Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 24, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 23

The word for today is love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” John 3:16.

Some of us grew up with the Monty Python view of God, a big foot dropping out of the sky to squish us no matter how hard we try. Some think that God looks for a reason to condemn us so that He can punish us. Some think God looks down on us from Heaven, without caring for us. Others think He doesn’t exist at all.

Jesus came to earth and presented God as a loving Father who cares for the people He created.

One thing Norm says he has learned through this ordeal is that God loves him. He has experienced love from his family, friends, and even people he does not know have reached out and pray for him by name. They do this without Norm having to do anything in return.

Before our children and grandchildren were born, they were loved. When they arrived, the first few weeks they were just eating and pooping machines…but they were loved just the same. They were loved before their first smile, their first word, or their first achievement.

I’ve met families with broken relationships, where the children ran away from their parents. I get it, some parents are mean and abusive. Some parents become addicted to drugs or alcohol and are bad parents. It’s not always the parent’s fault, sometimes, the child comes from a loving family, but makes bad choices.

God’s love transcends all human love. He loves even those who despise and deny Him. He loves the one who lives a sinful life as well as the one who tries to live a righteous life. He wants to be in relationship with each of us, and to that end, He sent Jesus Christ to earth.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have no received the reconciliation. Romans 5:6-11

I am thankful for God’s love that does not depend on my words or actions.

I pray for those in broken relationships, that forgiveness will be offered and received and that families will be reconciled.

I rejoice that God loves all people and desires that all come to a saving knowledge of Him.

Where’s the joy? Jesus came to earth so that I can have life.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom His is pleased.” Luke 2:7-14

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 23, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 21

For the next few days, I choose not to focus on my emotions and feelings, but focus instead on the reason we who follow Jesus Christ celebrate Christmas.

During the Advent season, each Sunday the church focuses on a different aspect involving the coming of Christ. The first week is hope, the second, Love, the third, joy, and the fourth focuses on peace. So I am going to begin with hope and finish this series on Christmas Day.

On this side of Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, we can look back on the prophesies and see how Christ fulfilled them. But before his birth and during the life of Jesus, there was confusion. He did not do what they expected. He did not take the lead in an army and drive out the Romans and establish the country of Judah as the premiere empire on earth.

His kingdom is not temporal, it is eternal. Its citizens required a sacrifice that no one in this world could provide. Jesus died and rose again to give the citizens of the eternal kingdom freedom from the punishment for sin, death, and gave them the ability to live forever…not in this world that suffers from decay, but with God in eternity.

Before Christ came to earth as a human being, prophets told of a coming King of kings, on whom the people in the first century focused. They also spoke of the Suffering Servant, the one who would be pierced for our iniquities, the Good Shepherd, who would guide his sheep, the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

We find the first mention of this provision in Genesis 3:14-15. The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this (tempted Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree), cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you will go, and dust you will eat all the days of your life; and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel.”

Adam and Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit and it caused sin and sin’s punishment, death, to come into the world. But God did not leave the people hopeless…a child would be born one day that would defeat the power of death.

The book of Isaiah is full of promises about the first coming of Jesus Christ.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means “God with us”. The Son of God came and walked among us. He lived as a man, beginning as a baby, learning to talk and walk, growing, facing temptations that all people face.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Isaiah also speaks of his role on earth, that the kingdom to be established will be based in justice and righteousness.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the governemet will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

The kingdom that is based in righteousness and justice, that is yet to come. We live where we are subject to the laws of the land, and sometimes the people in power over us, do not care about us…just about their own agendas. But Christ came to be a leader for righteousness, a shepherd who really cares for his sheep.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And He will delight in the fear of the Lord, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist.

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:2-9

Why did God choose to do it this way? Why have Jesus come, suffer and die, and then leave for thousands of years before establishing His kingdom?

I don’t know. But I have hope in a future where there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no more fears. This world is not my home, and I am a citizen of the heavenly kingdom, therefore I am called to live in this world as if in the next. Jesus laid out the character qualities of one who is a citizen in the kingdom of Heaven, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.

These are a good reminder of how I should live as I wait for the return of Jesus Christ.

I am thankful that the prophets were faithful to share the Good News that was to come, and for Luke who recorded the Nativity narrative.

I pray that all people will come to know the hope that is in Christ Jesus.

I rejoice that God always keeps His promises.

Where’s the joy? It is in the hope that comes from knowing that Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself, so that I could have eternal life with the Lord God, Creator of the universe.

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 20, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 19

Less than a week to Christmas. I had mixed emotions all day.

Being a caretaker is tiring. I remember Mom saying about Dad, he’s not difficult, but it’s the every day, every hour making sure he had what he needed.

Norm isn’t difficult, and he does more on his own than my dad did, but the constant need to be on guard for changes and to be aware of when he needs encouragement takes its toll. Norm lets me go out with friends and family, so I’m not housebound, but I am weary today. It’s been a rough two weeks.

I’m hoping for a much better week next week, so we can visit my niece in her new place for Christmas dinner.

I finally put up a few decorations, my heart is not into putting in the effort this year, only to take it down…

One of my favorite memories as a child was when I would wake before dawn Christmas morning and turn on the lights of the tree, sit on the register to stay warm, and enjoy the glow. I will put up a tree and its lights tomorrow…perhaps it will help.

I am thankful for the love and prayers of many family and friends.

I pray for those who are suffering from illness, loss of a loved one, and broken relationships…comfort and wisdom for all.

I rejoice that God remains faithful at all times in every way.

Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 19, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 18

Sad news, Tony passed into heaven this morning. Well, sad for his family and friends, a day of rejoicing for him because he is with the Lord Jesus and no longer in pain.

Death is brought to the forefront of my thoughts again. Once, I gave a speech on Jesus’ crucifixion, I began with, “Death, the Final Frontier”.

As Jesus hung on the cross, he experienced death and a separation from God for the very first time from eternity. He knew it would be difficult, and prayed for God to find another way to save people from their sins. In the end, He yielded to God’s plan.

We can have a lot of head knowledge, but the experience takes it to a new level. We will all face our own death at some point. On this side, we don’t have the experience, just some knowledge about how it happens. We only have faith as to what lies beyond, it is truly our final frontier.

The death of a loved one brings a grief that overwhelms us. We are somewhat sustained by the hope of a painless and joyful eternal life in the presence of the Lord.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I believe that once this earthly body dies, it will be as if I go to sleep and wake in the presence of the Lord. Will that help me face death with more hope and less fear? I really don’t know.

I am thankful that Jesus came to earth to experience death for us, so that we live in heaven with the Lord forever.

I pray for Tony’s family as they deal with the loss of their loved one, that they will have the peace and comfort that only God can give.

I rejoice that we have the hope of eternal life.

Where’s the joy? God cared enough about each one of us, that He sent Jesus to suffer on the cross so that we could live forever with Him.

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-16

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 19, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 17

Norm is back in the chemo pit. The day began well, we went out for breakfast, then about three pm, he crashed. He didn’t feel well and slept the rest of the day. One never knows from day to day whether it will be up or down.

It came on suddenly and a day later than expected. I can assure him that it will only last a day or two, but his mind can’t wrap itself around hope when he is in the pit. All I can do is sit beside him and comfort him until he settles.

We are in the middle of this marathon. I know these days will happen, seven more treatments to go. I also know that next week he will feel much better and stronger.

Going through this reminds me of one of Jesus’ miracles. They passed a man blind from birth. The disciples asked the cause of the blindness…his fault or his parents? But Jesus said it was so that God could be glorified. This man lived all his life, day after day without hope of ever seeing. Then one day Jesus came and he was totally healed.

We can ask all kinds of questions. Why did this man have to suffer with blindness until he was an adult? Why this man, and another left unhealed? Why do we have to suffer at all? I don’t know the whys, but I know that God is sovereign and God is good. He’s God, He makes the decisions and one day we will discover what our suffering is all about.

As He passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?”

Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world”

When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is translated Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. John 9:1-7

I am thankful for the Sovereign Lord, who knows all things and makes the right decisions.

I pray for the healing of Donna, Kathy, Tony and Norm as they go through chemotherapy to eliminate their cancer.

I rejoice in the Lord who does heal, even if in his sovereignty he chooses not to.

Where is the joy? The joy of the Lord, is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplication The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank Him. Psalm 28:6-7

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 18, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 16

Norm is doing great today. He learned how close he was to dying, and is amazed at how much he has improved.

Today, I got some bad news. A friend with cancer may be going into hospice. An uncle of my daughter’s boyfriend tried to commit suicide. A local women’s choir I love to sing with is going through some major upheaval.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

We’d love to live trouble free lives…is there such a thing? Hopefully our troubles cause us to lift up our eyes to the One who can help…and if He doesn’t take the trouble away, He will walk through it with us.

I am thankful to have been able to participate in the Nativity Choir this year.

I pray for Tony to be cured of cancer, for Ideen’s family as they deal with an attempted suicide and its repercussions, and the ladies choir.

I rejoice that even though it all looks like a mess, the Lord has this.

Where’s the joy? For unto you is born in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 18, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 15

A great day! A friend of Norm’s came to hang out with him while I sang in the Nativity Choir. My daughter joined me in singing.

It is fun to sing in a hundred plus voice choir with an orchestra ensemble. The sound support, the harmonies, the joyful voices all raised in praise to God. We end with the “Hallelujah Chorus”, always a favorite, challenging to sing, but beautiful when done well.

I am thankful for the opportunity to sing each year. I thought it wasn’t going to happen this year.

I pray for Norm for strength of heart and mind, especially as the chemo pit days lie ahead.

I rejoice in the Lord of lords, and the King of kings who is worthy of all honor and praise.

Where’s the joy? God is faithful in all situations.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on forevermore. Isaiah 9:6-7

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 15, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 14

Today I dealt with anger.

I’m angry at the cancer that has my husband dealing with the pain and frustration of chemo treatments. I’m angry at my husband for getting cancer…not that he had any choice in the matter.

I’m angry at God for taking us down this path.

I’m angry that I can’t do what I want when I want. I’m angry at the things I’m missing: celebrating my 70th birthday, celebrating my grand-daughter’s birthday, seeing the Christmas lights, singing at nursing homes with a local choir, decorating the house…

I never considered myself as one who got angry, I see it as a negative trait. But I hid my anger well under the cover of withdrawal, quiet frustration, and hurt feelings. So I guess this is progress, to recognize and admit I get angry.

My circumstances are better than my anger shows. I travelled to Knoxville to sing in the Nativity Pageant. I got to spend time with my daughter who came in to help. Norm is having a pretty good day.

I enjoy singing in the pageant, it is a yearly reminder of the love that God showered on us by sending His Son to live among us, to demonstrate the love and grace that the Lord God has toward us, and to die on the cross so that we can have a great relationship with the Lord, creator of the universe.

I am thankful that God loves me even when I am angry at Him.

I pray for His peace and comfort when I’m helpless to change my attitude.

I rejoice in the coming of Jesus Christ who bore all our sins and sorrows on the cross.

Where’s the joy? Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of christ, be reconciled to God.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 14, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 13

Today Norm received his third of six body chemos and the fifth of twelve total chemos. We spent four hours at the cancer center, watched a lot of patients come and go. I didn’t hear one complaint.

There are times when patients and caregivers go through the dark side of fear, anger, frustration etc. But one the lighter side we can find hope, encouragement, and joy. One can dream of what comes after the healing. We can spend more time with family, it will be good to hug our grandchildren Sierra and Sawyer. We can look forward to times of laughter and games with the kids and siblings. We will enjoy getting together with friends. We can dream of traveling to places near and far.

When the Lord seems to give extra time, when we face our own mortality, the question arises, “What will I do with the time He has given?”. What legacy will I leave behind?

None of us know what each day will bring. While we can plan for the future, we live day by day. That is where we make our legacy. Our daily actions and words determine how we are remembered and provide the joy for each day.

He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good. Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

I am thankful that God faithfully works in ways we cannot see.

I pray for each person I saw at the cancer center today, along with Donna and Tony, that the treatment they receive do its work with minimal side effects. And for each of the nurses who have such a positive attitude of encouragement for each person in their care.

I rejoice that I am seeing progress in Norm’s treatment. He is getting better.

Where’s the joy? The joy is in the hope in the promises of God. He has made the promises, he will accomplish them.

For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:10-12

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Where’s the Joy?

Posted on December 13, 2024 by tricialathrop

December 12

Day to day, one never knows how it will go. Our day started well, then as the afternoon progressed, Norm seemed to grow weaker. I don’t know if it’s knowing that tomorrow he returns for another round of chemo or if we did too much yesterday

Being the primary caregiver takes its toll. Every nuance of change triggers a rise in adrenalin…the uncertainty of it all. One step forward, two steps back. Sometimes a leap forward and then a regressing. It’s an emotional roller-coaster for both of us.

Yet, even with the set backs, he is so much better than he was seven weeks ago when we got the diagnosis. He’s up and about, eating…not a lot, but more than he was, and looking forward to the future.

Friends help. I had lunch with a friend who has walked this path. It’s encouraging to speak with someone who has a similar experience.

I am thankful that although there are set backs, the general progress is towards strength and healing.

I pray for strength of heart to continue and peace of mind through the challenges…for both of us, and anyone else who struggles with an issue out of their own control.

I rejoice that God promised to never leave us or forsake us.

The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Where’s the joy? To be honest, not feeling it.

My friend and I talked about putting on a cheerful face when among people. She’s good at it, few see through to the pain. I tend to withdraw and become quiet. If I must be with people, I will talk about anything else because the tears are on the edge, ready to flow at any time.

Where’s the joy? It’s waiting on the other side of the tears and seen in the hope found in God’s promises.

Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5-6

Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together. For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

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