Friday was my son Justin’s 16th birthday. 🙂 All Justin wanted was cash for his big day, but I wanted it to be extra special. So I decided to create a photo album and spent hours and hours sifting through pics on my computer. So many memories relived as I searched for the right 200 pictures to print.
This is one of the pics I found.
I found this sticky note in my daughter’s room about six years ago. During that particular time, I was practicing spiritual disciplines. Focusing on one discipline a month. Intentional effort, not to be legalistic, but as a test or experiment. Would focusing on one at a time help? Would I experience lasting transformation?
That particular month the discipline was JOY! Who knew joy was a discipline? But for many, it is just that. We aren’t naturally joyful. Instead, we are stressed out, hurried, short tempered, and depressed.
To remind myself to be joyful, I wrote joy on sticky notes and posted them on mirrors and pictures, in my kitchen on the microwave and coffee pot. As a mom with younger kids, joy wasn’t high on my priority list. The notes were a visual reminder for 30 days straight! Medicine for one up tight mom.
When I found Hannah’s note on her door, I was both pleased and shocked. She was modeling after her mom. Scary! A few days prior, I explained to Hannah why the word JOY was plastered all throughout our house. She added the words God and Mom. Interesting! She went above and beyond my one word note and wrote three words in each row. Over and over again.
Finding this pic on Justin’s birthday this year was a sweet reminder from God to me. God reminded me that my kids are seeing Jesus in me. Somehow, some way they are receiving my faith, a part of Him. Thank you, Lord.
God also used my finding this note as another visual reminder. To remember JOY this summer!
God knows I need it now that summer is here. My kids are home all day. What are we going to do? Does a 12 and 16 year old actually want to be with their mom? I’m wondering how I’m going to live out my faith before them. I do not want to go through the motions. I don’t want each day to be just chores and petty issues to rob us of creating fun memories.
Father God, please enable me to live in Your JOY each day. Let me not forget what matters most. My relationship with You. My family. Your Word. Rest, work, play and even laughter. Please help me be okay with the messes and enjoy each summer day. Before too long, my kids will be grown and gone. Help me not miss the now. Amen.
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Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength,” Nehemiah 8:10(NIV).
Beautiful story, as always! You're doing something right and for that, the Lord is pleased! Happy Birthday Justin!
Love, peace and blessings
China
Joy, Joy, Joy! Yes you are planting seeds and there is growth on the vine. I pray against the little foxes that want to spoil that vine. I pray Justin and Hannah have a deep abiding faith in God and the joy of the Lord is their strength. B
Tiffany,
First of all wish Justin a Happy Birthday for me, and I just wanted to let you know that kids will always see a side in us we never see ourselves. They see us as the beautiful role models God intended, even though they don't always agree with us, they see a better side to us. Go with that and praise the beauty of your kids and continue to bless them with everything you do.
They are ours for such as short time, enjoy each minute of every day.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Great job! You were both exercising spiritual discipline and mentoring at the same time. This picture will be a rich memory for your children, too.
wb
Tiffany,
I have been following your blog for awhile now and every time I come by I am ministered to by your heart for the Lord and your heart for your children. I, too, am just beginning to think about how the summer is going to fly by and I don't want to miss out on the ability to make lasting memories with my kids. I wrote about this in my blog today too. It is funny how God moves on our mommy hearts in such similar ways sometimes.
Happy 16th Birthday to Justin! My son Josiah will be 16 in November. I just can not hardly believe it.
But God is so Good!
Christy
It's amazing to see those things isn't it?
Sometimes you wonder if all that's showing up in their lives is the mess that you've lived.
I love it when Papa reveals that they see more than you know they see.
Love ya!
So sweet my friend.
Our new Bible study is on Philippians. It starts out talking about "The Epistle of Joy". The bottom line is obedience to God. But here's something that stood out to me in the section-Truth for Today:
"Spiritual Joy is the deep and abiding confidence that all is well between the believer and the Lord [contentment]. Genuine joy remains because of that eternal well-being established by God's grace in salvation. The fullest, most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It's the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God."
Praise God!
I just read James 1 this morning, "Consider it pure joy…" You are right. Joy is a discipline. May we remember to live it and may we remember to model it for our children. Thank my friend for such a great reminder!
Hope Justin had a great birthday!
I have been putting the Nehemiah verse on the "joy of the Lord is your strength" on notes in small bags with jolly ranchers and giving them out to remind myself and others that joy comes from the Lord. Love this entry and hope you do indeed enjoy your summer with your kids.
Beckie