Hey....bring on the JOY!

I know I have not been very prompt in posting....
In truth I have been pretty busy with college classes and trying to minister to other survivors.
I say trying because I never feel it has much to do with me but always with the Father who works through me. I really have no wisdom at all within myself and if I should show any wisdom in what I do it is all HIM.

Anyway one thing I would like to share quickly today is this...

I have found as of late how really simple and really joyful our relationship with the Lord should be.
It is not a thing earned or to struggle for... it is just what it is...simple. We as humans always make things harder then it needs to be. We limit God by doing that. I am beginning to understand that the joy of the Lord is our strength because when we really put our faith in HIM and follow HIM the result is JOY!!! Even when no one else understands what you are doing, even when others mock you, or put you down....if you follow HIS leading and trust that HE has it in control and has a plan, that pure joy of knowing HE is in the driver's seat brings out a joy that is indescribable.

The last five years of my journey in Arkansas is about to come full circle. I will be going back to Texas in the spring. When I first came to Arkansas I knew it was a GOD thing...but I never understood how much HE was going to teach me here. I never understood that HE was preparing me to go back to Texas. I never understood that HE was teaching me to trust in HIS leadings, trust in HIS provision, and how much that would lead to my own healing in the process. I am not saying I have a 100% understanding of anything on this earth but what I do know is that MY Father, through HIS Son Christ Jesus is the only thing that never changes and the only thing that can truely heal our soul/spirits. HE is the only thing that can bring us pure joy on this planet. Just look around... when you see a beautiful sunset, or the ocean, or the mountains and valleys and witnessing nature at its most amazing and simplicity, you are witnessing the joy of the Lord! When you know in your heart that HE is in control of your life you are witnessing the Joy of the Lord! When you allow HIM full access to your life in all things, you are witnessing the joy of the Lord. It just bubbles out like a spring that cannot be contained.
It also allows HIM to love others through you as well as see into their hearts and ignore the outside. It is amazing!!!

By learning to put my hand in HIS and trusting, for the first time in my life I am knowing what the JOY of the Lord really means in my life and how that is, HIS strength imparted into us.

Once again many thanks to all of you who have written me, emailed me, commented on this blog, Prayed for me and supported this ministry....and yes I am finally able to  realize that this is a ministry. I guess I never thought I was worthy of a ministry but then it is not mine to be worthy of..it is HIS, I am just HIS avenue to work through. And I have to say..everytime I get to pray with a hurting soul or offer encouragement or just hug a broken hearted person...my heart fills up and my cup runneth over. I pray I can share the JOY of the LORD until my last breath on this planet!!!

Love and Prayers always!
Your sister in the faith,
Judy