“Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house. For I was indeed stolen out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the pit.” Genesis 40.14-15
And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41.38-40
Before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” The name of the second he called Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41.50-52
Contemplating the weightiness of circumstances whether in Joseph’s life or our own families and our community, is sobering and prompts reflection, submission, changed perspectives.
Yet, God allows hope and even glimmers of joy through the fog. For Joseph – eventually not only release from prison but elevation to second in all the land of Egypt. Sons born to God’s faithful, honorable servant.
For me – God has delighted me recently with three specific joys that have been parading through my mind … children serving with joy, children welcomed with joy, and a baby anticipated with joy! So many blessings of God’s goodness!
Sunday mornings, there are three 9-year-old girls who often arrive by 8am to church with their parents and/or siblings who are serving the body of believers that morning. Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Aurora eagerly serve with delight. They love being at church and with one another. They are not shy to ask, “What can I do next to help?” They receive guidance with teachable hearts and remember tasks from week to week. Smiles and giggles and servant hearts! But it is not an exclusive clique. They welcome others to join them whether a one-time visitor or even a brother to join the crew when he’s there too.
If I ask, “How was your week?” there are sometimes big things, hard things revealed yet they each show resilience and assurance that they do not carry any of the hard things alone. They are wearing their Joseph boots along with their smiles and helping the Sunday be a meaningful gathering for others.
On Mondays there are women gathering at our church for Bible study and fellowship. Some of the women bring young children who are often met at their car door with open arms from … the guy whose providing security that day! It is so much fun to see how these little ones and their moms are welcomed and aided into the building. It’s kind of like an extension of the Sunday morning umbrella guys who meet you at your car on a rainy day and provide you and your Bible a dry walk into the building. On Mondays it’s David with open arms to carry the littlest ones. And it is joy!
Every time a little one is born into one of our families, it grows our opportunity to love on a sweet infant and that family. Nathan & Colleen Pagaard and “big sister” Svea will welcome their baby boy about the end of November. Colleen’s friend is hosting a baby shower at our church and all who would like to attend are welcome! Sunday afternoon, October 27, 2pm. The invitation is on social media and the link is below. If that is a challenge for you (the online stuff), just reply to this email and I’ll help you with the particulars.
Here is link for the event:
And here’s the gift registry link:
There can be hope and joy in the midst of the sorrow or chaos or lack of kindness we see happening around us. God is so faithful to allow us these glimmers of His goodness. God is so faithful in reminding us He is with us!
Blessings, Colleen