My name is Nancy. My husband and I are associate members of Joy.  We are still snowbirds, spending time in Illinois and Wisconsin. Due to physical limitations, I have been unable to volunteer for the things I used to enjoy. 

I knew that God wasn’t done with me yet, so I asked Him for some directions.  That’s the “mustard seed” part. In Matthew 13, Jesus is telling parables, and he says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…. though it is the smallest of seeds, when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.”  I mentioned to a Joy blogger how much I enjoyed her blogs, and she looked right at me and said, “Have you ever thought about writing one?”  I said I would think about it.  Seed planted. 

I do have degrees in journalism and elementary education, and have done lots of writing, but this would be different.  I kept thinking and praying about it during the months I was away from Joy.  I started collecting ideas and quotes and putting them in a folder.  The week before we came back in December, two Bible verses from the daily readings “The Word in Season” jumped out at me.  Psalm 85 verse 8, “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak.” (NIV) and Jeremiah 1:7, “. . . you shall go to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you.” 

Suddenly I felt the urge to say “yes” to the idea of writing a blog.  I realized God had been whispering in in my ear and giving me suggestions everywhere. Now it was up to me to “grow” into the idea.  I may not become a ” mustard tree” but with the unconditional love that I receive every moment of my life, I will grow.  He has that same love for you.  Cherish it.

Nancy