Welcome to Grace to Joy

I love having sisters in Christ. I never had sisters growing up, so it's a joy when I find a "likeminded" friend that is my sis in the Lord. Paul talks about this likeminded-ness in the book of Philippines (see the study available under Bible Study tab) and it's a rare find, for sure.

True friendships can be few and far between in this world. I've found through the years that I've had friends for a season, friends for a reason, and then there are those who because of our bond in Christ and in ministry, have made us true family. I'm so very grateful for those friendships, as they are rare, I know. 

Through the years I've found that God may not give me one friend that is my "perfect friend" but quite often put lots of friends in my life to cover all the different bases of life. I had one that loved to go shopping. One that loved to study the Bible. One that didn't mind watching my kids. One that made me laugh. One that worked alongside in ministry. One that liked to do activities. And on it went as He gave me a gaggle of girlfriends rather than one who covered it all. 

There have been the lean years as well. Years where my relationship with Christ grew because I didn't have a close friend at all, or the semblance of a gaggle; times when I was forced to turn only to Him. (Good years, by the way.) 

There were many years that I prayed earnestly for someone, anyone that was likeminded in Him to be my friend, my confidant. But there were none to be found. So, I prayed all the more.


Whatever season of friendship you are in, know that you always have Christ. Let me tell you, there is no closer friend than the Lord. He is always true, always faithful and gracious. (If only I were as good a friend to Him as He is to me.)


Thanks for coming by Grace to Joy for a visit. I hope a friendship will grow out of it, a likeminded-ness in the love of the Lord. Let me know who you are, and if I can pray for you in anyway, just hit the contact tab and shoot me an email. 


May God bless you with a sense of friendship that soothes the soul and refreshes your spirit.

Philippians Bible Study

This 290 pg. workbook provides an in-depth Bible study of the book of Philippians.  Consisting of personal study time, five days a week for ten weeks, the workbook makes it possible to work at your own pace, or grab a girlfriend or two to work through it together.  Perhaps your church's ladies ministry would even choose to use this study, and meet weekly for discussion time. 

In the letter to the Philippian believers we find the Apostle Paul saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!"  This study will show how it's possible to have joy even when we don't understand the what, when, why, or how of a situation (and isn't life always full of situations?)  See how the Apostle Paul unlocks the secret of living in contentment and joy.  It's our prayer that it won't be long before you, too, are Finding His Joy.  


Workbook study is available through Amazon. $17.99     

Kindle Edition  Amazon Kindle $10.99

Or, add the Kindle addition for only $2.99 when you purchase the  workbook from Amazon.

Devotionals

One of the greatest blessings we've been given is God's word, but like  many things that are "good for us" we find ourselves not making the time to read it.  I hope these short devotionals will keep you inspired to be in the Word, and to live wholeheartedly for God.