HomeWORK

When asked to assess her disdain for homework, on a scale from 1 -10, my daughter answered, "1014".

She hates her homework.  I hate her homework.  She is extremely bright, absolutely capable, and drags her feet when faced with assignments done at home.

I finally had to remind her that doing her homework allows her to participate in church activities, attend play rehearsal, play with her friends, and practice her clarinet (all things that she loves).  I asked her to try and see homework as a ticket to do fun things, rather than a weapon of mass destruction.

I asked her to learn to rejoice in her homework with the new perspective in mind.

James 1 reminds us to do the same with the things we find "unfun".  When I am embarking on my journey to Joy, I must remember that my perspective may be skewed.  I may need only to ask for a new perspective from God.

I asked last week if anyone was ready to embark with me on my "Joy to Go" campaign.  No one responded.

Either everyone has more Joy than they know what to do with or are equally overwhelmed with the every day routine.

Either way, I am ready to find new perspective and see Joy through Heaven's eyes.

Buckle up, Buttercup.

Amberly

iPhool

Nothing makes me feel less smart than my Smartphone...

I was perplexed recently when my phone did not ring.  I used the iPhone book my husband bought me, a half dozen websites, and the advice of others to try and determine what could possibly be wrong.

I finally broke down and went to the Verizon store.  The 11 year old behind the counter (okay, 18, but she looked 11), grabbed the phone, tried a few things and then asked if I had turned on the "vibrate" feature.  I had not and admitted I did not know how to do so.

She opened a small slit in the protective sleeve I have on the phone and uncovered a small button.  She slid it over to a new position and, much to my delight (and mortification), the phone worked beautifully.

The capability was there all along, it was just hidden.

I am embarking on a new speaking campaign called, "Joy to Go".  I want to uncover some of the hidden secrets of true joy.  I am ready to let my joy "ring"...

How 'bout you?

Amberly

Caramel Apple Joy

My favorite post-Valentine treat was a caramel apple from my junior high students.

There is something magical about a caramel apple.  I think it is the contrast between the tart bite of the green apple and the sweet tones of the caramel.

When the day contains tart news, I need to remember that such tartness makes the sweet things in life much sweeter.  I need to rejoice in the tart.  In the sour.  In the unfortunate.

How do I do that?

Any ideas?

Amberly

Valentines Overload

I do not know about you, but I overdid in the candy department today.  Students brought me treats; I ate them.  Even ones I do not like.

I will blame my desire to avoid hurting feelings on my inability to resist the sweets today.

I had a stressful morning getting kids out the door.  Everyone had band instruments, Valentine's, P.E. uniforms, potluck additions, and gifts to deliver.  I think the Israelites had an easier time traveling into the Promised Land and it took them 40 years.

I will blame the stress on my inability to resist the sweets today.

In addition, I am fighting (and losing the battle) an allergy on my face.  Twice, I woke in the night scratching my face and my sleep was terribly interrupted.  On a day for lovers, I have a red beard of rash on my face, leaving me feeling less than, well, lovable.

I will blame the lack of sleep on my inability to resist the sweets today.

I can blame all I want, but the truth is, I made the choice to shove innumerable calories in my mouth.

Often, when I overeat, it is a joy issue.  I forget to rejoice in all that God has given.  I fail to rejoice in His goodness and grace.  I  forfeit the chance to remember His faithfulness.

Can you relate?  SWEET!

Amberly

Joy to Go

What is joy?


According to Dictionary.com, it is "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation".


I do not need an online dictionary to tell you what it is NOT.  It is not tracking calories, sore muscles, taking out the trash, making 70 homemade Valentines, flossing, unloading the dishwasher, applying acne medicine AND wrinkle cream to the same face, three jobs, and chin hairs.


I know.  Because those are the components of my every day.  Where is the joy?


For the next few weeks, I will be exploring my latest speaking campaign "Joy to Go".

Join me with your feelings of insecurity, tweezers, scale, hair dye, broken relationships, and questions as we embark on finding abiding joy whether or not "something exceptionally good or satisfying" occurs.

Let's go on a Joy Ride...

Amberly

Hearing Voices

My husband and I love the TV show, "The Voice".  We sit comfortably in our chairs while people sing their hearts out on national television for the chance to be a star.


It is such a treat to watch people's talent affirmed by celebrity musicians.  The difference between this show and the others is that their choices are BLIND.  The celebrity coaches cannot see the singers before they "choose" them.  No longer are looks the most important factor...


God wants us to employ the same philosophy:

1 Samuel 16:7 says:
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

I am so thankful that God does not think more or less of me because of extra weight, wrinkles, acne, size 11 feet, make-up (or lack thereof), or crooked teeth.  He sees ME.  The real me.  The redeemed me. The loved me.


It is the unconditional love of God that makes me want to sing...but not on national television.


Amberly