By Joy Adams

I was once told that no matter where you are in life, whether the highest high, the deepest darkest valley, or somewhere in-between that there is a Psalm for you. A Psalm that will resonate with your thoughts and feelings and will help you see you are not alone. When I was younger and had not yet tasted any of life’s bitter moments, I had no grid for the psalmist, David’s, “complaining”. I wondered how any faith filled believer could resonate with the depths of despair, anger, or the roller coaster of emotions that David had. Fast forward 30 years, I now know that indeed there is always a Psalm to carry us through our journey. The Psalms meet us where we are, validate our journey and bring us to the other-side where we can boldly say “bless the Lord, oh my soul (Psalm 103:1),” even in the darkest of times.

I now understand that David was not “complaining”, be was being transparent. He was being honest. When we allow our prayers to truly be the cry of our heart, not just a pretty verse, we invite God into our innermost being, allowing him to mend, heal, correct, and truly be the Lord of our lives.

The Psalms teach us to be honest in our prayers. It is okay to bring not just our love and adoration to the Father, but also our hurt, anger, confusion and grief. In our transparent honest communication with Him, if we follow David’s lead, our vulnerability will always bring us back to a place of recognizing that “His love endures forever (Psalm 136).”

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

The post How Reading Psalms Affected My Prayer Life appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart. It is hard work and yet, so rewarding. As a third generation teacher, and a second generation homeschooling mom, here are some tips to help you succeed.

Tips For Successful Home Learning:

•  Don’t attempt to create structure and rigor simultaneously. 
  • Instead, create the structure first and slowly increase the rigor by increasing the length and difficulty of the tasks.

• Do create independent learners through activity stations. 
  •  For the elementary level learners, set up stations throughout the house that provide opportunities for independent activities.  Have stations that are both enjoyable and allow for creative thinking. Start doing this with fun activities and then you can slowly add more academic stations once your learners are ready. 
  • When I first started doing this, I would set-up individual stations for play dough, Legos, puzzles, drawing/painting, and a place for silent reading/looking at picture books.  Each kid would spend 10-15 minutes at each station.  With 3-5 minutes for transition time between stations.  Once your students are able to stick to the rotation without leaving their station prematurely or requiring a lot of assistance, you can add a station in which you provide direct instruction, catering to the individual needs of your individual learners.
  • By having your students rotate through independent activity stations, they develop the skills and character needed to be an independent learner/worker.

• Don’t expect that your kids will know how to be independent learners. 
  •  The reality is, very few individuals feel equipped as independent learners.  Most of the traditional school system does not teach students to find the answers, rather it tells them what the answer is and then teaches them to memorize it.  Most students, regardless of their grade level, will struggle to be able to identity the main point or the significance of a text on their own.  Students are accustomed to teacher lectures, multi-media (YouTube videos), and group/“pair share” type learning to guide them through the learning process.    While, our modern educational system has adapted to make the given curriculum more accessible, it has also produced lethargic learners. The reality is students who have been educated in the traditional settings prior to homeschooling have been taught what to think, not how to think. Making the transition to a more Socratic method where students learn through critical thinking and inquiry takes time, patience, and endurance.

• Do recognize that EVERY subject, including math, is READING. 
  •  If you have a student who struggles with reading or is an emerging reader they will need a lot of assistance AND they will need more frequent breaks. 

• Do include physical activity. 
  • If your student gets stuck on an activity that you know is within their ability have them take a break. Send him or her outside. Sometimes a little fresh air and some pressure on their joints (jumping jacks, jogging, carrying something heavy) can really help reset the mind and help your student get a fresh perspective for learning. 

• Do recognize that home education takes a lot LESS time than the traditional school day. 
  •  The traditional school day is filled with non academic procedures. Taking attendance, collecting lunch orders, explaining directions multiple times for the benefit of struggling and/or distracted students, fire drills, and the list goes on. Most students with average to above average intelligence should be able to complete just as much learning, if not more, in about half of the time. 

• Do link subject areas whenever possible.
  •  A nature hike can be both science and physical education.  Have your student make predictions of what they will see based on the current season, recent weather, and terrain.  After the hike, make nature journals to document findings. 
  • Kite flying can be science, P.E., and English.  Before you go, watch YouTube videos about the science behind kite flying. After your kite flying adventure have your student write about their experience using grade level spelling, grammar, etc. and the academic science terms they learned from the YouTube videos.

• Don’t attempt to do every subject every day. 
  •  Focus on reading, writing, and math.  Recognize that at the elementary school level, science and history are only taught once or twice per week.  Also remember that science and history can both involve a lot of reading.  If you have an emerging or struggling reader be willing to decrease your student’s other daily reading assignments. 

• Do realize that your homeschooled student may be exhausted at the end of the first few school days.  And so will you.
  • Homeschooling requires active on task learning.  Whereas many traditional school students can get by and even do fairly well in school just by using a passive approach to learning.  Even students who may receive smaller group intervention during their regular school day have frequent breaks and times of rest and/or passive learning as they wait for their turn.

• Don’t throw in the towel because you have a bad moment or a bad day. 
  •  Homeschooling is hard.  Homeschooling my five children is just as much work if not more than when I was a full time public school teacher with over 120 students.  Take it slow. Give yourself grace (undeserved kindness/favor) and give your kids grace too. 

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

** This post was revised from an original post from 2020 “Homeschooling Tips for a Nation of Unexpected Homes Educators.”

Cover photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash

The post Tips for the First-Time Homeschooling Parent appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

I recently published my first book, What My Parents Did Right.  What My Parents Did Right is an easy to read, faith based,  inspirational parenting book from the perspective of childhood memories.  Within the pages, I recount the methods my  parents used that have positively influenced my life, laying the foundation for what has now become multigenerational family health.   

When I was a girl, I remember that my mom used to enjoy watching talk shows.  There came a time, in which she pretty much stopped watching them entirely, because their content had changed.  Shows that previously had been about interesting people or topics were now daily making money off of the dysfunction and misery of others.   I remember many times, my mom remarking, that she did not understand why anyone would want to watch such shows.  She would say, if I had a show, I would want to inspire people by having everyday real people who were pillars within their field or community.  She would then go on to give examples of what she would want to see, and every time, her number one idea was:  Healthy families who were succeeding at life.  She would say that those were the people who should be given a platform, and that those were the people that she wanted influencing her life.  

It was on this idea, the idea of giving a platform to healthy families, that planted the seeds that later birthed the desire within me to write this book.    

The reality is, I had an extremely blessed childhood. My parents provided love, structure, and opportunities for me to grow.  As I grew into an adult, I would often have people say, “How did you know to do that?” or “Where did you learn that?” and my answer was often, my parents.  The more I encountered in life, the more I realized how well my parents had prepared me for the happy and healthy  life I was living.  

What My Parents Did Right, allows the reader to experience for themselves what a healthy family looks like, through the perspective of my childhood memories.  From there I offer encouragement, scripture verses, and discussion questions to help the reader discover their own path to a healthy and happy family.

For those of you, who like me, had  a healthy and happy childhood, this book should rekindle some of your own great memories and reignite your own passion for your family.  For those who lacked the safety and warmth of a healthy family environment, this book will provide a starting place for you to create within your home, the healthy structure  you always wanted.

There is so much I could tell you about the journey behind this book: the late nights typing, the countless edits, the months that would pass with my manuscript untouched.  All the while, my focus, my dream remained constant.  I wanted to  inspire and promote families by sharing…What My Parents Did Right. 

Ways you can help me:

• Purchase the book and read it for yourself
• Review What My Parents Did Right on Amazon ** This is really important to help others discover this book.
• Post a picture of  yourself with What My Parents Did Right on your social media account.
• Recommend the book to friends and family
• Purchase What My Parents Did Right for friends or family members for a Christmas gift or other gift.
• Click the button below to order your paperback or Kindle eBook today:

Endorsements

Joy Adams has done an exceptional job providing inspiration and tools to strengthen every family. The concept alone of writing positive things one has learned from their parents is genius, but Joy Adams goes far beyond as she delivers pithy, practical truths with such clarity. She brings the stories to life so that they stick with you and leaves you with a way to apply the insights right away. This book is valuable to families of all ages and stages, and can even help the empty nesters among us who desire to strengthen all our relationships.

Shell Cowper-Smith; Family Coach, Youth Advocate & Foster parent since 1984

I loved What My Parents Did Right!  I’ve never read a parenting book that was written from a personal experience like this one. I wish I had my hands on it years ago. There are several things from this book, I will take and implement with my kids.  What I love most is that I know Joy Adams and her character–She is living proof that the truths in this book really work. 

I had the pleasure of working with Joy Adams in youth ministry for several years and was able to see the fruit of the truths her parents planted in her life coming to fruition in her life. I also saw this fruit in the way she related to and taught our students and now in the way she pours into her own children 

 What My Parents Did Right is filled with principles and foundational truths that unfortunately most parents do not think to teach until there is an issue. The questions that she has at the end of the chapters along with the scripture verses, give parents the opportunity to reflect and make any adjustments based on what we may have learned. I love that this book is not Joy giving advice, but giving truths that actually worked, and she is a living example. 

What My Parents Did Right is a must read for all parents.

Shanna Gil, mother of five

Reading this book What My Parents Did Right by author Joy Adams was like taking a breath of fresh air.  What a testimony to share! The idea that as parents, you can leave a legacy for your children, even if your own parents fell short, is truly inspiring. 

This book is not only a delight to read but it is also very informative especially for young couples raising their children, looking and seeking for ways to help guide them in a Godly way. This book would also be an awesome resource to share in small groups. As pastors for over 20 years we have had the opportunity to counsel many families throughout the years. The majority of people carry so much anguish and resentment from the past towards their parents. This book can be used to inspire parents to create a fresh path for their family and build a legacy.

You can be a game changer and be the parent you wanted for yourself.

Richard and Anna Salmeron, Senior Pastors – Luz de Valle church, Hayward California

What My Parents Did Right is an excellent resource to assist Christian parents in developing the skills needed to raise their children with values that align with the word of God.  Author Joy Adams offers her beautiful testimony as an example to help guide families who may not have had the privilege in having a model to learn from. As a Marriage Family Therapist I have seen the struggles families have when they are unsure how to navigate issues related to culture, discipline, conflict, and finances. This guide is a valuable study for parents, small groups, or even a curriculum to use to teach from. Those who apply the tools will feel empowered to parent.

Anna Alvarez, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with Cairo Counseling since 2008

The post What My Parents Did Right – Book Launch appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

As a former History and American Government teacher I love politics. But even more than politics, I love people and I love learning about why people do what they do. I enjoy trying to put myself in their shoes and truly seeing something from a new angle. Frequently, I have friends who have different opinions than mine and I actually enjoy learning not just what their viewpoint is, but understanding the why behind it. This is not an exercise in debate for me, in fact there is no debate, it is an exercise in compassion.

Compassion – sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

Merriam-Webster’s Disctionary

When I am hearing someone else’s political opinions I am listening not for the weak point in their argument, but I am listening for their heart.
My heart’s desire is for community. Not in a sense that we all agree on everything, but in a way where we all value each other.

My oldest son is in first grade and at his public elementary school there is an amazing sense of community. In a recent parent meeting there was debate in regards to school safety. Some parents argued that the school should have a fence surrounding the entire perimeter of the school and that no one (parents included) should be allowed on campus (before, after, or during school) without first checking into the office. This would have parents picking up and dropping off their students at the perimeter gate which would remain locked during school hours. Other parents argued that having their kids attending a school that was on perpetual lock down creates a prison-like feel and would remove the strong sense of safety and community in which the school is known for. Concern was also raised about the safety of the kids if a dangerous person was to come on campus, how would the children get to safety if they were in fact locked inside with the potential threat?

I left this school safety meeting amazed at the civility and honor in which parents presented their viewpoints. Their passion for the safety of their children was evident, but their passion was not at the expense of the other parents’ need to also have their ideas and comments heard. In fact after the meeting, I witnessed two of the more outspoken parents, each with opposing views, approach each other, shake hands, and thank each other for their participation in the meeting. Wow, to see disagreeing adults act with honor was so refreshing.

I crave to see this type of honor among disagreeing adults in the realm of politics. Instead I see friends who are intelligent and otherwise loving and kind, name calling politicians, belittling the supporters of such politicians, and completely disregarding any idea that comes from the opposing camp.
I taught high school for nine years and my husband is a Marriage and Family Therapist by trade. Within these professions being an eternal optimist is the key. The second we believe that someone is beyond saving, it becomes true, a self-fulfilled prophecy. Not that the person is truly beyond saving, but that we no longer are granted access to be a part of the transformation. Because let’s face it, we don’t allow people who lack honor and integrity towards us, to speak into our lives. If this is true in our own lives, how much more is it true in the lives of those we wish to influence?

In the Bible King Saul, the first king of Israel began his reign with a very high approval rate. But in the end, his reign was not one of integrity to God or his people, but one of personal vendettas. (1 Samuel 8-31). On the contrary, King Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon was so full of himself that he had a statue made in his image rising 90 feet high and announced immediate judgement (death by blazing furnace) to anyone who would not bow down and worship his image. He had no fear of God or man and yet he consistently promoted those with integrity and wisdom. By the end of his days, this pagan king was praising the God of heaven. (Daniel chapters 1-4.)

The lives of King Saul and King Nebuchadnezzar serve as reminders to me that governmental leaders are first and foremost human. Secondly, their lives remind me that we all have the ability to change for good or for bad.
Hypothetically, if I lived in Bible times and was given the choice to elect King Saul or King Nebuchadnezzar, I would have chosen King Saul, and later would have been disappointed in his performance as king. On the contrary, I don’t think I would have ever chosen King Nebuchadnezzar, but in the end, he consistently chose to surround himself with wise counsel and the same man who once ordered his subjects to worship him, now worshiped and gave credit to the God of the universe.

What is my point? I have a few:

• We should care more about people than political affiliations.
• We should care more about people than we do platforms.
• We should allow people, including ourselves and our elected officials, the freedom to grow and change, rather than keep ourselves and others imprisoned by past actions, beliefs, and affiliations.
• We should live our lives in such a place of honor that if ever given the chance to have an audience with a king, our lives will have built the bridge to allow us the freedom to speak truth in love. Just as Daniel of the Bible did to King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel chapters 1-4).

Are you passionate about the platform closest to your heart? Great! Be passionate in love.

Are you passionate about truth in a world where “fake news” abounds and every broadcast seems to have an agenda? Awesome! Share the truth in love.

Does your background (religion, country of origin, etc.) make many political topics very personal for you? Beautiful! Share your story with love and allow others to do the same, even if their story brings them to a conclusion different from yours

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It alwyas protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

I love politics and I am passionate about my platforms, however I will not use my assumed correctness as an excuse to behave badly. I will NOT assign Biblical insults to human beings such as “Antichrist” or “Jezebel”. I will NOT break the bonds of friendship over differences of opinion, because I know that relationship and agreement are not synonymous. No matter what happens during the next election and the weeks and months that will follow, please:

…clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 *emphasis added

I choose to do politics with honor, compassion and dripping with love. I invite you to join me.

Like this post? Please tell your friends by sharing on social media.
Want more? Subscribe*.
**On mobile devices, scroll down to the orange “Subscribe Now” box.
**On desktops, the orange “Subscribe Now” box is located on the right side bar.

The post Politics with Honor and Love appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

Often when God gives us a vision or a promise we want to take hold of it immediately.  However, rarely does this actually happen. With almost every promise, there will be a time of testing or obstacles.

Often when testing comes we begin to:

• Doubt that we heard God
• Feel that God has abandoned us
• Question the methods

One of my favorite people from the Bible is Joseph. Joseph was a man of integrity. His identification as a child of God was not altered by his circumstances. He remained faithful in and out of hardships.

You can read the history of Joseph in Genesis chapter 37-50.

Joseph was given two dreams by God as a youth.  Both dreams gave Joseph a vision of having authority over his family (Genesis 37).  Soon after Joseph had these dreams, and shared them with his family:

• He was sold into slavery by his brothers
• His slave owner’s wife attempt to seduce him
• He was lied about
• He was thrown into jail
• He was forgotten

In all of this, the Bible says repeatedly says that the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:3, 21, 23). Despite the fact that Joseph had every reason to feel sorry for himself, he did not allow his circumstances to define him or his view of God.

Joseph experienced many hardships or obstacles:

• Rejection
• Slavery 
• Slander 
• False imprisonment

…These are the very things that led Joseph to realizing his dream.

It was these hardships that positioned Joseph to rule over not only his family but all of Egypt.  Too often we mistake our obstacles as barriers to our dreams.  When in reality it is often these obstacles, that are meant to catapult us into our dreams. 

Understanding your Season

In the books of Exodus through Joshua, God teaches us a lot about seasons in life.

When the Israelites were in the wilderness or desert, God provided for them.  Daily their meat and grain were literally brought to their doorstep. Quail and manna for food and their clothes and shoes did not wear out. There was a grace in their wilderness season.  Grace meaning – unmerited or undeserved favor.  

When they entered the Promised Land…

• The free food stopped
• Their clothes began to wear out
• They had to battle for every new territory they stepped into

When we think of our Promised Land, we only imagine the good. “The land flowing with milk and honey.” We envision this land of abundance and become jaded when we are suddenly surrounded by lack. Imagine how the Israelites felt…they had finally made it to the Promised Land.  The land known to be “flowing with milk and honey,” and now…suddenly they have to work for food.  Suddenly they have to repair and replace all their shoes and clothes, and now they have to fight for every new territory they enter. There is a reason that in the book of Joshua, God tells Joshua over and over to “Be strong and courageous.” The Promised Land is not for the weak of heart.  Nor is the Promised Land for the faint.

At various times in life, we all get stuck.  We all get to a place where our obstacles seem too big and we seem too small.  For these times, here are three ways, we can overcome:
 

1. We Overcome Obstacles with Our Attitudes:

In some seasons of life, everything may seem out of our control.  In these times, there is one thing that we do have within our control–our attitude. 

“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

James 1:2-5

2. We Overcome Obstacles with Our Revelation of Who God is:

In the Bible when Job learned that all of his businesses were destroyed and all of his children killed, he did not allow his circumstances to diminish his view of God

“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

    and naked I will depart.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”

Job 1:20-22

3. We Overcome Obstacles by Recognizing Our Season

The wilderness is full of God’s grace, even when we don’t deserve it. Get rest during this season.  Accept the nourishment that God brings you during this season, even though at times it can be very humbling. The reality is, you need it.  Just think of how humbling it was for Elijah to be fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:2-16).  Accept generosity in this season, but, be careful not to get too comfortable in your wilderness.  Our desire for comfort can become our obstacle in the wilderness.  

The Promised Land is full of battles and work.  Don’t allow your weariness to cause you to forget that you are living your dream. Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord.  Keep a grateful heart and sing praises of thanksgiving.  In the Promised land, the work is great, but so is the reward.  Be generous during this season.

No matter what season you are in,  obstacles are hard.  In these hard times, extend grace to yourself and others, find joy in the moment, wrap yourself in His love and  watch God use these obstacles to launch you into your next season. 

Like this post? Please share on Social media.

Photo Credit:

• Climber on Cliff Photo by Tommy Lisbin on Unsplash
• Rock Climber Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

* This post has been adapted from a message given to the Rooted Young Adults/Young Families group at Luz De Valle church in Hayward, California, August, 2020.  Thank you to Luz De Valle church for allowing me the opportunity to practice and grow in my calling as a teacher of the Word of God.

The post Overcoming Obstacles appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

This past summer, my kids, (two boys, ages 4 and 7) along with my niece, age 8, who was at the time visiting with us, all attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) together.  One of the theme songs for the week, which quickly became one of their new favorites was Whole Lotta Change.  At the time, I did not know it, but in reality that VBS week became a pivotal time for our family and what started as a fun VBS song, has now become a theme song to our current season.  A season of change.

There’s a whole lotta change coming your way

’cause like it or not, nothing stays the same

so hold on tight, and follow real close

’cause God is good and He’s in control

Whole Lotta Change, Lifetree Kids, Roar VBS

By the end of that VBS week, we, my husband and I, offered to open our home to our niece, who we now consider as a daughter.  She has been with us since early August, 2019 and we could not imagine our lives without her.  She has become an amazing big sister to our boys and has added so much beauty, laughter, and love into our home.

Adding an additional family member has come with blessings too numerous to count.  It has also stretched our family and myself personally further than I thought possible.  We were unsuccessful in getting an inter-district transfer for my niece into our older son’s school.  This resulted in me spending three to four hours per day commuting to and from their separate campuses (two towns away from each other). In addition, the two separate schools had very similar start and end times, requiring the impossible, for me to be in two places at once. I was going to need help, but it was not easy for me to be in a situation that I needed help.  Being in a place of needing help, often left me feeling inadequate or as if I were still a kid. 

I am the youngest in my family, with two older sisters.  Growing up, I loved being the youngest, even though at times, between my actual mom and two older sisters, it sometimes felt like I had three moms.  I was well protected and well provided for.  As an adult, I have found that family dynamics are hard to change and that no matter how old I am, I will always be the little sister.  Within my family, I have come to be okay with this, but outside of the family setting, I have worked hard to become strong, to be a resource to others, and to not walk through life in ‘little sister’ mode.   It is for this reason, that it can be difficult for me to ask for help.  When my heart’s goal is to be a resource to others, it is really hard when I have to admit to myself and others that I need help.

Welcoming my niece into our family has brought so much joy into our home.  It has also exposed my inability to do everything on my own.  I have been humbled almost daily, as I have required help with the daily tasks of motherhood, such as drop offs and pick-ups from school.   I have had amazing friends (and family) come by my side to help me, including one special friend who helped me get my niece to school each day, effectively helping me to do what seemed impossible.   These friends have loved me, encouraged me, and have physically stepped in to help me when I fall short.  These types of friends are amazing and God sent. They also expose my areas of pride, self-reliance, and areas of vulnerability.  It is easy for me to give, it is harder and humbling for me to receive. 

I have often heard preachers say things such as “Sometimes God will ask us to do something bigger than ourselves”.  I, myself, have often found myself in a situation that was bigger than me, but generally in these circumstances, what is required is living a life of prayer and allowing God to work before me.  Lately, however, life being bigger than me, has required me to accept help when it is offered by others and to even ask for help before I am at my wits end. 

This season of change, has helped me to grow.  I am learning to be more organized, and I am realizing that asking for help does not equate to failure or being juvenile.  These are good and valuable lessons for me considering that another change is now underway.

This month, a new change has presented itself.  We have worked diligently and quickly to prepare for an unexpected increase in our family.  Another niece, age 15 and nephew, age 13 (older siblings to our niece that has already been in the home) have both just joined our family.    This most recent change is brand new.  It is both exciting and terrifying to think that we have suddenly become the parents to five kids, two of which are teens. 

Just to prepare for our newest additions, we have needed to call in the cavalry.  Friends and family have helped to organize and set up the kid’s bedroom, organize the linen closet, rearrange the pantry, and help pick up new cabinets for the garage, A.K.A. the homeschool room. (Did I mention I am homeschooling all five!)  Sheets and blankets have been purchased for the kids, as well as new shoes. Friends near and far are praying for the smooth transition of our beautiful blended family and we have received a few little white envelopes with cash inside.  I am humbled.  Humbled not from embarrassment that I couldn’t do this all on my own, but humbled with gratitude that we have so many loved ones who are cheering us on and who are willing to partner with us on this brand new adventure, that is far bigger than we are.

As we now move forward, as a newly established family of seven.  We know that this is only the beginning.  More changes are on the horizon, and I am not embarrassed to say that we will need prayers, hugs, love, support and most certainly, an occasional shoulder to cry on.   Our kids will need this too, all of them.  

Please keep us in your prayers.

The post A Whole Lot of Change appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

A few months ago, I was watching my older son, Jeremiah, as he and some of his friends were playing on the playground before school.  Many of the First grade boys, my son included were all playing tag.  Twice during their game, one of the little boys tripped and fell and both times my son, along with one of his classmates, both stopped to help the fallen boy.  All the while, the rest of the group continued in their game, completely unaware that one of their friends had taken a tumble.

This was a proud mommy moment for me, to see my son helping another classmate, but it was also an eye opener for me as I watched essentially the same scene unfold twice, both times to be only seen by the same two boys. 

During the school year, I volunteer in Jeremiah’s class weekly.  I know most of his classmates and many of their families.  All of the boys who were playing tag that day were good boys from good families.  None of those boys would have purposely and callously continued their game without regard to their fallen friend, they just did not see him. 

Time and time again in the Bible, Jesus says “He who has ears let them hear.” Watching my son with his classmates helped me to understand this scripture in greater depth.  Often times we see or hear an injustice in the world or a problem that needs to be fixed, or a person who is hurting, and we think, “Why doesn’t anyone do anything about this?”  In many cases, I believe, the simple answer is this, no one else even noticed. 

When God allows us to see or hear things that no one else seems to notice, it is an invitation from God to partner with Him.  Sometimes He wants us to take action, other times we are just called to pray, but regardless of what the correct response is, the reality is, once we see or hear it, we are responsible to steward it.

Last summer, our family was headed into San Francisco to explore one of their many local museums.  To add to the fun, we traveled like the locals do, using BART (San Francisco’s version of a subway) and city buses.  On this particular morning, while riding on the BART, I started to hear what sounded like a man sobbing somewhere behind me.  I was hesitant to turn around to look at the man, because I did not want to engage with someone who might be mentally unstable or under the influence of an illegal substance.  I asked my husband, who had a clear view of the man from where he sat, and who also works in mental health to tell me his assessment.  My husband whispered his response, “grief”.  In a BART train car, almost full to capacity, this man was uncontrollably weeping, with deep groans that cut at my heart.  All the while, each passenger, myself included, stared straight ahead, refusing to look at, or even acknowledge this man’s presence.

Finally, I could take it no longer, I had to do something. 

When I turned to see the man, he was much younger than I had imagined.  He was probably around twenty-two years old and he looked like he was a body builder. From his appearance, he looked like he could easily get cast as a bouncer for a posh Hollywood night club or as a body guard. He was young, handsome, and strong, definitely the last person you would have guessed to be so vulnerably broken in a crowd of strangers. 

I approached him and asked him if it would be alright if I prayed for him.  He nodded his head, yes, and so I began praying for him.  I placed my hand on his shoulder and asked for God to bring him peace.  I asked God to intervene in whatever the situation was and for His love to have the final say. 

As I prayed for him, I kept sensing that God was saying that the young man needed a mother’s hug.  I told him that I felt like he needed a mother’s hug. I asked him how long it had been since he had been home to see his mom, and with new tears streaming down his cheeks, he said it had been “too long.”  I asked him if he would accept a mother’s hug from me and he gladly accepted. 

Right there, in a crowded BART car, I stood hugging a stranger with the love of a mother and I told him the things a mother should.  I told him he was strong, I told him life was worth living, and I told him it was time for him to find his way back home. 

Me praying for and hugging this young man, did not suddenly change his situation.  Whatever the source of his grief, those realities were still present, but, he went from a man whose cry had been falling on deaf ears and who had been seemingly invisible in a crowded train, to a man who was both seen and heard. While his situation had not changed, his demeanor had.  It was evident in his face and body language that some of the weight of his grief had lifted.

I share this story because we all have circumstances in our lives in which we are confronted with a need, and often we feel like we are surrounded by people way more qualified than us to handle the problem.  We become frustrated and even angry when no one else seems to even notice.  My husband is a Marriage and Family Therapist, surely he should have been the one to approach the young man, but no, it was me who was filled with compassion, which led me to act.  What this young man needed in the moment was not a trained therapist, he needed a mother’s love. 

“…Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

Luke 10:23-24 (NKJV)

What is it that you see, that tugs on your heart and your emotions?  What do you hear that ignites a fire within you?  We often, myself included, get frustrated and even feel powerless, when we see and hear of problems all round us and seemingly no one is doing anything about it.  We feel powerless, but we are not.  The very fact that we see and hear is in fact a privilege and a blessing. It is an invitation to care, to respond, to act in love in harmony with the author of love, Jesus Christ. 

I am beginning to realize that I am the steward of what I see and hear.  When I take notice of someone or something in a public place, or I hear something that resonates with me, I am beginning to recognize that these moments are little invitations to partner with God to love, heal, and restore the broken and forgotten people, systems, and things of this life. 

I am not accountable for all the problems of this world and neither are you, but we are accountable to steward the things that we see and hear with love. 

My challenge to you, stop worrying about the inaction of others.  Instead, take ownership of what you see and respond in love.

Photo by Arthur Humeau on Unsplash

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Have something to say: Comment below.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe.*

**On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.

**On desktop computers, find the Orange “Subscribe” box at the top of the page on the right side bar.

The post Eyes to See appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

I remember my first time flying in a commercial jet.  I was seventeen years old and just before takeoff the stewardess began her speech about emergency exits and how my seat could become a flotation device.  I remember her demonstrating how to put on the oxygen mask and telling us passengers that if we were flying with someone who might require assistance that we were supposed to put on our mask first before attempting to assist them.  I remember thinking to myself, if I had a child with me, I would really struggle to follow her instructions.  Even then, not yet being a parent, I knew that my first instinct would be to put the mask on the child first.

As a seventeen year old, I understood the rationale – You cannot save others if you are unconscious or even worse, dead, however the thought of helping myself first just seemed wrong somehow.   

Now at the age of 38, I still find myself struggling with this type of scenario.  In life, metaphorically, I struggle to put my mask on first.  For me, putting my kids, husband, family and friends before me is what seems right. That is, until it doesn’t.

Growing up, I was taught this song:

J-O-Y

J-O-Y

This is how it goes

Jesus first

Yourself last

and Others in between

Author Unknown

It is a cute little song, and as a child it was fun for me because it spells out my name, however the idea of always putting yourself last, is not exactly healthy, nor is it necessarily Biblical.   

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”

Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

As Christians we are supposed to put others above ourselves, however, I believe that for some of us, namely me, we need to stop thinking that putting others first, means putting ourselves last.  God has never called for us to be last.

 About a month ago, I found myself getting really frustrated every weekday morning.  Our mornings were becoming habitually, rushed. Daily, I was getting my oldest son to school with only seconds to spare.  Each morning, I was getting the boys up, dressed, fed, getting lunches made, etc., etc. only to look at the clock to see that it was time to go and I was still in my pajamas.  I began getting up earlier and still the chaos continued.  There was always something to fill the extra time:  One of the boys wet the bed, requiring an unscheduled shower or bath and bed changing.  Juice was spilt all over the kitchen floor.  My youngest got a bloody nose.  Every day, something filled that extra time and once again it was time to go and I was, at best, half dressed, feeling defeated, angry, guilty, with the weight of another failed morning on my shoulders. 

Finally, I got my breakthrough.  I had been reading Sink Reflections, by Marla Cilley, in an effort to improve my housekeeping skills.  One of the things the author suggest, is to get dressed first thing in the morning, shoes on and teeth brushed, before doing anything else. I decided to try out her method and… it works! 

By not leaving myself last, suddenly, we were arriving to school early.  When driving to school, I was no longer cringing every time there was a red light.  Everything that needed to get done, was getting done, but now when I looked to see that it was time to go, I was already dressed and ready to walk out the door. 

I am beginning to translate this concept of not leaving myself for last in other areas on my life too. 

I am learning that putting service to others first does not mean putting myself last.  In fact, I am realizing that from the position of last place, I am really quite limited in my ability to serve others.  I am learning that I am actually better positioned to help others, when I myself am also a priority.

Matthew 22:39 (NIV) says to “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  It does not say ‘love your neighbor more than yourself, but as yourself’.  I like the way the Message Translation says it:

Love others as well as you love yourself.

Matthew 22:39 (Message Translation)

I want to put others above myself in Christian love.  I want to help others be empowered and promoted. This is my desire and I am realizing that to do this effectively, I need to do this from a place of health and wholeness. Not as a frazzled, self-positioned martyr.  I am learning and I am growing.  I am learning to put my oxygen mask on first, so I truly can help those around me.  I am also learning to stop feeling guilty for making my self-care a priority.  I am learning that self-care is not selfish.  In fact, I am finding that by prioritizing my own self-care, I have so much more to give and to love.  

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Have something to say: Comment below.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe.*

**On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.

**On desktop computers, find the Orange “Subscribe” box at the top of the page on the right side bar.

Photo Credit: Photo by Plush Design Studio on Unsplash

The post Self-Care Is Not Selfish appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

I have a hunger and a yearning right now for the ability to be present.  Most of my day is spent with a divided mind.  While I am doing dishes, my mind is focused on how I need to hurry because my four year old son is waiting patiently for me to play with him.  While playing with my son, I am consumed with reminders in my head –

Don’t forget to move the laundry.

Don’t forget to get the chicken out of the freezer for dinner.

While making dinner I am constantly glancing at the clock –

Do I have time to give the boys a bath before dinner?

Lately it is extremely rare that I am fully present in the moment, not thinking of other things, not making to-do lists in my head, just present with my own thoughts and emotions as related to the specific moment I am in. Lately this has been my norm, but, I am not okay with this.   

While at times, I may be an expert multitasker, the reality is, this is not where I want my home base to be.  I want my home base to be a place of peace and clarity, where I can totally, 100%, be present in whatever it is that I am doing. Whether I am playing with my boys or at the table for family dinner, I want to be present, but unfortunately, in my current season, this is something I rarely achieve. 

Tonight was one of those special times.  My husband was working late and I had just finished my errands for the day.  I realized that I could sit in rush hour traffic for the next forty-five minutes or I could pull off somewhere, take the boys out to dinner and while we ate, the rush hour traffic could run its course without us. 

Our dinner was wonderful.  Yes, the food was good and so was the service, but that was not what made it wonderful.  It was wonderful because for a full forty-five minutes to an hour, I did not check the time, I did not feel the need to, nor did it even cross my mind to communicate, email, call, text, anyone other than my boys. I was present for every twinkle in their eyes as they told me stories, I was present to hear and laugh with them at their jokes, I was present to be fully impressed by their thoughts and opinions on life.  I was present and they knew it. 

I think that sometimes, us master multitaskers think that others don’t notice when they become just another plate that we are juggling.  We think that the very fact that we made time for someone that we are succeeding at relationships, however when that time is divided between texts, switching loads of laundry, checking the time and countless other interruptions it generally becomes clear to everyone around us that they do not warrant our full attention.  It is us multitaskers who are usually the last to realize that what we have been offering our loved ones and to God, Himself, is merely a fraction of our focus, time, emotions, and energy. 

I am gifted administratively and being able to multitask pairs greatly with this gifting, but just because I am good at multitasking does not mean that I should do it all the time.  I need time to allow life to slow down.  I need time to be able to focus on just one thing, one person, one moment.  I need to allow myself the luxury of getting lost in a single moment. 

I want to be a reformed multitasker.  One that can turn it on to get stuff done quickly and efficiently and then just as easily turn it off to be fully present and undivided when it comes to my time with God, my family, close friends, and even myself.  I want to reteach myself how to be present by doing the things that cultivate an undivided place in my mind and heart.  Things like painting, playing the piano, and writing.  When doing these activities, I am in the moment, other things fade away and I am present.  I need to do these types of activities more often.  When I am present, I am a better wife, mom, friend, and daughter of the Most High.  When I am present, I am a better me.  A me that I like.  A me that I actually want to spend time with. 

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalms 46:10 NKJV

“Be still and know…” In a place and position of stillness I can know that God will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.  From a place of stillness there is a knowing and a confidence that comes.  There is intimacy in stillness.  There is wisdom in stillness.  Within Stillness there is a revelation unknown to those in constant motion.  I want this stillness, with God, with my husband, with my children, I want this intimate knowledge and true revelation that God remains on his throne with or without me being an expert juggler of the cares of this life.  I want this stillness, I need this stillness, and I am willing to disrupt my identity as a multitasker to get it.  I am willing to debunk the lie that “I thrive in chaos” in exchange for the peace of being present within my own self and my relationships.  I am ready to be present.

*****

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Have something to say: Comment below.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe.*

**On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.

**On desktop computers, find the Orange “Subscribe” box at the top of the page on the right side bar.

Photo by James Garcia on Unsplash

The post Being Present appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

A few years ago, my husband’s work transferred him from California’s agricultural Central Valley to the San Francisco Bay Area.  Here in the Bay Area there is a housing shortage causing many families like my own to live in either apartments, townhouses, or to join forces with extended family members and house share.  In our case, we live in a townhouse and unlike most apartments/townhouses in our area, our complex actually has a small front yard for each unit.  When we moved in two years ago, our front yard area was a patch of dirt filled with rusty nails, broken beer bottles and a large cactus.  Definitely not child safe by any means and definitely not inviting.   

When we first moved into the complex, I received permission to pull out the cactus and began designing my own garden.  At first, my plans just involved making it a safe location for my children as well as a space to grow a few flowers or tomato plants, but as we became more familiar with the community within our complex, my plans began to evolve.  My ideas for a simple and safe front yard for my family, soon were promoted into an even better design: a community gathering place. 

Our specific townhouse is unique in that we are the very last unit in a long narrow driveway of townhomes and also because our unit is right next to our complex’s only lawn area.  This makes the front of our unit the safest place for the neighborhood children to ride bikes and play games.  Our location is also the ideal place for promoting community among our neighbors, many of whom are first generation immigrants from both India and Latin America.

I quickly observed that within our complex there was a need for seating near the lawn area.  Often the grandparents would walk their grandchildren down to the front of our unit so the children could play, but they themselves remained standing.  One particular grandmother used a cane, and I just hated to see her standing for long periods of time. It was clear that she was uncomfortable.  When seeing her, I would often go out and offer her a chair, but on days I was away, or busy in the house, not realizing she was out there her only choices were to either keep the children inside, or stand. 

After talking to my husband, I soon began expanding my garden plans to include a seating area as well as planting beds for both flowers and a community vegetable patch. 

We began our landscaping work on a Friday afternoon and even from its conception, my little garden was a community affair.  Two neighborhood boys joined in the fun by asking if they could help.  They, along with our own boys, helped with pulling out weeds, and carefully removing all the broken glass and bottle caps from the ground.  The next day, Saturday the boys returned and helped even further planting lettuce, carrots, and Swiss chard into the newly formed beds.  As we worked, our non-English speaking neighbors would smile with nods of encouragement and appreciation. 

The following morning, we came out of the house to begin loading up for church, but our plans quickly changed.  Many of the neighbors had gathered outside our unit and were enjoying the sunshine and our newly landscaped front garden.  The sense of community, fellowship and friendship was so strong that we knew we needed to stay home from church on this particular morning and spend the morning worshiping in a different way, by loving our neighbors.  This was confirmed a while later when one of our older Punjabi speaking neighbors said to me, with the help of a translator, “This is proof, you don’t need money, all you need is love.”

It took a little bit of time for our neighbors to truly realize that the seating area and garden were available for their use with or without us being present.  I still remember the first time I looked out my bedroom window to see a gathering of some of the grandparents sitting and conversing.  I was so excited.  I wanted to run out and hug each one of them, but considering the fact that there was a language barrier, I decided to just call and celebrate with my husband on the phone instead.  (I did however snap a quick picture from my window. I just couldn’t resist.)

Two years have now passed and the entire neighborhood knows that our yard is their yard. We have been told that when we go away for the weekend, we do not need a security system, because the entire neighborhood is watching and guarding our house.   

Our neighbors have become friends and those friends are like family. 

When we have extended family come visit or we invite friends to come to our home, they always remark that coming to our neighborhood is like being in Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show, or like visiting Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Incidentally, these are my two all-time favorite shows. 

Our neighbors were all wonderful and beautiful people long before we landscaped our yard.  Opening up our yard was really a byproduct of us first opening up our hearts.  Never before had we ever lived in such close proximity to people from other countries, cultures, languages, or religions.  Our neighbors have welcomed us into their homes and lives and we have welcomed them into ours. We have learned that love is the international language that supersedes spoken words every time.  

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love which bind them together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV (Emphasis added)

Sharing our yard has not been without a few bumps in the road.  Sometimes chairs and toys are not put away.  Sometimes trash is left behind.  Both a chair and a bike have gone missing, never to be returned.  There are risks.  There are drawbacks, but the benefits are so worth it. 

There was never a booming voice from heaven telling me to share my yard.  It was just a spark of an idea that entered my heart and once there, I just had to see it through.  For most of us, the impact we have on the world is not a result of money, prestige, or popularity, but on whether we live life slow enough to notice a grandma who needs a chair.  I may have provided a chair, but what I have received in return has been life changing.  My heart has been expanded.  My love for others has expanded, and my life is full to overflowing and yet there is always room for more.

My encouragement to you today is to fan the ideas that spark life in your heart.  Love without limit. Create the community your heart craves.  

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe.*

**On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.

**On desktop computers, find the Orange “Subscribe” box at the top of the page on the right side bar.

The post Community appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

A few weeks ago, I walked out of my church’s Sunday Service to realize that it had rained.  The sidewalk, parking lot and all the cars were wet.  I got in my car and began heading to home.  It was not really raining much anymore but there was some light sprinkling.  As I waited at a red light before being able to turn onto the freeway towards home, I noticed three people standing in the medium of the road across the intersection from me.  At first I thought, it was an unusual place for panhandlers, especially on a raining day, but then I realized that the individuals were not panhandlers at all but were drivers who had just been in a three car fender bender.    

As I realized what had just happened, I could hear my mom’s voice in my head. “Joy, you always have to be careful driving during a first rain.  Water and oil don’t mix and in a first rain, all the oil accumulates and makes the roads slick.”  As I thought about my mom’s caution, which I must have heard her say at least a hundred times, I mentally told myself that I would need to drive a little slower and allow more space between me and the other vehicles.  I then decided that while I drove, I should pray for road safety, knowing that not everyone was conscious of the dangers of a first rain.   

My light turned green and with safety in the forefront of my thinking and internal prayers, I turned onto the freeway entrance which circles around before merging onto the freeway. As I began to come out of the circle portion of the onramp, I began to accelerate in preparation for merging onto the freeway.  Suddenly, I had no control over my vehicle.  I put my foot on the brake and nothing happened.  I continued to spin out of control.  I braced myself, expecting that at any moment the car that had been behind me would be crashing into me, but instead, it was somehow able to maneuver around me.  After making a 180 degree turn, my car slips off the road onto the shoulder and with the added traction of the gravel shoulder, my car suddenly comes to a stop.  I am now facing the wrong direction on the shoulder of the onramp. 

With my entire body and mind full of adrenaline, all I could think of was “Thank God, my kids weren’t in the car” quickly followed by “What would have happened if I wasn’t consciously driving slower due to the rain?”

With the help of a Good Samaritan who blocked oncoming traffic for me, I was able to get my car turned around and once going the right direction, I quickly found a safe place to pull over until I could get my racing heart rate and mind, back to a normal.

In the moments that followed my mind was flooded with all my other close calls involving vehicles.  As a fourteen year old passenger headed up the mountains for a fun filled day of skiing, our car hit a section of black ice, made a 180 degree turn and flipped on its side, we were okay, but our car was totaled.  In my early twenties, I was driving near a high school, just as the students had been dismissed.  I stopped at a crosswalk where a young man was beginning to cross.  The car behind me, decided not to stop, but instead crashed into me with good speed.  Thankfully, the student who had been crossing the street, jumped out of the way, just in time, otherwise, he would have been seriously hurt.  My car was totaled and I suffered neck and shoulder pain for months afterwards.  A few year later I was in a car wash, the kind that you are supposed to put your car in neutral and let the machine pull your car through.  Well, apparently, the lady in the car behind me decided to not put her car in neutral and for some reason during the wash, she attempted to put her foot on the break, only it wasn’t the break, it was the gas.  I certainly never expected to be rear ended in a car wash.  Then a few months ago, I was rear ended again, this time at a stop light.  The lady who hit me was not going very fast and there was minimal damage.  The boys were in the car with me and when I asked them if they were okay, they equated the sudden jolt of the car with an amusement park ride.    Obviously they were fine. But for me, it was just one more reminder that I have no control over those around me.

Two single vehicle accidents in which the car rotates out of control 180 degrees. And three times being rear-ended.  My experience in vehicles has taught me that both road conditions and drivers can be unpredictable.  These experiences often makes me a defensive driver and at times a nervous passenger. 

In each circumstance, I did nothing wrong.  But the accidents still occurred.  The only way to avoid such accidents with 100% certainly would be to never leave the house.  And that is not going to happen.  I have too much of a calling on my life, to let the things outside of my control, control me. 

I think that sometimes, we as human beings think that bad things should not happen to good people and all the more, often as Christians, I think we feel that we should be sheltered even further from the troubles of life.  The Bible, however tells us that we will in fact have trouble:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:34

Jesus even told His disciples:

“In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

If we take the troubles of life as signs that we are somehow doing something wrong or that we have somehow made a wrong turn, we will miss out on the fulfillment of the promises God has for us.  In the same way that I cannot afford to stop driving in vehicles, none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines of life, in hopes of avoiding the unforeseen. 

“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.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4

My experiences have taught me to expect the unexpected on the literal road and on the road of life.  When driving, I wear my seat-belt, I drive the speed limit, I use my blinker, but I also realize that I cannot control what is outside of my control.  I am making peace with this reality. 

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves suddenly facing the wrong direction on the side of the road, and frequently it has nothing to do with anything we did right or wrong.  In these times, I challenge you to get turned back around, take a deep breath, and start driving again.  Accidents happen.  Trouble comes.   But the calling on your life, just like mine, is bigger than whatever things may be out of your control. 

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Have something to say: Comment below.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe.*

**On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.

Photo by Yoel J Gonzalez on Unsplash

The post Out of My Control appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.

By Joy Adams

This past winter, my six year old son, Jeremiah was playing in our community’s communal grassy area.  After just a few minutes of playing he ran up to me overflowing with excitement.  He had found a fidget spinner and he was confident that God had placed it there in the grass, just for him.  My husband and I tend to shy away from current trends, partially because we are just not that hip, and also because we want to teach our boys that fullness of life has nothing to do with the latest gadget or fad toy. In this regard, we had often seen our son enjoying playing with fidget spinners while on play-dates, however had not realized that to him, they were really something special and had nothing to do with fads.  Apparently, God knew, what we did not. 

After showing it to the neighborhood children and none of them laying claim to it, Jeremiah was all the more confident that God had brought it to him.  For the next several days, weeks, and beyond Jeremiah carried that fidget spinner close at hand almost everywhere we went, always letting people know that God had given it to him.  When he did not have it on him, he stored it in his sock drawer, like a treasure kept in a sacred vault.  

Months later, after picking Jeremiah up from school, I had taken the boys to Costco to do our grocery shopping.  It was the beginning of our pay period, so my list was long and we made our way up and down the aisles, covering most of the warehouse.  After checkout we stopped at the bathroom, then stopped for a hot dog, then back to the bathroom, then back to the food court to finish our hot dogs and then finally loaded up the car and headed home.  I was exhausted.    Shopping had taken longer than I had hoped, and we all just wanted to be home. 

Soon after getting on the freeway, headed for home, Jeremiah let out a cry of panic and distress: “Mom, I cannot find my fidget spinner!”  After having him check his pockets and all around his seat and even checking my purse, it was clear that the fidget spinner was not in the car.  “Where did you last have it?” I asked.  His reply: “Costco.”  Oh, boy! Talk about finding a needle in a hay stack.  I quickly assessed in my mind the chances of finding the lost fidget spinner weighted that with my exhaustion from the day and I began trying to offer words of comfort to my very distraught little boy.  “It is okay, honey, sometimes in life we lose toys or they get broken.”  “You are going to be okay, it’s not so bad, you have money in your bank at home, you can by a new one.”  My attempt to comfort, only made things worse.  It was evident that my son was experiencing true grief over the loss of this fidget spinner.  To him, it was as though that fidget spinner was a beloved member of our family that was totally irreplaceable. 

My heart broke for my son and for the pain of loss that he was experiencing.  I did the only thing I could do and that was get off the freeway, turn the car around and head back to Costco.  All the while, trying to prepare Jeremiah to accept the loss I felt was inevitable.  We were on an impossible task.  As I get the car back on the freeway Jeremiah says “Mom, Pray.”  I begin to pray that God will bring comfort to my son and help to restore his peace when he interrupts me and says “Mom, you are praying the wrong way.  God knows where it is, ask God to give it back to me.”  I invited Jeremiah to join me in prayer and we prayed as Jeremiah’s faith boldly led the way asking for the immediate return of his fidget spinner. 

Thanks to Bay Area rush hour traffic, almost an hour after leaving Costco, we reentered Costco on a mission to back track, if necessary, through the entire store. 

Less than a minute into our mission, Jeremiah had his beloved fidget spinner in hand.  We realized that he must have set it on the first table we had sat at in the food court and in our rush to get to the bathroom it had been left behind.  Returning to the food court, after going to the bathroom, our original table was occupied and we ended up finishing our meal at a different table.  Finding the fidget spinner, at that table over an hour after we had sat there was a miracle.   

As far as fidget spinner go, to anyone other than Jeremiah, it would seem insignificant. Its design is smaller and simpler than most fidget spinners.   The staff member who had wiped clean the table at least once in our absence could have easily felt justified in just tossing it in the trash without a second thought, but they didn’t.  Jeremiah left Costco that day with evidence in his hand that God does indeed hear our prayers and answer them.  I left Costco that day, with a renewed knowledge of how much God truly cares about us and the things we care about.

A year later, Jeremiah still recalls how God returned to him his fidget spinner. He often uses this memory as a statement of faith when encouraging our family to pray for something or when explaining to his younger brother just how big and loving God is. 

These days, the fidget spinner stays closer to home and the safety of Jeremiah’s sock drawer.  The testimony of the fidget spinner, however, is not hidden away, it is on full display in the growing faith of our son. 

Jeremiah’s fidget spinner story reminds me that God truly does care for us and for the things we care for just as the Bible says:

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul.

Psalm 138:3 (NKJV)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

He will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.

Psalm 145:19 (NKJV)

Today, I encourage you to put on childlike faith, to believe for the impossible, and to invite God to join you in even the simple joys and trails of life.

Like this post? Please share on Social Media.

Have something to say: Comment below.

Want to get an email every time a new post is added? Subscribe:

• On mobile devices, scroll down to the Orange box that says “Subscribe”.
• On desktop computers, find the Orange “Subscribe” box at the top of the page on the right side bar.

Photo by Charles Deluvio 🇵🇭🇨🇦 on Unsplash

The post Childlike Faith appeared first on Inspiration of Joy.