Hello friends and welcome to my Spiritual Sundays post~ Oftentimes I share a short story or devotional but this week I would like to share this beautiful photo I got off the Internet which has a wonderful scripture verse on it. It inspired me to share just a bit about my faith.
These things I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." ~ John 15:11
One thing I have noticed in my walk with God, is that no matter what comes my way, no matter what kind of day I'm having, I have the joy of the Lord within me.
Most of you are not aware that twenty-one years ago, I was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy which left me in a very weakened state for several years. I had to change a number of things in my life and I had to come to grips with my limitations. At one point I had to use a cane to walk. I did not know what the future held for me, but I did know one thing was certain: His joy was within my heart and it gave me strength.
His joy did not evaporate just because I became ill. His joy 'remained' in me even when I became ill.
The Word says, "The joy of the Lord is my strength," and I am a living example of that very thing. In the face of an uncertain future, God gave me His joy in the midst of the storm.
Now, twenty-one years later, I can walk without a cane and I am enjoying my life in spite of the hurdles the MD throws my way. Do I have joy in my life? Yes! Jesus is my JOY and He gets sweeter and sweeter as the days go by!
LIVING LIFE WITH AN ATITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
For more Spiritual Sundays posts, please visit Charlotte and Ginger at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/
Have a beautiful weekend friends and the Lord bless you!
NOTE: Please join me on Tuesday for Tea Time Tuesday.
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi
You are an inspiration Sandi. Thank you for telling your story and the picture.
ReplyDeleteWillow
Sandi Sweet....I have been to that Cathedral In The Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona many, many times. (Your first picture) Long ago we were in the US Forest Service and were stationed in Sedona. We worked summers, even manned a lookout. This is how our tuition to the U of A was paid. I can't tell you how that picture brought back many memories. We were there shortly after it opened. When you see the view from the inside....You feel like you are up in the heavens with God. You walk out feeling refreshed, happy and full of hope!
ReplyDeleteSeeing this has made my day and brought back many wonderful memories!
Blessings, dear friend!
Jil
And....I got so excited seeing something from my past, I forgot to comment on your story....
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are better and able to cope with your crippling disease. It takes a strong spirit and a strong faith to come so far.
I have had to cope with panic attacks and acute anxiety for so many years.....I am better now and able to get out alone....but it is always hovering in the wings. I can't tell you the times I have just wanted to give up or die, but have no idea how to do that, so it has been Faith and Prayer that have gotten me from one moment to the next.
Thank you for such an inspirational story!
Jil
xo
He is near to all who call on Him! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring story, Sandi. I'm so glad you shared this, and I'm thankful your health has improved.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week.
Joan
I agree you are an inspiration. You have a great attitude and I am glad you are seeing improvement.
ReplyDeleteYes, our attitude is a great part of how good life is to us. I can see you are a glass 1/2 full person. In my opinion, that's the only way to live.
ReplyDeleteGreat words of encouragement!
ReplyDeleteWhat a testimony. I am so touched by your words and hope that you continue with the Lord's help to overcome this disease and to have the joy of the Lord. You are a living example of what Christian living is all about.
ReplyDeleteAnd we would never have known if you weren't willing to share this word of testimony about our powerful and strength-filled Lord.
Praying for you,
Love,
Dianne
Sandi,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to meet you and thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.I began writing a post last night for Spiritual Sunday which will be my first. I have met so many great Christian Gals since beginning blogging. My only hope is that with our words somehow those that don't know Him will seek Him because like you I have overcome only because of the Grace of God given to me freely in Christ and every day is a gift from Him. You are a Blessing! Meg
Thank you for sharing this beautiful testimony of your joy in spite of physical limitations.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
I'm glad you are much better! "A cheerful heart is good medicine,but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."-Proverbs 17:22
ReplyDeleteKnowing joy is a choice but how hard it is to do so if someone has not known His love. It is truly a gift from Him. Thank you for the wonderful pic and Scripture you shared sister Sandi and thank you for passing by and encouraging me and your prayers. God bless you and protect you.
What a wonderful testimony Sandi of your faith and God's goodness...you are such a positive and joy filled person ~ it comes right through your blog! Thank you for sharing this...
ReplyDeleteI love reading this...that God is greater than anything we can go through. I believe that...I really believe that. And I'm so glad He touched you....thanks so much for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteThis was such an inspirational post! God is your strength! Thank you for sharing your story.
Nancy
Hello Sandi, Happy Pink Saturday! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment. Love your pink post this week. That pie looks delish. This post is such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage
thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful, Dear. Thank God the joy of the Lord is our strength. Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspiring post for today, sweet friend. Your faith in our dear Lord has shaped you into the kind and loving person you are today!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by my blog and entering the giveaway ~ I've got you down for 3 chances to win, so good luck to you! And thank you ever so much for adding my button to help spread the word!
Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents
What a beautiful testimony. I'm so glad that you have the Lord to help you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your inspiring story. Having a grateful heart is so important. I'm so thankful to hear your health is much improved! Have a blessed Sunday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing, Sandi! I'm so glad your heath has improved and I completely agree, faith and gratitude help you in the journey!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Monicax.
Thanks for sharing a portion of your life and from your heart. This will bless many.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi,
ReplyDeleteYou are a very special person and bring inspiration to those of us who know you.
hugs
Sissie
Oh, Sandi, I loved your post and testimony today! I have listened to at least three messages on the joy of the Lord this week, and then to read this...it's a truly God's message to me today.
ReplyDeleteI've missed coming to your blog for a cup of tea...I want to return soon and join in tea time again...your hospitality is so inviting and warm, it's one of those special places in blogland that makes me want to visit every day.
Blessings,
Mary
Thank you for sharing your joy and strength in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI am visiting with you via my sister's blog, Karen @ Lily Valley.
This is a wonderful,inspiring and uplifting post;thanks for sharing Sandi!..,
ReplyDeleteI would also love to partake once again this week with your 'Tuesday Teatime'.., (I will post the blog post URL just a wee bit later, as I have had company all week and am going to post just a little bit later on than usual).
Cheers from Wanda Lee
Wonderful Post Sandi and so encouraging thank you for sharing what an amazing story you have to tell... I enjoyed reading this ~Blessings Love Heather
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared this, and I'm thankful your health has improved.
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