Servants of Cana

Joy Blog

What is a JOY blog you might ask and why should we write about Joy? Many of us know the verse,” As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is”, and recent neuroscience would support this. What you think about forms your identity and develops neural patterns that control chemical responses.

When you think about those you love, when you remember blessings in your life, when you recount times that you overcame an obstacle, when you are grateful for friends, family and opportunities, then your brain activity moves forward to your identity center and it calms down your alarm system.

I encourage you to start your own Joy Book where you can record your stories, your memories, and gratitude lists. I hope that you will read your book aloud reminding yourself that you are loved. As you speak, you remind your thalamus, the control center in your brain, that you are connected and attached.

March is a time to renew and remember relationships. Think about a person who has changed the path of your life. Remember how it felt to be with them, write as many feeling words as you can to describe how you felt in your body when you think back to being with them. Place a picture of this person in your joy book along with their story.

Write that person a note or an email if possible. Be thankful for the changes that have come about because of their presence in your life. Show appreciation for their direction in your life by telling someone the story of the difference they have made.

We would love to have your feedback on the blog along with any stories that you would like to contribute, so that we can share community joy

2.  One of the things that I have been discovering about the Lord is how He leads me when I am unawares.   Last week I took a walk in my favorite field and was surprised to see a small fox come out of his den to greet me.  I returned the next day wondering if the friendliness of the fox was hunger that perhaps its mother was missing.   Esther and I were suprised to see two foxes eagerly peering at us.   I left thinking about  the mother and if she was still feeding them.   I considered many possibilites and but decided to  contact Cedar Run Wildlife Rescue to ask for their help;  they responded quickly.   The next day I met their specialist and she took pictures, investigated the den and determined  that  the vixen was indeed feeding the kits.  She was excited as they had recently been given a young 6 week kit that had lost its mother.  It was their hope that this orphan could be placed in the same den.   A few days later when we returned to the field we discovered two workers from the wildlife center who informed us they had placed the kit in the den and it had remained.  What seemed like a problem that I would have to solve actually became a joy as I became a solution for a little orphaned fox.  I marvel at the way that I was lead to go at specific times and to call the rescue organization.   I am amazed at the Lord’s care for the smallest of His creation, and it brings warmth to my heart as I realize how much more He cares for His people.      In your Joy Book, write about a time that the Lord has lead you, surprised you or made you aware of His love.   4/19/10
Spotted one of the foxes today in the field, it was eating in the tall grass, I saw him before he knew I was there. The fur is a beautiful auburn color and the sun was lighting him up. I stopped and watched for a few seconds, being thankful that I had seen him in and enjoying His beauty.
August 28, 2010