I subjected myself to a three day digestive cleanse. In case you are unfamiliar, a cleanse is an innocuous word for clearing out one's bowels...one powdery shake at a time.
Although I shed some pounds in the process, I endured nausea, an upset stomach, missed meals, and fatigue.
The health articles I read suggested this cleanse to "jolt" my metabolism by breaking out of the norm. It is engineered to facilitate change by shocking my system into being more efficient.
I efficiently visited the restroom a dozen times the first day. Blech.
Fortunately for me, God is in the cleanse business as well, however, it has nothing to do with the digestive system.
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I want long-lasting joy. I want freedom. I need to start with remembering the faithfulness of God. I need to focus on the justice of God. I need a cleanse. I need to purge my poor habits, guilt feelings, and disappointments and confess them to God. In His goodness, He not only forgives me, He clears out the spiritual debris and allows me to walk in joyful freedom.
If you are ready for some Joy to Go, chew on the promises of this verse. They are MUCH better than a powdery shake...
Amberly
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I am starting to panic. I am two and a half weeks away from my first half marathon and I am freaking out.
I have friends who process stressful things by devising a list of the "worst things that could happen" or "What Ifs" . So, here it goes:
1) I could not finish in the allotted time.
2) I could fail to finish at all.
3) I could wet myself in the process (in Hollywood, no less).
4) I could look foolish.
5) I could get lost.
6) I could break something (my leg, my foot, my pride, etc)
7) I could have a heart attack.
8) I could chicken out completely
9) I could oversleep and miss it.
10) I could be the biggest person in the race and (see #4).
At the gym yesterday, I was enjoying (sick, I know) an aerobics class. It involves a step, free weights, and 80's music. I love it. My ponytail and I were having a grand time until I looked around in the mirror and realized that I was the largest person in the class. By far.
There have been times when I feel especially rotund that I look around to see if anyone else has my same struggle. It makes me feel better to know that someone "understands me" and frankly, may struggle more than I. It placates me until the pangs of insecurity dissapate.
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Courtney Cox, star of Friends and other TV shows, once said, "I'm at peace with myself and where I am. In the past, I was always looking to see how everybody else was doing. I wasn't competitive, I was comparative. I just wanted to be where everybody else was. Now I've gotten to an age when I am not comparing anymore."
Easy for her to say; SHE IS SKINNY! :)
But the truth of the matter is, if she has really embraced this idea of freedom from comparison, she has a lot less "what ifs" with which to contend!
If we are going to experience Joy to Go, we must first shed the notion that spirituality or success is based upon comparing ourselves to others; that is what the Pharisses and other religious leaders in Jesus' time did - and He had VERY harsh things to say to them.
I need to be making less "What If?" lists and more "What Now?" lists. What do you have for me now, Lord? What do you want me to be doing now? What kind thing can I do for my co-worker now? What would you have me say to my student now, Lord? What can I do to show Your love to my family now, Lord? What do you want me to see about myself now?
I may not succeed in this half marathon, but if I keep my eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of my faith", I will surely win a prize. If I stop comparing myself to others and instead, ask to see them through God's eyes, I will already have won!
"What if" you do the same?
Amberly
I have friends who process stressful things by devising a list of the "worst things that could happen" or "What Ifs" . So, here it goes:
1) I could not finish in the allotted time.
2) I could fail to finish at all.
3) I could wet myself in the process (in Hollywood, no less).
4) I could look foolish.
5) I could get lost.
6) I could break something (my leg, my foot, my pride, etc)
7) I could have a heart attack.
8) I could chicken out completely
9) I could oversleep and miss it.
10) I could be the biggest person in the race and (see #4).
At the gym yesterday, I was enjoying (sick, I know) an aerobics class. It involves a step, free weights, and 80's music. I love it. My ponytail and I were having a grand time until I looked around in the mirror and realized that I was the largest person in the class. By far.
There have been times when I feel especially rotund that I look around to see if anyone else has my same struggle. It makes me feel better to know that someone "understands me" and frankly, may struggle more than I. It placates me until the pangs of insecurity dissapate.
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Courtney Cox, star of Friends and other TV shows, once said, "I'm at peace with myself and where I am. In the past, I was always looking to see how everybody else was doing. I wasn't competitive, I was comparative. I just wanted to be where everybody else was. Now I've gotten to an age when I am not comparing anymore."
Easy for her to say; SHE IS SKINNY! :)
But the truth of the matter is, if she has really embraced this idea of freedom from comparison, she has a lot less "what ifs" with which to contend!
If we are going to experience Joy to Go, we must first shed the notion that spirituality or success is based upon comparing ourselves to others; that is what the Pharisses and other religious leaders in Jesus' time did - and He had VERY harsh things to say to them.
I need to be making less "What If?" lists and more "What Now?" lists. What do you have for me now, Lord? What do you want me to be doing now? What kind thing can I do for my co-worker now? What would you have me say to my student now, Lord? What can I do to show Your love to my family now, Lord? What do you want me to see about myself now?
I may not succeed in this half marathon, but if I keep my eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of my faith", I will surely win a prize. If I stop comparing myself to others and instead, ask to see them through God's eyes, I will already have won!
"What if" you do the same?
Amberly
JEANetic Counseling
Well, after I shared my last blog post with a fitness fiend friend of mine, she said, "Oh no. You are not getting on the scale are you?"
Well, actually, I avoid the scale at all costs. When going to the doctor's office, I remove all clothes possible (without embarrassing myself) before stepping on the scale.
Her solution? Buy a pair of jeans that are just a little too tight. She says I should gauge success by how those jeans fit, not by what the scale says. I need a pair of "comparative jeans".
Outside of the weight world, what should the gauge be?
Psalm 40:5 tells me: "Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."
There is no way I can compare to God. My deeds will never be as grand, my motives will never be as pure, my character will never be as pure.
The contrast could deflate my joy.
Fortunately for me, Romans 10:4 offers me the "comparative jeans" I need. It tells me: "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."
What does this mean? It means I can have JOY TO GO because I get to wear the righteousness of Christ. Such a gift from God fits better than any skinny jean!
God is sooooo good.
:) Amberly
Well, actually, I avoid the scale at all costs. When going to the doctor's office, I remove all clothes possible (without embarrassing myself) before stepping on the scale.
Her solution? Buy a pair of jeans that are just a little too tight. She says I should gauge success by how those jeans fit, not by what the scale says. I need a pair of "comparative jeans".
Outside of the weight world, what should the gauge be?
Psalm 40:5 tells me: "Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."
There is no way I can compare to God. My deeds will never be as grand, my motives will never be as pure, my character will never be as pure.
The contrast could deflate my joy.
Fortunately for me, Romans 10:4 offers me the "comparative jeans" I need. It tells me: "Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."
What does this mean? It means I can have JOY TO GO because I get to wear the righteousness of Christ. Such a gift from God fits better than any skinny jean!
God is sooooo good.
:) Amberly
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Making a list and checking it twice
I am starting to panic. I am two and a half weeks away from my first half marathon and I am freaking out.
I have friends who process stressful things by devising a list of the "worst things that could happen" or "What Ifs" . So, here it goes:
1) I could not finish in the allotted time.
2) I could fail to finish at all.
3) I could wet myself in the process (in Hollywood, no less).
4) I could look foolish.
5) I could get lost.
6) I could break something (my leg, my foot, my pride, etc)
7) I could have a heart attack.
8) I could chicken out completely
9) I could oversleep and miss it.
10) I could be the biggest person in the race and (see #4).
At the gym yesterday, I was enjoying (sick, I know) an aerobics class. It involves a step, free weights, and 80's music. I love it. My ponytail and I were having a grand time until I looked around in the mirror and realized that I was the largest person in the class. By far.
There have been times when I feel especially rotund that I look around to see if anyone else has my same struggle. It makes me feel better to know that someone "understands me" and frankly, may struggle more than I. It placates me until the pangs of insecurity dissipate.
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Courtney Cox, star of Friends and other TV shows, once said, "I'm at peace with myself and where I am. In the past, I was always looking to see how everybody else was doing. I wasn't competitive, I was comparative. I just wanted to be where everybody else was. Now I've gotten to an age when I am not comparing anymore."
Easy for her to say; SHE IS SKINNY! :)
But the truth of the matter is, if she has really embraced this idea of freedom from comparison, she has a lot less "what ifs" with which to contend!
If we are going to experience Joy to Go, we must first shed the notion that spirituality or success is based upon comparing ourselves to others; that is what the Pharisees and other religious leaders in Jesus' time did - and He had VERY harsh things to say to them.
I need to be making less "What If?" lists and more "What Now?" lists. What do you have for me now, Lord? What do you want me to be doing now? What kind thing can I do for my co-worker now? What would you have me say to my student now, Lord? What can I do to show Your love to my family now, Lord? What do you want me to see about myself now?
I may not succeed in this half marathon, but if I keep my eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of my faith", I will surely win a prize. If I stop comparing myself to others and instead, ask to see them through God's eyes, I will already have won!
"What if" you do the same?
Amberly
I have friends who process stressful things by devising a list of the "worst things that could happen" or "What Ifs" . So, here it goes:
1) I could not finish in the allotted time.
2) I could fail to finish at all.
3) I could wet myself in the process (in Hollywood, no less).
4) I could look foolish.
5) I could get lost.
6) I could break something (my leg, my foot, my pride, etc)
7) I could have a heart attack.
8) I could chicken out completely
9) I could oversleep and miss it.
10) I could be the biggest person in the race and (see #4).
At the gym yesterday, I was enjoying (sick, I know) an aerobics class. It involves a step, free weights, and 80's music. I love it. My ponytail and I were having a grand time until I looked around in the mirror and realized that I was the largest person in the class. By far.
There have been times when I feel especially rotund that I look around to see if anyone else has my same struggle. It makes me feel better to know that someone "understands me" and frankly, may struggle more than I. It placates me until the pangs of insecurity dissipate.
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Courtney Cox, star of Friends and other TV shows, once said, "I'm at peace with myself and where I am. In the past, I was always looking to see how everybody else was doing. I wasn't competitive, I was comparative. I just wanted to be where everybody else was. Now I've gotten to an age when I am not comparing anymore."
Easy for her to say; SHE IS SKINNY! :)
But the truth of the matter is, if she has really embraced this idea of freedom from comparison, she has a lot less "what ifs" with which to contend!
If we are going to experience Joy to Go, we must first shed the notion that spirituality or success is based upon comparing ourselves to others; that is what the Pharisees and other religious leaders in Jesus' time did - and He had VERY harsh things to say to them.
I need to be making less "What If?" lists and more "What Now?" lists. What do you have for me now, Lord? What do you want me to be doing now? What kind thing can I do for my co-worker now? What would you have me say to my student now, Lord? What can I do to show Your love to my family now, Lord? What do you want me to see about myself now?
I may not succeed in this half marathon, but if I keep my eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of my faith", I will surely win a prize. If I stop comparing myself to others and instead, ask to see them through God's eyes, I will already have won!
"What if" you do the same?
Amberly
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Grandma Theft Auto
Well, it is official. I am old.
No, I have not "grown" new wrinkles, had a monumental birthday, or received my AARP card. Worse. Much worse.
I lost my car.
I ran to the grocery store after going to the gym the other day. I parked the car, locked the door (or so I thought) and proceeded to tackle my grocery list inside.
I came out to find that my beloved Swaggerwagon was GONE! I tried to conjure all the contents in hopes that something valuable had not been left inside. I tried to remain calm. I even hit my automatic lock remote in hopes that the "beep" would help. Nothing.
How could I lose a 2,000 pound vehicle?
I thought to call the police, then realized that I was too freaked out to remember the license plate. "My husband is going to KILL me," I thought, "but he'll need to pick me up before that."
Ugh. We can't afford this! What are we going to do?
I remembered when my mom used to say, "retrace your steps". I went back into the store and thought through all the aisles I had traveled, bargains I had uncovered, and sweets I had avoided.
I remember thinking, "Wow. I cannot even walk in the store without being assaulted with the yummy smell of Starbucks..." WAIT! The Starbucks is at the entrance on the OTHER side of the store.
And that is when I found my car, dutifully waiting for me at the southwest entrance of the building.
How am I supposed to experience Joy To GO when I can't even find my car???
Beep beep, beep beep yah!
Amberly
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Rug Doctor
Today, we made invitations for my daughter's 11th birthday party! 11th! EEEK!
Andy Rooney said it best: "Life is life toilet paper; the farther along you are, the faster it goes."
If you and I are going to experience Joy to Go, we must stop and embrace the moment (Carpe Diem!) and appreciate the present a bit more. We must resist the temptation to allow time to pass us by without our notice.
When my husband gets home from a long day, his favorite thing (after kissing me, of course) is to take off his shoes and allow his toes to be massaged by the carpet. He loves the feel the fibers of the flooring and to celebrate that moment. He has found one way to enjoy the comforts of home, the blessings of God, and a job well done at work all in one activity; I guess one could call it CARPET Diem!
What is your Carpet Diem? What helps you find joy in the moment?
Maybe it is gardening, swimming, hugging your kids, singing in the shower, snuggling up with a good book, or cooking. Whatever it is, allow yourself the freedom to do it more often.
Here's to your joy!
Carpet Diem!
Amberly
Andy Rooney said it best: "Life is life toilet paper; the farther along you are, the faster it goes."
If you and I are going to experience Joy to Go, we must stop and embrace the moment (Carpe Diem!) and appreciate the present a bit more. We must resist the temptation to allow time to pass us by without our notice.
When my husband gets home from a long day, his favorite thing (after kissing me, of course) is to take off his shoes and allow his toes to be massaged by the carpet. He loves the feel the fibers of the flooring and to celebrate that moment. He has found one way to enjoy the comforts of home, the blessings of God, and a job well done at work all in one activity; I guess one could call it CARPET Diem!
What is your Carpet Diem? What helps you find joy in the moment?
Maybe it is gardening, swimming, hugging your kids, singing in the shower, snuggling up with a good book, or cooking. Whatever it is, allow yourself the freedom to do it more often.
Here's to your joy!
Carpet Diem!
Amberly
Friday, March 9, 2012
Jumpin' Jack Flash, it's a Gas, Gas, Gas...
I am running on fumes. I have failed to pay attention to the "gas light" on my car and if I do not fill the car soon, I will be walking everywhere I go.
I am not ignoring the gas light due to laziness, in fact, it is busyness that is disallowing me to find the time to stop. I am so busy going, going, going that I am failing to care for the vehicle that gets me there.
If I am going to have Joy to GO, then I better refuel on a regular basis. I need to consistently read God's Word, fellowship with people, use my gifts, laugh, worship, drink coffee (although many biblical scholars would disagree), play with my kids, read great books, etc. in order to have any fuel on which to go.
Off to the gas station I go. Now it will be my wallet that is running on fumes :)
Fill 'er up!
Amberly
P.S. Congratulations, Rebekah Hendershot; you won the giveaway for one of my favorite books; it even has some of my highlights for you to enjoy (or mock). I hope it serves to encourage you and provide some Joy to Go!
I am not ignoring the gas light due to laziness, in fact, it is busyness that is disallowing me to find the time to stop. I am so busy going, going, going that I am failing to care for the vehicle that gets me there.
If I am going to have Joy to GO, then I better refuel on a regular basis. I need to consistently read God's Word, fellowship with people, use my gifts, laugh, worship, drink coffee (although many biblical scholars would disagree), play with my kids, read great books, etc. in order to have any fuel on which to go.
Off to the gas station I go. Now it will be my wallet that is running on fumes :)
Fill 'er up!
Amberly
P.S. Congratulations, Rebekah Hendershot; you won the giveaway for one of my favorite books; it even has some of my highlights for you to enjoy (or mock). I hope it serves to encourage you and provide some Joy to Go!
Monday, March 5, 2012
WAIT management
I hate being "on hold"...
When calling a business with which I have an issue, I hate hearing 438 times how "important (my) call is to (them)"... blech. If my call was really SO important, why not hire sufficient staff to field calls in a timely manner? Why not produce a quality product in the first place so I need not call a customer service representative?
I hate waiting. Period. Not even in the dentist's office when I know that pain, agony, and the bill for services rendered await.
The word "wait" appears 129 times in the Bible, but twice in Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
If I am going to experience Joy to Go, I must heed this call. I think it only fitting that the Psalmist repeats this idea twice in such a short time; he MUST have had impatient people like me in mind when he penned those words.
When I am communicating instructions to my kids, I repeat twice the most vital or difficult portions of the message.
This passage is no different. "Be strong and take heart" are natural byproducts of "sandwiching" everything we do with waiting on God. If we start and end each day, activity, thought, decision, action, etc. with waiting for God to act first, strength and courage (and joy) naturally (or supernaturally) occur.
I needed this reminder today. I hope it served to encourage you.
Please hold...
Amberly
When calling a business with which I have an issue, I hate hearing 438 times how "important (my) call is to (them)"... blech. If my call was really SO important, why not hire sufficient staff to field calls in a timely manner? Why not produce a quality product in the first place so I need not call a customer service representative?
I hate waiting. Period. Not even in the dentist's office when I know that pain, agony, and the bill for services rendered await.
The word "wait" appears 129 times in the Bible, but twice in Psalm 27:14 - "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
If I am going to experience Joy to Go, I must heed this call. I think it only fitting that the Psalmist repeats this idea twice in such a short time; he MUST have had impatient people like me in mind when he penned those words.
When I am communicating instructions to my kids, I repeat twice the most vital or difficult portions of the message.
This passage is no different. "Be strong and take heart" are natural byproducts of "sandwiching" everything we do with waiting on God. If we start and end each day, activity, thought, decision, action, etc. with waiting for God to act first, strength and courage (and joy) naturally (or supernaturally) occur.
I needed this reminder today. I hope it served to encourage you.
Please hold...
Amberly
Saturday, March 3, 2012
GRAVE condition
Well, Hamster #2 died. Our beloved little furball, Cookies, went to the big exercise wheel in the sky.
When I came into the front room Thursday morning, I thought it odd that Cookies did not "greet" me with her regular squeaks when I turn on the light at 5:15 a.m. (believe me, I am squeaking at that hour, too). I came home from the gym over an hour later to discover that she had not moved since I left.
Scott was already on his way to work, so I was forced to confirm that our favorite rodent had indeed passed.
I called Josiah into the kitchen where I "coached" him on being merciful to his sister during her time of loss. He is often so "matter of fact" that he says things that sound harsh, albeit truthful. I asked him to think of something encouraging to say to his sister when I broke the news to her.
I asked Judah to join me in the front room. I put my arms around her and broke the news. She cried. She REALLY cried. Josiah asked if he could hug her. I stood in awe of my great kids when they stood, holding tightly to one another.. It was a sight to behold, until Josiah spoke.
"Maybe we could get a guinea pig, Judah! They last WAY longer than hamsters!"
I can learn a lot from kids about joy. The reason that Josiah could have joy in that moment is that he found reason to rejoice in the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW. He could see past the PAIN of TODAY, knowing that the possibility of something better was around the corner.
I should embrace the pain in my life knowing that God is using it to increase my potential. THAT is the reason that Joy to Go, my newest campaign, is so important. I want people to know that they do not labor (or suffer) in vain. God uses such tools to change our perspective and focus on Him.
Jesus had joy on the cross. Because He was comfortable? Because It was an easy task? Because He likes being beaten and mocked? NO! Because He knew about the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW. He could endure the PAIN of that DAY because He knew the grave could not hold Him. He knew that Joy is not based on present circumstances, but instead on trust in God.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 reminds me, "1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
This week, I have felt a little (okay, A LOT) inadequate about teaching on Joy, but God continues to show me how He is faithful, even when I am not.
Today, I pledge to look at the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW, instead of the PAIN of TODAY.
And, no, we are not getting a guinea pig. :)
Amberly
P.S. Anyone who responds to this blog post by next Friday will be entered to win one of my favorite books from my collection.
When I came into the front room Thursday morning, I thought it odd that Cookies did not "greet" me with her regular squeaks when I turn on the light at 5:15 a.m. (believe me, I am squeaking at that hour, too). I came home from the gym over an hour later to discover that she had not moved since I left.
Scott was already on his way to work, so I was forced to confirm that our favorite rodent had indeed passed.
I called Josiah into the kitchen where I "coached" him on being merciful to his sister during her time of loss. He is often so "matter of fact" that he says things that sound harsh, albeit truthful. I asked him to think of something encouraging to say to his sister when I broke the news to her.
I asked Judah to join me in the front room. I put my arms around her and broke the news. She cried. She REALLY cried. Josiah asked if he could hug her. I stood in awe of my great kids when they stood, holding tightly to one another.. It was a sight to behold, until Josiah spoke.
"Maybe we could get a guinea pig, Judah! They last WAY longer than hamsters!"
I can learn a lot from kids about joy. The reason that Josiah could have joy in that moment is that he found reason to rejoice in the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW. He could see past the PAIN of TODAY, knowing that the possibility of something better was around the corner.
I should embrace the pain in my life knowing that God is using it to increase my potential. THAT is the reason that Joy to Go, my newest campaign, is so important. I want people to know that they do not labor (or suffer) in vain. God uses such tools to change our perspective and focus on Him.
Jesus had joy on the cross. Because He was comfortable? Because It was an easy task? Because He likes being beaten and mocked? NO! Because He knew about the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW. He could endure the PAIN of that DAY because He knew the grave could not hold Him. He knew that Joy is not based on present circumstances, but instead on trust in God.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 reminds me, "1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
This week, I have felt a little (okay, A LOT) inadequate about teaching on Joy, but God continues to show me how He is faithful, even when I am not.
Today, I pledge to look at the POTENTIAL of TOMORROW, instead of the PAIN of TODAY.
And, no, we are not getting a guinea pig. :)
Amberly
P.S. Anyone who responds to this blog post by next Friday will be entered to win one of my favorite books from my collection.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Oh no, you DIDN'T!
"Life is material".
These wise words did not come from a famous theologian or philosopher, but instead, from a fabulously funny woman in my life. She also often says, "NEVER choose to teach a Bible study on a topic you think you have mastered."
Truer words have not been spoken. Well, maybe truer, but not less painful.
I had the AUDACITY to choose "Joy to Go" for my new campaign. I am a joyful person. I love to spread laughter and levity wherever I go. I know lots of Bible verses on joy. What a perfect choice, right?
Here is the deal. My husband and I are under a lot of financial and decision-making stress. Both of us are facing leadership changes at our place of employment (which often breeds uncertainty). Both of us are juggling numerous responsibilities and want to raise our kids in a loving environment in the process. I am struggling...
Where is the joy?
Maybe I should have chosen gingivitis or follicle health as my theme for this year.
Maybe I have no business teaching others about joy after all...
Amberly
These wise words did not come from a famous theologian or philosopher, but instead, from a fabulously funny woman in my life. She also often says, "NEVER choose to teach a Bible study on a topic you think you have mastered."
Truer words have not been spoken. Well, maybe truer, but not less painful.
I had the AUDACITY to choose "Joy to Go" for my new campaign. I am a joyful person. I love to spread laughter and levity wherever I go. I know lots of Bible verses on joy. What a perfect choice, right?
Here is the deal. My husband and I are under a lot of financial and decision-making stress. Both of us are facing leadership changes at our place of employment (which often breeds uncertainty). Both of us are juggling numerous responsibilities and want to raise our kids in a loving environment in the process. I am struggling...
Where is the joy?
Maybe I should have chosen gingivitis or follicle health as my theme for this year.
Maybe I have no business teaching others about joy after all...
Amberly
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