Joy & Olives!

Hear me sum up the last seven years of my life in one word and see if you relate. "There in the wilderness, you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” / Deuteronomy 1:30 Where have you found joy in the last seven years of your life?

It was the kind of email that made my heart sink. "The Lord will perfect that which concerns you." / Psalm 138:8 Would you be willing to trust Jesus to work out an issue in your life that you can't solve?

A hot, humid, working-overtime kind of Sunday... with a surprise ending. "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." / Proverbs 16:9 When was the last time your schedule was thrown off, but it worked out for good?

I had to clean a public toilet on my 27th birthday. Music cred: What A Friend We Have in Jesus by The Worship Initiative, Shane & Shane, Hannah Hardin.

I felt like I nearly died on Thanksgiving Day. “O my dove....let me see your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.” / Song of Songs 2:14 Music Credit: Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) by Phil Wickham.

I moved 8,000 miles away from home, only to find that it's now in my backyard. "Now to Him Who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" / Ephesians 3:20 Music Credit: God is Able by Hillsong Live.

This is what my grandpa saw before crossing to the other side. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” / Luke 23:42-43 What feelings do you have when you think about heaven?

When someone holds your hand back, it's a sign of trust. "I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I am here to help you." / Isaiah 41:13 (CEV) When was the last time you allowed yourself to be held by God?

God multiplied the clothes in my closet… because it’s what I needed. “And why worry about your clothing? ... If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you." / Matthew 6:28-30 When was the last time God clothed you?

Last week, I met a woman at a train station. One conversation changed everything. "Love your neighbor as yourself." / Mark 12:31 When was the last time you befriended someone very different from yourself?

Nothing makes me happier than free books, especially when it was the exact one I had been looking for; kind of like finding a needle in a haystack. "The Lord  is  my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He  is  my God, and I will praise Him" / Exodus 15:2 When was the last time you found something you didn't expect?

20 years ago, my mom made a decision that still impacts me to this day. "For we walk by faith, not by sight." / 2 Corinthians 5:7 How do you think faith and joy are related?

My Ah Ma was my first friend, but our relationship wasn’t always smooth. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." / Psalm 147:3 When was the last time a family relationship was restored?

First podcast episode ever! Here’s why I started and what I’m looking forward to.  “Who dares despise the day of small things....?" / Zechariah 4:10 When was the last time you started something new?

...because once upon a time, I couldn’t stand them 😂