The Simple Joys in Life

Fall in Kandern

I have often wondered what life would be like without the simple joys with which God blesses us.  At the same time, I have wondered what it is like to experience simple joys without having your joy made complete in Jesus Christ.   This last month has embodied these thoughts in multiple ways. 

To be honest, my first few days of school were not the easiest.  Very quickly I realized that I was not as prepared as I thought.  God used this time of uncertainty to teach me about humility and the importance of a teachable spirit.

Through this, I gained a greater appreciation of the gifts and skills of others.  I learned that it is acceptable to admit weakness but not dwell on it.  Christ calls us to work as unto him, not man.  This means we push forward in His strength.   I’m extremely grateful for the people God has brought alongside me during this time.

God did not let me stay in a discouraged state.  He gave me the simple joy of remembering the home school education I received.   My role here at BFA requires me to create “curriculums” to best meet the needs of the students.  My Mom did this for my sisters and me for around 20 years.  Her example has helped me in so many ways I wouldn’t know where to start.  Thanks Mom!

The second week of school was Spiritual Emphasis Week.  Our speaker was a BFA alumni and God used him greatly to speak into the lives of the students.  The main theme of the week was “Jesus REALLY Loves You!”.   Despite our guilt and shame, we are loved so much by God that he gave his Son Jesus to forgive us and cleanse us. 

While there are many things I could share in relation to the week, one in particular stood out to me.  The speaker shared “Don’t focus on NOT sinning but on Loving Jesus”.  He explained that it is easy to become “work” driven in our Christian life by trying to keep ourselves from falling into sin.  Instead, we should put our energy and focus into loving Jesus and the sins that distract us will fall away one by one.  We cannot take care of our sin problems.  It was taken care of by Jesus Christ.  When we seek Him first, we live in His strength.

The last two weeks of school have been an adventure with highs and lows.  Through it all, God has blessed me with simple joys to remind me where to find my true and complete joy.  

He has given me students who fill my heart with joy when I teach them, even when it is a challenge.  (For safety reasons, I cannot include pictures of my students)

He has blessed me with friends.

JiEun 

Becca 

My host, Becky 

He is giving me opportunities to understand the local culture through the many fall festivals.

Budenfest "Booth Festival" 

Equestrian Competition 

Ceramics Festival 

He has reminded me of the importance of fellowship and childlike wonder.

It seems that I can't avoid Pretzels 

Riquewihr, France 

A silly moment in Colmar, France

This past Sunday I attended my first German church service. Yes, the entire service was in German.   I happened to visit on “Family Service” Sunday.  The children lead parts of the worship service.

The sermon theme was God’s JOY in creating the world and people.  I had already written parts of this post before Sunday!  Only God could bring the whole month together in this way.  God found joy in creating and He gives me joy in being His creation and living in His creation.

The view from north of Kandern

The children's artistic representations of creation from the German service

Hiking path towards a neighboring village

In Kandern, and other areas along the Rhine River, you find acres upon acres of vineyards.  What an impacting reminder of the LOVE of God and the JOY only He can give!   In John 15 we read of our position as the branches and Christ’s position as the vine.  We can do nothing without Him.  In verses 9-11 Jesus goes on to share,

Vineyards outside of Riquewihr, France

 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that MY joy may be in you and that your JOY may be COMPLETE.”

I encourage you to read all of John 15 to see how God is using these verses to connect the events in this past month.  True joy only comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  This means that no matter the circumstances in our life we can still have joy and have it to the full.  May God give you His joy as you walk with Him!

Ivy