Choosing Joy

Ah! So, yes, I am lonely. I miss the community of Bethany like I never thought I would. However, I have let that loneliness define me over the last few days, but it is not my definition! Where have I set my eyes? Definitely not on the Lord. But last night I read this verse and have let it remind me of on whom my gaze needs to be locked: "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed" Psalm 34:5. When my eyes are on the Lord I will have the joy that yesterday I did not possess. God has given me abundant life, so why should I live as if all the world is falling apart? Even though my circumstances have changed, my God's character has not. My role is to properly respond to His character in all situations; that is the heartbeat of the Christian life.

So here I am, choosing to praise Him because He is GOOD, and His promises will never fail me.

Rejoicing again,

Jules

Lonely.

A somber face

Tired limbs

Staring at nothing

Wishing for something

Happy songs

Joyless heart

Asked to sing

With no passion

What happened to the sunshine

Of laughter?

And the rain

Of shared pain?

All stolen away

I’ve been placed

At home

In lonliness.

{Imagine}

Just imagine this kind of love.....

A strong, supportive hand on your back—urging you onward down a sacred path.

A tender hand to lift up your face when you are downcast, and to wipe away the tears—tears that not only you cry.

A friendly hand to grasp your own and walk with you—forbidding you

to ever walk alone.

The voice of a most ardent lover, whispering declarations of love into your ear—declarations that can never be denied or found to be false.

The voice of a loyal friend, laughing when you laugh, weeping when you weep—echoing the sounds of your soul.

The sweet voice of kindness singing over you and with you, making music out of a rejoicing heart.

Protective arms enveloping you in a strong embrace—shielding you from the fierce dangers of a cruel world.

Dependable arms lifting you out of harsh waters as they threaten to steal your life away.

Comforting arms reassuring you, and confirming the love that the words already spoke.

What passionate eyes gazing in the same direction as yours!

What mesmerized eyes, captivated by a single glance of your own… and longing for another. Just one more.

What beautiful eyes—your own reflecting their depth and splendor....

Do you know this love?

His Voice.

Sometimes I think that if God spoke to me His voice would sound like a symphony orchestra.

The Simplicities of Home

Life at home is simple.

The Lord blessed me by giving me my job back that I had for the past two summers so that is an answer to prayer. A typical day involves working for a few hours (my hours are always small starting out), working on little projects around the house, and lately, lots of babysitting. My spare time is used to study the Scriptures, go running with my littlest sister Trie, or just hang out with my family. Last night I picked up my violin and practiced for the first time in months. It wasn't pleasant, but by the end of the summer it will be once again. :)

Things are just getting started...

Home.

-endless laughter around the kitchen table
-meals all together
-singing to my niece as she listens contentedly
-runs with little sisters
-late night vulnerable conversations with Breezy
-early breakfasts with Papa
-a supportive word available at any time
-shopping with Mama
-wonderful hugs
-amazing expressions of undeserved love
-selflessness
-a quiet place to call my own--consecrated to Jesus for His work
-classical music dancing through the house
-warm, green landscapes
-my very own marina... in my room :)

This is what I come home to.