Sundays With Joyce

Prayer

 

Matthew 6:6....

But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

1Timothy 2:8.....Therefore, I desire that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Psalm 5:3.....My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will look up.

Luke 18:1.....Then Jesus spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart

Hebrews 4:16....Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Matthew  6:7....And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. .

Matthew  6.9-13..... After this manner therefore pray ye...
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

Matthew  5.44..... I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you

Philippians 4.6-7 .....Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 

I Shall Remember Thee

Shall I remember Thee and all Thou art,
presented by this meal, Thy presence true,
this day, this creature, yea, and all things new?
I come by grace through faith, and faith apart
from works is dead, and death shall have no part
when I believe, and bless, and break bread to
remember Thee, and witness Thee, and view
Thy hands and feet and side and broken heart.
As Thou art risen, raise me from the dead
to kisses which are better than this wine
and to embraces better than this bread,
for I am Thine, O Lord, and Thou art Mine,
Thy body and Thy blood, broken and bled.
I shall remember Thee, and I shall dine

 

I want to be the kind of person who trusts God, not just in the midst
of prosperity, but during difficult times. He is a wonderful God and He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.

God is a person -- namely, your Father. Prayer is a deeply personal, intimate CONVERSATION with your Father -- not some *magical incantation* or religious babbling.

 

 

 

DAILY OM.....Prioritizing Over Smokescreens

Giving Excuses

Excuses may seem like rational reasons for us not to do something, but if we’re not careful we can allow them to keep us from reaching our goals. Too often we accept our excuses as reasons why we cannot accomplish what we set out to do, and instead of finding alternatives we give up.

But if we can be honest with ourselves and take responsibility for our choices, we will begin to notice that we no longer give excuses. When we keep our minds focused on our goals, we will find that excuses fade away in the light of our priorities, and issues become challenges that can help us become wiser and stronger.

Sometimes we may give others excuses rather than be fully honest. We may think it is kind to tell someone we are willing to do something with them, whether work or play, but then keep putting them off. This diverts our energy into keeping the truth at a distance while continuing a falsehood.

But when we can take responsibility for our feelings and express them honestly, but gently, the other person is free to find someone who is better suited to accompany them while we are free to pursue the things we like.

When we can do this, our energy can be invested in building better lives and relationships.

There’s another way in which excuses rob us of energy—and that is in the power of our thoughts and words. If we find ourselves in a situation, for example, where we are being asked for a financial contribution but we use the excuse that we can’t afford it, we create and attract lack and limitation into our lives.

The same goes for seemingly simple things like pretending to not feel well or any other false statement. We may think that excuses make things easier, but they complicate matters with smokescreens.

When we can commit to our priorities, take responsibility for our choices, and communicate them honestly to others, there will be no need to make excuses, and we will have much more energy to dedicate to all the things we love.

What do you think?

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

JUSTIFICATION

 

Proverbs.17:15-- He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them together are detestable to the Lord.

Roman.3:23,24-- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

Romans.4:6,7-- Just as David also speaks about the blessedness of the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE TRANSGRESSIONS ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED.

Psalm.103:2,3-- Bless the Lord, . . . Who forgives all your iniquities, .

1 John.2:2-- And he (Jesus Christ) is the reconciling sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world.

 

Romans.3:10-12-- As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one. There is no who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no who does good, there is not even one."

 

Romans.7:18,19-- For I know that no good thing dwells in me, that is in my sinful nature; for the willingness is present in me, but doing the good thing is not in me. For the good that I desire to do, I do not do; but the evil that I do not desire to do, this I keep doing.

 

Psalm.19:12-- Who can discern his errors? Pardon my sins of ignorance.

2 Corinthians.5:21-- He made him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for our sake, so we might become the righteousness of God in him.

 

Romans.5:9-- Therefore, having now been justified in his blood, by how much more shall we be saved through him from his wrath!

 

 

 

The Stonecutter

There was once a stonecutter who was dissatisfied with himself and with his position in life.

One day, he passed a wealthy merchant's house and through the open gateway saw many fine possessions and important visitors.

"How powerful that merchant must be!" thought the stonecutter. He became very envious, and wished that he could be like the merchant. Then he would no longer have to live the life of a mere stonecutter.

To his great surprise, he suddenly became the merchant, enjoying more luxuries and power than he had ever dreamed of, envied and detested by those less wealthy than himself. But soon a high official passed by, carried in a sedan chair, accompanied by attendants, and escorted by soldiers beating gongs. Everyone, no matter how wealthy, had to bow low before the procession.

"How powerful that official is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a high official!"

Then he became the high official, carried everywhere in his embroidered sedan chair, feared and hated by the people all around, who had to bow down before him as he passed. It was a hot summer day, and the official felt very uncomfortable in the sticky sedan chair. He looked up at the sun. It shone proudly in the sky, unaffected by his presence.

"How powerful the sun is!" he thought. "
I wish that I could be the sun!"

Then he became the sun, shining fiercely down on everyone, scorching the fields, cursed by the farmers and labourers. But a huge black cloud moved between him and the earth, so that his light could no longer shine on everything below.

"How powerful that storm cloud is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a cloud!"

Then he became the cloud, flooding the fields and villages, shouted at by everyone. But soon he found that he was being pushed away by some great force, and realized that it was the wind.

"How powerful it is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be the wind!"

Then he became the wind, blowing tiles off the roofs of houses, uprooting trees, hated and feared by all below him. But after a while, he ran up against something that would not move, no matter how forcefully he blew against it -- a huge, towering stone.

"How powerful that stone is!" he thought. "I wish that I could be a stone!"

Then he became the stone, more powerful than
anything else on earth.

But as he stood there, he heard the sound of a hammer pounding a chisel into the solid rock and felt himself being changed.

"What could be more powerful than I, the stone?" he thought.
He looked down and saw far below him the figure of a stonecutter.

Benjamin Hoff from The Tao Of Pooh

 

 

'The curse of poverty has no justification in
our age...The time has come for us to
civilize ourselves by the total, direct
and immediate abolition of poverty.'
Martin Luther King, Jr

 

"Power is when you have every justification to kill someone, and then you don't"

 

 

'The modern conservative is engaged in
one of man's oldest exercises in moral
philosophy; that is, the search for a superior
moral justification for selfishness.'

 

 

The Living Water...A Collab w/ Rainbowrev

 

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said,

out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."

- John 7:38 -

 

Like a glass waiting to be filled
I looked around expectantly; but

Being filled doesn't always come
from the external
where we yearn to be touched,
where the heart is answered with words
or a humanly caress,
where the soul is satisfied
with so little
when life is a mess

The thirst of my soul
cannot be quenched by
mother’s milk
or lover’s nectar; so why
mourn the milk and
pine for the nectar when
I carry within me
A promise fulfilled?
A well
Of living water
in my very own belly.

The living water is a fire
that never goes out
It is poured in cool, but it infinitely burns hot

My longing for you
Will not abate
But I’ll survive and thrive
While I wait

Milk – the past
Nectar – the future
But parched today
God show me the way
to drink from the well
You placed in my belly
and be grateful
it never runs dry.

 

 

 

rainbowrev &jakuper

(6/21/08)

DAILY OM.....Everyone Has A Story

Interesting People Everywhere

It’s easy to forget sometimes that everyone has a story to tell if we take the time to listen. We are so accustomed to hearing the stories of people in the news that we sometimes lose track of the fact that the random stranger on the bus also has a fascinating story about where they came from and how they got to be where they are.

The sheer variety of paths taken in this world, from farmers to CEOs to homeless people to world travelers, is indicative of how much we can learn from each individual. Sometimes the shy, quiet person at work has the most amazing life story and the biggest dreams, it is up to us to take the time to find out.

Some people travel a path of wealth and privilege, while others struggle with only themselves to rely on, and both have great stories to tell. Each person learns lessons, makes choices, and develops a unique perspective, which only they can claim and share.

Even two people who have had very similar lives will have slightly different experiences, leading them to a different point of view, so each person remains a treasure trove waiting to be explored. When we take the time to ask questions and listen, we find that every person has a fascinating story to tell and an utterly unique perspective from which to tell it.

Bearing this in mind, we have the opportunity to approach the world around us in a new way. There is never any reason to be bored at a party, or on the bus, or in a conversation with a stranger.

When we retain the spark of curiosity and the warmth required to open someone up, we always have in front of us the makings of a great story. All we have to do is ask.

What do you think?

Daily OM.....What We Can't See

 

 

The Unseen World

 

 

 

Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, although this is a common way in which people deny the existence of spirit guides, angels, and other unseen helpers in our lives. However, anyone who has encountered such beings can attest to the fact that they do, indeed, exist, just as our breath exists, keeping us alive, even though we can’t see it.

The wind exists, too, but we only know this because we feel it on our skin and hear it moving the leaves on the trees. All around us and within us are things we can’t see, and yet we know they are just as real as the grass beneath our feet.

What we see and don’t see may just be a matter of perspective, like the ladybug who sees the leaf on which she sits, but not the tree the leaf grows on, or the person sitting beneath it. And the person beneath the tree may or may not see the ladybug, depending on where he focuses his attention.

Still, all of these things, whether seen or not seen by the person or the ladybug, exist in reality.

Some people are more gifted at accessing that which we cannot see, but given an open and willing heart, anyone can tune into the invisible realm and begin to find their way.

Human beings have always done this, and it is only recently that we have fallen into distrusting the existence of what we can’t see.

If you have lost touch with the unseen world, all you have to do is resolve to open your heart to its existence, and it will make itself known.

Closing your eyes in meditation and visualization, or engaging the unseen through the written word, are just two ways to welcome the invisible back into your life.

Whatever you choose to do, cultivating a relationship with that which you can’t see is a time-honored human practice that can greatly enhance your life.

What do you think?

DAILY OM....Bud and Blossom and Beyond

 

The Life Cycle

Flowers and leaves both begin their lives as organisms so tiny we cannot see them with the naked eye. With time, they become visible, curled in upon themselves, colorful buds slowly softening and releasing. With the proper warmth and moisture, they unfold little by little, revealing with each degree of opening a new color, shape, or dimension.

Sometimes buds open seemingly all at once, unfolding the full majesty of their potential, of what looks to the human eye like courage, openness, and generosity.

As days go by, the bloom slowly moves through more stages, revealing still more colors, shapes, and dimensions of its essence. It falls apart, strewing its petals on the ground, or it wilts, or it closes back in on itself.

When we can appreciate the full beauty of each stage of the cycle of life, from bud to blossom to disintegration, we feel more at home with our own earthly process.

We can be inspired not to hold back the fullness of what we have to offer, knowing that our time to give of ourselves in this way will come to pass.

At the same time, we can honor others, and the little processes that go on within the larger process of living our lives.

Each stage we go through has its time of fulfillment and recession, as do all living things. Every moment of every stage has its own particular beauty, and we can appreciate that, even as most of us tend to love the spectacular moment of full blossoming most of all.

When we feel the wisdom contained in the budding, blossoming, and dissolution of a simple flower, we begin to feel it everywhere, in each moment that comes and goes, in each sunrise and sunset, in every hello and goodbye, as the very essence of the pulsating ebb and flow of existence.

What do you think?

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

 

Friendship

Proverbs 16:28....A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 17:17....A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 27:6....Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:9.....Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Proverbs 27:10....Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

John 15:15.....Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Philippians 2:3....Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:4....Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

2 Timothy 2:22.....Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 

 

A friend is like a flower
Blooming in the sun,
And your world is a better place
With the beauty of each one.

 

A friend is like an owl,
So beautiful and wise,
Or like a special angel,
Whose spirit never dies.

 

Friends are like the blades of grass
That you can never mow,
Standing straight, tall, and proud
In a perfect little row.

A friend is like a heart that beats
So strong until the end.
Where would we be in this world
If we didn't have a friend?

 

 

"True friendship means knowing your needed even without being told"

 

 

Building a Friendship

It starts with "Hello"

As time proceeds it grows

Doing things together

Going wherever

Making the best of everything

While you have the time and can

No matter where your life leads you

Know your friendship will stay true

Miles and time can not break your bond

If of your friendship you are fond

Remember all the things you do

They will help pull you through

Treasure them in your memories and hearts

And nothing can break your friendship apart

 

 

"Being a true friend is being the kind of friend that you want as a true friend"

Daily OM.....Co-Creating with Nature

Conscious Gardening

Gardens offer us a perfect opportunity to reconnect to our true selves and remember our place in the natural world. Rather than approach our gardens as mere investments of energy, we can look at the entire process of gardening, from planting seeds to harvesting food, as a way of deepening our conscious relationship with the creative force of the universe.

If we are willing to shift our intention from dominating, or at least directing nature, to co-creating with nature instead, we may discover a deep peace and renewed sense of wonder.

To co-create we must first begin with a foundation of mutual respect. As you create your garden in partnership with nature, you can respect the earth, water, insects and animals by using organic seeds, soil and fertilizers. You can also communicate with the plants, insects and elements involved in your garden, and create a regular practice of stillness to listen for any messages they may have for you.

When it comes time for harvesting fresh vegetables or picking beautiful blooms, you might even ask permission first. If you ask with an open heart, you will always receive an answer.

Imagine what it would be like to surrender certain aspects of your human world to the precision and surety of the natural environment. You might decide, for example, to forego your calendar and plant in rhythm with the cycles of the moon. Or, you might choose to ignore clock time and water your garden when the sun hits a certain position in the sky.

By opening your garden experience to more of nature’s input, you can become available to witness a whole universe of miracles, while engendering a greater sense of honor between the two worlds.

When we recognize ourselves as allies, co-creators, with the earth and the natural world, our relationship to our environment begins to change. We no longer feel the need to control the circumstances around us and can relish in the perfection of all that is.

 

What do you think?

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

God will not let us down:   Isaiah 41:10   Fear not; for I am with you. Be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

Who can harm or condemn those who belong to God?  Isaiah 54:17   "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me", says the LORD

The Lord will stop the enemy:  Isaiah 59:19   When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

God will be found by those who seek him, and will prosper those who find him:   Jeremiah 29:11-13   "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you", says the LORD, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon Me, and you shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart."

We were hand picked by God: John 15:16-19   You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remin; that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another. If the world hate you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Why we endure:  Romans 5:3b-5  ...we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulations works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maks not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

In both life and death, we belong to God:   Romans 14:7,8   For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

With Jesus you can do anything:  Phillipians 4:13    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

God will give us mercy and grace:  Hebrews 4:16    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

 

I asked for strength

and God gave me difficulties

to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom

and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for courage

and God gave me dangers

to overcome.

I asked for patience

and God placed me in situations

where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love

and God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors

and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.

 

I received everything I needed

 

 

 

Believe in Yourself , Author: Emily Matthews

Believe in yourself -
in the power you have
to control your own life, day by day,
Believe in the strength
that you have deep inside,
and your faith will help
show you the way.
Believe in tomorrow
and what it will bring -
let a hopeful heart carry you through,
For the things will work out
if you trust and believe
there's no limit
to what you can do.

 

DAILY OM.....ENDING THE CYCLE

Start Today

One of the hardest things in life is feeling stuck in a situation that we don’t like and want to change.

We may have exhausted ourselves trying to figure out how to make change, and we may even have given up. However, each day offers us an opportunity to renew our resolve and to declare to the universe that we are ready for change. We may even say out loud that we have tried and struggled and have not found a way, but that we are open to help, and that we intend to keep working to create change for ourselves.

Making this declaration to the universe, and to ourselves, may be just the remedy for the stagnation we are experiencing. And, it can be done today, right now.

It is difficult to understand, even with hindsight, how the choices we have made have added up to our current situation, but it is a good idea to examine the story we tell ourselves.

If we tend to regard ourselves as having failed, this will block our ability to allow ourselves to succeed.

We have the power to change the story we tell ourselves by acknowledging that in the past, we did our best, and we exhibited many positive qualities, and had many fine moments on our path to the present moment.

We can also recognize that we have learned from our experiences, and that this will help us with our current choices.

When we do this kind of work on how we view our past self, we make it possible for the future to be based on a positive self-assessment.

This inner shift may allow us to get out of the cycle we’ve been in that’s been keeping us stuck. Now we can declare our intentions to the universe, knowing that we have done the inner work necessary to allow our lives to change. Allow today to be the day to end cycles and enter into a new way of being.

What do you think?

DAILY OM.....Finding Our Own Paths

Entering Awareness

Entering into our own spirituality is a private journey. Each of us will be drawn to a different gateway to begin on our personal path to awakening to a greater experience of ourselves. Even though we may be taught certain philosophies or beliefs as children, we still need to find our own way of understanding and applying them in our lives.

For those who are raised without a spiritual framework, they may not even know their process as a form of spirituality. But at some stage in their lives, whether in youth or adulthood, they are likely to recognize the resonance of their beliefs, the ring of truth in their philosophy, and their dedication to their chosen purpose.

Our inner guidance will lead us, so that we will be drawn to the right doorway for us--a doorway that only we can recognize by the way it makes us feel inside. It could be a picture of an angel or the gift of a crystal. We may meet someone special who shares their experiences with us in a way that we find intriguing.

While visiting the home of an admired friend, we may notice a book or statue of a diety, and ask why they chose those tools. Or a word or phrase may catch our attention in a song, or a lecture.

For some they may find their way by walking through the experience of illness before they begin the search for what will help them to truly heal, while others may seek physical improvement and stumble across yoga or meditation--only to find that it leads them to an unexpected place beyond the body.

As we awaken to ourselves and to life, we will become more attuned to what is right for us. The universe speaks to all of us through infinite channels, but we each have our own frequency.

Others may share what worked for them, but only we can decide what truly makes us feel inspired, awakened, connected, fully conscious, aware and alive.

Whatever our path, it is perfect and is meant especially for us.

What do you think?

 

SUNDAYS WITH JOYCE

HUMILITY

Job 22:29    When men are brought low and you say, 'Lift them up!' then he will save the downcast.

Psalm 9:12    For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.

Psalm 10:17     You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,

Matthew 18:4     Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 6:20    Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Proverbs 10:8   The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Proverbs 11:2    When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 27:2    Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips

.

Mathew 11:29    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls

.

 

 

Humility

Don't brag about your successes,
Don't put on false airs,
Jesus was a truly humble Man
When He lost his life to a nightmare.

God loved the world so much,
He gave His only begotten Son,
That when we truly believe
Great battles are won!

If we will listen to this message,
And believe with all our heart,
We, too, will win great battles,
And our fears will all depart.

Kneel in humble submission,
Invite Jesus to come in,
Confess all your sins to Him
And you can't help but win.

Praise His name with honor,
He is the Prince of Peace,
He takes our every problem,
And our joy will always increase.

Open your heart to the Savior,
Who gave His life for you,
He is the bright and morning star,
Humble, loving, and true.

He will bless all who listen,
All who humble themselves and pray,
Jesus is the only answer,
And He walks with us every day.


~ Eva May Young ~

 

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

Humility leads to strength and not to weakness. It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes and to make amends for them.

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all the possible changes of life.

Plenty of people wish to become devout, but no one wishes to be humble.