Fruit of the spirit: joy

by Nancy Monsen

Nehemiah recounts his time as Govenor of Canaan when God’s people were returning from Babylon. He, along with Ezra the Priest, rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and lead God’s people in worship and prayer. Nehemiah 8:10b spoke to me after the death of my dear husband Bill, December 2005. “Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Jesus is joy in good times and hard times.

Bill did not grow up in a Christian home and it was later in life that he chose to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. He grew in his faith under the leadership of Pastor Gene Follis when we joined Calvary’s family in 1997. It is pure joy knowing I will see Bill in Heaven one day.

We were married 40 years and 30 of those years lived on 10 acres NE of Byron where we raised our 3 children and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation. We were a 4-H family, so many hours were spent caring for horses, sheep, rabbits and preparing for the county fair.

I have been blessed by supportive family and how they reflect Christ growing in their faith. They all lead busy lives but come to help me often. I am bursting with joy when I can spend time with great grandchildren! (Lauren 2 years, Lennon about a year and a half, Camden 7 months) What fun to hear their giggles playing peek a boo or jumping on my bed. (with supervision) No, I probably would not have allowed my children to do that!

I have wonderful friends that also have experienced loss and have chosen joy. For many years 4 friends have met on Wednesday, bring our sack lunch to one of our homes to eat, laugh and cry together. We have always said it is cheaper than counseling!

During the school year Calvary’s kitchen is a buzz on Wednesday afternoon. The kitchen crew is preparing a meal to be served to students and families coming for Awana and the youth group. It is a joy to serve with creative meal coordinators Kathy Bergquist and Carolyn Larson and their delightful crew. It was a blessing to serve and observe happy smiles as folks go through the food line each week.

JOY (Just Older Youth) is a way for seniors to get-to-gather and share humor, enjoy food, fellowship and uplifting spiritual devotions and speakers. If you are 55+ you are welcome to come. Our group meets the first Friday of the month (September – May) from 11am –1pm in the Fellowship Hall. JOY kitchen sister Joanie shared some thoughts about our crew. Teaming up to prepare the JOY meals to-gather in the church kitchen has always been fun as we share and laugh about antics of our grandchildren, cry while slicing onions, share family pictures and tell stories of our adventures. We pray for our teammates who are not able to be with us due to illness or hospitalization. The preparation time passes quickly, and the food served is just the right amount. Sometimes “happy meals” are sent home to those in need.

Music brings joy to my heart. It is a hymn of praise that quiets my soul at the beginning and end of the day. I believe the foundation of my faith has been built through hymns.

My faith has grown through opportunities to be a part of Bible studies. For many years I learned so much through Community Bible Study meeting people from the community and different faith backgrounds. One of those people was Sister Cashel Weiler who lives at St. Mary’s convent. She was a great support when my husband was in the hospital and after his death. She writes beautifully and with her permission I share with you a poem she wrote many years ago but still speaks of what I believe.

Lord of my mornings, my evenings, my years, My soul sings your presence

with praise….

Your name gives me gladness,

Your love is the joy-song

that fills up my heart

and my days… Sunrise to sunset,

tomorrow …forever. Glory to you … Lord I’ll sing,

With songs of thanksgiving I celebrate being, the child

Of a heavenly King …

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Nancy Monsen is a widow, mother of three married adult children, six grandchildren (three married) and three great grandchildren expecting another in mid October! See her at the Calvary Welcome desk on the third Sunday of the month. She is a former teacher, seamstress, quilter, and Hospitality Network provider.