A Life of Service and Love

Today, we pay tribute to a special person who not only understands the mission of Go Light Your World, but who has lived it out long before we became an incorporated nonprofit ministry. There is simply no way I can capture all the acts of love and service this woman has shared with others. Her list seems to grow each year. We share this not only as a tribute to this woman but also as an encouragement to all of us to be more attentive to the needs of those around us. (This is one of my own personal lessons relearned through this walk with Leukemia.)

How can you Go Light Your World? Here’s how one special woman does it:

  • If you sincerely care about someone, then intentionally put on your calendar to visit them when they are lonely, unable to get out of their home, sick, in the hospital, etc. Yes, it may seem uncomfortable to you (though not our featured person!), but the joy and encouragement you bring will speak volumes long after you have left.
  • A plate of home-baked goods conveys a strong message of personal love that says, “This is from me for you, because I care for you.”
  • Nothing says “You’re important” like a hug or a hand on the shoulder.
  • Encourage people wherever you go…to the coffee shop, the grocery store, in the park. Accept others and find yourself interested in them.
  • Be a prayer warrior. A prayer warrior doesn’t just say, “I’ll pray for you.” She puts it on her daily agenda and follows through…sometimes for years.
  • The best vitamin for finding a friend is ‘B1’. Be a loving friend.
  • Volunteer to arrange and serve meals for funerals, illnesses, etc. Be a behind-the-scenes helper. Today’s featured person not only prepares food for the first hour at Green Square meals (for the homeless); then she serves the food with a smile during the second hour.
  • Be an ‘unofficial greeter’ wherever you go: church, the store, a favorite restaurant. Your smile and interest in others will spark others to be more aware of those around them.
  • Decide that loving others matters and take on the attitude that says,

“I ONLY DO WHAT I LOVE TO DO. (Love others)”
– Joyce Conley

HAPPY 84th Birthday Mom!

I love you and thank you Mom, for continuing to be a shining example of Go Light Your World and for teaching us by example how to live an adventurous life of purpose and passion.

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Joyce Conley

Joyce Conley

Joyce visits her friend June

Joyce visits her friend June


Joyce with the owners of V +G Ice Cream and Coffee Parlour 2013

Joyce with the owners of V +G Ice Cream and Coffee Parlour – Victoria and Guillermo

Mom With friend Jan Smith

Mom With friend Jan Smith

6 thoughts on “A Life of Service and Love

  1. juliarita

    What a great example to follow! Happy Birthday, Mrs. Conley! You’re truly an inspiration beyond your realm!

    Reply
  2. Susan Ottsen

    A wonderful and fitting tribute to a special, special lady. We love you, Joyce! Happy Birthday!!!

    Reply
  3. Pamela and Morgan Feenstra

    Happy Birthday, Joyce. Wishing you a year full of blessings for your health and family!
    Thank you for helping us during our greatest time of need.

    Reply
  4. Becky Shaffer

    Joyce, you are an amazing, generous, humble, and loving minister to everyone you meet. You live what Jesus taught us, and you are the example to follow of being Christ’s hands and presence to others. The day you were born, God must have looked down from heaven and said, “Am I good or what!”
    Happy Birthday
    Happy Every Day
    Hugs, love, and blessings,
    Becky Shaffer

    Reply
  5. Janie Maxey

    Simply livivng and simply loving…lessons I continue to learn from my amazing Mom….and from you two, too, Bryan and Marcia!!

    Reply
  6. Becky Burns

    Joyce, the following quotes are dedicated to you:
    “Your someone who knows this secret. That’s more precious than silver & gold.
    The love & the joy that you give away, will come back to you many fold.” (D.A. Marcum)
    “We are not placed on this earth to see through each other–But to see each other through.”
    “Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on;
    ‘Twas not given for thee alone, Pass it on;
    Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe anothers tears,
    ‘Till in Heaven the deed appears. Pass it on. (Henry Burton)
    “Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than be comforted; to love rather than be loved.”
    (Mother Teresa)
    Happy Birthday, my friend
    Becky Burns

    Reply

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