“Heart-Joy”

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (AMP)

The Eternal’s directions are correct, giving satisfaction to the heart. God’s commandments are clear, lending clarity to the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (VOICE)

The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (MSG)

"The statutes of the Lord are right." His precepts and decrees are founded in righteousness, and are such as are right or fitted to the right reason of man. As a physician gives the right medicine, and a counsellor the right advice, so does the Book of God. "Rejoicing the heart." Mark the progress; he who was converted was next made wise and is now made happy; that truth which makes the heart right then gives joy to the right heart. Free-grace brings heart-joy. Earthborn mirth dwells on the lip, and flushes the bodily powers; but heavenly delights satisfy the inner nature, and fill the mental faculties to the brim. There is no cordial of comfort like that which is poured from the bottle of Scripture. Treasury of David

This time of year, Christmas, we hear a lot about joy and happiness. If we get that perfect gift, we’ll be so happy. If we get everything on our wish list, we’ll be ecstatic. If we just can get that one item, or find it on sale so we can buy it ourselves, we’ll be filled with joy! Oh, until that item breaks, or we learn after Christmas a new, and improved model is now available.., or we realize that the gift wasn’t all it was advertised to be.... then our joy is gone. 

True joy has its foundation in God, Himself. And since God does not change, He cannot be improved upon, for He is perfect in every way—the joy He provides is everlasting. God’s joy is available, I only have to read the Scriptures and love God, and obey Him. “Heart-joy”. That is joy that springs up inside and bubbles out. It’s a joy that is from God so there is a never-ending supply. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my focus and desire for joy is not based on earthly treasures, but is a true and honest, “Heart-Joy” direct from God! 

Always on Duty

My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (AMP)

The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need. Psalm 121:2 (VOICE)

Help. Sometimes I know the help I need and other times, I don’t realize that I need help. 

I like to plan and prepare. However, I continue to learn that sometimes things happen for which you cannot prepare. On Nov 4, I was at a restaurant watching the Bears football game. I passed out. (Exciting Monday Night!)
Thankfully, those around me caught me so that I did not fall to the floor. The EMTs were called and I spent the night in the hospital for tests. Everything is fine and the doctors contributed the fainting to a combination of medications and the pain level itself. 

Some are now asking, were was God help that night. God provided LOTS of help! First and foremost that I was not driving when I passed out. Secondly, God caught the attention of those around me so that they could catch me, so that I did not hit the floor. The restaurant staff and customers were awesome. The EMTs that arrived and transported me to the hospital were helpful and very kind. And lastly, the hospital was able to attend to me quickly and took great care in making sure I was OK. God was there helping me each step of the way. I’m thankful that God provided all the help I needed—this time using strangers. 

Another example of God’s help happened this week. I went to take my pain medication and the bottle was almost empty. No problem, I have a larger bottle in the cupboard... OK, so I don’t, I had already emptied that bottle. Now what? Trying to get in to see my Dr. the week of Thanksgiving is almost impossible. That’s when God prompted me to check my pharmacy online... I did and I had one more refill before next week! So I was able to order the refill and have it before I ran out of medication. I was very thankful that God was way ahead of me on this one! He helped make sure I had the medications I needed, when I wasn’t paying attention. 

Help. I’m thankful that God is there to help, even when I don’t realize I need it. He’s such an awesome Heavenly Father! To create a positive day, I only have to rest the assurance that God is my help and He’s always on duty. 

EXCITING MONDAY NIGHT!

Wow, what an Exciting Monday Night! 

Let's see… on Monday, Nov 4th, I had a chiropractic appointment, then stopped at Anyway's American Grill & Pub to enjoy dinner and watch the Chicago Bears  football game. 

Just before half time… I fainted. Never had that happen before! The EMTs arrived and my blood pressure was way too low so off to the hospital I went. They ran LOTS of tests. I got to watch my heart beat as they did an echocardiogram. They even added bubbles.. that was 'way cool' to watch! All the results were normal. They attribute the passing out to a combination of pain medication, pain itself, and being a little dehydrated…….maybe the excitement that the Bears were actually BEATING the Packers was just too much… lol 

I was able to meet some amazing people, starting at Anyways, the EMTs, the hospital Emergency Dr and Staff, then the Nurses and Doctors on the cardiology floor, the Techs at all the various testing rooms. I was able to share that God is good! and give some "Create A Positive Day!" cards out. 

I have NO idea why I passed out, but I do know that God PUT me exactly where He wanted me to share how awesome my God is. 

I continue to learn that sometimes when things happen, it's not about me. That God wants to introduce me to people so that I can share how God is working in my life. 

Creating a positive day, is not about me feeling good or just having fun, rather it's about knowing that God is in control and that He is working in and through me for His glory and honor. 

PS. The Bears did win the game 27 to 20! I was able to watch the game in the ER, so that was good. Wasn't sure if the attention I received from the ER Dr and Staff was because they were concerned about me…. or just wanted to see the Bears Game. lol (Seriously, though, they took great care of me!)

Update Wed, Nov 6th: Was talking with God this morning about my "exciting Monday night/Tuesday". I have to say that as I look at the details… wow. First off, I was standing near a table as I started to pass out, and the people nearby caught me, so that I did not fall. There was a Pediatric Nurse there, who stepped in and helped me until the EMTs arrived. The EMTs were great. The Hospital was able to begin treating me as soon as I arrived (due to the fact the EMTs knew which hospitals were busy and which one was not). Even though I was weak, I was coherent and able to tell the Nurses and Dr the vital information. 

The Nurses I had …. were all former HEROES! One served as a firefighter the other an EMT before becoming Nurses. Then one of the Techs I had was a Military Navy Veteran from Florida! His family lives in the city where I was born. As always I was on the "look out" for ways to share my "Create a Positive Day!' cards. And God presented several opportunities. 

Then when I was transferred to a room about 3 am…. my Nurse was so helpful and kind. She asked if I was afraid to go home (a question they ask to learn if there is any abuse in families or home situations). I replied with "No, I'm actually wondering what my parakeet is doing." lol She then asked lots of questions about Max… and of course that opened the door for me to give her one of my "Create a Positive Day!" cards with Max's pictures on it. 

The Drs ordered various tests which included drawing blood and IVs. Each time they needed to "stick me" my veins cooperated. So I'm only bruised a little. So thankful for Nurses who listen to patients who tell them, "use this vein and a double tourniquet". They each listened, and there were no problems. 

Even when there were delays in transporting me from tests, they were "God-designed" as it gave me even more opportunities to share how good my God is. God provided several one-on-one opportunities that would not normally happen in a busy hospital. 

God continues to teach me that it is not about "me". Rather, God creates situations and opportunities to introduce me to people to share about God and His love. 

Although, I'd rather not go through all this again… I do know that if I do, God has a purpose and plan that only He can design. I continue to ask God to make me aware of and attentive to His God-designed plans to give Him the glory and honor. 

Thank you for all your prayers….God is answering them in the most amazing ways!

Not Even Give A Thought

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 16. Here is what I learned.

All the while the despair of many, who abandoned Your goodness for the empty promises of false gods, increases day by day. I refuse to pour out blood offerings, to utter their names from my lips. Psalm 16:4 (VOICE)

Those who quickly chase after other gods multiply their sorrows. I will not pour out their sacrificial offerings of blood or use my lips to speak their names. Psalm 16:4 (GW)

Nor take up their names into my lips - As objects of worship. That is, I will not in any way acknowledge them as gods, or render to them the homage which is due to God. The very mention of the name of any other god than the true God was solemnly forbidden by the law of Moses Exodus 23:13, "And make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth." So the apostle Paul says Ephesians 5:3, "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not once be named among you, as becometh saints." The idea in these places seems to be, that the mere mention of these things would tend to produce dangerous familiarity with them, and by such familiarity take off something of the repugnance and horror with which they should be regarded, They were, in other words, to be utterly avoided; they were never to be thought of or named; they were to be treated as though they were not. No one can safely so familiarize himself with vice as to render it a frequent subject of conversation. Pollution will flow into the heart from words which describe pollution, even when there is no intention that the use of such words should produce contamination. No one can be familiar with stories or songs of a polluted nature, and still retain a heart of purity. "The very passage of a polluted thought through the mind leaves pollution behind it." How much more is the mind polluted when the thought is dwelt upon, and when utterance is given to it in language! Barnes' Notes on the Bible

When man turns from God, they seek other gods to worship. They are dissatisfied with themselves, and their lives yet can’t find the solution; therefore, they continue to search for satisfaction in other gods—anything but the one true God where they can find peace and contentment. 

Why do so many reject God? Perhaps because they have to realize that they are not in control, and need to surrender to One more powerful and Holy. 

Even though I believe in God, and love Him...... how often do I turn from Him because I’d rather enjoy a few moments of sin... or think I am smarter than God... or whatever the reason. Any item, thought, or action that is contrary to God’s holy standard is sin. And if I continue to follow after that sin, that is an idol. And there is to be no other god than GOD... in my life. 

To create a positive day, I need to not even give a thought to anything that is not in accordance with God and His Word.

True and Long-lasting Blessings

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. Psalm 67:7 (VOICE)

You mark us with blessing, O God. Earth’s four corners—honor him! Psalm 67:7 (MSG)

If I follow the thinking of commercials, if I buy the latest style of phone, or have new newest car, or a new pair of jeans, I’d be filled with peace and contentment. That is, until the next style of phone comes on sale.... then the “old” just wont do anymore. 

But as we all know, having the newest phone, or car, may give us a “moment of thrill”, but it soon fades. Finding contentment and peace in things, provides only disappointment. 

The focus of Psalm 67 is God, the True God. When God marks us with blessing.... not only do we have peace and contentment, but those around us can see God’s “blessing mark” upon us. 

God’s blessings aren’t about things, or being pain free. Rather God’s blessings are simply those reminders of His amazing love. It could be a beautiful sunrise, or sunset. It could be a smile from a stranger. Or a song that lifts our spirits. Blessings come in all shapes and sizes, and are often very unexpected. 

If you are looking for blessings in your life, stop looking to people or things, rather look to God .... He is the only source for true and long-lasting blessings! 

To create a positive day, I only have to be alert to the blessings God is giving me!