Joyful Praises

Joyful Praises is a site that is devoted to real Christians with real lives. It is a place to share our trials,triumphs, prayers and praises. Come here to be uplifted, encouraged, and challenged in your walk with Christ.

Switching Gears!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I'm switching gears and changing directions. I will no longer be adding posts to this blog but you are welcome to read through the archives for encouragement. Come join me on the battlegrounds at my new blog, Embattled Warrior. Everyone is fighting something and when we stand together and lift each other up we become victorious. What are you fighting for?

At this new blog look for updated posts, pictures, videos, and an occasional book giveaway. Bring your friends and see you on the front lines!

http://fightingvictorious.blogspot.com/

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Unorthodox

I'm posting at Jewels of Encouragement today. Drop by and leave me a comment? Happy Easter!

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She's Still a Classic

Happy Thursday! I'm over at Jewels of Encouragement today. Pop in and say hi!

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As of Late

Some bloggy friends of mine have inspired me to dig deep. I'm in a retrospective kind of mood and even though it's only Tuesday, I figure what the heck? Here's what I've been up to lately...

Lately I've been on my face before God-contrite, weary, and hungering for more of him.

Lately I've been having lots of fun playing with my new phone. I can play pacman now!

Lately I have decided that I need less facebook and more time in the Good Book.

Lately I have been in an enourmous amount of pain and I'm actually looking forward to surgery.

Lately I have wondered what people truly think of me and if I would even want to know the answer to that question.

Lately I have been reminded that God loves me unconditionally and that's all that really matters.

Lately I have vowed to be slower to speak and quicker to listen.

Lately I have been praying for Japan and wondering how I can help.

Lately I have been working on a new Thomas Kincade puzzle. I forgot how the simple act of putting the pieces together takes me to my happy place.

Lately I have lost weight- 5 pounds off the body, the whole world off my back. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.

Lately I've been surrounded by sick people and have not caught anything! Vitamin C is my friend.

Lately I've been incredibly thankful for the roof over my head.

What about you? What's have you been up to lately?

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Blog Hopping

I'm over at Everyday Christian today. Hop on over and say hi to me!

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Sifting Through Ashes

In a strange way I feel a strong connection with my brothers and sisters in Japan. I've just emerged from a raging storm that has thoroughly leveled what little progress I'd made in my spiritual walk. I'm exhausted and sore from sifting through the rubble in search of something salvageable. I hear the cries in my subconcious-"You're worthless! You're such a waste!" and every day is a battle to climb out of the pit. The good news is that I am climbing out and I'm slowly starting to rebuild that which was destroyed. Amid the lies of Satan, I am yet reminded- He is still with me. I wrote this poem several years ago but I find it ironic that today I can still identify with it.

The Cross Remains

I've walked among the lilies that bloomed in spring's new birth.
I've hung my head in sorrow as I wiped away the dirt
of a few long, hard lessons traveled on unfamiliar sod.
I've cried the tears of wretched pain to a nameless, faceless God.
Of all the life I've lived 'till now and all that's still to come
I can say with perfect certainty I know that I am loved.

He speaks in silent whispers and his word is always true.
He said, "Life is hard but I am peace and I will always be with you.
I'll send my spirit in to sweep the pain of yesterday away.
When all is gone, rest well my child.
The cross will still remain.

The ashes flutter to the ground as the last spark disappears.
Now all that's left is a thick dust signaling the end of another year.
A barren wasteland covered in white remnants of the past.
I walk along still holding on the assurance of my master's plan.
Tomorrow is a mystery, could be anybody's guess.
Will all I have go up in flames or is this part of a greater test?
I'll cling with hope to the one I know who's ways are not my own.
With confidence I'll stand before him boldly at his throne.
When everything has burned to ash and there's nothing left to say,
I cannot see the road ahead but
The cross will still remain.

The past and future dance, two lovers on a summer's eve.
Never fully embracing, they drink of time's sweet melody.
They know that when the hour comes they'll finally be as one.
For now they're happy just to serve the one who created them.
For they know that time in all its seasons will someday pass away.
When all that's left is the air they breathe
The cross will still remain.
”Have no fear, I'm never far away.
When all seems lost, look up my child.
The cross still remains.”

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See You There!

Happy Saturday! I'm over at EveryChristian today so stop by and say hello!

http://www.everydaychristian.com/blogs/post/9736/

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