Barbara's Banter

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

We spent ten or so years ministering in Appalachian areas and I’m not saying the roads were bad but they did leave a lot to be desired. Okay…they were bad.

The “road” stories I could tell are too many to mention. When we first moved to West Virginia, we were traveling late at night on a two-lane, curvy, mountainous road. Being impatient, I asked my husband why he was driving so slowly. He said, “Because I want to be sure the road hasn’t washed down the mountain.” Sure enough, we happened onto a section where a large chunk of our lane was gone. These were the paved roads.

In Kentucky, we actually had to drive down a creek bed to visit a person who looked just like Mammy Yokum including a corn cob pipe and coffee can spittoon.

Once, we were driving on a small road on the side of a snowy mountain to visit a family from our church. Our car slid and perched itself half on the road and half dangling a bit off the road, sort of in midair. Fortunately, the part in midair was on my husband’s side so I crawled out my car door with our two daughters, ages seven months and two years old. We trudged down the road to the farm house. The family and I were pondering how to rescue my husband or if we would ever see him again when all of a sudden we heard a car coming. Miracle of miracles – up drove my husband. I admit that he is a great driver but I think we have to give God the credit for this one!

Curvy roads were not new to me because much of my childhood was spent navigating such roads in southeast Missouri in the foothills of the Ozarks. Those two-lane roads were so hilly and curvy I would get carsick often, much to the chagrin of my parents. Some roads were like riding on a roller coaster. As you drove up a hill you could not see what was on the other side until you reached the top. You learned to drive slowly and stay way over on your side of the road because there could be an unexpected curve waiting on the other side or a car veering into your land. I think there are some parallels to be made here for our journey through life.

Before we got married, I told my city slicker fiancé about these roads but he didn’t believe me. However, when we went to visit my country cousins, he got so carsick I had to drive while he laid down in the backseat with his eyes closed.

When our children were little, we spent many hours on country curvy roads in Appalachian areas. Our young daughters suffered from the same carsickness I had at that age. Many a trip included them barfing out a car window or into a bucket I carried in the back seat. My sympathy for what I put my parents through increased dramatically. Ah, what memories!

On one such trip, our daughters were riding in the back seat with an intern who was spending the summer with us helping with ministry. Our daughter Shelly had her head resting on George’s lap. I glanced back and recognized a certain expression on her face and shouted, “Get her to the window – quick!” George was stunned but got her to an open window just before she emptied the contents of her stomach. George was a bit shaken and said, “I don’t know how you knew she was going to do that, but I will be eternally grateful!” And he has been because he tells me each time we reconnect even though it happened forty years ago. 

Straight roads are fine but the scenery on the curvy roads is spectacular. Hillsides of green, majestic mountain views, wildlife, and lush plant life. Of course, you can enjoy it more if you aren’t carsick or almost rolling down a mountain side. Ah, but, that is where the adventure lies in the journey. God never promised me life would be without twists, turns, ups, downs, detours, queasy feelings, curves, or side trips. He did, however, promise to be with me every mile of the journey. Finally, after all these years, I’m learning to let Him drive so I can enjoy the ride. 

*****

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for my childhood. You gave me the best of both worlds by living in the city and spending so much time in the country with loved ones. Thank You for preparing me for our years in Appalachia. How I love those people! They are honest and sincere and love You deeply. The roads may have been curvy but the ride was magnificent. As far as my life’s journey goes, I know You are a better driver than I. Relinquishing control to You has not been easy. Help me to continue to trust You in this lifelong process.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Thousands of years ago Job asked a question about death that has continued to plague mankind. “If a man dies, will he live again?” (Job 14:14). Science may be able to prolong life but not cheat death. Everyone knows death is inevitable and it’s only natural that people want to know what happens after we die.

Death can be hard to face. The Bible refers to it as our final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26). A loved one’s death can fill us with helplessness or if it comes quickly, anger. Facing our own death may have us feeling fearful, uncertain, perhaps defeated. Even those who bail out of life with suicide are hoping for something better.

At this time of year, we are reminded of one who lived and died for us. Jesus Christ loved us so much He came to earth, lived among us, and freely died for us. But death was not the end of the story for He rose from the dead and is victorious. “…Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 55).

The good news is that Christ’s victory over death is ours as well. He fought the battle for us. All we have to do is to choose to partake of this victory in Christ as John 5:24 tells us. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” This has nothing to do with living a good life or earning salvation. It comes from believing and trusting God.

Job’s question can be answered because at death our “perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death doesn’t have to be the end; it can be the beginning. Death is swallowed in victory.

Although I don’t want to rush this victorious process by embracing premature death, it brings me joy and comfort to know Christ’s resurrection gives me blessed assurance. When the women came to Christ’s tomb they were told, “He is not here; he is risen…” (Matthew 28:6). He is risen and lives today—and because He lives, we shall live also.  

*****

Lord, many who ignore You all year long celebrate Easter. It’s not because of bunnies and chocolate eggs; it’s because only You can give what this hurting world needs. Hope! People want to believe in You but are sometimes afraid to embrace Your truth. You are the Way, the Truth, the Life. You are my life and I thank You for the resurrection. I don’t have to fear death because You have conquered the grave.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

It may seem incongruous, but Christians can have joy even when they are going through trials.

Joy expresses itself in different ways and when things aren’t going well, there is a kind of joy expressed through inner peace and calm assurance in God.

God never promised the Christian life would be free of trials, hardships, temptations, sorrow, or suffering. In fact, we are told to expect such things (1 Peter 4:12). Yet we are always surprised when they happen.

Oswald Chambers said, “The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something quite different… If you are a child of God, you will certainly meet with adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come.”

When bad things happen, we aren’t expected to put on a happy face and act like all is well. It’s okay to be upset, hurt, or angry. It’s okay to cry and grieve. After all, even Jesus had moments when He wept over Jerusalem, wept over Lazarus, and sweated drops of blood. There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 1:1-8). However, we can’t stay there. We have to move on.

There are times when we just don’t feel like smiling, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have this inner calm kind of joy that comes to us from God. This joy manifests itself through our belief that God loves us and is at work in our lives. It’s the assurance that He will be there no matter what.

Paul tells us to always rejoice (Philippians 4:4). Always means always—in the good times and bad. Then he says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Paul is telling us not to let things that might make us anxious or fearful take us away from God. Don’t let those things steal our joy but continue doing the things we know we should do like drawing close to God through prayer and thanksgiving. In other words, God will take care of it. He might not take care of it the way we want, but we can trust Him.     

There is joy that comes from having a relationship with God. We can have happiness without spiritual development, but we can’t have joy. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. It comes as a result of complete trust in God and a deep desire for His will to be done, no matter what the cost might be to us.

Jesus was not happy on the cross, but He endured it for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). This kind of joy comes from wanting God’s will more than our own. And with this, we realize God can take anything that happens to us and let it be used in some way to benefit others and for His glory.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This is not saying everything that happens to us will make us happy. But it is saying God can take anything that happens to us and use it for good in some way.

When James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds…,” I don’t think it is telling us to rejoice because we have a trial. None of us say, “Oh yea! I just lost my job!” James is merely pointing out that we can have joy in the midst of a trial. We aren’t rejoicing because of the trial. We are rejoicing because of God. God is with us. We are not alone. God can and will use a trial to help us and others grow spiritually in areas like endurance, perseverance, character, and spiritual maturity. In other words, if there’s a pony is this “doo-doo” somewhere, God can help us find it.  

I’ve come to see that my joy depends on the indwelling of Jesus Christ in my life, not outward circumstances (John 15:9-11). I don’t rejoice because of my trials, but I do rejoice that God is always with me no matter what happens. During the good times and during the bad times, I rejoice in God.

*****

O God, You are my Savior, my Deliverer, my Shelter, my Comfort, my Rock, my High Tower! You alone are worthy of my praise. In good times and bad times, let me never forget Your love for me. When I am weak, I need Your strength. When I am sad, I need Your comfort. You have never disappointed me and I know You never will. Praise to You, O God most high!

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago I had never heard of COVID-19. Not being good with acronyms, it took me aw hile to figure out that coronavirus disease and COVID-19 were the same thing. I’m a little slow when it comes to acronyms. I just knew it was bad, easily caught, and posed more of a danger than most of us would admit. Finally, I read a breakdown of the acronym that helped:

• CO: Corona

• VI: Virus

• D: Disease

• 19: The year the virus was discovered in China

Actually, coronavirus itself is not new. It’s been around in one form or another since the 1960s, but the pandemic strain we are currently experiencing can be traced back to 2019 in China. It is definitely a pandemic instead of an epidemic. Epidemics are regional but pandemics spread over continents.

Also it’s good to note that the name coronavirus has nothing to do with drinking beer. Corona is a Latin word meaning crown. When this virus is examined with an electron microscope, the little virions or virus particles give the appearance of a small crown.

Most of us know the main ways to keep our families and communities safe. In addition to coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, plus sanitizing everything you touch or even think about touching, I found this brief list from Consumer Reports quite helpful, balanced, and not obsessive.

• Follow federal and local guidance to slow the spread of the virus. Stay home as much as possible, and practice “social distancing” if you must go out.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly—for at least 20 seconds each time. 

• Don’t hoard supplies, but be prepared for a potential quarantine. Check in on neighbors who might need a hand gathering essentials.

• Stay informed but be wary of rumors you hear or read on social media.

I’m sure we know the media is not necessarily our friend. We need to ask God to help us differentiate between news reports and political commentaries. If not, we will be in panic mode all the time.

During this time, some of us might be a little more isolated than usual. We can use the time for Bible study, reading, listening to positive podcasts, nature walks, gardening, household projects, etc. Stay as connected as you can to others via email, snail mail, face-to-face internet chats, and telephone calls. Extra prayers are needed—not just for loved ones but for leaders who have to make tough decisions affecting many lives, for those in the food industry keeping us supplied, for delivery people, for hospital staff, for those living from paycheck to paycheck, and so many others.

Always remember you serve an amazing God. Although church doors may be closed due to lockdowns, church attendance is way up due to the online livestreaming of church services. The world may focus on the negative, but we should focus on God. I’m reminded of the following story.  

The missionary Gladys Aylward led 100 orphaned children to safety over mountainous regions in war-torn China in the 1930s. During this ordeal, she was so exhausted she thought she couldn’t go on. One of the children reminded her of the story of Moses she had taught them. Gladys said, “Yes, but I am not Moses.”

The child replied, “Yes, but God is still God.”

Our lives might be in a constant state of flux, but God is still God! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! These thoughts bring me great joy in times of turmoil.

*****

Dear Omnipotent God, Creator of the universe, Giver of life, Protector of my soul, Provider of my needs…how wonderful to know that You are still God. You are the God of Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I’m so thankful that You are my God and I don’t have to worry. I can trust You in times of trouble because You are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Neat and tidy! That’s how I like it! A place for everything and everything in its place! I like routine, order, organization. I like life to run smoothly and at an even keel. Don’t rock my boat. Don’t rattle my cage. Don’t shake my tambourine. Don’t upset my apple cart. Don’t rearrange my stuff. Don’t leave a mess in my pathway. And don’t keep me from marking off a number on my “to-do” list.

Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t neat and tidy. Unfortunately, they can be in our families. Unfortunately, they can be our co-workers. Unfortunately, they can be our boss. Unfortunately, they are all around us. I once said that lack of organization is killing me – not my lack of organization, but the lack in those who surround me.

And it isn’t just people who aren’t neat and tidy. Life is not neat and tidy either. It’s messy. Life is just one inconvenience after another. Dealing with life’s troubles can be stressful, time consuming, and overwhelming. I know that God is with me whether my crisis is big or small, but for some reason that doesn’t always give me as much comfort as it should.

Here’s the truth. Life is unpredictable. Major tragedies and minor inconveniences will always abound. Disorganized people will always tend to disrupt my life. But more and more I’m realizing that Jesus is not as concerned about my routine, my boat, my cage, my tambourine, my apple cart, my stuff, or my feng shui as I am. He’s more concerned about what I do when unexpected things happen or disorganized people make my organized life chaotic. When I overreact or let things irritate and upset me to the point where I am angry or irrational, I am not reflecting God’s love. So I’m putting that on my “to-do” list of things I need to work on.

However, I won’t lie to you. I cannot contain my joy when I get home from a hard day and find my house neat and tidy!

*****

Lord, my “to-do” list of things I need to work on overfloweth. My loved ones think I’m borderline OCD, but You know I’m really just a highly organized person. Okay, maybe I’m overly organized. So I need Your help to keep things in perspective. Instead of obstacles to my peace of mind, let me see opportunities to show forth Your love.    

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

I can honestly say I like most genres of music. I enjoy opera, country, worship songs, western, pop, rock ‘n roll, rap, classical, musicals, jazz, the blues, old hymns, and most of whatever else is out there. I’m not saying I like every song in every genre, but I can usually find at least one or two I like.

Music can be powerful and beneficial. Kendra Cherry lists the ways in her December 2019 article for Verywell Mind entitled “How Listening to Music Can Have Psychological Benefits.”

• Music can relieve stress.
• Music can improve cognitive performance.
• Music can improve your mood.
• Music can improve your memory.
• Music can help manage pain.
• Music can help some sleep better.
• Music can improve motivation.
• Music can help alleviate depression.
• Music can increase endurance and performance.

Music can also help teach. When we sing something we remember the words. One of the first songs we teach children ends with, “Now I’ve sung my A-B-Cs, next time won’t you sing with me?” Stroke patients who have lost their speech can be taught to speak again by singing. Those who stutter have been helped through singing.

When my dad had Alzheimer’s he could not remember people’s names. However, he could listen to a CD of gospel songs and sing every one of them without missing a beat or lyric. There were times he couldn’t remember my name but we bonded by singing old hymns together. Then he would look at me, smile, and say, “You know what that song says is true. God is great!”      

God created music and it can be a powerful tool. The Psalms show us that music was used to praise and worship God, but music was used for other purposes in biblical times as well.

Music soothed the soul. When a bad spirit came upon Saul, David played his harp (1 Samuel 16:23). Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed.  

Music inspired. When Jehoshaphat was going into battle he appointed singers unto the Lord. As they went out before the army, they sang, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endures forever” (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

Music taught God’s Word. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).

Music released the power of God. Paul and Silas found this out when they were in jail. “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, and the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s shackles were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).

Music etched the mighty power of God into memories. In Exodus 15:1, Moses sang a song of praise to God for deliverance from Pharaoh. “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord: I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously…” It’s quite long so I won’t quote all of it here. Some say this song of Moses is the oldest recorded song in the world.

Songs were used throughout biblical times to express joy, triumph, grief, relief, celebration, thanks, praise, and so on. Matthew 26:30 tells us that when the last supper had ended Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn before leaving. What a powerful image!

God created music and it is good, even if man tries to pollute it. God put something in me that loves music and I’m so grateful. When I unexpectedly hear one of favorite songs – and I have a lot of favorites – it fills me with joy.  

*****

O Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! How great thou art! Fill my heart and my mouth with songs of praise for You and Your greatness. When music floods my soul let me remember that You created music and it is good.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

I’ve always enjoyed reading poetry. In school, we studied the poems of Robert Burns, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Eugene Fields, Walt Whitman, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, etc. More modern poets of the 20^th century would be Maya Angelou and one my children loved Shel Silverstein. Poetry allows us to experience ideas with creative imagery.

Many don’t realize that about 30% of the Bible was written in poetic form. Whole books such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Job are poetic. Much of Old Testament prophecy is in poetic form. What isn’t written in poetic form in the Bible still has many elements of figurative language such as similes and metaphors. 

Being a student of literature, I am familiar with similes and metaphors. Both are used to make comparisons. Similes use the word “like” to make a comparison. For example, “life is like a box of chocolates” comes from the movie Forrest Gump. Metaphors just state the comparison. For example, “all the world’s a stage” is from Shakespeare’s play As You Like It.

I enjoy reading modern translations of the Bible such as The Message, but I also love the imagery displayed through metaphors when reading the King James, New King James, or the New International Version. I think God uses metaphors to reach out to each one of us, making it easier to identify with Him individually. The Bible is full of such metaphors. I’m sure you’ve seen these examples:

• To the architect, Jesus is the chief cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6).
• To the astronomer, Jesus is the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2).
• To the builder, Jesus is the firm foundation (Isaiah 28:16).
• To the carpenter, Jesus is the door (John 10:7).
• To the geologist, Jesus is the Rock of Ages (1 Corinthians 10:4).
• To the farmer, Jesus is the Lord of the harvest (Luke 10:2).
• To the jeweler, Jesus is the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:46).
• To the herder, Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).

This list barely scratches the surface. Throughout the Bible, we find a loving God reaching out to us, breaking down barriers, and trying to give each of us things we can identify with – examples we can relate to that lead us to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what our occupation is, what our interests are, what we are going through – there is something in the Bible we can identify with. God must love us very much to go to this much trouble.

In my personal life, I take it a step further. I imagine God saying, “Come let’s take a walk. You and I have a lot in common. Those flowers are certainly fragrant today. Did you know I am the Rose of Sharon (Solomon 2:1)?  Look at that lovely stream. Did you know I can give you living water to drink and you will never thirst again (John 4:10)? Are you getting hungry? I never get hungry, but I would enjoy eating with you. Did you know I am the Bread of Life (John 3:65)?” 

When I’m sick I imagine God sitting with me saying, “Don’t fret. Did you know that I am the Great Physician (John 8:22)? You need a little rest if you are going to get better and I am the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28). Things look dark for you now but I am the Light in this dark world (John 8:12).”

I love thinking about Jesus being with me. No matter what I’m doing or what I’m going through, He is there. These metaphors help me see Christ in my life all the time. When my time on earth is through Christ will be with me, whispering in my ear, “Do not fret, little one. I love you. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).”

*****

Lord, thank you for the poetry of Your living Word. Be thou my vision as I read these wonderful words of life. Open my eyes so I can visualize You with me as I walk through life – every step of the way. Let everything I see, touch, or feel remind me of You and point me to You because You, and only You, are the way, the truth, the life.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…
By Barbara Dahlgren

When we recognize we are saved by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, we become Christians. What exactly does that mean?

The name “Christian” was first given to the disciples in Antioch because they followed what Christ taught (Acts 11:26). Being a follower of Jesus Christ defined their actions. Today, society cheapens the definition of Christian by thinking it is one who merely believes in Christ. Even demons believe that (James 2:19). So being a Christian must involve more.

True Christians realize they have been saved by Christ. They stand for the same principles Christ preached about. Sometimes they suffer for righteousness sake. They serve a living Christ. They love God and their neighbors. They hunger after God’s Word. They have a personal connection with Christ because Christianity is more about relationship than religion.

We won’t find the words “personal relationship” in the Bible so some balk at this concept. However, the principles are there. Just walking and talking with God would indicate relationship.

Personally, I love the concept of having a personal relationship with Christ. Many know Christ died for their sins, but feel as if He is distant or far away, but He is really only as far away as we want Him to be. If we let Him, God will make His home with us (John 14:23). Christ wants to live in our hearts (Ephesians 3:14-17). Perhaps I need to be sure He feels comfortable living in my heart.

Prayer, Bible study, and practicing spiritual principles are not meaningful unless I allow Christ to participate in these things with me. He isn’t somewhere far off. He’s right here with me and in me. He desires a relationship with me and I desire an intimate relationship with Him. I need to trust Him, be honest, share the desires of my heart, tell Him my disappointments, and listen for His voice when I ask Him to guide me through the maze and haze of life.

Now that sounds pretty personal to me!

*****

Dear Lord, I sometimes forget that You desire a relationship with me. You want me to share what I’m feeling and thinking. It’s hard for me to be totally honest with You. I forget how much You love me in spite of my flaws. Help me to trust You. Forgive me when I let the distractions of this world occupy my time and shut You out. Please make Your home in my heart and patiently nudge me back into Your loving arms.

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

Seeing God do the lovely, unexpected thing brings me joy.

Many years ago, when I was a young teacher’s aide at a Christian school in East Texas, it was my task to have the fourth graders put on a Thanksgiving play. The children were all given assignments. Some were making the sets. Some were coming up with props. Some were in charge of advertising. Some would design the program which would list everyone’s contributions.  

The acting assignments were made and, of course, our theme had something to do with the Pilgrims and Indians. Diana was going to be an Indian princess. She eagerly informed me that she was Native American and her grandmother who lived in another state was a real Indian princess. So Diana phoned her grandmother asking her to mail an outfit she had worn as a young girl. I said, “That’s lovely!” It would definitely lend some authenticity to our little production.

The children worked very hard. The kids really outdid themselves on the set designs. They decided if they couldn’t have one of the coveted acting roles, they were going to make the best sets possible. I was impressed with how well our performers learned their lines and how willing the other children were to prompt them when they missed a word here and there.

Then came the day of our dress rehearsal. Everything was in place. However, Diana still did not have her costume. She was downtrodden. We came up with a makeshift costume for her to use and I tried to prepare her for the worse. It seemed unlikely her outfit would make it by the next day and the show must go on.

I’m not sure there is anything sadder than a disappointed child whose heart was set on something very special. And are we not all children in the eyes of God?

The day of the performance came.

Now this school was not just one building but several small buildings called pods. Each classroom occupied its own pod. Ours had two entrances: one near the back left and one near the right front. Desks had been moved to the sides to make room for folding chairs for our audience. Guests were greeted at the back door, given a program, and ushered to their seats facing the cardboard cutouts of scenery in the front.

I was with our cast who waited outside the front door, ready to make their entry. Diana asked me to wait a bit because her family wasn’t there. We waited about ten minutes but really could wait no longer. We had to go ahead with the performance. I welcomed our guests and the show began. 

First came the Pilgrims who looked the part, wearing their handmade hats and white paper collars. After a bit, the Indians knocked on the door and were invited in. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Before me stood a happy, excited Indian princess in the loveliest, most colorful attire ever. It was like a miracle. Diana was beaming and I was holding back tears of joy.

Later Diana told me she was waiting outside when her mother arrived with the package and quickly dressed her right before her grand entrance. God had made a little girl and her teacher very happy that day. It still brings me joy thinking about this lovely, unexpected surprise.

I think God does the lovely, unexpected thing more than we realize. God delights in us (Psalm 18:19). People use words like coincidence, chance, and serendipity when more than likely it’s God doing the lovely, unexpected thing.

*****

Lord, open my eyes that I may see Your hand in my everyday life. Help me recognize the lovely, unexpected things You do for me and let me never cease to give You praise and thanks. I don’t know why You would delight in me, but You do. Please teach me to delight in You!  

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile…

By Barbara Dahlgren

How I admire people who are cheerful in the morning! They irritate me, but I admire them.  

One year my writer’s conference roommate was amazing! It didn’t matter what time we went to bed, she got up each morning dedicated to getting at least an hour of prayer and another hour of Bible study done before starting her day. Four or five or six o’clock! It didn’t matter. I’ve gotten to know this woman fairly well and this is still her normal routine. She’s very consistent – no matter where she is in the world, no matter what her daily schedule holds, no matter what! She’s truly an extraordinary person whom I admire greatly. I almost felt guilty telling her not to worry about the light shining in my eyes when she got up – I could sleep through anything.

Yet, I’m still a firm believer in starting my day with God even when I have difficulty rolling out of bed. My spirit is willing, but my flesh truly is weak (Matthew 26:40). So I don’t wait until I get up each morning to acknowledge God. I do it first thing when I wake up – even while I’m still in bed. I say, “Thank You, Lord, for a brand new day.” It’s amazing what that quick little prayer can do to make me mindful of God’s daily presence in my life.

Sometimes I add, “And thank You for that great night’s sleep!” If I don’t sleep too well, I might say, “I didn’t sleep well last night, Lord, so I’m going to need a little help to make it through the day.”  

If I oversleep, I might say, “Wow! Look at the time. Thank You, Lord, for that extra sleep. Now please help me get moving and stay focused on You!”

I try to have the philosophy of my favorite cartoon character Maxine who says, “Any day on this side of the flower bed is a pretty good day.”

Each day is one the Lord has made and we are told to rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). That means every day is a brand new gift from God. Each new day is full of opportunities and possibilities. It’s another chance to hold loved ones near, to enjoy creation, to praise and worship God. And we are encouraged to rejoice and be glad IN it – not in spite of it or after it’s over – but IN it!

What a joy to go through each day with God! Starting the morning by acknowledging Him is a little gift I give myself that sets the tone for the day. It helps me focus on the spiritual, not the physical.

There’s no denying that some days are good and some are not so good, but God is with me through them all. I don’t want to rob myself of appreciating today by living in regret of yesterday and fear of tomorrow. Let’s face it – yesterday is gone and there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Today is all I have, so I better make the most of it.

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My Heavenly Father, what a comfort to know I never have to go through a day alone. You are always with me. Saying hello to You each morning reminds me of that. Some days are harder than others. That’s when I need to feel Your presence so I can make it through. And please help me not to take the good days for granted because they are a blessing from You.