.
Remove decals or bumper stickers by soaking a cloth in Vinegar and cover the decal or bumper sticker for several minutes until the vinegar soaks in. The decals and bumper stickers should peel off easily.
Stop insect stings and bites from itching by dabbing them with a cotton ball saturated with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.
Be used as bug spray. Combine equal amounts of water, white distilled vinegar and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Use on skin, as needed.
Be used as chewing gum dissolver. Saturate the area with vinegar. If the vinegar is eated, it will work faster.
Be used as a way to keep ice and frost of windshield in the winter. Wash your windshield with vinegar in the winter to help keep ice and frost away.
Help get rid of hiccups. One teaspoon to one tablespoon of vinegar gets rid of hiccups. Another reader writes: "I've found that gargling with cider vinegar will stop the most horrible case of hiccups!"
Can get the salt off your shoes from the salt used to get rid of ice in the winter. To remove it and prevent long-term damage, wipe fresh stains with a cloth dipped in undiluted white vinegar.
Be used as a hair rinse to restore hair shine. Vinegar works to restore luster by removing build up from other hair products. It leaves hair smooth and silky and may even remove tangles. It may cause dryness to your hair, so you may want to condition first, and then use a vinegar rinse. To make a vinegar rinse, add 1 cup vinegar to 2 cups warm water, add a drop of essential oil if you like, and work into hair. (Can also be used to fight dandruff.)

Resources I used to find all of these great ideas:

http://www.angelfire.com/cantina/homemaking/vinegar.html

http://www.vinegartips.com/Scripts/pageViewSec.asp?id=9

http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html

http://www.wisebread.com/254-uses-for-vinegar-and-counting

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/3-vinegar-uses-for-the-hair.html

Add your Comment Here... September 2011

2011-09-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Add your Comment Here... September 2011

I want God to train me as a woman of...


ClipartHeaven.com

**Add your comment here by commenting with how you would finish the sentence!

Patience, Patience, Patience

2011-08-29T22:53:00.001-05:00

Jesus - Devo

Patience, Patience, Patience

Clip Art from ClipartHeaven.com

Being patient is something I have never been good at. Just ask my mother. I do not like to wait for things. If something is not getting done, then I will just do it, so it gets done. For the most part I do not like to sit around and do nothing. I like to make things happen. Patience is not my style.

But there are times when I do need to be patient. The Bible says that we need to be patient. In fact, it has a lot to say about being patient. I looked.

When I am struggling with something, like being patient, I tend to do Bible searches on the subject. That is what I did this time. Being patient is definitely something I need to work on. It is something that the Bible commands us to do.

First, we are called to be still and wait patiently…

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Then the Bible tells us what some of the benefits are of being patient.

Proverbs 14:29
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

The Bible asks us to…

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

James 5:7
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.

James 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Then the Lord offers us a promise…

Hebrews 6:15

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Also…

1 Corinthians 13:4

Love is patient…

Being patient is also a part of the Fruit of the Spirit that we are called to live out…

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

God calls us to be patient. He has a plan for us and we are called to wait on Him. And to be patient.

Will you work on being more patient in your everyday life? I am going to try!

Mandy H.

Intro to Weekly

2011-08-29T22:19:00.000-05:00

Dear JOY Blog readers,

Sorry it has been a while since JOY Blog’s monthly post. (I have started college classes and have been quite busy.) JOY Blog is changing its format to something a little simpler. I hope you will enjoy it. JOY Blog is switching to a weekly/bi-weekly blog. There will be a new post once a week, instead of all of the posts being posted at the beginning of the month. Each part of JOY, J-Jesus, O-Others, and Y-You, will be on somewhat of a rotating schedule. You may not see all the parts of JOY in one month, but you will see them.

Here are the 3 parts of JOY Blog.

JESUS

OTHERS

The OTHERS part is about putting other people after Jesus and before yourself. It is to help girls to learn ways that they can serve others in their lives and reach out to people.

YOU

YOU is for you. In YOU, there will be fun activities, useful ideas, etc...

For more information about what JOY Blog is about click on the tabs above; About JOY, Jesus, Others, You, etc…

Let us know if you have any comments or questions: joyfilledgirls (at) hotmail (dot) com

Or check out our contact page! Also, email to join the emailing list. You can also sign up on the right to receive an email when there is a new post.

May/June 2011

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I would like to start out this month by apologizing for not posting a May article. So because of that, these articles will be the combined May/June articles. The reason I have not had a chance to post anything yet was because of the great opportunity I have had for the last 5 months (this is also the reason why a lot of the posts have been late, lately!). The opportunity that I have had was to do an internship in the State Senate at my state’s Capitol. I was able to experience all the different parts of my state’s Senate. I was also able to earn college credits for this internship, which means that I had papers I had to write for the class as well. Both my college classes and the internship recently ended, but for the last month I was working hard at finishing everything up for both of these things. In the last month, I have also been working on getting everything ready to finish my college degree. I am working on a B.A. in Communications. So I applied to the college I needed to transfer to and am also trying to work out all of the details for that. I hope to finish my degree by Spring 2012. Your prayers are welcome as the details fall into place. This next year will be a busy time for me.

Please pardon me if posts are late. I will try to get caught up again and get back on track for JOY Blog. I wanted to let you know where I am at in my life and let you know why posts have been late. Please be patience with me as I finish my degree. I hope you will still be able to enjoy JOY Blog. Please email, joyfilledgirls@blogspot.com, if you have any ideas for articles or columns that you would like to see. I will definitely be open to seeing your ideas!

Have a great summer and stay tuned for more information!

Mandy H.

“But Take Heart...”

2011-05-31T22:04:00.001-05:00

“…I have overcome the world.”

Jesus said in John 16:33.

Sometimes, some days, we get overwhelmed. We feel everything pulling us down. And we don’t know what to do or what to hold on to. We feel as if everything is changing, everything is out of our control.

These are the times in our lives that we need to remember that there is Someone to hold on to, Someone that will always be there for us and who will never change. In Revelation 22:13, it says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus is telling us that he will be with us forever.

So as you know from my intro letter, I have had a lot of changes in my life lately. And the one or two I mentioned did not cover everything. On May 26, I felt the burden of these changes. And on that day, the Lord gave me something special. I was reading my devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, and on that day, I read the perfect devo. It was talking about change and about Jesus always being with us. It reminded me that He is always with us and will always be there for us. One of the verses that was included in the devotional was the verse that I started this devotional with.

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus reminds us that as Christians, our lives will not be easy. But in the midst of it all, He will be with us and He has overcome the world! And that will, ultimately, bring us peace!

Add Your Comment Here...May/June 2011

2011-05-31T22:03:00.000-05:00

I see God’s faithfulness in…

**Add your comment here by commenting with how you would finish the sentence!

Add Your Comment Here...May/June 2011

By Faith...Miss Elaini

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photo by: Jenn Lynn Image***

By Faith...Miss Elaini!

Interview with Elaini

• "By Faith" based on Hebrews 11. How are you living "By Faith"?
Right now I am trusting God that all his promises are true!

• Tell us about your salvation story. How did you come to know Jesus?
I have been raised in a Christian home and came to know Jesus at a very young age, but I really feel like I grew into my personal relationship with him over time. He accelerated the processes from the age of 16-20ish when I was extremely sick. He is my everything!

• What advice would you give to JOY Blog readers?
You will never know true joy until you know God and have a PERSONAL relationship with him. You have to understand that you are more flawed and sinful than you can imagine but you are also loved and accepted more than you could dream.

A few fun questions:

photo by: Jenn Lynn Image***

• What is the one food you don't think you could live without?
Rice and coconut milk ice cream! Actually most food. :)

• What is your favorite color?
Don't really have one but I like all colors in their most vibrant jewel tone shades best.

• What is your favorite book and/or movie?
I have to pick just one?!? Impossible. I love to read but my current favorite is 1000 Gifts: A dare to live life fully by Ann Voskamp.

• What are your hobbies?
Reading. :) Singing, piano, sewing, walks, photography, hanging out with friends and family.

• What is your favorite Bible verse or quote?
Again just one?! I love Psalms 34:5 though, "Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed."

One last question.

photo by: Jenn Lynn Image***

• Is there anything else you would like to share with JOY Blog readers?
As young adults I feel that we can get caught up in the business of rushing from one thing to the next as if our worth is based on how much we do. It isn't, so make sure to enjoy each beautiful moment you have been given. Your worth is not in what you do.

JOY Blog would like to thank you for doing the interview, Miss Elaini! If you would like to find out more about her, check out her website, also check out this month's Helping in the Harvest. She is also featured there!

Links:

Website: http://misselainious.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Misselainious/163820663674079
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Misselaini

***Pictures used with permission from http://misselainious.com/

Helping in the Harvest - Miss Elaini

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Helping in the Harvest - Miss Elaini

Interview with Miss Elaini

This is the "one dress"!

Photo by Christ Taylor***

How to Help

Photo by Christ Taylor***

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:35-36 & 40 (NIV)

Links:

Homemade Frappe

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Homemade Frappe

This is a recipe for a home-made frappe. I tried it yesterday and it tasted just like the real thing. This treat will be perfect for the warm summer days!!!

Yummy!

Carmel Frappe
1 1/2-2 Cups Ice
1/2 Cup Milk
2 Tablespoons dry cappuccino mix ( I used vanilla flavor)
Carmel flavoring or caramel topping or both!

Put the ice, milk, and cappuccino mix in the blender. You can add some caramel flavoring now, if you want. Then blend until it is like a smoothie and there are no big chunks of ice (mine had a few left in it).

Then pour in a glass. You can add whip cream and/or caramel on top, too!

EnJOY!

April 2011

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Happy Easter!!!

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

From a passion play I went to this month

I pray that you have a wonderful Easter holiday. I pray that you will see the great sacrifice that Jesus made for you and see just how much he loves you.

P.S. Make sure you sign up for the email on the side. The blog will automatically send you an email when there is a new post. The email sign up in on the right hand side of the blog!

JESUS - Giving and the Greatest Gift of All

2011-04-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

Giving and the Greatest Gift of All

This month we set aside a time for remembrance and a time for celebration. We remember Christ’s great sacrifice on the cross. We also celebrate His resurrection.

Romans 5:8

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We didn’t have to do anything. We didn’t have to change and Jesus came and gave his life for us, out of love for us.

Act 16:31

And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."

We now have the opportunity to believe and be saved. God calls us to have faith and belief in Him, yet He also calls us to give back to Him from the overflow of our hearts.

Matthew 25:35-39

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

Matthew 25:40

And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Jesus is saying that if we give to the least; the poor, the orphaned, the widowed, etc…, we do it for Him. Our Father calls us to love Him first and to love our neighbor second (Luke 10:27). One of the ways God tells us to show our love for Him and for others is by giving.

One way of giving is by tangibly giving, like the Matthew 25:35-40 passage above; by feeding someone, by providing a home for them, by providing them with clothing, or by visiting someone. Those are all great things and very necessary things, things we all should do, but that is not the kind of giving I want to talk about right now.

The giving I want to talk about this month is the giving of your money, of your tithe. God commands us to give a percentage of what we have to Him. He also says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God wants us to give, not because everyone else is giving or because we feel pressured to give, but out of the overflow of our hearts.

I recently heard a pastor say God calls us to give financially so that our joy will grow, then he challenged, “If you don’t have joy in giving, maybe you need to give more”.

Are you willing to give your finances to God? No matter what size they are? Whether big or small?

_______________________________

Here are a few tips on how to start giving:

J – Give to God first. Remember the “J” in JOY. Commit to giving to your church, do it regularly and give a set amount, so you can stick to your plan.

Proverbs 3:9

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce;

_____________________________

O – The Bible also calls us to contribute to our families. Now I know you are probably not the financial supporter of your family right now, but maybe you do need to be helping out or maybe you can be planning for your future family by putting money aside now and saving it for when you start your own family.

Proverbs 13:22

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

O – We are to also give to the poor and to practice generosity to others. Make it a habit and plan to give to others. *Check out Helping in the Harvest for more info*

Proverbs 19:17

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,

and he will repay him for his deed.

______________________________

Y – So where does the “Y” and the “You” come into all of this, you might ask? Your job is to manage your money wisely now and to learn it now so that you will be able to manage it in the future.

First, try to avoid debt. Spend less than what you make, then you will be able to save some, too.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Proverbs 22:26-27

Be not one of those who give pledges,

who put up security for debts.

If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?

Second, save your money. You never know when you might need it or for what. Make it a habit to put aside a percentage to save as well as to tithe. Maybe something like 10% - tithe, 10% - savings, and 80% expenses and other things or divide it out even more to include things like; gift giving, clothing, etc…

Proverbs 13:11

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 21:20

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

___________________________________________________

Are you truly willing to give? To give to see how God will work in your life? To give to see His faithfulness, joy, and blessings? Are you willing to give to God so that others will give all the glory to Him?

Ponder these questions as you think about the greatest gift God gave us. He gave us the gift of His Son and the freedom from death that we celebrate at Easter. Celebrate by giving from the overflow of your heart!

Are you willing to give your all to God, in the same way He gave us His Son?

Resources:
Crown Financial Ministries - http://www.crown.org/
This website had budget plans, books, and many other resources to help you get started.

Add Your Comment Here... April 2011

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Christ’s work on the cross and resurrection means…

Add your comment here on the blog or email it in at joyfillergirls@hotmail.com !

By Faith…The Giving Widow

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By Faith…The Giving Widow – Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 21:1-4

Below is the story of someone who gave everything she had. Jesus uses this example to tell us that no matter what amount we have, even if it is very small, we should give our all. This woman gave her all. Jesus asks us to do the same.

**The passage is from Mark 12:41-44, but the story is also found in Luke 21:1-4**

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

Royce Bair - http://www.tssphoto.com/index.php?p=380

By faith this lady who had no husband to support her, gave her all. By faith she trusted that God would provide for her needs. By faith she was willing to let God use her.

This widow is a great example of faith to us. Will you choose to live by faith and give, trusting that God will provide for you?

OTHERS - Helping in the Harvest - April 2011

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Helping in the Harvest

The author of Helping in the Harvest, Rachel, is taking a couple months leave from writing on JOY Blog. She will be back in June, after school is done, to once again write Helping in the Harvest for JOY Blog.

Until then, share with us how you or someone you know is helping in the harvest, or share an organization that you would like to see featured as a helping in the harvest article.

Just leave your comment below or send your ideas to joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com

YOU - Winner of Waterfall

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The winner of Waterfall is…

Carrie L.

Thanks Carrie, for sharing the story of your mother. What a story!

If you missed Carrie's Story click here to go to her comment!

YOU - Easter Nests

2011-04-18T12:17:00.000-05:00

Easter Nests

Looking for a fun little project for Easter? Check this out!

Easter Nests

You will need:
½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup White Corn Syrup
½ Cup Peanut Butter
2 Cup Chow Mein Noodles
½ Cup Salted Peanuts
Jelly beans or egg-shaped candy

Combine sugar and corn syrup in a batter bowl – Stir. Microwave on HI for 1-2 minutes until mixture comes to a full boil. Stir! Add peanut butter. Stir until well blended. Add noodles and peanuts. Stir until they are coated. Use a teaspoon to drop mounds onto wax paper. Shape with buttered hands. Let cool for 15-20 minutes. Put the “eggs” (candy) in the “nests”!

Enjoy! **Pun intended**

March 2011

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It is March and almost spring!!!

I was running a little behind on posting articles this month due to some sickness/flu bugs that were going around in my family (the reason I wrote the Cabin Fever article).

Half of the articles are up now and look for the rest in a few days!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!! Be sure to check out the “green” articles from last year!!!

JOYauthors,

Mandy and Rachel

P.S.
I will be announcing the winner of Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren in a few days, too!!!
I'll also post the winner on Facebook!
And check out the By Faith Column to see how you can win Waterfall this month!!!

Cabin Fever Challenge

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Jesus - Devo - Cabin Fever Challenge

I don’t know about you, but this seems to be the time that cabin fever sets in. You may not live in a place where there is snow and you get stuck in the house, but you may be feeling some cabin fever anyway. Maybe it is the same old, same old: school, work, etc…

I have a challenge for you that will, hopefully, cure your cabin fever!

(In case you are wondering…Cabin Fever is…a state characterized by anxiety, restlessness, and boredom, arising from a prolonged stay in a remote or confined place. ~dictionary.com)

One of my favorite passages is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I like to think of these verses as something that I can apply to my daily life and something that I need to work on daily.

My challenge for you is to take one week and apply this passage daily; 3 things, every day, for a week. That is the challenge.

Challenge In depth:

1. Verse 16: Be JOYful!!! Each day find things that you can be joyful about and see if the feeling can last all day. Example: You have a Heavenly Father that loves you! That should be something to keep a smile on your face.

2. Verse 17: Pray and pray, all day long. As you go through your day and think of people, just pray for them! Example: “I wonder how insert name is doing?” “Dear Lord, be with insert name, etc…”

3. Verse 18: Be thankful in every situation. This doesn’t mean you have to be thankful FOR the bad situations, but IN them. There is always something to be thankful for if you look hard enough. Example: As you are walking outside, start thanking the Lord for the trees or the sun. As you are in your home, be thankful for it. Be thankful for your family, friends, transportation, “toys”, food, water, etc…

Try out the challenge! Comment below and let me know if you are doing it and how it is going or how it went. Have some fun curing your winter blues!

Add Your Comment Here... March 2011

2011-03-08T20:39:00.000-06:00

I grew in my relationship with God when…

Helping in the Harvest: Foster Families Part 2

2011-03-08T20:37:00.001-06:00

Helping in the Harvest: Foster Families Part 2

As promised, I have more advice, information, and stories about foster care from my Grammy. I’ll just let you hear her wisdom in her own words:

“I think when we counted; we had approximately 150 [foster] kids in and out of our home. We had many of them the year we were an emergency home, so the turnover was great and most of them stayed just for a day or two.

“The biggest lesson I learned being a foster parent - that we always have enough love and space in the house for those kids who need it! (But that we also shouldn't neglect our own kids in the process). And that like Jesus feeding the 5,000, we always had enough food!!

“The greatest experience we had as foster parents - One short answer would be when we had a child that was scared because she had heard awful things about foster homes, and she said ours was not what she thought it would be; it was a good place and she felt safe and happy.

“The main thing I wished that we knew sooner was what I’ve told your mom - stand up for yourself with the Social Workers, because they know a good foster home when they see one and will overuse you (because there is such a shortage!) So be sure to take breaks between kids, get your own rest breaks as a family, because 'burnout' will happen otherwise.

“One scripture in particular I loved for the kids, especially when they left our home and I wondered what would happen to them? Had we taught them enough? Would they remember that we told them ‘Jesus loves them’? - I found Philippians 1:6 (Philippians being one of my favorite books of the Bible) ‘Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

“To me this meant that if we got the ideas and love into them, it was God who would carry the rest of the work out in their lives, I just had to trust that someday something would pop into their heads about God's love for them.”

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future”

Jeremiah 29:11

How To Help
For more information on Foster Care, contact your local County’s Child Protective Services, or visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/acf_services.html#aafc or http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/ or http://www.nationalfostercare.org/

Pray
I love Philippians 1:6. It is a wonderful verse that I often pray over the foster children my family has taken in. Just thinking about that promise gives me hope for the foster child we’ve had and also for the children we have at the moment. (I have one of them in my lap right now as I write!) They may go home and I may never meet any of them again on this earth, but you can be sure I will never stop praying that I can meet them in Heaven. And who knows? Maybe I will.
Will you pray about becoming a foster family? Will you pray for the over 460,000 children in foster care? Will you pray for my family and the lives we are touching? Will you pray for the lives you are touching?

Give
By becoming a foster family, you give your time, love, and prayer to children in need- and also to their families. Their parents are in much of need of prayer as their children are. Your example of love and kindness to their child, coupled with prayer, can have a drastic impact on their life.

In Your Community
“Advice for those who want to be Foster Parents/family - my advice is to do it with the right motives: because you love children, want to serve them and to bring Glory to God, not yourself! As a family, it should be a family decision, though the parents hold the biggest vote if they think it will work out... We could not have done it if we didn't believe that it was something God had for us to do, and we couldn't have done it in our own strength.”

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

By Faith...Your Choice - March 2011

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By Faith... March 2011

This month for By Faith, I would like you to tell me who you see living or have lived "by faith". It can be how you are living "by faith" or someone you know, it can be someone in the past, or somebody today that is living "by faith".

Nominate your person, and there may be an article about them sometime. When you comment, post their name (if it is you or someone close to you , feel free to just post your name and last initial), then comment as to how they are living or have lived "by faith".

Remember "By Faith" comes from Hebrews 11:1. Check that our for ideas!

Also, if you comment here, you will be eligible to win the second copy of Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergren!!! If you want to win, be sure to check the comments at the beginning of April or leave your email or send your email address to: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com.

OTHERS-By Faith...Lisa Tawn Bergren

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OTHERS-By Faith...Lisa Tawn Bergren

And the Winner is...

Sarah G.
I hope you enjoy it!!! Email joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com to get your copy.

If anyone else is interested, check out March articles to find out how you can win a copy this month!!!

This month we have a special author interview!!! And on top of being able to interview an author and have great responses, she has a special surprise for you. Lisa Tawn Bergren's brand new book for teens, Waterfall, is just coming out this month AND we are able to give one away here on the blog!!! Thank you Lisa! If you would like to win it, read through the article and then look at the bottom for more details on how to enter!**

And now may I present...

Lisa Tawn Bergren!

1."By Faith" is based on Hebrews 11. How do you feel you are living By Faith?

It takes a certain amount of faith to try and make a living as a writer--believing that God has planted a story within your mind that is worthy of publication; believing that you can start with a blank page and write a cohesive story that matters (or get to the end at all!); believing that readers may like it; believing that you're supposed to be doing this even if some people don't like your work; believing that it will sell enough that you can do it again the next time. But I'm also trying to learn how to live my whole life by faith--being SO "sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" that my entire life becomes one of optimism, hope, assuredness even when difficult circumstances or trials come my way.

2. What were you like as a teenage girl?

Church rat, one of the youth group "backbones," 3.2 GPA, not one of the populars, but with lots of solid friendships, loved books and movies.

3. Tell us about your next book coming out.

WATERFALL is my first YA novel, and it's about two sisters who are transported through time to medieval Italy. There, they find romance, love, and a boatload of danger. They have to fight for their lives--and those they're coming to love--and figure out how to get home. Or even if they want to.

4. Why did you decide to write a book for teen girls?

My eldest daughter, Olivia, was a reluctant reader. I tried and tried to get her to read, but it wasn't until TWILIGHT that she understood how a book could keep you up all night reading. I wanted to give her another read like it--a solid romantic suspense--but without the vampires.

5. Which one of your books is your favorite?

THE BEGOTTEN. I love this medieval time period, and THE BEGOTTEN is about a group of people called by God to affect change in his kingdom. It was epic--bigger than me. It hasn't sold the best, but it still is one of my favorites for sure.

6. Tell us about your salvation story. How did you come to know Jesus?

I've always known Jesus. That's the bonus of being raised in the church and in a Christian family. But after college, I went to be a ski bum for a winter and found I was really, really depressed. I also recognized that I was really far from my faith roots. I had a personal reformation experience, where I was down on my face before God, and he picked me up, dusted me off and sent me from Park City, UT to Jerusalem, Israel, where I stayed for three weeks and got my head and heart back in order. Ever since, he's been first in my life and my relationship deepens with him every year.

7. JOY is a blog for girls. Looking back at where you were to where you are now, what advice would you have given yourself when you were a teenage girl?

Be kind to yourself. Try and see yourself as God sees you--special, treasured, cherished, loved. He sees all the potential in you, what you are now, and what you could be--let him mold you, push you, pull you, pry you open, press you closed so you become all that he created you to be. And what's on the INSIDE of you is way more important than what's on the OUTSIDE. The world focuses on outer appearances, but your father focuses on your heart.

8. How do you balance writing, family, and remain focused on God?

It's a constant battle. I'm getting better at morning devotional time, and a weekly Sabbath rest--at least 2 of 4 weeks--which is an improvement. It helps now that all 3 of my kids are in school. I get them off, take care of home life and marketing stuff in the morning, then write in the afternoons.

9. When did you know you were meant to be a writer?

When I started getting fan mail telling me my books--my little books--were making a big impact on people's lives. Healing. Salvation. Reordering of priorities. Through fiction? Yes, through fiction. That's really God, working through my words. And I think that's pretty miraculous.

A few fun questions:

10. What is the one material thing you wouldn't leave home without?

My laptop.

11. What is the one food you don't think you could live without?

Bread. I really hope I never have to go gluten-free because the gluten-free stuff isn't the yeasty numminess I crave.

12. What is your favorite color?

Green, all shades.

13. What was/were your favorite book and/or movie growing up?

Books: ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS, A WRINKLE IN TIME, LITTLE WOMEN, Chronicles of Narnia...as a pre-teen. Then I pretty much leaped to adult novels: GONE WITH THE WIND and THORN BIRDS come to mind. Christian fiction was fairly nonexistent when I was growing up--I'm really glad we offer kids and adults so much more these days. But I did enjoy the Thoenes' books and Frank Peretti's books had a big impact on me too.

Movies: I liked action-packed, epic movies: Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Romancing the Stone, Superman

14. What is/are your favorite book and/or movie now?

Favorite book of 2010: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Favorite movie of 2010: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

15. Is there anything else you would like to share with teen girls?

There are so many pressures for kids these days--good grades, finding the right friends, figuring out which activities to invest in, Facebook and texting, TV--try and not get too spread out and stressed out. God wants you to live a whole life, a life of deep investment, not just on the surface, and that takes time and energy. See where he's calling you to dial back a bit and give yourself time to grow up into the woman he wants you to be. Invest in him--your relationship with him--through reading the Word, hanging out with Christian friends, reading books about life with him, and figure out how to talk to him. He's your Best Friend--for life. And anything you do to deepen that relationship will only make your life better.

Make sure you check out Lisa's Website and Facebook pages!
Website: http://lisatawnbergren.com/
River of Time FB: http://www.facebook.com/riveroftimeseries
Lisa’ Fan FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/lisa.t.bergren#!/pages/Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/29354438694

**If you would like to win WATERFALL, please comment on the article below and include your name and email and you will be eligible to win.
(If it does not let you comment, feel free to email: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com)

You - St. Patrick's Day Ideas!

2011-03-06T22:32:00.000-06:00

YOU - Saint Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick Day on March 17th!!!!

Check out this link to find fun ideas from last on how to celebrate the day and what that day is all about!

Click here: http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/2010_03_14_archive.html

February 2011

2011-02-01T15:55:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I hope you have some fun things planned for the month and if you don't, you stopped at the right place!

February Articles:

JESUS-I am Loving My Husband
JESUS-Add Your Comment Here
OTHERS-By Faith...Author Interview with Lisa Tawn Bergren
OTHERS-Helping in the Harvest...Foster Family
YOU-Red, Hearts, and Food

My prayer for you this month is that you will feel God's love covering you.
Remember how great His love is for you.
Watch this video of "How deep the Father's love", as you are thinking of His love for you!

Love,
The JOYauthors,
Mandy and Rachel

I Am Loving My Husband…

2011-02-01T15:34:00.001-06:00

JESUS-Devo

I Am Loving My Husband…

Do you love YOUR husband? Do you look for ways to do things for him? Do you dress for him? Do you live your life for him?

Now you are probably wondering why I am asking you if you love your husband and if you are encouraging him. You are thinking, “I don’t have a husband yet, I am not married, and for that matter, I don’t plan on being married for a long time yet”. Are you thinking those things? Well, good.

So since the title of this article is called, “ I am loving my husband”, you might also ask, “Is she married?”. The answer is no, I am not married and furthermore, I am not dating or in a relationship with anybody either. So, how am I loving my husband now? And better yet, why am I starting now?

The How

For as long as I can remember, my parents have told me that they are praying for my siblings and me. And they have also told us that they are praying for our spouses, whether we are married yet or not. My parents praying for me and my spouse has always told me that they are already, even before I knew it, helping me with my marriage someday by setting a foundation for it. So when I was a young, young girl, I too would occasionally pray for my husband. I am sure some of them were silly prayers, but they were still prayers for him. Way back then, I was praying for him and I still am today. 1 Thess. 5:17

A few years back, I was going to a multi-generational Sunday school group for women. We were studying the book, “Lies Young Women Believe”. One of the chapters was on “guys”. One of the single ladies was asked to talk about guys. When she came to talk to us, she brought a box with her. She told us the box is for her husband. Inside this box are cards and letters and other things that are for her husband. On her wedding night (whenever that is), she will present this box to her husband along with her purity. This “box” inspired me. I have now started my own box for my husband. I have letters in there; prayers written down, Bible verses on index cards, and a Christmas ornament.

These two examples are part of how I am loving my husband. I am also doing it through the way I dress. I am dressing modestly now, to save my body for my husband and so as not to tempt other brothers in Christ. I am also doing it through learning now what it means to be a wife, by watching my mother and other women I respect in their relationships with their husbands. One more thing I am doing is making the commitment to save my purity for my husband.

The Why

The greatest gift of love I can give my husband is my respect and faithfulness(as well as my love!). I am being faithful to him even now as I make the commitment to stay pure for him. I want to present myself to him on our wedding night as his and his alone. I have chosen to dress modestly so that the gift of my body will also be for him at that time. I show my respect for him by honoring him now by these commitments even before I meet him! I am learning to be a good wife from those older than me. (Titus 2:4,5)

Books I would recommend:
The Princess and the Kiss - Jennie Bishop
Lies Young Women Believe – Nancy Leah DeMoss and Dannah Gresh
One I am reading now: Preparing to be a Help Meet – Debi Pearl

By Mandy H

Add Your Comment Here - February 2011

2011-02-01T15:33:00.000-06:00

JESUS - Add Your Comment Here - February 2011

I see God's love for me in/through...

This is the part where you help us. Finish the sentence above by "Adding Your Comment Here".

For Example:

...in the ways that He works. He had perfect timing and is perfect at opening and closing doors. I also see God's love for me in the people that help me out. My family, friends and other Christians who are there for me. I see it in an open door, a hug, or a prayer for me.

~Mandy H.

Helping in the Harvest: Foster Families Part 1

2011-02-01T15:09:00.001-06:00

OTHERS-Helping in the Harvest: Foster Families Part 1

I have often taken for granted the fact that I have a nice home and a loving family. I forget that many people, especially children, do not have that. Since my family became a foster family, I’ve learned that there are many children in the U.S. alone who need to feel the love of God and the good news of what He has done for us. Being a foster family is a great way to share God’s love with people who really need it.

Foster Care is a fairly wide category, but it usually refers to the temporary care of children who can’t live at their own home (mostly because of their parent’s neglect or abuse). The children are taken into the legal custody of the state and, if not able to live at relative’s home, are placed with a licensed foster family. Foster families take in these children and treat them as their own children. Most of the time, the children go back home after their parents have proven they can now take care of them, though occasionally fostering a child may end in adoption.

A Christian foster family has a unique ministry. My Grammy, who was a foster parent for 13 years, said this: “Just the fact that we are willing to share our lives, our love, and our home with those children in need is an example of Christ's love for others.” This example of Christ’s love is evident to the children a foster family takes in, the child’s parents, and even the social workers involved.

Pouring out love on a child that is hurting can be a difficult job. Foster families need people around them who are praying for them and are willing to lend a hand when needed. Try to take time this month to get to know a foster family near you.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Mark 9:37

How To Help

I mentioned that my grammy and papa were foster parents for 13 years. They took in many foster kids and even adopted one, so you may consider them experts on the topic. My grammy gave me some ideas of how to pray for foster families. Next month I’ll share more of her advice as well as how to get started as a foster parent.

Pray

-that the foster families/parents have the strength to cope with all the disturbing circumstances that they might end up in/with,
-that they get enough sleep!
-that they do not neglect their own health/well being,
-that they always remember that they are serving God as they serve the children,
-that the biological children will enjoy their new family members and enjoy this new time their family’s life.
-and for any other specific needs that the foster families may share with you.

Give

Give your time to a foster family in your area. It is often too easy to assume a foster family’s needs are already met. Get to know the family and let them know that you are willing to help. Be available to simply go over and talk or help out around the house. Even little things you do can be a big blessing for a foster family!

In Your Community

My grammy listed ‘just a few’ ways that you can support a foster family: being a praying support, a non-judgmental listening support, offering used clothing and items needed, stepping in to help out where needed, just being around to help them cope with problems, do errands, take the family's own kids out for special treats, treating the foster kids like normal kids, encouraging the foster parents, giving the kids (non-foster) in the family the opportunity to talk about things, encourage the foster families to share what their needs are so others can help...

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

Red, Hearts, and Food

2011-02-01T15:04:00.001-06:00

YOU- Red, Hearts, and Food

In my family, we have lots of traditions, especially for holidays. And Valentine’s Day is no exception. We decorate the house with paper hearts and sometimes we even hide them and then see who can find the most. We also dress up. Sometimes we just wear the colors; red or pink, but sometimes, we even wear clothes with hearts on them. One year my mom made me and my two cousins matching dresses. They were the same style and the same print (hearts all over it). But each one was different, one had heart buttons on the front, one had a fabric heart on it and the other one had three hearts on it. I loved those dresses!

So those are some of the ways that we go all out for holidays, but one of our favorite ways to go all out for holidays is with the FOOD!

1. Heart shaped pizza - Form the pizza crust into a heart, add favorite toppings and you have yourself a Valentine’s Day Pizza!

2. Red, heart-shaped jell-o – Either pour the jell-o into a heart shaped pan or use cookie cutters to cut finger jell-o with.

3.      Red spaghetti or pasta – Simply add red food coloring to the boiling water and the pasta will change color.

4.      Heart-shaped sandwiches - Use store bought bread, the one with the 2 lumps on top, then cut the 2 bottom corners off and you get a heart.

5.      Heart-shaped cake – Either use a heart shaped pan or if you don’t have that, bake one round cake and one square cake. Cut the circle in half and then connect.

6. Red drinks – when you are setting the table, put one drop of red food coloring in each cup. Then when their drink is poured, it will turn color

7. We often make heart shaped sugar cookies to eat and to give away!

These are some of the things my family has done over the years. Have fun with these and post or email us your own ideas for fun Valentine’s Day food!

Happy New Year 2011!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-07T11:04:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year, girls!!!!

2011

Hope the New Year is going great for you!!!

Sorry it has taken longer to get the articles up for this new month and new year, but between holidays and a few other things, I have been quite busy!

Enjoy the articles, let us know if you like them, and see how God will use you this NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year!

The JOYauthors,

Mandy and Rachel!

New Year...New Connection

2011-01-07T11:02:00.000-06:00

JESUS – Devotional

New Year...New Connection

The New Year comes around and you hear all of the talk of New Year resolutions and like me, you are probably thinking, “What resolutions should I make for this new year?”. Well, I want to present you with a resolution, a challenge for the New Year.

Every year around this time, my pastor likes to send out a challenge to our church. That challenge is to read the Bible in a year. This year, he even gave some Bibles away to encourage people to follow through with this idea. I would like to challenge you and encourage you to read your Bible through in a year, or more importantly, simply read it every day.

Before I give you some “helps” for reading your Bible every day, I want to give you some reasons why I think this is a great idea for the New Year.

1. God’s word is a guide for us – Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

2. Jesus is the Word, and so to know Him, you can read the Word. – John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

3. It is a great way to connect with your Heavenly Father. Reading the Word of God is like God speaking to you.

4. It can make you wise. “From a child, you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus!” 2 Timothy 3:15

5. Reading the Bible will equip you for life. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness–so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work!” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Ready for some helps??? Check here!

Bibles

1. NIV Daily Bible: In Chronological Order (comes in different versions)– This is a Bible that many in my family have used. I really like this one because you read the Bible in order it happened. http://www.christianbook.com/niv-daily-bible-chronological-order-softcover/9780736901987/pd/7596?item_code=WW&netp_id=150799&event=ESRCN&view=details

2. The One Year Bible(comes in different versions) – Each day you will read some of the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. http://www.christianbook.com/esv-one-year-bible-paperback/9781581347081/pd/47081?item_code=WW&netp_id=381676&event=ESRCN&view=details

3. There are many different daily Bibles to help you read everyday. Check our more here: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=158600&sp=1003&event=1003SPEL|1774981|1003

Online and Other Resources

1. Our Daily Bread devotionals – are another way to help you read your Bible every day. They have a short passage to read that goes along with the devo and also a Bible in a year plan. You can get these online, in the mail, through email, on your phone, or through podcasts. Check them out here: http://odb.org/

2. 411 God – Is a 60 second phone call that you get every day with a Bible reading on it. http://411god.net/

3. Powered by 4 – is a daily email with a reminder and a short scripture passage and more. Find out more: http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/P4homepage.html

Bible Reading Plans*

1. Back to the Bible - http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Bible-Reading-Guides.html

2. BibleYear.com - http://www.ewordtoday.com/year/

3. Zondervan - http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/Bible/Plans.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan

4. The One Year Bible - http://www.oneyearbibleonline.com/

*These Bible reading plans offer: 30 day, 60 day, 90 day, 365 day, 3 year, topical, beginning to end, chronological (in order that events happened), historical (in order books were written), Old and New Testament, New then Old, Blended, etc… Hopefully, you can find one to fit you! And if one doesn’t work, don’t give up, keep going or try a new one.

I pray that you can have fun with this and that it will really help you in your relationship with Christ. If you do not know where you are on your walk of faith, this is a great place to start. God will direct your path! Have a Bible-filled, Christ-filled, New Year!

by Mandy H.

Add Your Comment Here – January 2011

2011-01-07T10:50:00.000-06:00

JESUS – Add Your Comment Here – January 2011

This New Year I plan to…

**Add your comment here by clicking the comment button below**

By Faith...Coming Soon

2011-01-07T10:48:00.000-06:00

OTHERS – By Faith

COMING SOON

Author Interview-check back SOON

Helping in the Harvest: The Grant Family

2011-01-07T10:47:00.000-06:00

OTHERS – Helping in the Harvest: The Grant Family

One of the reasons supporting missionaries and being involved in ministry is so important to me is because my family and I were missionaries. We served in the inner city of Los Angeles with the organization World Impact. My dad taught in World Impact’s Los Angeles Christian School and we lived not far from downtown, near the families we ministered to.

I learned so much and met lots of amazing people during the 2 years we were there. The Grants were one family we met. Todd and Jennifer live in Watts as World Impact church planters along with their 4 kids and now 3 foster kids. When our families got together, which was fairly often, the house was packed.

I recently asked Mrs. Grant about their ministry.

What are some things you do as church planters?

We share Jesus with others through whatever opportunities He gives us. We live in our neighborhood so we can share Christ with our neighbors during our everyday activities. We also teach and disciple believers through Bible Clubs, Bible Studies and one on one relationships. Todd is the pastor of our church and preaches each Sunday. We also minister to our neighborhood through our medical clinic, literacy activities, sports ministries, youth groups, and outreaches. In the fall we will assist in starting an elementary school at our ministry site.

How is a typical Sunday/Church service for you different than a typical Sunday/Church service elsewhere?

We serve breakfast before our first service and lunch after our second service. We don’t expect people to wear dress clothes, because many people in our community don’t have them. Some people dress up, but most don’t, and everyone is welcome no matter what they are wearing. Our congregation is very diverse, and often includes people from different neighborhoods (which means they have crossed gang territories to come), different ethnicities, different counties and even different countries. Sometimes people are struggling with their addictions and may come to church under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Many children come without their families. Also, our service usually lasts about 2-2 ½ hours. Our music is diverse too, and may include praise songs and Christian hip hop or rap.

What are some of the challenges you face while witnessing to these people?

Often we encounter people who say they are Christians, but they haven’t really trusted Christ as their Savior and they don’t walk with Him daily as their Lord. They don’t realize that having Jesus as your Savior makes a difference in the daily choices and decisions one makes. Many in our community say they believe there is a God, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Him. They equate being a Christian with being religious. Also, many people are addicted to drugs and alcohol or are caught in generational patterns of sin. These strongholds can only be broken by the power of Jesus’ name, but many people mistakenly believe they must clean themselves up before coming to Christ.

What are some ways you’ve seen God at work in Watts?

We have had the amazing privilege of seeing God work in a number of ways. We have seen Him set people free from addictions, give the homeless a home, provide jobs, provide food, provide volunteers, and change hearts! Todd has had the privilege of marrying 3 couples since PowerHouse was launched and marriage is virtually unheard of in Watts.

What are some things you’ve learned since ministering in Watts?

Spiritually, I’ve learned a much deeper reliance on Christ. I am learning to trust Him more and more each day. My prayer life has been strengthened. I treasure His word more and more.

Practically, I’ve gotten a taste of what it means to live in an urban environment. There are armed guards at our grocery store. Our home was robbed by people in our community. Our fence was broken down and our dog was tasered by the police. Our street has been shut down for hours because of a tactical alert, and we could not get in or out. I’ve seen dead bodies in the street and I hear gunshots on a regular basis. I’ve learned that racism is still rampant in our country. I have seen blatant injustice and hatred.

Personally, I’ve been blessed with great neighbors and wonderful deep friendships with people in our church and community. I’ve been touched by the generosity of my neighborhood. I have learned that you cannot judge a community by what you see on the evening news. I’ve been moved by the joy of worshipping with a diverse group of believers because it gives us a little taste of what heaven will be like.

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude...shouting: ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty reigns.’”

Revelation 19:6

How to Help

Pray

What are some things we can be praying about for you?

Pray that God would continue to move in mighty ways and draw people to Himself, and that He would use us to further His kingdom by equipping us to share His message of redemption boldly and competently.

Pray for our children, that they would all trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior and follow passionately after Him.

Pray for safety and for peace in our community.

Pray that new believers would be encouraged in their faith and would be able to leave old sin habits and patterns behind.

How might someone sign up to receive your monthly prayer letters?

They can email me their name and address and I will make sure they receive them. Our email is powerlinkla@sbcglobal.net

Give

Is there a way to give online to you?

Yes, visit www.worldimpact.org and click on “Give” change designation to “Staff by Name” and choose Grant, Todd and Jennifer

Or you can go to our missionary homepage http://www.worldimpactla.org/missionaries/results.php?NameID=8 and click on “ give”

Do

Are there ways for people to volunteer and come to help you, either for just a day or perhaps a whole summer?

Yes, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer. We love to have folks come for whatever time they can and minister with us. Some of the groups and individuals have done building maintenance, health fairs, VBS, prayer walks, tutoring, life skills teaching, art clinics and a variety of other ministries. Please email us if you are interested in serving here in Watts.

Would it be okay if any of our readers email or write to you?

I would love to hear from your readers.

In Your Community

I asked Mrs. Grant if she ever imagined herself working in Watts. She said, “I felt called to missions as a child, but I had always imagined being overseas. God opened my eyes to the deep needs here in our own nation.” That reminded me that I am a missionary right here in my own neighborhood. There is, as she says, great needs even here in our own backyard! In fact, that is the reason my family chose to move into a suburban-type neighborhood, so that we can be closer to other people.

One of the needs and challenges of my neighborhood is people thinking they are saved just because they are religious. The Grants face the same challenge, so I wondered how they reach people like that. I realized that I can do exactly what the Grants do: We live in our neighborhood so we can share Christ with our neighbors during our everyday activities. As I live my life completely devoted to God, my neighbors will see the difference between the way they are “Christians” and the way I follow God—and they will probably want to know why. It is just like Jesus says in Matthew 5:16.

What challenges do YOU face in reaching your neighborhood for Christ?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

By Rachel R.

5 Uses for… The New Year

2011-01-07T10:39:00.000-06:00

YOU – 5 Uses for… The New Year

The New Year is here and it is the time to do new things. Here are a few suggestions that you can use to do something new for the New Year.

1. Create a plan to become closer to God

         a. Bible reading

         b. Praying

         c. Journaling

         d. Attending Church

         e. Volunteering at Church

2. Set some new goals that CAN be accomplished

        a. Take your sister out for an ice cream cone

        b. Keep your room clean

        c. Cook dinner once a week for your parents and family

3. Try something new (even if it is small)

       a. Go on a trip with your family

        b. Go visit someone in the hospital or a nursing home

        c. Practice a different character trait on different days of the week

4. Stretch yourself and let God use you – Do something hard

       a. (This can be different for each one of us)

      b. Read the book Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris to learn more

5. Make an impact in someone’s life

      a. Spend a whole hour with a sibling

      b. Help your grandparents

      c. Babysit so your parents can go out

This is a starter list. Find what is different and hard and challenging for you. Ask God how He wants to use you this New Year. Have a willing heart, a heart to serve our Father. And go out and DO!!!

Share with us what you are doing. What are your plans for the New Year?

By Mandy H.

December 2010

2010-12-01T00:07:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

I hope all of you are getting excited about Christmas!

Check out all of the articles below. Read and interact! Add your comments and send in your ideas, see below for more info.

Remember to find Christ in CHRISTmas!

JOYauthors,

Mandy and Rachel

JESUS-Prophesy to Birth

2010-12-01T00:06:00.000-06:00

JESUS-Prophesy to Birth

Now is the time of preparation for Christmas. We ready our hearts and our lives for the celebration of the coming of Christ. We should reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. What does Christmas show us about God? Who is this Christ? Why did He need to come? Christ came for us, to fulfill God’s promises. All the Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. What new thing will you learn about Jesus this Christmas? How will it impact your life? Or someone else’s?

“It had taken centuries for God’s promises to be ready, but now the time had almost come for the best part of God’s plan.”

“God himself was going to come. Not to punish his people – but to rescue them.”

“God was getting ready to wipe away every tear from every eye.”

“And the true party was just about to begin…”

~The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally-Lloyd-Jones (Page 173)

From the beginning of time, all of those centuries ago, God promised that He would send His Son to be our Savior, to wipe away our tears and to love us, if we will commit our lives to Him.

Prophesy to Birth

The first prophecy is found in Genesis, just after the first sin.

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;

He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

Then the Old Testament Prophets also tell of the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ. This passage
gives us some names for Him and how He will rule forever.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighty

will accomplish this.

In Micah, God tells us from what tribe and line Jesus will come from and where He will be born.

Micah 5:2 (NIV)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,

though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah,

out of you will come for me

one who will be ruler over Israel,

whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.”

The next verse in Isaiah, tells us how God will send his Son.

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

“Everything was ready. The moment God had been waiting for was here at last! God was coming to help his people, just as he promised in the beginning.”

“But how would he come? What would he be like? What would he do?”

“Mountains would have bowed down. Seas would have roared. Trees would have clapped their hands. But the earth held its breath. As silent as snow falling, he came in. And when no one was looking, in the darkness, he came.”

~The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally-Lloyd-Jones (Page 174)

Now in Matthew, the Bible shows us how the prophesies have come true.

Matthew 1:21-22 (NIV)

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

God demonstrates to us how he had planned a Savior for us all the way back in Genesis. And He goes on to tell us about His plan for Salvation all the way through Scripture, especially through the prophets.

Most importantly, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8 Jesus not only came to earth as man, but then He died to save us. He gave us the greatest gift of all.

Take time this season to Thank God for sending His Son so that we have a way to eternal life with Him.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

And read the whole Christmas story in Luke 2!

JESUS-Add Your Comment Here-December 2010

2010-12-01T00:05:00.000-06:00

JESUS-Add Your Comment Here-December 2010

My family’s Christmas tradition[s] is/are…

OTHERS - By Faith…Simeon and Anna

2010-12-01T00:04:00.000-06:00

OTHERS - By Faith…Simeon and Anna

Based off of Luke 2:21-38(Read the whole story there) All quotes are taken from the NIV Bible

Simeon and Anna were used by God in the very first Christmas story to show how much they trusted Him to send the world a Savior. Each day they lived “by faith” waiting for the coming Messiah.

Eight days after the child was born, it was time for Him to be circumcised. The Law of Moses said that “’Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’”, and the parents should offer “a pair of doves or two young pigeons” as a sacrifice.

So Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be circumcised at the Temple in Jerusalem. At that time He was named Jesus, “the name the angel had given him before he was conceived”.

Now there was a righteous and devout man in Jerusalem named Simeon. “He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:”

“’Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’”

Mary and Joseph were amazed at what was said about Jesus. “Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”

~Simeon had faith in God that He would do what he had promised. He had faith that he would see the Messiah. And he had faith enough to say, “You may now dismiss your servant in peace”, because he knew his Savior had come. ~

“[Now] there was also a prophet, Anna... She was very old…and was a widow.” “She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” She also came up to the little family. “She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem”.

~Anna also had faith. She had great faith in God and worshiped him around the clock. She was a widow and it appears she did not have family to take care of her because she was always at the temple. She had faith that the Child was truly the Savior and she went and told everyone! ~

God used these two people to show us their anticipation for the coming King, Jesus Christ. Anna and Simeon waited and waited for that day, the day when they would hopefully see their Messiah. They truly did live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). And God rewarded them for it by letting them see the Christ Child.

As Christmas approaches, are you anticipating the celebration of the birth of the Savior? And more importantly, are you anticipating the day that is still coming when we will meet Him face to face?

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight.

OTHERS-Helping in the Harvest: Angel Tree

2010-12-01T00:03:00.000-06:00

OTHERS - Helping in the Harvest: Angel Tree

Have you ever seen those Christmas trees covered with paper angels? Not just any paper angels, but ones that have the name of a child and what they would like for Christmas. Have you ever wondered what they are for? Or maybe why people walk up and take the angels?

Well, the “angel trees” are actually part of an outreach headed by a division of Prison Fellowship called Angel Tree (you could have guessed the name, right?) Angel Tree was made as a way to reach out to children whose parent or parents are imprisoned and can’t give them a gift this Christmas. At the same time, it shows both the children and their parents God’s love though the compassion of His people.

The program starts with Angel Tree Ministries and other prison ministries who sign up incarcerated parents who would like help to send a gift to their child. An angel-shaped tag is made with each child’s name, age, and what they would like for Christmas. These tags are distributed to local churches and stores who have signed up to participate in Angel Tree.

The churches and stores then set up their own “angel trees”. People can take a tag and buy a gift for the child. They wrap it and bring it back to the Angel Tree location. On the week of Christmas, the gifts are delivered to the kids with a note from their parent. While the gifts are being delivered, the volunteers get to share the real reason of Christmas with the kids. The children learn the joy of knowing that their parent still cares for them and that God cares for them too.

It is not just the kids, though, who grow closer to God through this ministry, but their parents as well. The parents see Christians who care enough to buy a Christmas present for a child they don’t even know. Then when it is given, those people don’t take any credit, but give it solely in the parent’s name. You can only imagine what the parents think when they witness this love and kindness.

Angel Tree is simple, but it makes such an impact. It helps to restore the relationship between a child and their parent. The gift opens doors to talk to people about God’s love. And what better thing to focus on as Christians than God’s love- especially during this time of year?

“...I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Matthew 25:36b

How to Help

Talk to your pastor or church secretary to see if your church is involved in Angel Tree. See if you can help coordinate it. Tell your friends about the ministry. Maybe your family could buy a gift for a child together. No matter how creative you get, remember to get the gift back on time! To find out more about Angel Tree go to http://www.prisonfellowship.org/deliverlove

Pray

Prayer is so important. Pray for the child your gift is going to as well as their parent. You can also look at http://www.prisonfellowship.org/deliverlove-stories and pray for the children in the stories featured there.

Give

Another fairly simple way to help is to give. Angel Tree has an online option for getting a gift to a child which is a great way to get involved if your church is not registered. You can choose a child based on age, gender, and the state they live in or let Angel Tree choose one for you. Go to https://www.prisonfellowship.org/deliverlove-gift for the online gift option or go to https://www.prisonfellowship.org/deliverlove-donate-now to support the ministry.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is known to be my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly be rewarded.”

Matthew 10:42

YOU - 5 Uses for…Christmas Cards

2010-12-01T00:02:00.001-06:00

YOU - 5 Uses for…Christmas Cards

1. Christmas gift tags – Cut out shapes from the Christmas cards and glue them together or glue them to a blank piece of paper, so you can write, “to” and “from” on it!

2. Make gift bags – Cut apart Christmas cards and glue them to paper bags to make a festive gift bag!

3. Lacing or sew cards – These may be fun for your younger siblings or cousins. Cut off the front of the card. Punch holes all the way around. Grab an old shoe lace or some yarn (with tape on the end to make easy lacing) and do some sewing!

4. Make new Christmas Cards – Cut the old ones apart and glue onto new cardstock or paper.

5. Gift Wrapping – Use to decorate Christmas Presents! Cut the cards apart and glue onto the presents, Tie them to a bow, or be creative and see what you can come up with.

6. Decorate your room or the house – Glue the fronts together and hang from a string from a curtain. Use sticky stuff and put on the wall or your window.

Use your imagination! Send in your ideas for Christmas cards to: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com
or comment below

YOU - Gift Wrapping

2010-12-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

YOU - Gift Wrapping

Are you sick of using the same old wrapping paper for Christmas or you just want to try something new?
Here are some ideas for wrapping those fun gifts and ways to decorate them!

Wrapping Materials

1. Newspaper

2. Comics (from the paper)

3. Fabric

4. Wallpaper

5. Plain paper (decorated of course)
6. Tissue Paper
7. Maps
8. Paper shopping bags (Re-decorated)
9. Garbage Bags (With ribbon around the top)

Decorations

1. Ribbons

2. Yarn

3. Leftover scraps of paper

4. Markers

5. Stickers

6. Stamps

7. Bows

8. An ornament

9. Cookie cutter

10. Pipe Cleaners

Examples:

Wall Paper with scrap paper decoration

Fabric with fuzzy yarn


Newspaper with beads, stamps, stickers

Comics with ribbon

Tissue paper w/ yarn and pom-pom

White paper decorated

Scrap book paper w/ fuzzy yarn

Tissue paper and recycled card

Tissue Paper with Letters

Have some fun with these ideas! See what you can come up with!

If you like how they turn out, send us some pictures of your fun wrapped gifts and we may post them (with your permission). Send to: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com

November 2010

2010-11-09T20:53:00.000-06:00

Dear Girls,

November is the beginning of the holiday season. Winter is teasing us as fall retreats into oblivion. Thanksgiving comes with food and festivity. Christmas is suddenly right around the corner...

There are so many things to talk about and do this month. One of the biggest things for JOY is what is going to go in YOU. We have a survey going on right now. The top three things people want to see in YOU so far are:

1. Uses for everyday items
2. Stories about girls
3. An Ask Grandma column

Some other ideas are book reviews, movie reviews, fun facts, history or Bible facts, useful crafts, and activities. What do you think? Tell us what you want to see in YOU. Go to the JOY contact page to subscribe for email updates, vote for your favorite ideas, and tell us what else you'd like to see.

Have a great time reading and Give Thanks this Thanksgiving!

JOY authors

P.S. One more thing, girls, this month, November is the first Anniversary for JOY Blog. One year ago JOY Blog was created! So…Happy First Anniversary JOY Blog!!!

Devo-Give Thanks in All Circumstances…

2010-11-09T20:51:00.000-06:00

Give Thanks in All Circumstances…

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.

It’s the end of October and Halloween is over. Then comes November… You go to the store and not only is all of the Halloween stuff almost gone, but they are restocking the shelves. You might think it would be with Thanksgiving things. But you probably all know already that they are not putting out Thanksgiving stuff. All the Christmas items are now on display! And no, I am not putting down Christmas ‘cause I LOVE Christmas, and I am not saying that stores have NO Thanksgiving things, I am just making the point that we sometimes seem to forget and push aside Thanksgiving, other than the turkey and trimmings! AND we push away the meaning.

On that very first Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims thanked the Indians, but most importantly they gave thanks to God.

The Bible calls us to give thanks and to be thankful. One of my favorite verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:18. I like that this verse says ‘IN’, not ‘for’. If you look above at the verse, it tells you to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. There are some difficult things in all our lives that are tough to be thankful for- like someone dying, but we can still be thankful if we know that person was a Christian and is with Christ now. God with us and working through the tough situations help us to give thanks IN everything.

We all have much to be thankful for. This year try to recognize your many blessings. And as Thanksgiving approaches, think of all the people in your life and think of why God has placed them in your life and why you are thankful for them. Then give thanks. Give thanks to God for putting them there and then give thanks to the people for the impact they have made in your life.

Learn to be thankful! Remember that giving thanks should not only be on Thanksgiving, but all year around!

~Mandy

Add Your Comment Here...November 2010

2010-11-09T20:49:00.000-06:00

This year, I am especially thankful for…

By Faith...Todd MacDonell

2010-11-09T20:42:00.001-06:00

By Faith-Todd MacDonell

Almost one month ago, October 13, a man that lived “by Faith” died. Todd MacDonell was 48 years old. He was married and had two daughters. He lived in a town near me and was the pastor of a local church.

I had not known this man very long. He had recently gotten involved in the political arena which I had also gotten involved in. Then at the end of the summer, he started getting sick. He had a disease called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. It is a disease that causes your brain to deteriorate. After the diagnosis, Pastor MacDonell lived only a few short weeks longer. Today he is with Jesus, his Savior and Lord.

But even though many feel his life was cut short and even though I did not even know him long, he was a man that made a difference. He lived his faith daily. You could see his hope, the hope of salvation, in his eyes. And he was bold. He lived boldly for Christ. He stood up for what was right and made an impact on every person that crossed his path.

His memorial service was unlike any I had ever been to before. We were able to celebrate his life here on earth, yet also rejoice that he is now with our Savior.

Hebrews 11:39-40 says, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect”. I believe this means that only in Heaven are we truly rewarded for living “by faith” here. I want to remind you of how a life can be cut short by our standards, yet God knows everything and has a perfect plan for all of us. I also want you to remember to make every day count. Live each day like it is your last, because it may be, and above all, give your life to Christ. He is waiting for you to open the door. He is waiting for you to allow Him access to your life.

As Thanksgiving draws near, give thanks for all of the people that have made a difference in your life. Thank God for them and then thank them for being there for you, because you never know when your last chance to do that will be. Pastor Todd’s death made me realize that you should never take those people who have been there for you for granted. Thank them now!

~Mandy

Helping in the Harvest: Operation Christmas Child

2010-11-09T20:36:00.000-06:00

Helping in the Harvest: Operation Christmas Child

One late fall afternoon, my brother stumbled upon something in a ditch on the side of the road. He thought it was just a piece of trash, but took a closer look anyway. As he picked it up, he got a real thrill. It wasn’t just a piece of trash, but a $20 bill!

About that time, our family was getting ready to do one of our favorite traditions- packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, works to bring joy and the good news of Jesus to needy children all over the world. To do this, volunteers pack empty shoeboxes full of new toys and treats for children who might not otherwise get a Christmas gift.

Usually, everyone in my family will pitch in money and we’ll pack a shoebox together. This year, my brother had another idea. He decided to use the $20 he had found to pack another shoebox full of goodies. My family had fun picking out things for both shoeboxes. We picked out coloring books, crayons, pencils, toothbrushes, soap, dolls, stuffed animals, toy cars, bouncy balls, lollipops, yo-yos and any other thing else we could afford.

When we got home, we packed everything in our 2 designated shoeboxes. After we wrapped and labeled each one (marking what age and gender child the toys inside were best for), we added a little note wishing the child who received each box a “Merry Christmas”. Before we dropped them off at one of the drop-off locations, we prayed over the boxes, the workers who would deliver them, and the children who would receive them.

I love my family’s tradition of giving to others during what is sometimes the most selfish time of the year. Sometimes I get focused only on what I want for Christmas this time of year, but packing a shoebox for a child, who might have never received a gift before, puts things into perspective. Remembering that for a child, receiving a shoebox is often the first step for them to come to know God really takes the focus off of myself and puts it on the One whom Christmas is really about.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”

How to Help

This year, Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection week is

November 15-22.

To find a drop-off location for your shoebox, go to:

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Drop_Off_Locations/

Give

What better way to give than by packing a shoebox for a child in need? You could pack a box with your family or friends, or get really creative and throw a shoebox-packing party! Follow the guidelines to packing a shoebox at: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/
Packing a shoebox isn’t the only way to give. You can help spread the word about Operation Christmas Child or go to https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Project_Donations/ to donate to Operation Christmas Child or other ministries of Samaritan’s Purse.

Pray

This is a great way to help if you don’t pack a shoebox- or even if you do. You can pray especially for the workers who travel and work hard to get the boxes into the hands of children, and for the children themselves. If you want to be really involved, go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/1khours and pledge your prayers for Operation Christmas Child by choosing a day and time slot to pray during National Collection week. To find additional prayer requests go to: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Pray/pray_occ

Narnia Fans

Just like in Narnia, where it was always winter and they didn’t have Christmas until Aslan came; there are children in our world who never have the joy of Christmas until they have the love of Jesus. They are shown Christ’s love when the gift of a lovingly packed shoebox comes to them. Operation Christmas Child is partnering with The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader to encourage Narnia Fans to fill shoeboxes and make a difference in the lives of impoverished children around the world. Check out Operation Narnia at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/operation_narnia/

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Matthew 18:5

~Rachel

Five uses for…Baking Soda

2010-11-09T20:34:00.007-06:00

Five uses for…Baking Soda

1. Get rid of icky smells on your hands –If you cut up an onion or something left a bad smell on your hands, rub about 2 tsp. of baking soda on your hands to get rid of the smell.

2. Remove coffee or tea stains – Take a damp cloth and dip it in baking soda to create a paste. Then rub the paste on the stained cups or tea pots!

3. Clean up baby spit-up – For you babysitters or big sisters out there, the next time the baby spits-up on you, wipe it off your shirt, then take a damp cloth dipped in baking soda and rub it on the spot. It will not only take the stink away, but will keep it from staining your clothes!

4. Remove crayon from the wall.

5. Deodorize anything

Baking soda can polish, deodorize, and remove stains from all kinds of things. Try it out!

~Mandy

October 2010

2010-10-06T22:15:00.001-05:00

This month’s theme is Harvest. We will be talking about the changing season and about God’s Harvest.

We will also be looking at what JOY Blog is all about. This month’s articles will go back to what JOY Blog’s purpose is and what each part of JOY blog is for. Next month is the one year anniversary and I wanted to go back and evaluate JOY Blog and give you a better idea of what it is and also what it stands for.

You will also get to read JOY Blog’s Statement of Faith.

There are also a few changes for this month. Rachel R. is writing a new column. Her column is called “Helping in the Harvest”. Also Heather Grace is no longer writing for JOY Blog and there will be a few changes in YOU, including new columns. Please give us your feedback on YOU. Check it out to see what I am talking about!

If you have any questions, please ask. There are many changes and new things, but this is for you, so let us know what you want!

One great way you can do this, this month is by taking a quick 10 question survey. Here is the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6LYT3KF
You can also just click on the right of this post.

JOYauthors,
Mandy and Rachel

JOY Blog Statement of Faith

2010-10-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

Statement of Faith

JOY Blog believes…

Mentors-

… That the Bible calls older women to “train the young women” (Titus 2:3-5). No matter how old you are, you are called to mentor girls/women who are younger than you. You should also be mentored by older and godlier women.

Trinity-

... That “the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4), existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, John 10:30, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Father-

… That God is our Father and we are His children. (John 1:12, Matthew 6:9, Romans 8:15, Acts 17:24-28)

… That the Father is Lord of all and the Maker of Heaven and earth. (Acts 17:24, Genesis 1:1)

Son-

… That Jesus Christ is God's only begotten Son. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life. He was crucified, dead, and buried. On the third day He rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven. He is the only mediator between God and man. (Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:18-25, Mark 14:61-62; Luke 3:22; John 1:1-3, John 1:14, John 5:18, John 10:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 5:20)

…that “there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Holy Spirit-

… That Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to be our “Helper” and to be with us until Jesus comes back again. The Holy Spirit gives us all different gifts to use to minister to people. We also should be able to see the fruit of the spirit. (John 14:15-31, John 15:26-27, John 16:7-15, Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, Galatians 5:16-18, Galatians 22-23; Ephesians 4:30)

Creation-

…that “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

The Bible-

…that the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the inspired Word of God. There are no errors in any of its teachings, including creation, history, its own origins and salvation. It is the highest and final authority on all matters of faith, belief, and conduct. (Matthew 5:17-20, John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Revelation 22:18-19)

… That “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man [or woman] of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (1 Timothy 3:16-17)

Salvation-

… That “salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

… That Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

… “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9)

… That “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” and can fully redeem and powerfully use even those who consider they have been “the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

… God “is patient, not wanting any to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

… That “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Resurrection, Life Everlasting, and God’s Calling on our Life -

… that “our citizenship is in heaven and from it, we eagerly await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:21) “And so shall we forever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

… That until then, we believe we are to strive to “live holy and Godly lives as we look forward to the day of God.”(2 Peter 3:11, 12)

… That Jesus Christ will one day return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion.

...God will fully manifest His Kingdom when He establishes a new heaven and new earth, in which He will be glorified forever and exclude all evil, suffering, and death. (John 14:2-3, Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 22:12-17)

… That we are called to glorify God in whatever we do (1 Corinthians 10:3).

The Church and the Communion of Saints-

…That Jesus Christ is the Head of the church. The church is not the building, but is made up of all believers everywhere in the world. The believers are called to be baptized. The church is called to love and witness to others, preach the gospel, and worship God. (Matthew 22:39, Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 10:25)

The Deceiver and Culture-

…That Satan is God's enemy and his nature and objective is to lie and deceive.

… That Satan uses the various aspects of the culture to promote personal independence by taking us away from the unity that God calls us to have with believers. He also distorts the differences between men and women and tries to confuse their roles.

… That Satan wants to persuade people to not follow God's plan.
(John 8:44; Genesis 3; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-18; 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12; 1 John 2:15)

JOY Blog Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:09:00.000-05:00

JOY Blog Purpose Statement

JOY Blog is designed to be a Christian alternative to what the culture offers girls! It is to encourage girls, about 12 and older. JOY stands for Jesus, Others, and You. The acronym is to help girls to remember to put Jesus first in their lives, then to serve others before ourselves, and lastly to care for ourselves in a godly manner.

JESUS Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:08:00.001-05:00

JESUS Purpose Statement

The JESUS part is dedicated to Him. It is to help girls of all ages to come to better knowledge of our Savior. There will be devotions and other ways to come to know Him better. The overall purpose of this section is putting Jesus first in our lives.

Matthew 22:37-38
37-Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
38-This is the first and greatest commandment.

Devotional Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:07:00.000-05:00

Devotional Purpose Statement

The devotional is meant to encourage girls in their faith walk. It is to build them up and to give helpful ideas to grow in their relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study and reading, and other things.

Add Your Comment Here… Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

Add Your Comment Here… Purpose Statement

Add Your Comment Here is a place for girls to interact. It is a place for girls to ask themselves questions and think deeply about what they believe and then to share their answers with other girls.

OTHERS Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:05:00.002-05:00

OTHERS Purpose Statement

The OTHERS part is about putting other people after Jesus and before yourself. It is to help girls to learn ways that they can love and serve others in their lives and reach out to people.

Philippians 2:3-4
3-Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4-Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.

October - Add Your Comment Here…

2010-10-06T22:05:00.001-05:00

October - Add Your Comment Here…

One way that I am helping to bring in God’s Harvest or witnessing to others is by…

By Faith Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

By Faith Purpose Statement

By Faith is based on Hebrews 11. Hebrews 11:1-2 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” It is to show how people from history, the Bible, and today are living “by faith” and it is to provide examples of how you, also, are called to and can live “by faith”.

Helping in the Harvest Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T22:01:00.000-05:00

Helping in the Harvest Purpose Statement

Helping in the Harvest will feature people sharing the gospel with people all over the world including wherever you live. Each month’s article will highlight someone different. It may be a missionary, a mission organization, or a charity, but they will all have the same goal- to teach others about the hope of Jesus. Helping in the Harvest is based on Matthew 9:37 where Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Each article in Helping in the Harvest will show you how others are helping in the harvest and how you can, too!

Helping in the Harvest

2010-10-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

Helping in the Harvest

Do you know what J.O.Y. stands for? This question is pretty easy if you have been reading JOY for a while. If you don’t know, I’ll give you the answer. The J stands for Jesus, and comes first, just like He should come first in our priorities. Y is for you, who should come last. In the middle is O which is for others, who should come after Jesus but before yourself. (Matthew 22:37-40)

All of us have ourselves as a priority someplace- most of the time at the top of our list. Jesus comes into our lives when we become Christians. The struggle then becomes putting Him first instead of ourselves. And others? You may know from the By Faith articles that we can learn from others, but one of the biggest reasons we need to be focusing on others is so that we can share the love of Jesus with them. (Matthew 28:19-20)

That is where this column comes in. Helping in the Harvest will feature people sharing the gospel with people all over the world and wherever you live. Each month’s article will highlight someone different. It may be a missionary, a mission organization, or a charity, but they will all have the same goal- to teach others about the hope of Jesus.

What’s in the Name?

Helping in the Harvest is based on Matthew 9:37 where Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Jesus wasn’t talking about a literal harvest of crops, but of souls. There are many people who need to know about what Jesus did for them, but not many people telling them. Each article in Helping in the Harvest will show you how others are helping in the harvest and how you can help, too!

One of the ways Helping in the Harvest will help you to do that is by helping you to pray. There will be prayer requests included in each article to help you pray for the featured ministry. If you look at Matthew 9:38, Jesus says to ask God to send out workers to help with the Harvest. Make a point to do what Jesus said and pray for the people that are featured here each month.

Another way to help in the Harvest is by giving. You may have heard the verse “God loves the
cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). What could be better than pleasing God? Each article in Helping with the Harvest will have a way to give. Sometimes that may be by giving money to the people featured that month or perhaps giving your time to a ministry near you.

There is one other way in particular to help in the Harvest: be a worker in your mission field. This doesn’t mean you have to move to a far away country. Believe it or not, you have a mission field all around you! Think of people you come in contact with who don’t know God. These people are whom you can be ministering to. Mark 16:15 says to, "'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" That means even where you live.

Let Helping in the Harvest be an encouragement to you. Remember to pray, find ways to give, and make sure to minister in the mission field God gave you. Remember the O in JOY and I’ll see you back here next month!

By Rachel R.

YOU Purpose Statement

2010-10-06T21:58:00.002-05:00

YOU

YOU is all about you. In YOU, there will be fun activities and useful ideas.

(There are a few changes that are coming to YOU and we would like your input. You can take the survey to let us know what you would like to see or comment below.)

Here is the survey link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6LYT3KF

Here are some ideas for you, but feel free to add others:

useful tips
movie reviews
book reviews
fun facts
history facts
stories about girls
games
puzzles
ask Grandma column
useful crafts
modest dressing
guy talk

September 2010

2010-09-06T22:25:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe September is already here.

September brings school, friends, and changes.

September 12th is Grandparent's Day. And before that is Labor Day. So many new things going on!

In JOY Blog, we have a lot going on, too!

JESUS~

*How to study your Bible-part 2
*Add your comment here

OTHERS~

*By Faith-Janet Pope
*Grandparent's Day

YOU~

*Modest Dressing-It's Fall, The School Years Begins!
*Guy Talk-My Love-part 3

And Rachel R. is back this month. :) Check out her Grandparent's Day article!

Happy beginning of fall!

The JOYauthors
Mandy, Heather, Rachel

Add Your Comment Here...September 2010

2010-09-06T22:22:00.004-05:00

I'm inspired to be a better person from...

How to Study the Bible - Topical Searches

2010-09-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

How to Study the Bible - Topical Searches

Looking up, studying, and memorizing verses by topic is another way that may be useful to you in finding a way to study the Bible. This might not be a long term plan, but it may be useful at different points in your life. For example, you may be going through a time in your life where you are worrying a lot. It may be useful to you to look up verses about fear, being anxious, etc… I have been using this technique a lot lately because I have been teaching a topical Bible study. We had topics like faithfulness, prayer, purity, not worrying, etc… For these topics I did searches on different words that had to do with the topic. On the topic of faithfulness, I looked up the word in the dictionary to give me a start on thinking more about it really means.

Then I looked it in my Bible’s concordance.

Or I looked it up on BibleGateway, which is a great online resource. You can search by topic or by verse in different languages and versions of the Bible.

BibleGateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/

I looked at faith, faithful, faithfulness, and then the opposite; unfaithful. This way it gave me different ideas of what God has to say on the subject from all angles. Using a thesaurus may help with your search to come up with other words that mean the same thing.

If you decide to do a topical search like this, I would suggest getting a notebook, journal, or index cards to write the verses on. Then you have the topical verses all together. Also, consider memorizing the verses that mean the most to you from the search.

This can be a very helpful way to understand more about specific issues that God teaches us about in His Word. Try it out and see if it might be right for you!

Topics that might interest you:

• Faith
• Joy
• Love
• Prayer
• Worry
• Women of the Bible

Grandparent's Day-September 12th

2010-09-06T22:21:00.005-05:00

Grandparent's Day-September 12th

I love Grandparents Day. I love to visit with my grandparents. I love to hear their stories. I love to learn from them. I just love to be around them.

But I thought that was all over when, two years ago, my family moved half-way across the country from both sets of grandparents. I was afraid we might never see them again, or, if we did, we wouldn’t know each other as well as we had. I looked bleakly at the future. No more visits. No more jokes. No more stories. No more hugs. No more of my grammy’s special cookies or cakes. No more of my grandma’s fun treats.

Since we’ve moved, however, I’ve learned a lot. I now know that my grandparents can still tell jokes and stories just as well on paper, computer, or over the phone as they do face-to-face, and that we did, in fact, get to see them again (and we still knew each other). Most of all, I’ve learned that God provides for our needs.

Over the past two years I’ve kept in touch with my grandparents through emails, phone calls, and the like. We probably communicate more now, than when we lived close to each other! My grammy and I email each other almost everyday and my grandma sends me handwritten letters. All of our communication helped us to continue to be close even though we live so far away.

Of course, part of living far away from your grandparents is that you can’t visit them very often, so I was excited when my family went on a trip this summer to visit our extended family. Squeezing all seven people in my family plus my Grammy and Papa into their one bedroom apartment gave us lots of time to spend together! Our Grandma and Grandpa had their 50th anniversary while we were there, and in celebrating they brought out a box of pictures, which we enjoyed looking at and learning the stories behind. I think God provided that trip so that we could be ready to come back home and face all the new challenges before us.

One of the other things God has provided for my family was a “grandma” and “grandpa” here at home. We got to know a really nice couple and started to spend a lot of time with them. They quickly became like grandparents to us, and we soon began to call them Granny and Grandpa. They never replaced our real grandparents at all; instead they helped us bear through the hardship of living so far away from family.

I still miss my grandparents, but I know God provides in wonderful ways. This Grandparents Day, think about how God has provided for you. Thank Him for your grandparents. Thank your grandparents for all they have done. Send them an email or letter. Give them a phone call or a visit. And remember them, not only on Grandparents Day or Christmas, but everyday. It could very well teach you a whole lot.

“Grandchildren are a crown to the aged...”

Proverbs 17:6

By Faith- Janet Pope

2010-09-06T22:21:00.004-05:00

By Faith- Janet Pope

Remember the lady, Janet Pope, I was telling you about last month that memorizes whole passages and books of the Bible? Well, here she is! She is going to tell us more about her, her life, why she decided to memorize scripture, and some fun facts about her! And we will also learn how she is living “By Faith”, like Hebrews 11 talks about.

Interview~

JOY Blog-When did you become a Christian? How were you led to Christ?

Janet Pope-I did not grow up in church so I had no Bible background or religious training. When I was 21 years old, my mother was going through a very difficult time in her life. My sister and I decided that our mother needed God. Pretty profound for two girls who had no idea who God was! We began to take our mother to different churches in the hope of finding God, for her. After a few months I took her to a Bible believing church, we heard the gospel, and within a few months both my mother and I received Christ, and have been growing ever since.

JOY Blog-When did you decide to memorize passages? Why did you decide to memorize passages instead of just memorizing some verses?

Janet Pope-I was 35 years old and attending a Christian conference. A woman came to the podium and recited the entire book of Colossians. It was so powerful hearing the whole book together at one time. I thought to myself “I wish I knew God’s Word like she did”. I realized at that moment that I was pretty shallow in my Bible knowledge, and I had a deep desire to make a change.

JOY Blog-How do you do it?

Janet Pope-I write out what I want to memorize on a 3 x 5 spiral binder. Then I take one verse at a time and begin to memorize it, adding one more verse each day. I carry my spiral with me wherever I go. It sits easily on a counter and I can memorize while I do other things. Over the years I have learned to capture dead time for scripture memory. I memorize while I’m doing household chores, exercising, walking, driving, and getting ready in the morning. When I finish a chapter I take a week or so to review before going on to the next chapter. When I finish memorizing a book, I assign it to one of the days of the week so that I will make that my day to review that book every week, which helps it stay in my memory, while I go on to a new passage.

JOY Blog-What do you do when you feel overwhelmed about life? What do you do when you feel overwhelmed about memorizing Scripture?

Janet Pope-When I feel overwhelmed about life, which does happen on occasion, I run to God’s Word and it is always there for me. Life is unpredictable and always challenging. God’s Word is a stabilizing force because it is truth and it is from God.

When I am overwhelmed about memorizing Scripture, I take a break, while still reviewing, and then pick back up in a few days. Memorizing Scripture is not to be a burden but a joy. Sometimes the task ahead can seem overwhelming, like if you want to memorize Ephesians and you are only on chapter 2. My advice is to go at a pace that works for you.

JOY Blog-How has memorizing Scripture helped you to live “by faith” as Hebrews 11 talks about?

Janet Pope-Honestly, memorizing Scripture has been the biggest boost to my spiritual growth and maturity. Meditating on God’s Word day and night truly is like Psalm one says. It is like a tree planted by streams of water, continually nourished, never parched and dry. Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. God’s Word continually in my mind and heart has been an oasis for my soul. When you look at Hebrews 11, you see people who persevered through all sorts of adversity. And every life is sprinkled with adversity, some have more than others. I have trials in my life and it is God’s Word that helps me to persevere, even when I can’t see the road ahead, or why my life has taken a detour.

JOY Blog-What is your favorite color?

Janet Pope-It used to be pink, but now it’s yellow.

JOY Blog-What is your favorite book?

Janet Pope-The Bible of course. Besides the Bible, “Let the Nations Be Glad” by John Piper.

JOY Blog-One material thing you wouldn’t leave home without?

Janet Pope-I go on a lot of speaking trips, and I always double check to make sure I didn’t forget my NOTES. I can’t always trust my memory!

JOY Blog-One food you don’t think you could live without?

Janet Pope-Definitely… dessert. I love sweets, wish I didn’t, but I’m not ready to give them up.

The School Year Begins!

2010-09-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

Modest Dressing

It’s Fall!

The School Year Begins!

All across America pencils are being sharpened. It’s back to school time! Another school year is upon us! Whether you are homeschooled or go to public or private school, new fashions for fall can excite you! Who doesn’t like a new outfit?

And yet a new outfit doesn’t make the person! God made you unique and perfect in His eyes. God looks straight past your new fall look and directly at the beautiful woman you are inside. Are you learning each day how to be a better daughter for Him? What can you do to let God’s love shine out of you and toward others?

I’m a pen-to-paper girl. So something that has really helped me keep my focus on my relationship with God has been a written reflection. I write down areas of my life that I feel I have improved and things that have brought me closer to my Father God. I then write down the areas in which I’d like to improve. Contemplate….am I all who God wants me to be? It only takes a little bit of time, but it can drastically change your whole outlook. When contemplating a new fall look, remember that attitude and personality show more of who you are than the clothes do! True beauty shines through in who you are, not in what you wear. If you recognize who you are in Christ, His joy will shine forth from you. You will have wrapped yourself in God’s love and you will begin to see yourself from His perspective: a well-loved daughter of the King.

“I will give thanks to You,

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well.”

Psalm 139:14

You are a unique creation.

It is so easy to get caught up in choosing how to look by the latest current trends. Although it is fun to incorporate what you have seen others wear or what popular media says is wonderful, you can make choices that are right for you! You are unique and special. Incorporate some new ideas into your already existing unique style to vary things and to make some changes.

A common misconception in women is that they have to look like the mannequins in the store window in order to look “fashionable.” Yet because you are unique and have your own style, you can incorporate some of the latest style ideas into your own style for a pleasant change. It will take your unique look to the next level without changing who you are.

“Looking good” doesn’t mean “costing a lot.”

Reuse! I cannot emphasize enough the importance of accessorizing! Adding new accessories to an outfit can completely change the look and add a breath of fresh air to the style.

Experiment with your closet by combining new top and bottom combinations and by adding fun accessories to bring the whole outfit together. When I create a new look with the clothes in my closet, often my clothing combination doesn’t appear to match correctly. It’s not until I bring the outfit together with my jewelry and shoes that my look steps up to a whole new level.

When I moved to England, I only brought with me one suitcase of clothing. Yet, even with my limited amount of clothing that I brought with, I was able to make new combinations with my clothes and accessorize them in fun ways to create new looks. I was always asked how many trunks I brought with me to Britain. People couldn’t believe that I had only brought one suitcase!

Take the time to experiment with your wardrobe. You’ll be surprised at how amazing you look by just reusing your preexisting clothes and by adding new accessories! This fall, remember to be unique and true to yourself. But above all, remember that it truly is the inside that counts. You are His creation! He cares about you!

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Matthew 6:28-30

The Love Trilogy: My Love

2010-09-06T11:05:00.000-05:00

Guy Talk

My Friend. My Healer. God has revealed Himself to me in these two ways. These two entities have provided me with the miracle of hope and the promise of His relationship and His hand on my life. This month we conclude the Love Trilogy. If this is your first time joining us, I encourage you to skip back a few months to the beginning of this series. This month I pray that God will shower you with love, His love. I pray the love that He showers on you everyday will be real, but with a new impact that will reach the depths of your heart and meet you on the road at which you stand.

We all search for love. We all desire to feel needed, wanted, admired, and loved. The culture puts unnecessary pressure on us to have boyfriends and this longing can often lead to heartbreak, depression, and confusion. Is love worth the trouble?

My search for love has led to a lot of heartbreak. Just like millions of women out there, I have searched for a “good man,” only to be disappointed or crushed. After some unhealthy relationships, I eventually found myself losing hope and even disregarding the dream of finding real love. Even in my relationships with men that have been decent, I have known deep in my core that they weren’t meant to be. This only left me depressed.
Finally I did it. I crossed love off of my list. I decided that focusing on my career and life goals was more important than finding the love of my life. And I was content…well, maybe content isn’t the right word….I was complacent. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about not having the love of my life, but deciding not to try any more was better than being disappointed. I decided that love wasn’t worth the trouble.

One Sunday, within this last year, I went to church with my family. A young preacher was ministering. He spoke of God’s love for us; not an unfamiliar message in the church and, quite frankly, one that I had heard before. What was different about this message was the young preacher’s expression as he spoke.
“He passionately loves us…” his voice trailed off and stillness filled the room. Tears filled his eyes and he gently smiled, “He…,” his voice cracked and he paused to regain himself,” He is passionately in love with you.”

I felt the wind get knocked out of me. He is passionately in love with me. The God of the universe, My Healer, My Friend….. is passionately in love with me. Even after all of my stumbling and shortcomings, He is in love with me. And not just in love…passionately in love. I had to let this sink in and marinate for a bit. It was too overwhelming for me.

The David Crowder Band sings a song called “How He Loves.” The lyrics are so incredibly powerful. Take a moment to meditate on the depth of each line:

“How He Loves”

By the David Crowder Band

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all.

I am still comprehending the depth of His love for me. My Jesus would do anything for me. How He loves me! God is currently teaching me every day that He is the love of my life. He should have always been the love of my life. He’ll place that special someone in my path eventually, but I don’t have to search for someone to love me, because He is already here. He is passionately, overwhelmingly in love with me and in love with you!

The Love Trilogy that God inspired and put on my heart has been an incredible experience for me. Writing it has brought me closer to my God. I am so thankful for Abba. Although your experiences are probably quite different from my own, I hope that some of my feelings resounded with you. I encourage you to share your experiences of what God is teaching you and who God is to you with others. We would be so honored if you would share them with us via an email (address provided below).

I would like to pray over you:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for each of Your daughters reading this. I thank You that they have a desire to learn more of You and build their relationships with You. I know that You have Your hand on their lives and that You are guiding their footsteps in everything they do. I pray that You will take their brokenness, their questions, and their cares upon You. Whisper Your blessings in their ears. Heal broken hearts. Hold their hands. May each day bring them closer and closer to Your love and friendship. I thank You for revealing Yourself to them. I am so thankful for each of my sisters in You! Praise God! Amen~

*Do you have a relationship question for JOY? We're here to offer sound, Christian advice and our prayers. If you have a question or a prayer request, email JOY at: joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com.

August 2010

2010-08-02T16:29:00.000-05:00

This month we have many new and exciting things! Check them out!

In JESUS, this month you can learn some helpful tips on studying your Bible. Over the next few months we will look at different ways to study your Bible. This month is: How to study your Bible – Bible Memorization
Also, check out “Add Your Comment Here” to let us know what your favorite Bible verse is.

In OTHERS, our By Faith is on Brother Andrew --- Risking Everything for God’s Word.

In YOU, we have Fancy Footwork under “Modest Dressing”, Sparkling Summer Eyes under “Natural Glow”, and the 2nd part of the Love Trilogy; My Friend.

Check it all out at: http://joyfilledgirls.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions or comment, email us at joyfilledgirls@hotmail.com or comment below the article!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

P.S. join our Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=275744011874&ref=ts