HSB sent out an email encouraging bloggers to come up with a contest that is unique and offered a give-away at the end. HSB Community Blog Well, typically I shy away from doing those type of things...mainly because I'm a bit unsure of how many people actually hit this blog and then all of my insecurities pop up! I've been thinking about this idea for a bit and have actually decided to sponsor one.
The book I'm going to award to a random blogger is a devotional that has truly blessed me. It is "Streams in the Desert...366 Daily Devotional Readings" by L.B. Cowman. When my husband, Todd, was undergoing radiation treatment a friend of mine blessed me with this book. I read it regularly and still enjoy reading the nuggets of truth in it. In fact, in my previous post, I quoted a poem that was written in the book. So, for a random winner, which will be drawn out of a basket by my oldest daughter, Hannah, I would love to send you a new copy of this wonderful book.
Here's a picture of my well read copy....
Here's the details of my "contest": Since my blog deals with the ideas of finding joy and faith, I thought that I would ask my readers to write about a time in their life where God met them in the most surprising of ways. It could be a time of peace in the midst of a trial, a time of contentment while doing housework, a time of release, etc....you get the picture. Write about it...either on your blog or in the comments section. If you blog about it and have the means feel free to post a picture that reflects that time. Images are huge to me.
There are so many blogs out there that inspire me with their beautiful photography. Your image and message can be simple. Sometimes those are the most poetic. One of mine would be a cup of Caribou coffee. Years ago, when I was distraught in the hospital I walked down through the lobby and saw that the hospital brewed Caribou Coffee (it's a brand here in Minnesota that competes with Starbucks). It was a simple thing, and yet having something familiar, something that I loved, brought a bit of comfort to my weary soul. So...that would be an example of an entry. And a picture of Caribou. The picture is optional....if you want to share a story...then that's all you need to do.
Everyone can participate. All you need to do is add a comment detailing your story. If you'd like to be added to the Linky list (so others can quicly read about your moment...and you get other users to your blog) please use the Mr. Linky below to link to your blog post regarding this contest. And if you write about it on your blog, I'll add your name twice. Just please remember to reference this blog in your post. Now, remember, if you don't have a blog and would still like to participate, please just leave a comment describing your moment....and that counts as an entry!
I really think that this contest will be a great time of remembering God's power in our lives. As a homeschooling mom, wife, and child of the King, it can be hard to remember God's hand in our lives every day. It is in the act of writing down that we can recall the awesome power and sweet joy the the Lord brings.
This contest will end on January 15, 2009. Thanks!
Blessings! I look forward to reading your responses. Remember...I need to be able to contact you after we draw names...so please include that link in your comments!
I really like your idea. I also would like to enter. But, alas, I don't understand all the blogging terms. I really must read the Blogging for Dummies. LOL!
Don't feel that you have to write a whole blog post. I just am so excited to hear about our surprising moments of joy...just write a quick comment...and that will be an entry!
You WON my giveaway! Congratulations! I tried to email you but came back as a failed deliver. I have the book packaged and ready to go and just need your address.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and letting me know which of my posts you found interesting. I had a blast doing the giveaway.
As an experienced homeschooler I know you'll find a way to incorporate the unit study. I'm glad it's going to a good home.
There have just been too many times I guess to pin down one.
Know that you're always in my thoughts and prayers!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
There have been so many times that I have felt the Lord's hand on my life. Recently we took a trip to the mountains. The entire way there it was incredibly foggy...about 3 1/2 hours worth. I was lamenting that we would not see our approach to the Great Smokies which is beautiful, and all of a sudden the fog cleared in the blink of an eye...just in time for our initial view of the mountains. Also while on this trip, I discovered a sequel to a series of books that I loved as a teenager.. at Wal-Mart no less! I felt like the Lord left it there just for me. I was so incredibly excited and grateful.
Hi Raesfamily
Our miracle came this year you can visit at our blog here:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Sheila/628874/
Thanks for giving this opportunity to enter and be a part of this contest.
Thanks,
Sheila
I was trying to think of a good example of this, so then started thinking over the times and trials of my life, which is not always good, but I can think of lots of joys in the trials.
One joy, is friends. Good friends.
We lived in MN, up in the northern part and lived on a swampy piece of land very primitively as well as many things in the church group going towards cultish, it was not always the best, but i am thankful for that time because out of it, I got two of the best friends i could ever ask for and that brought me joy in the trials then and now. If it was not for going through all of that together, we would not love each other like we do.
martha(at)lclink(dot)com
I can share with you one of my most recent ones... a certain little young man in my life who has had a long battle with health said three very simple words to me. Late at night, just a few nights ago, after sending him to bed, he came to me and said, "My tummy's sick". It may sound silly, but for a child who was never supposed to live, and was supposed to have mountainous disabilities, those simple words (even though they were not so pleasant ;) ) were a huge thing for us. He could tell me, for the first time that something wasn't right. He was able to help me fix what was wrong. I know that in that moment, God gave me a reassurance to be thankful for this precious child and never forget how important those little things are...even if it means running like crazy for a puke bucket at 2am ;)
I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for, but through the ups and downs of our children's medical condition's, the Lord has used music to minister to me.
Early on in this journey, the song "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns really spoke to me. It seemed we were facing storm after storm and it was a reminder to praise Him in the midst of them. After a while of storm after storm, I heard the song "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me. I listened to the words and though what a powerful testimony it was. But I couldn't sing it.
I justified it. I told the Lord time after time - "I have enough rain! I don't want any more, but I will praise You in this storm." Still, I kept hearing the song.
I can't tell you exactly which day, but there was a point where the Lord spoke to me in that still, small voices asking me if I trusted Him. Would I surrender to His will? It was one thing to say that I would praise Him in our circumstances (storms), but still another to surrender fully to Him and tell Him that I would accept any rain he sent - if that's what it took to praise Him.
I surrendered. And I have cried out that song to Him in prayer over and over and over again. Now,it is the ringtone on my phone when a doctor's office calls. It reminds me, before I even hear what the doctors have to say, to prepare my heart for whatever He may have in store. "If that's what it takes to praise you, Jesus, Bring the Rain!"
Oh, wait, it was a TRIAL... ;) Two days before my birthday in October my husband and I were on a date and got a frantic call from home. "Dad, Mom, the downstairs toilet is overflowing!" So home we flew. Indeed there was about 1.5 inches of septic water in our entry quickly soaking into our living room carpet. As we washed towels attempting to soak up the mess our upstairs washer drain overflowed all over the place and began dripping through the ceiling! AHHHH! It quickly became apparent this was not a small issue. Calls to repairmen just weeks after Hurricane Ike were futile. Our insurance agent was helpful, but forgot to file our claim so our money was delayed. Through all of this we tried to keep the end in sight and realize, it's all just stuff. We lived apart for three weeks, the kids and me staying with (very gracious) friends and my husband working full time, then tiling from 5pm to midnight. It was a trial. But today, I am sitting in a beautifully tiled home. With our family all together having just enjoyed one of our most enjoyable Christmases ever. So, holding loosely "my plans" and timing and just taking each day as it came from the Lord's hand were key in experiencing joy each day. We made some great memories while we were in what we now affectionately call "tile exile". God is good all the time, all the time God is good!
Some how I stumbled upon your blog when i saw something about 'finding joy' in your title. I think it was through the lynette kraft blog that I found you. I looked through your blog and then saw your giveaway on the Streams in the Desert book. Praise God...what a beautiful gift. Years ago when I was first in Bible School, I read through this. then when staying at a friends house while going through a rough time a few months ago, I saw it on her bookshelf and asked to borrow it while i was there.. I fell asleep reading it each night. It is one fo the most precious devotionals one could ever read. To have a copy would be such a blessing!
As with so many of you, there are so many moments in our lives that God surprises us..., in joy and faith, or comes through in miraculous ways. one of the ways was 2 years ago when i went in for a folow-up mri for a spinal tumor. It was Dec 2, 2006. I was sitting in my hospital gown on the table and the specialist was looking at the mri. He took a few deep sighs, and then started wringing his hands together(like the mad scientist... you can picture it) he then, without even turning to look at me, said, "well, it looks like maybe you have about 30 days, if that. it is unbeleivable you are even sitting with me here today. This is an inoperable tumor which is inside your spine and is eating through the vertebrate, about 7/8 eaten through already. You have only a fracture of bone holding up your spine. In the next few weeks you will either expire(!), or you will become paralyzed from the neck down with pain, until such a time as your organs cannot function longer. the good news is, I love to take chances on these kind of circumstances with all the modern options available." he said all this while never turning around to face me... in the meantime, the Lord spoke to me. I was to get off the table and get dressed, pulling up my slacks while he was still talking and looking at the mri. as he turned I was completely dressed and standing up. He was startled and said what are you doing?! I said leaving.. He said to me, NO you CAN"T!.. I said yes I can, watch me... then he said but maybe you do not understand what I have just told you. I gently told him, yes I do. Very clearly. but if I am willing to give a chance to anyone then in this it is the Greatest of all Physicians , my lord and maker. He then informed me i had to sign a paper that I was leaving under the duress of the physicians advice not to . I then went home, prayed , and it has been a long and physically and emotion sometimes struggle, but I am very much alive and walking! Not one doctor can understand what is happening. I am told I am on borrowed time(aren't we all as many of you precious mothers who have lost children know,) but with that I feel I have received a greater accountability with my hours. he has to bring me daily to a place of walking by faith... totally and not neglecting the opportunities He places before us that bring unspeakable joy to our and others lives!
cathy b
project hope 7 at g mail dot com
My journal about letting go, seeking Christ, choosing to believe, resting in faith and how that integrates with daily life. Life with now six beautiful children, one devoted husband, and myself with all of my dreams.
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Dec. 29, 2008 - I have decided to enter!
Please enter me into your contest, my joy post is on my blog.
Love you,
Hannah