One of these days!

That went well.

The swimming I mean. On days one and two, I started by doing two laps using the breaststroke. I felt so good in the morning, so able. I was sore, but it was that kind of "good sore" you feel after exercising.

And so of course since I felt good with two laps, why not double it? Why not indeed!

I was on a roll, feeling proud and then, dunh dunh DUNH (how do you write that sound effect?) I swam myself into a flare.

Not smart. Not smart indeed!

To top it off, my computer went kaput in the middle of a manuscript. I paid $ 180.00 to have the hard drive replaced and it broke eight hours later. Then my husband was certain he was having a heart attack (he wasn't) and had to be taken to the hospital in an ambulance . . . AGAIN.

Have you ever had one of those weeks? Like you're in that old movie, Groundhog Day.

Me too. And this morning I had to remind myself of what these days look like from God's perspective. In the light of eternity, days like these are like a baby's first birthday party - unmemorable and super messy.

When I get to Heaven, I'm going to laugh about them. For now, I'll just stay in my chair, not working on my computer.

I need a good laugh, so can you tell me about one of your worst days?

Sunday Psalms & Stories - Joy and Jesus Christ

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

I remember the year I bought this Christmas ornament with just three little letters on it. I remember it so vividly, because joy was absent and I was desperate. Each year when Christmas is over, I wrap it in tissue paper to protect and preserve it's pillowy promise. But never has this ornament had as much meaning to me as it does now. I was filled with happiness when I unwrapped it last week, because now I know joy isn't conditional or dependent upon me or my circumstances.

Joy is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

This year, amid all the pain, suffering and emotional turmoil, I also understand, through God's grace, that we can have joy in hardship. We're not alone. Many of God's people entered difficult circumstances with fear, confusion and uncertainty. Take a look:

Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, "The LORD did not appear to you?" Exodus 4:1

"Pardon me my lord, "Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manassah, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15

When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. Luke 1:12

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  Luke 1:29

In these examples, God's servants were confronted with life changing opportunities and difficult tasks. They grappled with fear, wonder and uncertainty about the future. They also experienced his joy. Their stories have lasted through the generations and are reminders of God's timeless presence and promise of eternal life to us, his children. We have this promise through Jesus Christ.

We get to celebrate his birth and honor him with the same sense of wonder the shepherds had when God's heavenly host appeared in the desert sky 2,000 years ago. I pray you too will be filled with wonder and joy as you celebrate with your family. Merry Christmas!

                                                                          He is faithful and wonderful!