A New Word for 2015!

It is a blogging tradition these days to choose a word for your year.  Last year mine was GRACE.  I am convinced the world needs more of it, and I certainly knew our family could use some and give some as well.   It is my prayer that we lived up to that challenge!

So this year, I did not have to think but a minute to come up with my word for 2015-

Do you have it?
Do you need it?

Not happiness, because anyone can be happy, but true JOY.

Here is how the world defines joy-"the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation"

That would seem to me to be the definition of happiness.  There are a lot of things that can make me happy.  A  new book, lunch with a friend, chocolate, a clean room.  But all of those things are earthly and fleeting.

Here is what the Bible says about joy-
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." Luke 2:10

The news?  That the Savior was coming!  To Earth!  For them!  Can you imagine what they must have felt?

I am betting JOY! (No fleeting emotions there!)

You see, friends, that kind of JOY only comes from the Lord.

And I have been in short supply of it lately, honestly.  Not because He hasn't offered it, but because I have been so consumed with my own stinky circumstances that I have not allowed Him to give it to me.

I want that to change.
I need for that to change!

So, this year- JOY it is!

It may have to be a minute to minute decision for me some days, but it is one I pray I will choose.

How about you?

Blessings,

 And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b

Check out other's word choices!

The Last of Joy- 52 weeks for Family Scripture Memorization

No, luckily it is not really the last of joy- just the last of the month.  The joy can remain if we turst in the One who gives it to us.

Let's take today to be thankful that God  protects us and does indeed bring us true joy.

Now, THAT is something to rejoice about!

If you are hurting or in need take refuge in God- He will sustain you.
How can we pray for you this week?

See 'ya back next week for a new topic and verses.

Blessings,
Michele

The Joy Continues with 52 weeks of Family Scripture Memorization

My 16 year old is a funny girl!  As a matter of fact, a post about her is coming soon. After a traumatic birth story and hard first few years with our oldest, we were not even sure we wanted two children. Seriously, the only child thing was looking pretty good.  Hey, I am an only child and I turned out relatively OK.  No comments from the peanut gallery, please.  Anyway, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God said "give that family some joy" and out popped Riley.  (if only it had taken that little of an effort on my part!)

Anyway, she is joy!  And she makes me laugh.  And she does almost all of my graphics for this blog.  Which is why you almost ended up with this as your scripture for the month -

See, I told 'ya,  funny girl.  I asked her to find a good verse on JOY and this is what she proposed.  I may or may not pay her for this month's work! ;)

Once she stopped giggling, because she cracks herself up at times, she got serious and found this momma-approved verse instead.

I like it.  It is a good reminder to teach our children that we should not only have JOY but spread it to others as well.  Do you remember me saying before that one of our family sayings is "Are you happy? Notify your face"?  It is like that.  Some people are not just naturally happy, joyful people.  They need an extra nudge sometimes.  They need a smiile, a kind word, even a hug.  When we are kind and peaceful, we encourage those around us to be so as well - sometimes with only a simple smile.

I challenge you this week to not only memorize this verse as a family, but see how many people you can bless this week by spreading the JOY!

Blessings, 

Continuing with JOY- 53 weeks of Family Scripture Memorization

As I told you last week, February was a hard week for us.  We were very glad to see March come, and even more excited to spend a month focusing on scripture that talks about Joy.  We needed some joy in our days.

Thanks to the help of some incredible church friends, we are moved into our new house.  Yep, furniture, stuff and all.  Only a few more pictures remain to be hung and a garage to better organize, but other than that it is done.  Talk about joy! ;)

But for me, the greatest joy this week was being helped and loved on by friends who love like Jesus does. Regardless of our weaknesses, regardless of our sin, regardless of our faults and even regardless of our messy move.

Regardless. Of. Anything.

That is how God loves us, my friend, and if that does not bring joy to your heart, I am not sure what will.  How I rejoice this week that God loves me regardless.  Let us shout for joy to all who will listen!

Blessings,