joy

Sometimes we need just a bit of a reminder of joy – I know I get wrapped up in my own agendas, ideas, to-do’s, and urgents that I forget the simple, beautiful joy that can be found in fellowship with others and by stepping out of the normal and looking at life with fresh eyes.

Yesterday? We spent the day in the small town near the farm where my mother grew up. My Samuel? He spent the day digging in the dirt or laughing and hanging around my dad. For Samuel? This was his idea of a perfect day – despite the heat and high humidity.

Here’s the evidence.

Ah, to live with that amount of joy.

That’s what I want to remember.

Rachel Marie Martin

Rachel Marie Martin is the author behind Finding Joy and the book The Brave Art of Motherhood. She is fiercely passionate about living an authentic, joy-filled and driven life and because of that writes powerful truth for others hoping to be the catalyst for change.

7 comments

Angel July 22, 2012 - 6:06 pm

Adorable!

Isabel, Wake up & smell the azahar July 22, 2012 - 6:44 pm

He’s too cute for words!

Crystal Ashworth July 22, 2012 - 7:23 pm

Just had to share that when your email came to my inbox, since the title of the post was “Joy”…the subject of the email was “Finding Joy Joy” and it reminded me of the Ren & Stimpy ‘Happy Happy Joy Joy’ song. 🙂

Also…Samuel is too cute for words! 🙂

Lynn July 23, 2012 - 4:32 am

Oh what wonderful pics!!!!!!!!!!
Praying right now!
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
My email address

Emma July 23, 2012 - 11:37 pm

Samuel is so cute!!!

Amanda McCusker August 4, 2012 - 1:55 pm

That is a picture of pure joy!

Marilyn Franz December 30, 2022 - 12:03 pm

Just seeing 23 Manifesto Rules for the Year and would like to use it in our Mobile Home Park newsletter. Can I?? And find a copy to copy and paste… Thanks very much. Marilyn Franz in Largo FL

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That doesn’t look too joyful.

Darkness.

There was a huge storm system that swept through Minnesota this evening. At 6 pm skies were blackened, tricking the mind into thinking it was later. Rain pelleted the windows, and the trees swayed wildly. There were numerous tornadoes and funnels throughout the area. In my neighborhood the siren rang multiple times. I knew I was to go to the basement — like my children — and yet I stood at my back door. In awe.

I stared as clouds swirled in circles, dancing a dangerous waltz. The utter power of nature, of God, mesmerized me. Then, in the midst of turbulence, complete calm. The trees in the back yard stood straight, while the trees in the front bent as if bowing to the ground. I knew I should move — downstairs — but I still stared.

It’s so easy to start believing that we can control everything.

And yet, there’s more. There’s real power. Not from ourselves, but from our God. The God of power. A power infinitely more powerful than this storm that we label as power. And that brings me joy. Joy to know that my God, our God, has power beyond my imagination. Joy to know that He can still a storm with just two words. Whispered. And coupled with that power? An infinite love for you. For me.

And that is reason for joy.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,

“Quiet! Be still!”

Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4:39)

Rachel Marie Martin

10 comments

Barbie June 18, 2010 - 3:21 am

I love this. He is the calm in the midst of our storm! Blessings!

Lindy June 18, 2010 - 4:02 am

Glad you are all okay. It missed us to the north and east! What a great post.

partialemptynester June 18, 2010 - 4:20 am

Mmm, I absolutely love a good storm…it’s when I feel the absolute power of God the most! I think “peace, be still” was the first Bible story my son ever told…he could barely say a whole sentence at the time, but he was just in awe and would burst out with “PEACE”, then quietly say, “be still”…so precious when children get it that God is truly awe-inspiring! Thanks for sharing your storm with us…check out my blog…Hannah is causing quite a stir with her coffee machine give-away 😉 Love that girl!!!!

Sherrie June 18, 2010 - 5:36 am

Beautiful post. I’m glad I stopped by today. 🙂

Camden June 18, 2010 - 1:43 pm

I was thinking the same thing as that almost perfect line rolled across the state. Whatever my circumstance, who am I to question God? All power is His.

I also thought it was cool when (at least down here) there was an orange hue to everything outside once the storm had passed. There’s beauty, even in the midst of a storm.

Camden

Job 38:25

“[God] has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain
and a way for the thunderbolt,

Annie June 18, 2010 - 10:51 pm

I see the wonder of God most in storms – and I cannot imagine how He revealed Himself to you in this one. as I’m thinking of it, yes, it brings me joy to know my God is a God of power, and Who is in complete control. thank you for this, Rachel! you always share some of the most insightful revelations.

Janette@Janette's Sage June 19, 2010 - 3:15 am

Yes and Amen! Well said,
Janette

Gwen Toliver June 19, 2010 - 4:40 am

We spent time in our basement this evening because of this storm…. thanks for your wise words! 🙂

Lynn June 19, 2010 - 6:49 am

Just watch out for the green! if the clouds are green, head to the basement!!!!!!! And if there’s a point going around in circles, RUN to the basement! There were tons of tornadoes in MN last night from what I heard! Thankful that you’re safe!
Praying!
Isaiah 25:8-9: He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
Prayer Bears
My email address

Kate June 19, 2010 - 10:12 pm

What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing. I love thunderstorms, even the heavy ones. They also remind me that no one but God is in control and that He is my light even in the midst of a storm.

Have a blessed day,
Kate

joy

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