Fullness of Joy

Today was anything but ordinary in my little world....

Our amazing moms at The Point kicked off their group JEMS (Just Extraordinary Moms). I had the honor of hanging our with their little JEWLS (their kids). As I watched these toddlers just play and being themselves. They were so happy just running around on a baseball field and singing wheels on the bus.

A little later in the day I had the amazing chance to meet the newest member of Point Kids. An adorable baby girl named Lily (who despite her actual name I will call her LilyRose). Her parents and brother and sister were all so excited about her arrival.

Then I found myself sitting in my office (that sounds weird) looking around and thinking while I was finishing up the prep for the kids lesson on sunday. While I was thinking about how to explain joy to kids I realized I had been experiencing moments of JOY all day. As I reflected a little more I figured out that I have been experiencing JOY for about 10 years now. When I thought about why that was I realized that despite the tough moments in life I have been given this amazing gift of LOVE from God. No matter what goes on in life there is always HIS love for me which always produces JOY in my heart. (now I just have to work on getting it from my heart to my face more often but hey... people who are trying to grow have to continue to learn)

So glad that God's love for me results in JOY. Life has had too many moments of pain and hurt.... JOY is a much better gift and result.

Birthday Bag....

When it's your birthday people usually ask you... what would you like? do you want to go out for dinner? and people usually get you gifts and either wrap them or put them in a birthday bag.A lot of people wished me a happy birthday, I had some cupcakes with friends and family this morning and I got an AMAZING call from China! With just those three things it would have been a great day but today wasn't a great day it was an AMAZING day (so far)!!!

The greatest gift aside from the overwhelming love I have felt through out the day was the gift I was given this morning from about 9:00- 11:00 am. As we unloaded Pastor Todd's truck and my dad's mini van which were both PACKED full of backpacks and set them up in the schools gym/ cafeteria my heart skipped a few beats. I knew that moments from set up that room would be filled with students who had a need that we were about to meet. As they flooded in and Pastor Todd was given and opportunity to address the students I couldn't help but think of moments when others had been kind to me and helped me see Jesus in their small acts of kindness.

The best gift I received today (although I was given some awesome words of encouragement and a few material things)... the best gift was seeing these kids faces light up as we handed them a simple backpack filled with school supplies. My world is always rocked when I get to see how something so simple can impact someone else's world!

I am so thankful for a birthday full of bags which resulted in smiles! Without a doubt better then any birthday bag or party favor!