 Photo by Quang Anh Ha Nguyen My daughter and I had the exciting privilege of attending a Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake concert last week. Seeing these two Christian recording artists live in concert has been a goal of mine for quite some time. When we heard they were coming to a venue close by, we immediately said... "WE ARE GOING!" We had been anxiously awaiting the concert for months and couldn't wait to go when the day FINALLY came. Originally to our dismay, we were seated beside a couple that looked like this was the last place they wanted to be. With arms folded and permanent scowls on their faces, it made me wonder ~ like why did you even come? I am telling ya, they reminded me of the old commentators from The Muppet Show. No joke! You can imagine we were not happy to be seated beside them and truth be told, they were really killing our vibe. It always amazes me how people can experience the same event and view it so differently. Fortunately, two rows down there were empty seats, so we eagerly moved down and could then enjoy the concert to the fullest with lots of space and freedom. It was truly an amazing concert and we had a wonderful time singing praises to God at the top of our lungs, as we danced with joy. I laughed when my Fitbit went off indicating that I had reached 10000 steps simply from dancing in my spot.  Phil Wickham: Photo by steven lozano on Unsplash In Nehemiah 8:10 it says: The joy of the Lord is my strength. Joyful experiences fill our cup and give us strength to handle our day to day lives better. God wants us to enjoy ourselves and have a joy-filled life. I am so grateful for experiences like Christian concerts where we can make memories and join with fellow believers worshiping our Creator together. I was so proud to see and hear a crowd of 13000 worshiping God together. Our God is amazing and he deserves our continuous praise for all he has done for us. I can't help but think of that couple and how they somehow missed the point of that incredible concert. It was meant to be a joyous celebration time, not a funeral service. Some people go through their whole lives that way too. I sure don't want to be one of them. I hope those people somehow realize that the God we serve would not want them to go through life with arms crossed and condescending looks to others. He instead wants them and all of us for that matter to live with joyous victory. Well, I can't speak for the other couple but Shannon and I sure had the time of our lives! There was joy in the house that night and there continues to be overflowing joy in our hearts as well. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all the enjoyable things you have provided for us like concerts, the gift of music and precious time spent with loved ones. Your desire is for us to enjoy our lives and daily experiences, not dread them. Please remind us that with you by our side you can help us to experience true joy, despite what comes our way. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug and wishing you joy in YOUR house! Dana
Tags: Christian music, Christian concerts, Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, joy, joyful living, joy in house of the Lord, living victoriously
Copyright:©2024littlelessonslearnedbydana/ walkingintheword
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 Photo by Eko Agalarov "Do you have any funny stories?" This is the same question I heard day after day from my sweet little sidekick when on yard duty at recess time. She was my faithful friend at recess and I enjoyed her company immensely. Often I did and sometimes I was fresh out of "funny stories" so she would happily jump in. Sometimes she would admit they were "true stories" and sometimes just "pretend." Either way we would smile and giggle together and that sweet student would brighten my day every time. Oh the power of laughter! In Proverbs 17:22 NLT it says A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.  Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva Some of my most memorable times in my classroom are when we have a great shared laugh together. Sometimes it is planned and sometimes it is very spontaneous. They always giggle when I share my favourite joke: "Why did the teacher marry the custodian?" ( I am a teacher and my husband is a custodian.) The answer is... He swept her off her feet! Sometimes life is just a little too serious for all of us. The daily grind can get to us, Pressures in life build up and as the verse says "a broken spirit saps a person's strength." If you could use a little more laughter in your life, consider the following suggestions.
So my friend, don't forget to take time for laughter and joy in your life today. A cheerful heart absolutely is good medicine and this world needs you at your best to fulfill all God has planned for you. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that we can have a joyful life and be blessed by the gift of laughter. We know that you want us to walk in victory, not defeat and by incorporating lightheartedness into our daily routine, that will help us to achieve that goal. May we always be mindful that our lives are meant to be lived to the fullest in you. In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Dana
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