j is for JOY

The last few weeks I have been thinking a lot about the word joy. It's been on my mind constantly. I've come to realize that it's not quite the same thing as happy. Joy, being full of joy or being joyful is much deeper and satisfying than being happy. Everyone wants to be happy, right? It is something that drives so much of our decisions. In my mind,  happy is a feeling that comes and goes. It's something that you feel depending on your circumstances. If things are going well, you are happy. If not, then you are unhappy. Joy on the other hand is a choice you make regardless of your circumstances. The bible calls us to rejoice ALWAYS. We all know this. We all know that we have to be joyful in all situations in life. The problem is, sometime we try to take it into our own hands. So many times I find myself trying to live a joyful life on my own efforts. As if I am trying to be the hero of my own life. But the fact is that this life is not our own. We are not our own. This is something I need to remind myself of. Since this is true, I can't rely on my own strength to be joyful. Well, guess what?--that's the beauty of it. I can truly be joyful in ALL stages of my life if I let HIM develop that in me. It's not a feeling. It's much deeper than that. Something that only He can give us. Our true satisfaction comes only from Him. He will fill our cup and our joy will be complete.  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23

oh happy day

Have you ever had one of those really good days where you just don't want it to end? Whether you are hanging out with someone you love or simply enjoying some alone time with God, everything seems to stop and life is as perfect as it gets. I absolutely adore these types of joy filled days. Though life seems peachy, it is nothing compared to what is waiting for us when we unite with Christ. It is so exciting to realize that we are part of a bigger picture, a greater purpose. Life on this earth is temporary and this is not our home.

Welcome :)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." ~Romans 15:13