Today so far it has been a little harder to be joyful, mainly because it’s been a rather boring day. But,
- I did get a phone call from my Mother-in-law
- And an email from Melanie of Elegant Custom Blogs with the first beta edition of my new blog design!
- I’m almost done with the laundry for this week
- I will get my wedding pictures ordered very soon
- It’s a gorgeous day outside; not too hot
- It’s September! Hooray for fall and cooler weather!
- I’m going to be receiving my tax rebate soon
- Brian is not gone at work all day today!
- I cannot wait to go to California this weekend and visit my sister-in-law!
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
The whole chapter has a focus on joy, joy in all circumstances, even imprisonment. I spent some time today reflecting on the above verses and thinking of people I remember with joy. I came up with a list:
My Bible study leaders- Nikki from Campus Crusade, Kim from North Myrtle Beach summer project, and Sabrina from Campus Baptist Church.
For most of the time, I was the only one besides the co-leader attending the Bible study Nikki led in my dorm building, and I sometimes wondered if she was going to cancel it and decide it wasn’t worth it. She never did, and I learned so much as we studied Ephesians together. That Bible study was a blast, we always had so much fun sharing stories and just talking, and she always made treats of some sort. I learned a lot from watching Nikki about how to lead a Bible study and how to evangelize in a very natural and understanding way. Nikki didn’t seem much older than college aged, she was really good at relating in a way that wasn’t motherly but mentoring.
Kim was also on staff with Campus Crusade, but from a different college. Kim was so much fun! She was full of energy and laughter, but was very sensitive and thoughtful too. She had a huge heart for prayer and missions, and that definitely passed on to me and the girls in our apartment. She was awesome at one on one discipleship, and she inspired me to lead a Bible study and disciple others. She prepared me well to take over the Bible study and discipleship of the other girls. We were all thrilled when her boyfriend proposed to her on the beach. Throwing her a surprise bachelorette party was one of the highlights of the summer, and we all missed her terribly when the staff left.
Sabrina has been inspirational to me as long as I’ve known her. She was probably the first person to welcome Brian and me into Cyclone Bible Fellowship. I looked forward to Bible study with her every week my freshman year, and discipleship my sophomore year. Her insight and wisdom never ceased to amaze me, and our discipleship times especially helped to prepare me for marriage. She was so willing to serve around CBF, and so open and real. I miss her a lot, so I’m glad she has a blog so I can kind-of keep up with her :).
I can think of sooooooooooo many others too I’d love to mention, but I’ll just have to save it for another post!
Who are some people you remember with joy?
"Papa" is celebrating his 70th b-day on Sat. He is one of the most humble and genuine people I know and it gives me great joy to celebrate this day with him. Your mom and dad and family are coming Em. Wish you were here!
Lydia also gives me much joy. All the kids, of course, at different times but lately Lydia. She is demonstrating a real hunger for God and desire to serve others that just blesses my heart. It is so much fun to see her get more involved this year at school. She is playing volleyball, doing a ministry called GO (one morning a week at East High in Des Moines), and helping to lead a Bible study for the Freshman girls. She is also seeking to get involved in the local Hospice by organizing donated baked goods once a month. Besides all that, she is just fun to be around (almost all the time – she IS still a teenager!)
Emily Joyce, you give me joy when I read this blog and can know about your life even though far away! Love you Em!