Beside them the birds of heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12
The holiday season is upon us and though it seems the nature world is quiet, it is really not. Birds are still singing and deer are crunching along on the snow covered spots in my backyard.
I’m not a big fan of winter but this year it doesn’t seem to be bothering me. After the past few years of hot flashes, the coldness is a welcome relief and my sleep has been deep and comforting. This is something to be thankful for.
I bought a big bag of birdseed and when it snowed last week, I fed the birds from my backyard feeder. They put on a show for me and I am comforted by their presence. I think their colors are a beautiful backdrop to white snow.
Something interesting happened on Monday. I am reading a book that I will be reviewing, and it mentioned sending an “intention” out (more on this when I write the actual review!). So I did. I don’t even remember what the intention was, but it had something to do with my wedding planning business.
That night, I had a dream about a bride and a wedding. I did not recognize the bride but she was lovely. In the dream I was a part of her wedding. The next day (I kid you not) I received an email from a young woman, asking me to assist her with her wedding.
I have no idea if it was the intention or the timing or maybe a little bit of both. Perhaps it is just faith. I am approaching this business, my event planning business, from an entirely new position. Years ago, I was fairly aggressive when I was self employed. Things were good; I was successful and happy. This time, I am determined not to be a bothersome pest. I believe that if someone needs me, God will put me in their path.
Last Christmas, you may remember that I received a word at a gathering of friends. That word was JOY. I have to tell you, it has been a joyous year despite many challenges, including my mother’s illness and my departure from full time employment. I kept JOY in mind all the year through and I am grateful for the many blessings I have received.
I hope you are living joyfully! How have you been?
Actually, I think I am adjusting to the stress, haha! I can’t say I am living ‘joyfully’ at this point but I am taking one day at a time and really enjoying the blessings as they come.
I hope your joyfullness continues through the coming year! You deserve it!
Dear Cathy,
I am wishing you the best this holiday season! You deserve it too!
xo Joanne
Good Morning, Joanne! It just seems like yesterday that I read your post on “joy,” and I remember it vividly! Your intention, dream, & email from the young girl sounds like one of Ann Lamont’s “WOW”. That is the first thing I thought about as your story unfolded. Joy really is a powerful word! It gives us contentment, confidence, & hope! I am praying for joyful blessing this holiday season! Hope you enjoy watching many more cardinals & deer this snowy season of winter!
Hi Cindy!
It does seem like yesterday when I received my JOY word…..a whole gone by already, WOW!
I wish you much joy and many blessings this holiday season!
xo Joanne
Beautiful post. No mistake, Joanne…it is all of those things working together – intention, timing, and most definitely faith. Same as with my new car. We must give God something to go on. I wrote and proclaimed with thanksgiving for my new car, and left the details to Him. And here I have a new little red car (just like in the vision I had around the beginning of the year). Now I’m even more faith filled that my creative and financial success will come in a glorious way soon. My success will be others’ successes also, and that thrills me to think about it.
Congratulations on your good news, and more to come. Enjoy a glorious day,
Marianne xo
Hi Marianne, God is certainly working in my life and yours. We are truly blessed and it is not just about luck. It is about looking at things through a spiritual lens and leaving the details to him, as you say. I wish you the best success and thank you so much for your support!
I’ll be sure and check out the links you sent me regarding Rumi….
xo Joanne
Joanne, I noticed the comments are closed on your post where you mention Rumi, so I will leave the links here. If you love the writings of Rumi, you may love this CD, by Deepok Chopra, called, A Gift of Love. Here is a link to a video that has the music…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-idP23bHCg
The CD was given to me as a gift the same year God was wooing me to Himself. It inspired me to write down my own prayers and dialogues of that time. Here is a link to what the CD looks like. http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-gift-of-love-mw0000043389
I hope you enjoy it. It always makes my heart both sing and weep for the Lover.
Blessings and Love,
Marianne xo
So glad to read about your joyful *noise*. The birds have been singing joyously around here. I hope that is a good sign. It’s a long time since I have heard such a chorus.
Glad the birds are singing where you are! I am enjoying the joyful noise around my house. I try and remember to listen for it every day.
🙂 Joanne
Our birds are well hidden but your little cardinals (?) must be hard to miss.
Good morning! The cardinals are definitely easy to see. They are strikingly beautiful!