NONNA’S kNOWledge

BY CAROLYN JOY

Be Strong and Courageous NOW

In a world filled with right being wrong and wrong being right, we need to stand up for God’s values we read in the Bible. Our children and grandchildren are being indoctrinated at a young age to compromise the very basics of Christianity.

Living in Southwest Florida during Hurricane Ian seemed to reinforce the belief that life isn’t fair. Why did one tree stand tall when another beside it was uprooted? Why did one home flood when the home a few doors away was spared? How does a boat end up on land and a house end up in the water? What does it feel like to lose all of your earthly possessions in an instant? These questions boggled our minds as we watched the news and walked around the neighborhoods.

Too often, we place excessive emphasis on being comfortable and having fun. We purchase things we do not need just to add them to our closets. We desire what others possess, only to later put it in storage. Instant gratification is what we believe will bring us joy. We accumulate stuff we think will bring happiness. But does it really bring fulfillment?

The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." (NIV)

When we are forced to live without the comforts in life that we often take for granted, the experience can spawn a fresh appreciation for our daily needs. Living without water, electricity, or the security of home or car makes life slow down, causing us to focus more on what is really important.

Where do you put your hope? Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)

If you spend any time with children, you may hear phrases such as “that’s not fair,” “she has more,” or “why can’t I do that?” Life does not always seem fair, and, quite frankly, sometimes life is NOT fair. We need to teach our children that our hope is not in this world or in our material possessions. Those things can be taken away; they can disappoint us. Children and adults alike need to understand that our hope is not in our belongings, worldly good, or comfort. In the blink of an eye, all that we know, love, and hold onto can be removed. However, we will never lose the hope that we have in Christ. Psalm 31:24 says, "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (NIV) Likewise, Psalm 33:20 exclaims, "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield." (NIV)

Our faith and trust in the Lord can never be washed away in a storm. God will provide, encourage, support, love, and never leave us. Even when life gets turned upside down or when we seem to float in a sea of despair. God’s Word is eternal and never changing. "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV)

His love endures forever, and He will never let us down! God is our provider, our comforter, savior, lover, and friend. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The world describes contentment as a feeling of quiet happiness and satisfaction. However, I teach my children and grandchildren that contentment is living in the moment with Christ without unrealistic expectations for others or for things to fill us up. Contentment is not found by reaching back for what was lost in our yesterdays or reaching for what we hope will be in our tomorrow.

Contentment is living fully with what is right in front of us and truly seeing the gift of every moment God has given.

NONNA’S CHUCKLES:

My daughter and son were born 16 months apart. As most moms know, little ones who are that close in age can often compete with one another. Many, many years ago, I gave them each a handful of potato chips on a napkin. My three-year-old son quickly sized up the situation and, with discontentment in his voice, said, “Hey, she has more than me!” Knowing the piles were about even and not wanting him to compare and be ungrateful, I kindly said, “You both have the same amount. You are not getting anymore.” He looked up, disappointed and annoyed, then smashed his potato chips with his hand. Seeing the multitude of pieces in front of him, he said, “There! Now we are even!” Unfair and Even are often in the eye of the beholder!

Carolyn Joy is a Southwest Florida Real Estate Agent, mother of three married children, and Nonna to eleven grandchildren. She serves in her church and helps lead a women’s Bible study in her community. She’s also a published author. The Overflow of the Heart and Let Your Heart Overflow with Joy are both devotional journals that encourage scripture memorization and writing prayers. Her fiction novel, Out of the Grey Zone, demonstrates God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.