Full of Joy

One final thought before I head into my Christmas and New Years sabbatical. (Haha! Are you as amused as me I gave my own self a sabbatical from my own writing?!) Recently God led Chuck and I to give financially to this campaign at our church. We were asked to commit monthly for three years. I can't say I've been excited about this, but we're moving forward in obedience and faith. Ever since we gave our pledge, God has not only provided, but surprised us with Sweet Things. When we were traveling over Thanksgiving, we really wanted to eat at one of our favorite spots in VA- Potbelly's! I saved up some grocery money so we could treat ourselves. Instead, God provided when friends of ours treated us to lunch at Potbelly's, and I was able to use that money later for needed groceries! Then this week, we found out Basye's insurance covers the cost of something we have to spend a lot of money on every month. It took a gazillion phone calls, and several stops at ph...

This past Saturday, May 14, my little brother married the most perfect girl for him! Allow me to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. John Mark Amos! After almost a week away from home, I returned back to our regular routine, but with a new sense of joy in my heart. I felt relaxed. I felt happy. I felt at peace. I felt rejuvenated. I felt something bubbling inside me, but I couldn't quite place my finger on what it was. I didn't want to interact with my regular world yet. I wanted to stay in the bubble of wonder. I wanted to soak myself into what I had just experienced. As I contemplated this, I realized I was genuinely rejoicing for John Mark and Elizabeth. I was deeper than happy or even thrilled- I was worshipping our God with them. Elizabeth had a dream to marry John Mark right outside her family's farmhouse in a tucked-away "Secret Garden". The forecast for their wedding day was bleak, at best. Cold temps and rain were almost certain. I felt an ache in my sou...