The JOY Challenge: Day 29 - Giving Thanks for Laurel

 I'm deliberately finding joy for forty days. To start from day one, click here.

 

Congratulations to The Gypsy Mama for winning the Giving Thanks hurricane set! If you still want one, you can use my friends and family code for 20% off (holley20). Just click here.

The Giving Thanks hurricane set has a special place in my heart because it was one of the last things created by a DaySpring artist, Laurel Vandiver. She bravely fought a battle with cancer and slipped into the arms of Jesus earlier this year.

You would have liked Laurel. A single woman, she made our community her family and used her time to pour into the lives of others. Her calligraphy and carving brought beauty to many. While not at work, she volunteered at a local ministry that helped children in need learn to ride horses.

Laurel traveled on mission trips to other continents--even all the way to Africa in her sixties! She painted a mural there that will stay as a testimony to the God she loved deeply and served faithfully.

Remembering Laurel today brings me joy and sharing one of her final creations with you does too. This Giving Thanks hurricane set is so fitting because there are many who continue to give thanks for the life of this wonderful woman who blessed us all.

Would you like to join me in the Joy challenge? Today just share about someone who brings you joy. I'm having giveaways for people who comment or subscribe during the forty days I write about joy. And you never know when it could be you...  

Comments

[~Grace & Peace]

Anna from my bible study group. She is a cancer survivor and boy she is on fire for the Lord. She is the picture of obedience and grace. She is a faithful servant and uses her talents for His glory. She is a wonderful encourager and an awesome prayer warrior.

When I grow up I want to be just like her.

[C.C.]

Day 33 for me...

http://his-heart.blogspot.com/2009/10/joy-challenge-day-33.html

Not sure how I got ahead of you! ;-)

I will be posting tomorrow on several people who brought me joy today. One specifically is my mentor and friend Pamela. I know that she is always praying for me. Today, she emailed me some encouraging thoughts, and it was just what I needed. It brings me joy to know that I can always count on her.

[Believer]

Laurel is still bringing "joy" to others through her life story and testament to God's goodness.

[Nancy]

Today I am thankful for friends you can not see for long periods of time but when you do it seems like yesterday.

[Marcia]

My daughter Sarah gives me joy. She is a reading specialist in an elementary school and stays busy. She is a very positive person, and has a great sense of humor.I love the time we spend together. I've had difficulty following a head injury from 2007. It changed my life - I was a nurse but I can no longer work. I'm not supposed to drive. Even though she has a busy life, she takes time to come spend time with my husband and myself. Or we will run errands together and just talk. And she always has a story to tell that brings a smile to my lips. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to be her mother, for she truly is a blessing.

[deb @ talk at the table]

Among others, I never discount the joy my brother brings to me. He was adopted at around 9mths to a very thrilled big sister, and has had a special place in my heart through all of our troubled growing up years. We are the best of friends even now, and while he lives on the other side of the country we are very close. He is an inspiration to me and makes me smile just thinking about him.

[donna o]

Good Morning! This has been a challenging JOY week for me. Some health issues here---a grumpy 12 year old there. I am truly working on that "Joy in the Journey" mentality! My husband is on that really brings me JOY! He can turn me around in a matter of moments---always finding laughter---even as he sat in the hospital once again for a chronic illness he has. Thank you for the reminder that OTHERS bring me joy so i can STOP focusing on "poor me" for a moment!!

[Cindy Fox]

Hi, Holley:

A person that brings me joy is my friend Louisa. God brought her here in 2001 I believe. She has moved twice - now living in Alaska - and we have stayed in touch. We are prayer partners. She is always there for me with listening ears and an open heart. God was so good to gift me with such a precious sister in Christ!

I appreciate Nancy's comment about being thankful for friends you haven't seen in a long time, but when you get together it seems no time has passed! :)

[Linda]

Holley, this morning I am so blessed by the many friends, brothers and sisters in Christ who bring me joy. Today I am feeling rich in relationships and many different people come to mind. People who reflect God's heart, life and love bring me joy in so many different ways. I am grateful to be a part of that life-giving body which spreads across the nations. Some of these I might just meet once in my lifetime but God has used them to bless me by His touch and Spirit through them.

[Faith Barista Bonnie]

Aw, this one is TOO easy.

There's a girl who gets up every day and spreads encouragement in as many ways she can. What's neat about her is that she genuinely cares. In other words, she's a real faith girlfriend. Who can share her stories, while listening to mine.

Friendships do outgrow their season, so I've learned to enjoy ones that come by, like a sunrise that's new in the moment.

She'd probably blush to hear me heap such praise. It's because she gives from her heart.

Who is that girl? It's YOU.

... What I wouldn’t give for a cup of coffee together. I guess we're all left with words as a wonderful alternative.

[Maria Jones-Davidson]

Holley, The story of Laurel is such a special one for you Holley and one that you could remember for a long time. Her name sounds very special too and she should have the same laurel the Lord will offer her right now being in His presence. A very special lady indeed! My brother Arman and wife Joy give me so much joy. They are ones that will spend quality time with other people as my brother is a pastor/teacher and and an evangelist. My brother often sends me encouraging emails, full of life's testimonies of their trips to many places in Philippines. He and his wife are always sold out to God's full time work!