Added Joy

Spending time with my friend, and neighbor, Maureen Friday morning, was such a joyous time.  Precious moments as these are rare gifts that are treasures far beyond our greatest desires. She was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is in nursing school getting her RN.  She was going in for surgery that afternoon to get a port put in for her chemotherapy.  Her spirits were high and her peace maintained.  I was going out of town and wouldn't be there for the weekend, so I wanted to spend a little time with her and lift her up...

We prayed, and laughed, great healing tools, and then she shared with me an experience she had at school the previous day.  They had a huge test and she had been studying hard for it.  Mo, as we call her, is a mother of two boys, Philip will be 17 this month, and Zack 14 in March...and is in school with young adults, mostly in their 20's. Thus, is known as mama..or "hotmama" by her classmates/peers.  Before class on test days she and some classmates stand around in a circle and pray.  On this day, however, it was different.

Classmates excitedly had two cards with prayers and encouragements waiting for her.   It touched her deeply and made her day!  When the time came, they stood up to pray, more students than usual joined hands. The professor even came out, and asked if she could join in. All together, they made their requests, some in silence, but united with purpose.  Mo prayed for all their studies to pay off and their answers recalled for the extremely DIFFICULT test they were about to encounter...no holds bar...never mind the instructor in the mix. LOL   Following with gratitude to God for His blessings and healing, the strength He was giving her, and all the support/prayers from everyone. 

She felt great about the test afterward, and her confidence in passing was an encouragement to her!  I desired to cheer her on, yet, she wound up lifting my spirits, her joy was contagious. Her day warmed my heart!  Beautiful how even through trials, joy can always be found.  God's love, comfort, peace, and strength was evident in her and through her.  Our time together was a cherished blessing! We both were filled with joy and hope!  She inspired me!

I am grateful for our friendship and all the many experiences we have shared over the years, God's glory revealed so often through them.  Most of all, I am thankful for the treasured moments such as these!!! May all your days be filled with such wealth!

Abundant blessings to you now and always!

 Janine