JA Preschool moms enjoyed a morning filled with fun, laughter, and connection at the first Growing in Grace event in the Performing Arts Center. Nicolet Bell, JA mom and author of the podcast and book, “Choosing Cheer: Experiencing the Joy of Jesus in the Everyday and Unimaginable,” inspired moms to seek joy in all circumstances.
She connected with the moms through stories of typical circumstances mom’s face- both large and small – that can rob joy, citing John 16:33 where Jesus reminded his disciples that in this world there would be trouble, but that He had overcome the world. “So many people are walking away from the faith because followers of Jesus don’t look any different,” Bell said. She encouraged her audience to be intentional about choosing an attitude of joy even in the midst of troubles.
She told the story of her dog, Mr. Trek, who enjoys sitting in the sunshine that comes through the windows of their home. In the morning, he basks in the rays on one side of the house, and in the afternoon, he moves to the other side to find new rays of sunshine. Mr. Trek can often be seen trying to position his body into the shape of a ray of sun, whether it is a triangle or a portion of a stair on the staircase. She described how sometimes those little slivers of sunshine seem just out of his reach, and he looks despondent.
We, too, are searching for those rays, Bell explained. “We are not made to chase rays. God says, ‘Why don’t you step into the full light of My presence. Come into the light, and stay there,’” she said.
Closing out the uplifting morning, Bell challenged moms to share that joy with their children, seeing it as the greatest gift they can give the next generation. Her presentation provided encouragement in the Word, nourishing these moms who are always pouring into their children.
Visit NicoletBell.com for more information on “Choosing Cheer” and to listen to the podcast.
