Is It Not You ??

I always read from the King James Version, but I read this verse in the NIV and it had a phrase in it that really caused my heart to think of Joel. It's hard for me to make a "list" of things and ways I see good and blessings from this, but to acknowledge and declare it is what I think the scripture teaches me to do, tell of His wonderous works. I know as time passes the list will grow and one day I can fold my list up and I will not have to remind myself anymore because I will be face to face!!!

But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan stopped us. For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (NIV I Thes. 2:19)

Is it not you, Joel?

^that makes me think of eternity every moment, everyday, with almost every breath
^that has allowed my fellowship with the Lord to be sweeter
^that reminds me how some things are just not important
^when I sit at your grave, that this is not the end
^that has allowed me to know a fellowship with Christ in suffering in a small way
^that through this trial, I feel like Satan's kingdom has been damaged and God's kingdom has been furthered
^in that this suffering has allowed me to be able to pray for others with feeling and pleadings and not just voicing "words"
^that has given us opportunites to talk about a world that we can not see, but one we hope for, to your brothers and sisters
^that your being there and I am here, how it reminds me that eternity is so close, our days are numbered
^and how your little 3 yr life has been told to more people than I could possibly reach in a life time
^that has blessed us with unspeakable joys by being your mommy and daddy and family
^that has been a means of growing and increasing my faith

Is it not you, Joel? Yes, it is one so little that God has used in such a big way !! Your being "there" gives me hope, joy and a looking forward to eternity........It IS YOU!!!!

I know God is my foundational hope and joy, Joel is being used to spur me on!!! Joel's tree is in full bloom, it is so beautiful right now......full of life and so is he.....there!!!!


*****Stay tuned to here for the info on The Garden Workshop we are hosting here at our farm Sat. April 11. Hoping to keep adding to it!!!! ***We have added TWO more Sponsors, that makes a total of 4, YEA!!!! Drawings for garden tools to be given away.....don't miss this!!!******