Happy Heart

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." ~ Mother Teresa

Craziness in the Calamity J household! I am working a full-time job and doing 2 Bible studies this fall - a women's study and a marriage study with the Hubs - and the Hubs has entered the Peds rotation in Med School = no life for the Hubs. I have been busy working during the day, making delicious dinners at night- this week I made Butternut Squash and Sage soup, Pork Carnitas, and White Bean and Turkey Chili, baking anything I can with pumpkin, decorating the house with candy corn and cobwebs, building new and old friendships, and finding time for the Hubs and I to enjoy the married life. Busy, busy, busy. But I wouldn't have it any other way! So much joy in life to be had right now, and I love it.

God's really been speaking to my heart lately. In my women's study, we are reading "As Silver Refined," which deals with trials and disappointments and how God uses those trials to develop us, mature us, and bring us out of the experience as a stronger, God-centered individual. It also deals with how to handle these trials spiritually rather than emotionally! And what woman couldn't use some help with that! I've been learning a lot about forgiveness, God's grace and His deep, unchanging love for us. This study and group of women have been good for me because I'm learning that God is really working in my heart right now, and that there is always hope!

In my marriage class, we've only attended 1 so far, but the teaching was sort of similar to my women's study. When we react emotionally rather than act spiritually, we tend to blame our emotions and reactions on external things, but the true issue is with the heart. You can't just change a negative behavior, but instead must ask God to change your heart. I struggle with selfishness, and have a deep desire to be more of a servant. It's been my heart's prayer for awhile now. In the past, I've just tried to change my behaviors, but I'm learning that those changes are only a quick fix, and a few weeks later I'm back to my old habits! I must ask God for a change in my heart, get closer to Him by reading the Bible, and keep praying.

As I get closer to God, seek Him, and learn to have the heart of a servant, I find more joy, more love, more peace in life. And I can joyfully say, "My cup runneth over."

Happy Wednesday!