Have you ever woken up and thought to yourself did that really happen or is this really happening (positive)? While there are many days that I think to myself is this really happening in a negative fashion, I must say as I reflect on 2015 there are a lot of days that I think back and say to myself "wow, I am very blessed" (as a previous blog post discussed). On the last football game of the regular season, a close friend of mine mentioned something to me about my blog and it allowed me the opportunity to share why I write. The journey to blogging has brought me so much happiness over the past year. I love hearing from friends about how they are now avid readers of the Proverbs31 Devotional site, and many thanks to those of you who have shared with me that you read my blog posts as well. It was about a journey and in a sense a calling that I felt that God was asking me to do. Whether or not He was asking me to blog because He knew I especially needed it or whether He thought that every now and then someone will read my post and make a connection is unknown; however, whatever the reason may be, I am extremely grateful. My year in 2015 has been full of changes and reliance on faith. Faith of the unknown, faith of the paths that God has chosen for me, and faith and trust in His plan.
"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"- Psalm 8:3-4
On New Years Eve, I happened to be on a hotel rooftop restaurant in Charlotte overlooking the city counting down the new year with some wonderful people. In that moment as I overlooked the city, I was amazed at the view. It was by far one of the most breathtaking views that I have ever seen. Tall buildings all glowing with lights, stars dotting the night sky, and this calmness as I gazed from 21 stories above. While there was laughter and music in the background, all was at peace as I overlooked the queen city. The next day as we talked about the previous night, we were all astounded that there was no guest list, no cover charge, yet an "open arms" welcome for everyone to enjoy the New Year's Eve celebration. The one word to describe the view and night...Unbelievable..
You see that rooftop view was open and welcome to everyone, which is exactly how I strongly believe faith is. Unbeknownst to us, the directions to this unbelievable view was only a question away. While waiting in the hotel lobby for our Uber, we had asked the desk manager for suggestions to see the fireworks and this was his recommendation. After dinner, we jumped in an Uber and a few minutes later we were in an elevator on the way to the 21st floor. Once we arrived, we were there to enjoy one of the best New Years. I do not know about you all, but heights are sometimes a little daunting and while it was scary to walk over to the rail and look down, all it took was the courage to experience the view.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7
How is this like faith?? When my friend asked me about my blog, she was asking a question which allowed me to share my story and journey. We all have our own stories about our journey, and each is unique in their own way. No one story is the same. God speaks to us in different ways and reaches out based on our needs and those around us. All God sometimes needs is for someone to ask you or for you to be willing to ask or answer the question and in return you will experience one of the most remarkable views that He is willing to share. Had we not been willing to ask the hotel manager the question, we would have never known about this hidden gem. Faith is a hidden gem waiting to be experienced and viewed in a new light as long as we are willing to take advantage of the opportunity. I hope that as we look to 2016, we take the opportunity to share our stories and are willing to experience new views in life.
As always thank you for reading my blog! I ventured away from my typical resolutions and attempted to make more faith based resolutions this year. 2015 was the year of change and I am excited to see what 2016 has in store for each of us. I hope that God blessed each one of you with a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hugs, Joy
"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"- Psalm 8:3-4
On New Years Eve, I happened to be on a hotel rooftop restaurant in Charlotte overlooking the city counting down the new year with some wonderful people. In that moment as I overlooked the city, I was amazed at the view. It was by far one of the most breathtaking views that I have ever seen. Tall buildings all glowing with lights, stars dotting the night sky, and this calmness as I gazed from 21 stories above. While there was laughter and music in the background, all was at peace as I overlooked the queen city. The next day as we talked about the previous night, we were all astounded that there was no guest list, no cover charge, yet an "open arms" welcome for everyone to enjoy the New Year's Eve celebration. The one word to describe the view and night...Unbelievable..
You see that rooftop view was open and welcome to everyone, which is exactly how I strongly believe faith is. Unbeknownst to us, the directions to this unbelievable view was only a question away. While waiting in the hotel lobby for our Uber, we had asked the desk manager for suggestions to see the fireworks and this was his recommendation. After dinner, we jumped in an Uber and a few minutes later we were in an elevator on the way to the 21st floor. Once we arrived, we were there to enjoy one of the best New Years. I do not know about you all, but heights are sometimes a little daunting and while it was scary to walk over to the rail and look down, all it took was the courage to experience the view.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7
How is this like faith?? When my friend asked me about my blog, she was asking a question which allowed me to share my story and journey. We all have our own stories about our journey, and each is unique in their own way. No one story is the same. God speaks to us in different ways and reaches out based on our needs and those around us. All God sometimes needs is for someone to ask you or for you to be willing to ask or answer the question and in return you will experience one of the most remarkable views that He is willing to share. Had we not been willing to ask the hotel manager the question, we would have never known about this hidden gem. Faith is a hidden gem waiting to be experienced and viewed in a new light as long as we are willing to take advantage of the opportunity. I hope that as we look to 2016, we take the opportunity to share our stories and are willing to experience new views in life.
As always thank you for reading my blog! I ventured away from my typical resolutions and attempted to make more faith based resolutions this year. 2015 was the year of change and I am excited to see what 2016 has in store for each of us. I hope that God blessed each one of you with a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hugs, Joy