A few days ago I had the opportunity to spend some time with a sweet friend that I do not believe knows the Lord. She currently splits her time working and staying home with her two young children. She was talking to me about how she was going to “have” to go back to working full time because finances were tight. As I looked around her home my heart began to break. I saw a beautiful home—-perfectly decorated and furnished with all of the newest styles, kid’s rooms overflowing with almost every toy imaginable to man, a driveway with a new boat and two nice vehicles, and a backyard filled with even more toys. She readily admitted that her husband made enough money to support them (almost six figures) and that the reason she would have to work full time is that she likes having “stuff.” I talked to her about the importance of staying home and how I would hate for her to look back on her life 20 years later and regret not spending time with her kids all for the sake of “stuff.” I went home that afternoon and had my quiet time during Rachel’s nap. I had been reading through 2 Corinthians. That day I was in chapter 6 and a portion of verse 10 jumped out at me: having nothing, yet possessing everything. My sweet friend is in the opposite predicament of Paul—-she has everything, but yet she possesses nothing. She simply does not understand the true meaning of life or God’s purpose for her. If you get a chance please pray for my sweet friend. Please pray that God will give me even more opportunities to talk to her about Jesus and the true meaning of life. At the same time—evaluate your life. Are you more like the apostle Paul, or like my friend?
Posted by: joyfulliving | June 30, 2007
Having everything, yet possessing nothing
Posted in Uncategorized
Great post my beloved. I am glad that I married someone is committed to making the home a priority and who understands that true value is only found in the things money can’t buy and death can’t take away.
Thomas White
By: Thomas White on July 1, 2007
at 12:01 am
Sister Joy,
Great words of encouragement. I just finished praying for your friend. Oh, that she would find God’s purpose for her life! That is the one thing that I point to when I experienced Christ touch on me personally. I found purpose.
Great digs! The place looks great and I noticed that your husband signed his full name? :>) Does he make you call him Dr. White until you complete your studies?
Also, thanks for linking my blog. I am going to email you sometime. I have a project I want you to pray about assisting me in.
Blessings,
Tim
By: Tim Rogers on July 6, 2007
at 9:46 am
Tim: ha ha ha ha! No, he is not Dr. White to me…:) But it is weird to me that so many people call him that. I look forward to hearing about the project—I hope I can assist. Thanks for praying for my friend. Blessings, joy
By: joyfulliving on July 6, 2007
at 4:03 pm
It is refreshing to hear someone put First things First. I thank God for you everyday. You see I prayed for you almost every day of your life and didn’t even know you. God truly does answer prayer. I have certainly prayed for your friend and many others I pastor just like her.
Blessing on you, Thomas and Rachel,
Your Father-in- law
Jerry White
By: Jerry White on July 6, 2007
at 5:30 pm
Hi Joy,
I happened upon your blog after seeing the link on the GF and just wanted to say ‘keep up the good work’. God bless you and your family!
~Roni
By: Roni on July 6, 2007
at 8:57 pm
Joy,
Truly inspirational thoughts. Thank you. I will pray that you have the opportunity to share more with her.
Rhonda(from GF you know who I am lol)
By: Rhonda on July 11, 2007
at 4:27 pm
I loved your story. Thank you for helping me put things into perspective.
By: Gail from GF on July 24, 2007
at 8:51 pm
Hi Joy! My thoughts are likeminded, sista! I pray that she will have a change of perspective. And way to go in being bold to share with her!
We are planning to come to Fort Worth in September. I’ll let you know the dates as soon as we find out. Would love to spend time with you!
Oh, and I’m hooked on Gymboree! They have great sales, which keeps me hunting and gathering!
By: Kim Miller on August 3, 2007
at 2:10 am
Joy, I LOVE this post. I think you are spot-on with this. I will keep her in my prayers, and I hope her ears and heart really open up to what you are saying soon….
By: wyes365 on August 13, 2008
at 1:28 am