Trusting God In All Ways : Heavenly Sister

Trusting God In All Ways : Heavenly Sister

A Mother's Love

A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey,

but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey

where she will become strong.  ~ Unknown.

I've reminisced this thought. I loved my mom. She did her best with what she knew. She cared for her family, fed us, kept our home immaculate. She had a tender heart for others. She adored her grandchildren. She loved. I miss her.

There have been other women that left imprints on my heart and I would consider each one to be special mamas in my life. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today.

My Grandma Helms, perhaps the one woman on this earth that enveloped me under her wing. She always had time for me. She laughed with me, protected me and often made me feel as I was the most important person in the world.

Aunt Fern, whom of which I appreciated her love very much. She, too, had way that helped me to feel special. She was the first family member that I confided about the sexual abuse that I endured as a child. It wasn't easy because most of the trust level in my life has been shattered long ago. She believed me.

Mama June, how I affectionately referred to my dear friend's mom. Paula has always been gracious to share her mother with me. Mama June, an endearing soul that took me as her daughter, nurtured, advised and mentored me in such a Godly way, I craved more.

A few others are Mrs. Mary Beth Girard, Mrs. Ruby Frazier, Mrs. Mary Parrish, Carol Tate, Mandy, Aunt Becky Wllburn and Aunt Tudie Albrecht. Each of these women left a mark on my heart. At one time or another, each reminded me of my value. They will always remain fondly in my memories and heart.

Perhaps these last two women may be the most profound in my life, that I may find it hard to respectively describe just what they mean to me.

Mrs. Irene Sorrow. What a beautiful woman she is. She has known me most of my life and from the very early years, has always shown me  love and concern.  She has never failed to accept me when I needed a kind word, a warm embrace or to simply remind me that I matter. She still reaches out to me and I love that she is still in my life. She has been a catalyst in the healing as I overcame the horrors of my past. God has used her to be part of that healing and for that I will be forever humbled and thankful.

Aunt Lola. Oh, sweet Aunt Lola, my mom's twin. She has always been in my life. It was in the mid seventies when I first noticed this woman's love.  As my own mother was going through a battle with cancer, surgeries and recovery, Aunt Lola took my sister and I in for the summer. We imagined ourselves in a grand adventure, being able to travel from the small south Texas coastal town to Pearl, Mississippi. That summer as Tina and I were under my Aunt’s care, there was never a moment where we felt sad, concerned or worried about what was going on with our mom. This is how much Aunt Lola protected us. A few years later, life took another difficult turn. My sister, Tina was battling Leukemia. Home life was in an upheaval. Again, I went to stay with Aunt Lola and her family.  She enveloped me with love and although I was separated and concerned for my little sister, Aunt Lola took that burden for me.  When my mother became ill and unable to care for herself, Aunt Lola, along with my mom's other sisters, Bonnie and Carolyn filled in the gap until I was able to take the helm. Aunt Lola has always put herself second to others. She has been my greatest example of family love and support.

As I consider all these women, which of whom I will always hold a special place in my heart, let me reflect back on my mother. I love to hear from her peers or from those that knew her differently than I did.  I love to hear their  stories of her, that remind of her gentle spirit and tenderness toward others.  Sometimes our perspective of moms can be one sided. Sometimes moms go through difficult passages in her life, leaving her unaware of her intentions. We all fail and we let others down. My mother loved as best as she could. As her health began to fail and she relied on me more than anyone on this earth, is probably when I first began seeing her love for me. She would compliment me and tell me how much she loved me, practically at every visit. In the last days she was here, as she lay in coma, unable to speak, I sat by her bedside and talked to her.  I let her know that I loved her and even through the mistakes, I knew she truly loved me.  

Sometimes we don’t grow up in a household filled with baking cookies, warm hugs or overly loving parents. Homes may have been a bit more turbulent, confusing and less affectionate. As difficult as it may have been at the time, I still choose to honor the woman that has borne me and I thank God for always being in control. He has brought me through so much; has given me the strength and peace of mind to hold my mother’s memory with integrity.

All the women that I mention most likely mean nothing to anyone else except for me. But perhaps there are those you can place in your lifetime that has left a familiar imprint.  She could be a Sunday school helper, a favorite teacher, a family friend, a big sister, an Aunt or Grandmother. Some of the ladies I mentioned were only in my life for a season and some for a lifetime, but each has left that impact with me that helped me grow into the woman that I am today. I thank all the women in their nurturing ways that taught me so much. You see, as I mentioned each woman, she has been the  jigsaw puzzle piece that fit together perfectly into a broken little girl’s life to make her life whole and it all started with God and my mother.  

For this I am humbled and thankful.

Heavenly Sister

Heavenly Sister

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one, who believes in me, even if he dies, will live." 

(John 11:25-26. HCSB)

Tina Diane Helms

I pause. I reflect. I take a deep breath.  My little sister, Tina Diane Helms was received into Heaven.


She had long blond hair and a petite body frame. She wore a band of freckles across the bridge of her nose that complimented her green eyes. Her grin captured many hearts. Her sense of humor keen while wisdom far surpassed her youthful age of twelve. I shall never get over the courage I witnessed her exhibit as she braved each intrusive needle, battled the harsh side effects from the chemo and from the day she was diagnosed, she took cancer on with a dauntless approach. Her gutsy attitude didn't match her tiny frame, yet it never surprised me as she remained grounded with hope and never once shied away from any pain she faced during the trying months of treatments. Her bold character would radiate when she stood up for her friends, her family, and her convictions. Her heart, compassionate and tender had a way of protecting and loving anyone she met. She had no difficulty putting up a fight, even through her battle with Leukemia.

Her strength came from the Lord. I can't imagine her unexpected fears, yet she seemed comforted with certainty as the blond strands of hair began to fall loosely away or when her body violently rejected medications often leaving exhausting efforts to rid of them. He was there when her energetic zest for life began to diminish and she searched for rest and consolation. There were times when it was obvious she was wearing, yet she still held onto her sense of humor, remaining calm, lighthearted in spite of the physical fatigue. Jesus carried her through these unimaginable times.

Even though the years go by without her being in my daily life, I still feel her presence. She lives through me and I can also see her attributes in my two daughters, Shannon and Rachel. Her smile, compassion, quick wit and mischievous nature, has been passed on to Shannon as her boldness, strong will, yet tenderness I see in Rachel. As my two daughters mature and grow I see more evidence of Tina's personality in them.



On this day my sister went to Heaven. And while it's been years since I have seen her physical being, green eyes and grin, her presence forever, stays with me. Her days spent on earth are nothing compared to her eternal life. Her earthly life has been just the beginning. Ascending to heaven began her birth of infinite existence. I miss her still and I always will while at the same time, God has blessed me abundantly on earth with family. Not only do I see Tina in each of my daughters, He has blessed me with endearing friends that I call extended family. A profound presence of God shines deeply through each heart, reminding me that we don’t need the same DNA to be sisters. I often reflect on a statement that one of my Sisters in Christ once shared with me. She told me that once we get to Heaven, we would all be reunited as one family, not as separate families as we have been on earth. My friend spoke of ‘Sparkling Fireflies.’ commonly known as lightning bugs, buzzing around our Lord shining brightly. Tina is there, her soul freely buzzing, reflecting vibrantly as her eternal heart light will shine forever. As many of us have lost someone near to us, we can be reassured their every beacon, every eternal soul radiates brightly.

A Father's True Love

As we approach Father’s Day, it’s easy for me to think fondly of my Dad. He was the sort of guy that made sense of out of complicated situations. He was the calm in a storm. He was the first man that captured my heart.  When I think of my dad, I can’t help to picture his grin, he calm demeanor and light -hearten personality.  He was usually easy going, but I do recall one time when he wasn't willing to budge.

Recently, I was telling my youngest daughter, Rachel, about a time when I was a teenager. The time was difficult for our family. My sister, Tina had just passed away after her battle with leukemia.  I often went to my dad for comfort and explanation as to why Tina had to die. I was only fifteen, and just as Tina and I were supposed to be growing into our teens together, suddenly she was gone.  I knew that my parents’ heartache was there, as was mine, yet somehow, my dad knew that I needed to ask questions and time to adjust to the loss.

To help bring some type of normalcy, my cousin Kim was able to come spend the summer with us.  I loved having her.  The void of not having my sister was there, but having Kim certainly brought that sisterly connection that I was longing for.  I hadn't had my driver’s license very long and I thought how cool it would be for when Kim came, she and I would be able to take the family car. We would have open access to the East Texas roads. We would turn up the radio and belt out the pop songs that played on the radio.  We would have the time of our lives, being young and free.  A screeching halt nipped that idea in the bud.  No. Nope a chance. No way, was the answer I got from my dad. He wasn't going to budge and there be no discussion. Why, I asked. It’s not fair. Come on.  No matter how much I pleaded, my dad said no.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  

Colossians 3:20 (ESV)

At the time, I didn't get it. I thought he was being stubborn and I deserved to have a little bit of freedom with my cousin.

It was one of those moments where my dad said no and even though I wasn't happy, I respected him and didn't push it any further. Part of me understood why he was so unwavering and part of me was of course, disappointed.  Deep down I understood his position but it really hit me years later.  I was a young, inexperienced driver and wasn't ready to be put in a metal box the weighed around 4000 pounds, without parental supervision. Simply, I wasn't emotionally equipped for such an adventure. Maybe he knew that I wasn't prepared to take on the world with such velocity.  But, what really made me get it was that, maybe, just maybe, my dad wasn't willing to risk losing another daughter. Maybe the idea of letting me go off into the world wasn't something he was prepared to do.

As a parent, we have had our moments when we had to tell our kids no. It isn't because we want to be mean or unwilling to compromise. But deep down, we can sense what is best for our child at the very moment and that could result in  a “no.”  I learned a lot from my dad that summer when he denied the car privileges.  I learned that he was protecting me. I learned that a good parent will say no and by doing so, shows his deepest love.

Years later, even after I married and became a parent, I would often wonder how my dad would handle a situation and what advice he would lend.  I still rely on the wisdom that he shared with me, time and time again over the years and without his guidance of a loving parent, and knowing that he was being led by the Holy Spirit in rearing his own children, I wouldn't be the woman and mother I am today.

My dad has gone for over twenty years now, but he remains in me daily.  I honor the man that God placed on this earth to be my dad.  I honor his character, his wisdom and I truly honor his love.  I, for one, was a blessed kid for having a Godly dad.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.  Exodus 20:12 (ESV)

As I reflect on my dad this Father’s Day, I am filled with his presence that I would like to think, he grew on me and I have adopted his character in my own life. Often times, we can appreciate the true meaning of love when we are willing to step into it.  Thank you Dad, for making that part easy.

No One Is Perfect

When she speaks, her words are wise,  and she gives instructions with kindness.  She carefully watches everything in her household  and suffers nothing from laziness.  Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:  “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,  but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:26-31 ( NLT)

    On Mother’s day it comes natural to us reflect on our mom’s. We give thanks that she is still with us. We miss her because she is not.  We thank her a for the diaper changes and wiping our noses, and her gentleness when we skinned our knees.  She sat up with us when we had an earache or a bad dream. She stuck it out with us as we grew into adolescence, especially when our mouths and attitudes we less becoming.  She became a carpool mom driving us to soccer practice or dance class. She sat on the sidelines being our biggest cheerleader. She was there for our breakups and sat patiently in the passenger seat, discreetly pressing firmly on the imaginary brake.  She listened and gave advice when it came to filling out our first job application. She beamed with pride when graduated high school and talked about colleges and career dreams. She is there to share in our lives as we begin our own families. A mother’s love comes without stipulation or condition. A mother’s love is just that - LOVE.

   Unless……

   Unless, you didn’t have a mom like this. Maybe your mom was less attentive. Maybe she was more distracted than other mothers and you didn’t receive the attention you needed as a child. Maybe you had to put on your own bandages and deal with your bruises. Perhaps, she was absent during those crucial moments in your life.  Maybe through some of the most difficult times in your life, you were on your own, without the nurturing and gentle touch to guide and direct you.  Maybe you didn’t have the ideal home life. Maybe, just maybe, your mom wasn’t perfect.

  Eve, the original mom pioneered the path for moms. When it comes to dysfunction, Eve and her boys had their issues.  Eve didn’t have a role model or a female mentor to ask advice when Cain and Abel were teething or going through their terrible twos. She had to wing it,  which ultimately resulted in countless mistakes.   Her family was the first to experience domestic violence and she was the first to lose a child.

  Maybe you're more familiar with Sarah, who grew impatient and took matters into her own hands by asking another woman to bear her child, then became resentful. Perhaps someone like Rebekah, hits home who played favorites with her children. Then we have Bathsheba, who had a child with a man, other than her husband,  creating havoc in her household.  

  Moms are not perfect. This mother’s day, if possible, try to acknowledge the Mother that you were given.  You may have survived family dysfunction, emotional neglect,  psychological abuse, violence within your own home, yet you are still here.  You may have been spiritually abused and told that you are not important, not even to God. You were left to deal with the aftermath. Just like the women in the bible, no one is perfect. If your mother lacked in some way, try not to be too harsh and hold that against her. Instead, embrace the possibility that she is stronger than you are giving her credit. Give thanks that you were born and given opportunities; a chance to grow, learn and trust in your own relationship with God.  

 The women: Eve, Sarah, Rebekah and Bathsheba, in spite of the turmoils, God also redeemed them. Eve may have been given a bad rap, yet she did her best with what she knew. Sarah had to learn patience and it started with motherhood, knowing that good things do come. Rebekah reminds us to remain humble and not to use our maternal gifts as power of manipulation. And Bathsheba, gives us hope. Regardless of the circumstances, God can redeem any situation.

 My mother wasn't perfect. I haven’t been perfect.  Yet, the blessing that I received and still receive gives me the best part of being a mom. If we can look past the imperfections and give our mothers and ourselves some grace, forgive and  embrace the cherished moments, it can open up new paths and the thought that God must have trusted the woman that gave birth to us, otherwise, we wouldn't be here. Appreciate the lessons and appreciate the imperfections, for without them, motherhood would not be respected and as precious.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (NLT)

 

 

Let's Not Forget Our Roots

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him

will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NLT)

I have been invited to attend a celebration at the church, I attended as a young girl. The celebration will entail it’s Seventy - Fifth year of service to the community of Port O’Connor, Texas.

One of my fondest memories was sitting in the pews, made of a dark wood with my dad.  I watched him intently open up his well- used King James Version Bible, and pointed out John 3:16. It was my first verse. I listened as he read the scripture and I followed along with him, as he ran his fingers across the old page, reading the words. God’s words. Like, for many, this verse has become permanently imprinted in our spirit. Oh, I love that memory.

The idea of revisiting this seasoned building caused me to think back about my roots, and where it all began for me. I was quite young when I first began attending POC First Baptist. My parents were married in this church and we continued to attend in the years we lived in this small south Texas town. The community was small, so we got to know our neighbors well. I have fond memories of the Pastors of the church. I remember attending Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at this church. I recall sitting along side my Grandma Helms, listening to her singing, Amazing Grace, with the rest of the congregation. I remember observing my first Lord’s Supper in this church as a young girl, curious to what it all meant. I was Saved and baptized in this church. This is where I first came to know the Lord.

We all have a story as to where we first began our walk with the Lord. We all have a testimony. Our Christian walk; my Christian walk changed and has grown from the first time I heard the verse, “For God so loved the world,” and my walk continues to change and grow tremendously from that summer when I first became a born again Christian. I was at the tender age of nine and finishing up another session of Vacation Bible School, when I heard Jesus calling me.

Let’s not forget our roots. Let’s revisit  and embrace that moment when we first became a child of God. Remember the passion and excitement, the eagerness to learn more about Jesus.  And as we continue to learn, change and grow, our passion for God should be increasing. We should be thirsting for His Word, our song should have another chorus, our excitement should be uncontrollable. Our souls should be rejoicing.

One thing from this experience, I have come to trust God’s tremendous love. He sent His son, Jesus to die and cover my sins. God promises that for all those believe in His son, Christ Jesus, shall not perish but will have eternal life.  

God loved me from when I was in my mother’s womb. God loved me when I was two, nine and through my young adult years. He continues to love me, even as I change and grow. We change, but HE remains the same.  He desires us to know HIM as much as He knows us. He wants an intimate relationship with each of us.  Those roots, those memories of when we first became HIS should be growing deep and strong and anticipating more.  Don’t forget that moment.  Don’t let life’s pressures or circumstance take that  from you. Don’t lose your passion for Christ. Embrace it and know that the day, you gave your heart to Jesus, your life has been forever changed!!  You are HIS - FOR EVER MORE!!

For I Am With You

For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:10 NLT).

I dreaded as I knew it was coming, as he already told me of his plan. He reminded me of the secret when he said, he would come to my room that evening. My heart pounded with fear, as I waited. How would I be able to stop this? What could I do? I didn't have any answers, I just felt numb and knew that his power was greater than mine. 

 A family friend, that had become very close to us, perhaps too close became intertwined in our home. This man fooled the adults in my life, and regardless of their oblivious insight, this man held me emotionally and spiritually captive for years, by using manipulation and threats to sexual molest me.  That evening, while my siblings and I were under his care, he told me that he would be coming to my room after my brother and sister had fallen asleep, I took his word for it. At this point, there was nothing to convince me otherwise. Every act he had mentioned thus far, he managed to carry out, so why wouldn't this be any different? And nothing had changed in me to stop it. I was felt helpless and afraid. I had no voice. 

Many years have gone by since he took my childhood. The innocence and carefree attitude that I once possessed, is no longer part of me. Although, it was challenging and discouraging, God held his promise to get me though the turmoil. The Lord has given me the courage and strength to overcome this abuse. The chains that once kept me captive in fear, have been broken free. 

Although, I overcame the emotional pain from enduring the abuse, I often thought about that night, when that man came into my bedroom. How was he able to succeed and get away from leaving any physical damage to my little girl body? There were no evidence  that would show that a grown man had just raped a young child. There was no blood. There was no pain. There was no tears. I don't recall making any noise or whimpering. In fact, I lay as still as I could, waiting for him to finish. Outwardly, no one would be able to tell, that I had been violated.

For years, I tried to piece it together, to make sense of it. and finally concluded, this was this man's craft. He was a skilled child molester, and knew exactly how far to go, so that no trace of evidence was left. I classified him as to being a "pro". He was cunning enough to know his limits, when to stop and how to ensure he could get away with this act. 

For years, I gave him the credit. Yes, he was getting his directions and insight from Satan. Yes, he knew what he was doing and how to make sure there would be no ties to him. But the fact remains that I was never physically harmed from this act of violence. This man deserves no credit!

Just this week, it hit me. I am woman in her twenty sixth year of marriage, which has been healthy. I have had two children, who are also healthy. I have never had any physically liabilities due to my body being misused at such a young age. It really hit me, what really happened that evening when I was raped. Or perhaps, the bigger question WHO was with me that evening?

Jesus deserves the credit!!

I know without a doubt that I was not alone when this occurred. I know without a doubt that Jesus put Himself between me and this man to protect for any lasting physical damage that could be caused by a rape. Jesus took the abuse in my place. Jesus took the rape, so that I could grow up, marry and have children.  I give God all the honor and glory for my family; my husband and my children, where I have shared being a parent for twenty five years.  

 Jesus protected me that evening and the countless other times, this man raped me and abused my body. Jesus ensured, that I would not only become emotionally healthy, He ensured my body would be healthy as well. Jesus promises He is with me, then and now. I belong to HIM!!

Do You Have A Light?

I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me would not remain in the darkness.  
(John 12: 46 HCSB)

The unhappy Christian; it sounds like an odd choice of words doesn’t it? Two powerful words when put together that can lead to unhealthy thinking. Yet, it seems to be coming more and more common.  Does the proverbial dark cloud hover over your head? Are you always expecting the worst to happen, seeing the negative, being the ultimate pessimist, instead of putting your faith to the test and being optimistic?

Soon that dark cloud becomes bothersome and before you know it, a whirlpool of despair begins to swirl around and around in our mind, and we become dizzy with pain, a lack of enthusiasm and plain ole negativity takes root.

The bible tells us that we are “the light that gives light to the world.” The bible instructs us how to live in such a way that we can be a witness for Jesus.  How influential is your light?  Is it dull, dim and barely visible? Or is it a bright, vibrant, a blinding beacon that shines vibrantly for Jesus?  

Perhaps rejoicing in the Lord and embracing the simple truth, that we are His, we can find ways to make ourselves happy with our daily existence. Perhaps, just by looking in the mirror, and instead of seeing the reflection we would normally see, we are looking through God’s eyes.  Being an unhappy Christian should be a foreign concept to us.

I grew up in a very negative household. I am sure I am not alone by saying this. I am also sure that I am not alone by guessing that each one of us has a story to tell from personal experience just how negativity, depression, illness, shame or guilt dominated the walls in which we grew up. In some way, negativity has affected our lives at one time or another. Life can be difficult, harsh and hard to understand. Life can suffocate us with negative surroundings.  

Have you ever said this to yourself?   “Lord, I can’t take this anymore. I am overwhelmed with negativity and discouragement.” We can become very discouraged during difficult times in our lives.  If we are merely living each day, under a cloud of negativity, we are not living life to glorify God.

Where is our joy? Where is our peace? Why are we so miserable?

We should be celebrating our progress. I am sure each of us can attest that our faith has been strengthened, by dumping some of the insecurities, letting go of fear that once held us captive and realizing how spiritually beautiful we are in Christ.  

A happy Christian isn’t self-seeking. It’s not about fulfilling one’s personal pleasures. It’s not a superficial feeling. A happy Christian contains a deep- rooted, inner joy and assurance, which give her credibility when she shares her love for Christ. A happy Christian is confident that God is with her all the time, even through the storms and tribulations.

Can we be happy all the time? No.  We are human, with human emotions. We often deal with a roller coaster of emotions depending on the life circumstance. Our minds, body and spirit can easily grow weary due to hardships and disappointments.

However, our walk with God is not intended to be miserable.  He has great plans for you. They are plans we could never imagine. They are plans that should give us hope for the future.

We should expect good things from God.  True happiness has to do with our faith and placing it with Jesus. He is the one true source of our happiness.

God has made us all unique with talents and gifts that we honor Him by sharing with others. The one thing we do have in common is that we have eternal peace. We can stand together as one group, a complete circle, strong and true, sharing our love for Christ.  And to make that bond strong and unbreakable, we have to be in agreement that we will strive for true happiness and grow as a Christian family.   

Are we ready to clear out the clutter and junk that’s keeping us from being the light of the world that God has made us? Are we ready to become who God wants us to be? Are we ready to experience the true joy with a whole new passion? We are all capable.

Let GO!

Let the Lord take this burden of negativity and replace it with goodness and let’s move forward – together – a band of strong Christians leading others to Christ.  Let’s renew our minds and focus on HIS WORD.

Let’s put our HOPE in HIS HANDS and see WHERE it TAKES US.

Let us concentrate on the following verses:

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

(Phil. 4:8)

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

(Proverbs 15:13)

 Always be joyful.

(1 Thess 5:16)

With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!

(Isaiah 12:3)

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

(Jer. 29:11)

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 

(Heb. 11:1)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. (Heb. 11:6)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

(1 Peter 5:7)

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

(Matthew 6:33)

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

(John 15:11)

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

(Psalms 37:4)

So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

(Psalms 32:11)

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

(Psalms 118:24)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

(Romans 12:2)

All Bible scripture : HCSB