Relationships Archives -

My Childhood Best Friend, Rebekah

Posted on By Joy

I just learned that my childhood best friend, Rebekah, has passed away. She leaves behind her mother, brother, and two teenaged children.

My heart is broken.

As I learned the news of her passing, my mind was flooded with the memories we made. There are so many memories and I treasure them all.

Like most childhood best friend relationships, Rebekah and I were inseparable during our elementary and middle school years. We spent countless weekends together which always involved junk food and staying up late. I remember us wearing matching outfits and spending hours teasing and spraying our hair before heading out to the skating rink or movie theater.

Before cell phones were invented, Rebekah and I kept our landline phones busy talking to each other almost every night. Isn’t it funny that all these years later, I still remember her phone number? We would talk for hours about school, boys, and our life dreams. Our friendship was special and I felt lucky to have Rebekah as my friend.

Do you know what else made my friendship with Rebekah special? We talked about our faith with each other.

Rebekah loved Jesus. I can remember us staying up until 3am talking the night way and it seemed our thoughts about God always entered our conversation. We did not have all of the answers to life’s biggest questions, but I knew she believed in Jesus and she knew I did too. She was a safe place for me when it came to the things of God.

Rebekah’s faith encouraged my faith.

Although we promised each other we would be best friends forever, like many childhood friendships, Rebekah and I began to drift apart in high school. She was gifted in drama and singing while I was busy with cheerleading and was discovering my love for science.

We found new friends who shared our new interests, and with each passing year, our connection with one another became less and less. When we graduated and went away to college, I lost contact with Rebekah. I thought about her often, but we never reconnected.

The news of Rebekah’s passing has broken my heart. Although we lost touch so long ago, she has always had a special place in my heart. She was such an important person in my life, and as I learned the news that her life had ended, I could not stop the tears from flowing.

Rebekah was my childhood best friend. She encouraged me to think deeply about the things of God. Rebekah’s presence in my life helped strengthen my faith.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
~Proverbs 27:17

What about you? Did you have a special childhood friend you felt safe with to talk about the things of God? Was there someone who helped strengthen your faith?

What happened to that special friend in your life? Maybe they have already passed away from this life. Maybe you are still close with that friend even today, or maybe like my friendship with Rebekah, over the years you drifted apart.

If it is possible, I encourage you to find that special friend. Invite them to lunch. Laugh and reminisce about your childhood. Tell them what they meant to you all those years ago. Thank them for being someone who strengthened your faith. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

It brings me such sadness to know that Rebekah has lost her battle with cancer. I am so thankful for her presence in my life and the memories we made. I know she loved Jesus and I know I will see Rebekah again in heaven. I look forward to that day!

Grateful for you,
Joy

Getting on my nerves!

Posted on By Joy

Are there people in your life who get on your nerves? I imagine there are!

God made us each different and sometimes personalities clash. As Christians, what are we to do when other people get on our nerves? Have you ever thought about it? Well, I’ve been thinking about it and God has led me to John 13:35:

Loving one another is the way the world knows we are Christians. Sometimes I get caught up in worldly things and it is good for me to be reminded that God has standards. He has given me His guidelines to live by. He has told me how I should act.

We are NOT TO BE LIKE THE WORLD! We are called to take the higher road…..and that includes in how we deal with people.

When people get on your nerves, it is hard to know what to do. I would like to share with you some things I have found helpful when other people get on my nerves. Here are a few tips:

1. PRAY! Pray for the person who is driving you crazy. Ask God to bless that person. Confess to God how you feel. Tell Him what your issues are with that person and ask Him to help you!

2. GET TO KNOW THAT PERSON! Take a step towards getting to know the person who is getting on your nerves. Ask them to go to lunch or find a few minutes to inquire about their life. The more you learn about this person, the more opportunity you have to find common ground with them. We all have a life story and you may be shocked about what you learn about their life. You probably have more in common with them than you think!

3. TAKE YOUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE TO CHRIST! When a negative thought crosses your mind about that person, confess it immediately and ask Christ to replace those ugly thoughts with more positive ones. Quote scripture and keep your thoughts pleasing to God. Don’t allow your mind to entertain negative thoughts about this person….guard your mind!

4. DON’T GOSSIP! Whew! This can be hard. When someone drives us nuts, we want to go “vent” to someone else. We want someone else to help validate the way we feel. Plain and simple—-DON’T DO IT! If you have to, lock yourself in a room until the urge to gossip passes you by. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. Gossiping and spreading ugly information about someone else only makes things worse AND it displeases God. He hates this type of behavior (Proverbs 6:16-19). Although it may feel “fun” at the time, it is wrong and we should not do it.

When it comes to dealing with people, we all know that sometimes, personalities clash. Sometimes, we do not enjoy another person’s company. Sometimes, people in our life get on our nerves.

As followers of Christ, let’s remember that we are called to love others and God’s Word tells us that love is patient and kind!

Let’s practice patience and kindness as we strive to love those people who drive us crazy.

Thanks for reading, my friends! I hope you have a great weekend!

~ Joy

You are not called to trust everyone…

Posted on By Joy

This has been weighing on my heart all day and I have felt God urging me to write to you. I just know someone needs this word of encouragement tonight.

I want to remind you my friend, that there are people in your life who want you to fail.

There are people who want you to quit chasing after God. They want you to stop pursuing the calling God has placed into your heart.

There are people in your life who do not want the best for you. In fact, they want the opposite.

How you respond to these people, matters.

God requires His children to do things outside of their comfort zones. Living for Jesus is not the easy road. It is the narrow road. It is also the best road.

When you examine God’s Word, you see God using the most unlikely people to do the most extraordinary things for His Kingdom. They did not do these amazing things because they were unusually gifted or talented, but because they trusted, and obeyed God.

They walked by faith, not by what they saw in front of them. They believed God and they, too, had opposition facing them each step of the way.

My friend, you have a decision to make each day. Who’s voice are you going to listen to?

Are you going to listen to those people who tell you that you cannot do what God is calling you to do? Are you going to listen to the people who question your motives and call you a fool?

People may tell you, “it’s not possible,” or “you can never do that.”

Do not listen to them.

Instead, make the daily decision to stay focused on Jesus. Stay connected to Him through prayer and reading your Bible. Cling to Him and keep running your race with courage and perseverance.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
~Proverbs 4:23

Guard your heart as you take each step of faith and BELIEVE that God will do what He says He will do!

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
~1 Thessalonians 5:24

YOU have a important race to run! YOU have an incredible life to live! Do not miss out on what God has planned for you. Listen to the voice of God and go full steam ahead!

Remember, we are called to love everyone. We are not called to trust everyone. May God give us the wisdom to know the difference.

Grateful for you,
~ Joy

The night I knocked out my front teeth…

Posted on By Joy

When I was 11, I had a crush on a boy that lived nearby. Let’s just call him, Greg.

Greg was three years older than me and when you’re an 11-year-old girl, a 14-year-old boy seems like the coolest person on the planet. I thought he was a super cute but he had never even noticed me.

One summer evening, my Mom and I were coming home from my piano lesson. It was getting dark and had rained earlier that day. When we pulled into the driveway, I could not believe my eyes! Greg was standing in my backyard!

Lucky me!

My Dad and Greg’s Dad were friends. That evening, Greg and his Dad had stopped by to talk to my Dad about some farm equipment.

An important part of this story comes from the fact that I grew up on a farm where I spent most of my days outside. I had a rectangle-shaped trampoline in my back yard that I jumped on a lot and I was pretty good at doing flips.

You need to remember that this was back in the ‘80s when there was no such thing as a NET around a trampoline nor was there padding around the metal frame.

No sir! That is not the way we did things back then. Safety was not really that important.

Us ’80’s kids just got on that rectangle springy device and jumped and flipped and laughed. Sometimes, we would fall off and smack ourselves right onto the ground. No worries, though. In our perseverance, we would get right back up and go at it again. It’s a wonder any of us survived the ‘80s!

Well, on this particular evening, when I saw Greg in my back yard, I quickly devised a plan.

As soon as my Mom parked the car, I told her that I needed to go talk to Daddy. I ran out to where they were standing, and in an effort to try to impress Greg, I said with confidence in my voice, “Hey—I can do flips on that trampoline over there. Want to see?”

He said, “ok”, so off we went. I got on the trampoline with complete self-assurance!

This was my chance!

As Greg stood on the ground in front of me, I started jumping. I put everything I had into that moment and jumped higher than ever. I wanted it to be the best flip I had ever done. When I felt the moment was right, I gave it all I had and I did my flip.

I flipped so fast and strong that I over-flipped. My toes hit the damp trampoline mat and I lost control. My body flung forward right towards Greg. I let out a loud scream as my face fell towards the edge of the trampoline. My mouth hit the large green metal post that held the springs in place as my body did another flip over that bar. I landed flat on my back right where Greg was standing.

This was not the magical moment I had envisioned.

There I was, lying flat on the ground with Greg looking down on me. “Are you ok?” he asked with nervousness in his voice.

I was shocked, embarrassed and mortified about what just happened. I tried to salvage my pride by jumping up to my feet. I knew by the pain I felt in my mouth that something bad had happened to my teeth.

It was dark, so I could not tell if I was bleeding or not, so I got real close to Greg’s face, opened my mouth and said, “Is it bleeding?”

He did not answer me, but instead, just looked at me in horror. In a panic, I asked again, only this time, louder, “I said is it bleeding?” He looked at me like I was some kind of monster and said, “you might want to go inside.” I ran inside and looked in the mirror. It was a bad sight.

My two permanent front teeth were hanging by their roots and blood was everywhere.

Needless to say, the hope I had for Greg to fall in love with me that evening went right down the drain as I headed with my Mom and Dad for an emergency dental visit. Thankfully, and miraculously, the dentist was able to save my teeth.

My whole point of running out to see Greg that evening was because I liked him and I wanted to prove to him that he should like me too. I wanted to impress him with my skills and I wanted him to notice me.

My actions were driven by my pride.

God teaches us in His Word that we are to be humble, not prideful. We are to position ourselves rightly before Him and others. It is not a prideful spirit that brings honor, but instead, it is a humble spirit that obtains it! (Proverbs 29:23).

Plain and simple. God hates pride.

To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. ~Proverbs 8:13

In almost every example of pride that we see in the Bible there is a link to failure, not success. God resists those who are prideful, but he gives favor to those who are humble. (Proverbs 3:34)

My friend, don’t let your pride prevent you from living the life God intends for you to live. Humble yourself before Him. Humble yourself before others. Consider their needs above your own. Forgive quickly. Love deeply and serve Jesus wholeheartedly. Do not be motivated by impressing people. Be motivated by the love and humility of Jesus.

That night back in 1985, I think I lived out Proverbs 16:18 which says: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” I learned a big lesson through that experience. Today, I am no longer doing flips on trampolines and I am keeping Micah 6:8 close to my heart. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Grateful for you!

~Joy

Make a Memory!

Posted on By Joy

Fall is in the air and it thrills my soul! It is my favorite time of year as I love the cooler temperatures, the colorful trees, and the smell of pumpkin spice.

This is the time of year when I pull out my crockpot and make chili beans, vegetable soup, homemade chicken and noodles and all of those warm, “feel good” one-pot meals.

I sip hot chocolate (with lots of marshmallows), wear wool socks, thick sweaters and boots! OH yes—fall is the most wonderful time of the year, for me.

Some of my most favorite memories are centered around the fall season. Memories of family get-togethers, camping trips, pumpkin patches and snuggling on the couch with those I love on a cool October morning.

What about you?

What comes to your mind when you think about the fall season?

I worked at Union University (in Jackson, TN) for three years and my Dean, Dr. Sheila Mitchell, would make a statement from time to time. We would be talking about an upcoming conference or a family vacation and she would say “while you’re there, make a memory.”

Dean Mitchell is one of those people who lives her life to the fullest! She has wisdom to know that life is precious and the moments we have are gifts from God. She is quick to tell you that there is always something to be grateful for and that life is too short to be miserable.

Why focus on what’s wrong with your life when you can have a heart of thankfulness and focus on what is right with your life?

Dean Mitchell lives with purpose. Not only does she live her life to please God, but she also lives her life to serve others. She plans creative way to make special moments with her family, friends and those around her. It might be an evening boat ride on the lake with her husband, or a special tea party with her granddaughter.

She knows how to love other people well and she works hard at making special moments with them. When those special moments come, Dean Mitchell fully embraces the moment. She doesn’t just let it slip away unnoticed. She soaks in all in and takes a snapshot in her mind that she tucks away as a treasured memory.

You and I have a role to play in making our life count.

God created you and me for a reason. He has kingdom work for us to do and He has good things in store for us!

It is easy for us to feel weighed down with the many responsibilities we have.

We need to clean our house, do the laundry, pay the bills, go to work and the list goes on. But, we also need to invest in our marriages, plan special outings with our children, show love to a friend in need, serve someone in need and take time to soak in the beauty of God’s creation.

There is much more to life than just the work we need to do.

Be determined this fall season to make special memories.

It is serving others that brings about the most joy so do your part to create special moments with your family, friends and those around you.

This fall season, start a new family tradition. Take your kids on a fun adventure. Serve at a local ministry. Plan a weekend getaway with your husband.

Put energy and time into planning something special as you love those around you.

As your special moments unfold, I hope you will stop and thank God for His goodness. I hope you will stop and soak it all in. I hope you will stop, take a snapshot in your mind of all God has done and “make a memory” that will last a lifetime.

So glad you stopped by!

~Joy

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High. ~Psalm 7:17

It will be the best you’ve ever had!

Posted on By Joy

Ocean Isle Beach (OIB) is a quiet, family beach community where folks drive their golf carts on the roads and where life seems to slow down a bit. It’s a small quaint place that Bryan and I enjoyed taking our children to when they were younger.

OIB is home to one of the sweetest ice cream shops around that serves the most delicious homemade strawberry ice cream. I mean to tell you, it is yummmmmmy!

Years ago, my cousin Adam, and his family, vacationed with us at OIB for a week of fun and sun! As we prepared for our trip down to the coast, I told Adam and Candace about the things we could do at OIB. Of course, I mentioned this fabulous ice cream shop and the delicious strawberry ice cream. I remember telling Adam it would be the best strawberry ice cream he had ever had!

Sure enough, while on our trip, we made our way to the ice cream shop and out of all the flavors available, Adam chose strawberry. Smart choice!

I just knew he would love it as much as I did, so I paid attention as he took his first bite. His expression was not as joyful as I had hoped it would be. I wanted him to tell me how fabulous this strawberry ice cream was, but instead, he just told me it was good. (Insert shock!)

GOOD? What did he mean, good? It is fantastic!

Here we are—back in 2009!

Adam and I have laughed about this strawberry ice cream story many times since that OIB trip. When we talk about it, he jokingly says, “Joy, you over-promised and under-delivered.”

What about you? Have you ever over-promised and under-delivered?

Maybe it wasn’t about how wonderful a flavor of ice cream was, but maybe you told someone you were going to do something and then you did not do it. Maybe you told a friend you would be somewhere and something came up so you were unable to go. Maybe a coworker asked you to pray for them and you said you would, but then you forgot.

Maybe like me you have had good intentions and you really wanted to stick to a commitment that you made, but life got in the way and you backed out of your commitment, letting someone else down.

From time to time, we break promises. We don’t follow through. We are not true to our word.

We over-promise and under-deliver.

It happens to us all.

Lately, God has been reminding me of how important it is for me to do what I say I am going to do! He has been reminding me that I should be careful not to overcommit myself to things I do not plan to stick to!

He has been reminding me that I should be a person of my word and that my integrity is vital to my walk with Him.

Talk is cheap! Living out my faith takes action!

Jesus emphasizes this point through the parable of two sons:

“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “’I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. ~Matthew 21:31a

The first son did not agree to go work, but he changed his mind later (another version says he repented), and he went to work. The second son said he would go to work, but then he did not go.

Which son pleased the father?

When you and I fail to keep our word, it affects our trustworthiness. It causes people to lose respect for us.

It also affects our friendships. Friendships are typically based on trust and it’s almost impossible to trust someone who does not keep their word.

My friend, you and I need to be people who are trustworthy. We carry the name of Christ. We are to be like Him!

People should be able to count on us! When we say we are going to do something, we should not need five reminders to do it! If we say we are going to do it, then we need to do it!

You and I are human and of course none of us are perfect, but that does not give us an excuse to repeatedly not follow through on our commitments.

God’s Word is clear that our words matter! We are accountable for our words—all of them!

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” ~Matthew 12:26

Let’s be ever-more cautious to be a person of our word. When we make a commitment to do something, let’s be determined to stick to it!

Well, I know you have a craving for a delicious scoop (or two) of strawberry ice cream! If you get the chance, make the drive down to Ocean Isle Beach and enjoy some at the local ice cream shop! Regardless of what my cousin Adam thinks, there’s a good chance it will be the best strawberry ice cream you’ve ever had! 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

~Joy

For more about keeping your word, check out this link: https://www.openbible.info/topics/keeping_your_word

The Christmas Hairdryer!

Posted on By Joy

Every Christmas, as I gather with family, the story of the Christmas hairdryer emerges.

You see, when I was little girl, my Dad, sister and I went to buy my Mom a Christmas gift. My Dad is such a great guy, but this particular year, he was a little behind on buying my Mom’s Christmas gift. It was Christmas Eve and off we went to the department store in town.

Interestingly, my Mom rode with us. Once my Dad parked the car, my Mom stayed inside the car while my Dad, sister and I went into the store to pick out a gift that expressed our devout appreciation and love for her.

I was four years old and my sister was nine. We did not know what a young wife and mother would want for Christmas so my Dad decided on a hairdryer.

You know, something practical and useful!

We purchased the hairdryer and I was beaming with excitement! I was so happy about this gift that I was about to bust! I thought a hairdryer was the most glorious gift ever decided upon and I could not wait to see the joy on my Mother’s face when she opened it on Christmas morning!

I was so elated that in fact, I could not wait until Christmas morning!

As my Dad carried the hairdryer in the plastic shopping bag to the car to put it in the trunk, I ran and jumped in the back seat. My Mom was still sitting patiently in the front seat of the car.

Before I could even get the door shut, I was overcome with delight and said, “Mama, we bought you a gift. I can’t tell you what we got you, but I’ll give you one hint.” My Mom’s eyes were wide with anticipation as she waited for my hint. Then I proudly said,

“It’s something you dry your hair with.”

Around Christmastime, this story resurfaces in our family. We enjoy a good laugh about that Christmas Eve, but do you know what really makes me smile? The fact that I still remember the joy I felt in my heart over the Christmas hairdryer.

It did not matter to me that it was a hairdryer. What mattered to me was that we had a special gift for my Mom. I loved her so much and I could not wait to give it to her!

When I think a little more deeply about the gift of the Christmas hairdryer, God nudges my heart about the most special gift He gave over 2,000 years ago in His son, Jesus. My heart is convicted because sometimes the weight of the world feels like it is on my shoulders and I lose my perspective about what really matters in this life.

I wonder if you ever feel that way?

Do you sometimes feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? Do you sometimes worry about your life and forget that God is in control?

Do you ever find that you have lost your excitement about your faith?

It’s normal to feel that way from time to time. The important thing is that you do not settle for being in a spiritual slump.

The important thing is that you find the courage to confess your sins, repent and get back on track with God!

As we begin 2016, let’s be diligent to spend more time in prayer, more time reading our Bibles and more time serving others. It won’t happen just because we want it to happen. Like all relationships, our relationship with God takes work!

We can have great intentions but not make any progress because we do not implement a plan. We need to implement spiritual disciplines into our lives that grow us closer to God.

We need to seek after Him with all of our heart!

Here are a few ideas that I have found helpful:

Go to bed 30 minutes early or get up 30 minutes earlier than normal so you can study your Bible and pray.
Pick a Bible reading plan and stick with it. You don’t have to read the Bible cover to cover in just one year (although that is a great goal to have). Pick a plan that works well for you.
Download a Bible podcast or Bible App (like the daily audio bible https://dailyaudiobible.com). Set a time and listen everyday.
Start praying with your family or change up your family prayer time to go deeper into God’s Word.
Start a “joy jar”. A joy jar is an empty jar you can decorate and place in a prominent place in your home. On a regular basis, have your family write down moments of “joy” where God has answered prayers throughout the year.
Memorize scripture. You can use simple 3 x 5 note cards. Write down one verse a week and start memorizing. I have found that posting the verse in my car is a great way for me to memorize scripture. Read and study the verse over and over throughout the week. You’ll be amazed at all the scripture you can memorize in a year.
Join a Bible study at your church or at a friend’s church. Plugging in at your local church is so important for your spiritual growth.
Get your mind off of your problems and invest in others. Get busy serving!
When you feel discouraged, stop and count your blessings!

As a little girl, I was thrilled about the Christmas hairdryer gift, but you know what? As followers of Christ, you and I know the GREATEST gift of all, Jesus!

Sometimes we don’t feel as excited to share Jesus as we once did. This often happens because we get too caught up in the cares of this world. We lose our perspective and drift away from God.

The good news is that we serve a gracious God and we can come back to Him!

Do you want a closer relationship with God? You can have it! You need the right perspective, a plan, and perseverance!

Be determined to make 2016 a year of dramatic spiritual growth!

Grateful for you!
~Joy

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

-Jeremiah 29:13

Not a Beauty Pageant Queen!

Posted on By Joy

I’ll never forget it!

Many years ago, after church, an older gentleman approached me and said, “Joy, you are not pretty enough to win a beauty pageant, but I think your personality makes you pretty.”

Wait, what did he just say?

I had no idea how to respond to his statement. Still in confusion that someone would make an effort to come and tell me that I was not pretty, I half-heartedly replied with, “oh, thank you, I think.”

I walked away baffled and feeling very unattractive. I received this man’s statement to mean that while he thought I was nice, he also thought I was ugly. It hurt my feelings, so I responded by being less friendly to him and I avoided him at church.

When someone hurts my feelings, my first reaction is to defend myself and then, to distance myself from that person.

What about you?

When someone hurts your feelings, do you mull over it? Does it cause you to treat that person differently? Do you have unforgiveness in your heart towards that person?

Do you have trouble getting over it?

Now, when I look back on the “beauty pageant” comment, I can see that I was too sensitive. My pride caused me to hold a grudge against this man who was a friend of mine. I had known him for years and we had always had a healthy relationship.

He was not a person who would hurt me on purpose.

After I examined my own heart, I realized I overreacted.

Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 says, “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

From time to time, we stick our foot in our mouths don’t we? We start a conversation with the best of intentions, and end up saying something we later regret. Sometimes, our words just do not come out right.

It happens to us all.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are encouraged not to overreact to every word someone says. We are encouraged not to be sensitive when other people say things that rub us the wrong way. Instead, we are to remember that we, also, say things we later regret.

We all struggle with communication from time to time, so the next time someone else’s words hurt your feelings, be careful not to take it too seriously. Try not to hold every word against them.

Remember this verse in Ecclesiastes. Extend a little mercy and have a heart that is quick to forgive.

Grateful for you!

~Joy

You Need a Break!

Posted on By Joy

Can you believe that summer is here? You know what that means! No school for the kids and it is time for summer vacation! It is time to go make memories with those you love, get some rest and have some fun! As I think about upcoming summer plans, I am reminded of the importance of taking time away from the busyness of this life to rest and refresh.

When God created Eve, he designed her, in part, as a helpmate to Adam.

“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

You and I were created to be caregivers and nurturers. As women, we are often more concerned about someone else’s needs instead of our own. God calls us to be servants and to put others before ourselves, but it is important to realize that he also created us as people of limits. We cannot keep going and going.

You and I need time to rest and recharge!

I have found it difficult to rest and recharge while I am at home. As I look around my house, there is always something I could be doing. A closet that needs cleaning out, blinds that need dusting, weeds to pull and the list goes on. I have found great benefit in going away from my normal environment to find the rest and recharging I so desperately need.

Now I know what you’re thinking….there is no way I can get away…I have too much to do. I get it! We have all types of reasons on why we cannot take a vacation and get away. It will cost too much, there is too much to do at home or at work, going away takes too much effort etc. Listen my friend, life is short and too precious to only spend your time working.

Your body, spirit and mind need time to rejuvenate. You need to take a break from all the work. You need rest. You also need time to go have FUN and enjoy the people God has blessed you with.

In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to his disciples after a hard day’s work, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”

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Speedy, the Three-Legged Turtle

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I just had to write to you and tell you about Sam’s turtle, Speedy.

Speedy is a red-eared slider turtle that Sam found three years ago while we were living in Tennessee. Speedy only has three legs, so he is a special turtle!

Speedy lived in Sam’s room in a nice, big, aquatic turtle tank where Sam took good care of him.

What you might not know about red-eared slider turtles, is they can live up to 70 years! YES, that’s right! 70 years! I had no idea about this tidbit of information when I agreed to this turtle idea three years ago.

Last summer we moved to NC and of course Speedy came with us. It was then that I noticed how much he was growing. We already upgraded Speedy’s tank the Christmas before, but now he was growing even bigger. I had no idea what to do about it, so I decided to do a little research and see what other people had to say about these terrapins.

It is never good when you come across a blog about red-eared slider turtles that reads, “Think twice before keeping that cute little turtle.” I learned that these adorable tiny shelled critters grow larger than a paper plate and require much attention and money!

One might ask why a responsible parent did not do this research before they gave an innocent child permission to keep the turtle. Yes, one might ask.

Well, by now it was too late! Speedy was a family member, and he was getting bigger by the day. Bryan and I were not sure what to do, so we did what any desperate parent would do. We tried to talk our nine year old son into releasing a three-legged turtle back into the wild.

Yeah, it did not go so well.

We have a pond right beside our house so we began talking with Sam about how wonderful it would be for Speedy to have more room to swim. We told Sam that Speedy deserved a chance to have a family (including a wife and potential baby Speedy turtles). We talked about how happy Speedy would be basking in the sun on a nice big rock with other turtles.

You can imagine how that turned out. Sam would not have it! He was totally against it. He quickly reminded us that Speedy only had three legs and that he was not a strong swimmer. He told us that Speedy could never survive on his own and how he would most definitely die! AND–how could we do that to a member of the family???

At the rate this was going, I was quite sure Speedy would end up in the nursing home with me.

Much to my surprise, last weekend (out of the blue), Sam runs into the house proclaiming, “I am going to release Speedy.”

Wait, what?

I had already given up on this turtle moving out of my house, and had already begun researching 100 gallon turtle tanks!

Sam just up and decided he wanted to set Speedy free and he wanted to collect baby turtles in his tank. He told me he had been thinking about it and I was right.

Wait, what?

Speedy was getting too big for his tank, so he was going to set him free and set up a turtle care center in his room. Grow the turtles up, release them and catch new ones.

This happened fast, my friend!

Within minutes, Sam got Speedy out of the tank and he and his friend, Ethan, put Speedy on the bank of the pond. I grabbed my phone so I could capture this moment with photos and videos as we watched Speedy, the three-legged turtle, set sail on a new adventure!

Just like that!

As I watched Speedy’s shell sink beneath the pond’s surface, I thought about how hard it was for Sam to let Speedy go. I saw a few tears in Sam’s eyes, but I also saw joy on his face when he saw Speedy swimming on his own.

I was reminded of what it’s like being a Mom. We have these sweet little babies and little by little they grow up until one day we realize just how grown up they are. We begin to understand that they no longer need to be under the direct supervision of Mom and Dad. We realize they are ready for a life out on their own.

There is a time when we must let them go.

If you’re a mom, then maybe you’re like me and your kids are still at home. Or maybe your kids have already set sail on their own life’s adventure. Either way, life passes by quickly and with each season of life, there are challenges which pull at our heart strings.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. There is a time plant and a time to uproot. God has made everything beautiful in its time.”

I think Sam learned a valuable lesson by releasing Speedy. He learned what it’s like to love something with all your heart and how to have the courage to let it go. He learned that some things in life only last for a season and then they are gone.

You know what? I learned those lessons all over again, too.

Sail on, Speedy!

~Joy

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