Life will always bring challenges, but how we respond makes all the difference. Joy isn’t just something that happens—it’s a choice we make each day.
Joy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means finding light even in the midst of shadows, hope even in the face of struggle, and gratitude even when things aren’t easy. Joy is an anchor that keeps us steady when storms try to toss us around.
When you choose joy, you rise above frustration and fear. You strengthen not only your own heart but also the hearts of those around you. Joy is contagious—it spreads encouragement, peace, and strength wherever it goes.
So on this September 20, don’t wait for circumstances to bring happiness. Decide to carry joy with you, no matter what comes your way.
Knowledge comes by information but Wisdom comes by Revelation!
1 Kings 3:5-12
In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
9/19–A kindergarten teacher had decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates. So the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes, some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes.
The teacher then told the children to carry the potatoes in the plastic bag with them wherever they go for 1 week. Days after days passed, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.
The teacher asked: “How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?” The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.
Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: “This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime?”
Moral: Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry burden for a lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take. Negativity about someone will keep peace of your mind away from you. Remember the good things about him/her, and let go of the hatred.
Submitted By: R, India.
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If you can find five minutes, can you spare one or two?
9/19–Can You Spare A Minute?
Words are like arrows shot from a bow and arrow once they leave the bow, the arrows can never return. Once you let your words proceed out of your mouth you can never grab them back.
Words are powerful especially to children who are so impressionable. We can’t wait for them to walk and talk and then we tell them to sit down and shut up! We tell them they are dumb, clumsy and other statements of incompetence. We can program them with negative programming in the first few years of their lives that will take years of reprogramming for them to be productive in life!
Millions of children go to bed hungry tonight for lack of food and nourishment. Millions more will go to bed hungry tonight for lack of encouragement. Words are powerful and life-changing. Words can build people up to accomplish great things, or tear them down and render them almost useless and helpless.
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When we look at big goals, they can feel overwhelming—like standing at the bottom of a mountain. But mountains aren’t climbed in a single leap; they’re conquered step by step.
The same is true in life. Progress often comes through small, consistent actions. A little effort each day builds into something powerful over time. Don’t underestimate the value of small beginnings. Even the greatest achievements start with one simple step forward.
When you feel discouraged, remind yourself: you don’t have to do everything at once. Just focus on the next right thing. Celebrate the small victories, because they are proof that you’re moving closer to where you want to be.
On this September 19, choose persistence over pressure. Keep stepping, keep believing, and before long, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.
In a world that pushes us to hurry, patience is often overlooked. Yet, patience is not weakness—it is strength under control. It’s the ability to trust the process when the results aren’t instant and to keep believing when progress feels slow.
A farmer does not plant seeds today and expect a harvest tomorrow. He tends to the soil, waters faithfully, and waits for the right season. In the same way, the dreams and goals you carry in your heart need time to develop. Impatience can cause us to give up too soon, but patience allows us to endure until the promise is fulfilled.
Today, remember that waiting is not wasted time. Every moment of patience is building resilience, shaping your character, and preparing you for the blessing ahead. Stay steady, keep working, and trust that what you’re hoping for is on its way.
Also, I was thinking about quotes for God’s children. Sis. Jackie Whitley was from our church, God has already took her home, but she use to get up to testify and say quiting ain’t no option. So true… Just thought I would throw that verse and quote out there incase you needed somemore.
Hope y’all are doing well
Story:
9/18–Don’t underestimate the power of the word. The movie, stand And Deliver portrayed the story of Jaime Escalante who was an incredibly successful teacher in a rough high school.
In his class were two students named Johnny. One was a bright student and a joy to teach. The other wasted his talent and bucked authority. At the first PTA meeting for parents, Johnny’s mother asked Jaime for a report on her son’s progress. Jaime’s reply was, “Johnny is a joy to have in my class. I’m glad he is there.”
The next day, rebellious Johnny walked into the classroom with a new attitude and demeanor. He ran up to Mr. Escalante and said, “My mom told me what you said about me. I’ve never had a teacher who wanted me.” He became a model student. Mr. Escalante had thought that Johnny’s mother was the mother of his best student. His comments were meant for the othe00r Johnny but the results were dramatic. The word -spoken at the right moment -carefully crafted -caused dramatic change. Encourage someone. Ah, communication is an art!
Excerpt from “Live First, Die Last” by J D Canter
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And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
Humor:
9/18 My 11-year-old takes his homework seriously. One question required him to write a sentence using the word version. His sentence: “Have you heard of the version Mary?”
Scripture:
I know you have ask people to send in stuff and I have thought about it but never did. My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6.
Humor:
9-15–My 11-year-old takes his homework seriously. One question required him to write a sentence using the word version. His sentence: “Have you heard of the version Mary?”
J D Canter E Books 