Yes, a "10"! Of course, I wish for you, even pray for, HAPPINESS, but more than that, JOY! There is a difference, you know.
HAPPINESS is an emotion, a clear result of wonderfully good things happening to and around us. JOY, though, is something that wells up from inside our spirit no matter the circumstance or situation befalling us. You might be swimming through murky, dark waters right now--but you can still have JOY in your heart. You might be traveling a rough, hard course, pulling a heavy load while you're at it, but JOY can still be the theme song of your heart. Why?
Because the Lord Himself provides it when we give Him our fully surrendered souls.
Rose bushes are so hearty, have you noticed? From spring through fall, I pretty much ignore my bush planted on the east side of my house. Don't feed it, spray it, or water it--just let the rains take care of it whenever they come. But, despite my lack of attention to it, it still produces beautiful blooms. On the rare occasion when I walk to that side of the house, other side of my garage, I'm usually welcomed by gorgeous blossoms and budding promises! Oh, there's evidence of bugs chewing the leaves, and the branches aren't very well trimmed or cared for, but the sturdy little bush still gives me colorful flowers. What a picture of JOY in the midst of pain, neglect, disease, and even abuse!
My prayer for your 2010 is that you'll be happy, yes, but more that you'll find peace, rest, contentment, and TRUE, GENUINE JOY!
I LOVE YOU ALL--BUT GOD LOVES YOU MORE!
10 comments:
Happy New Year to you also Sharlene!!! God Bless You and may words flow from your fingers to the keyboard...for us all to enjoy!!
~C~
A rose bush is a great illustration! Mine are neglected just like yours and continue to grace me with beauty!
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Shar! Thank you for sharing this post, and may your 2010 be filled with JOY!! :)
Hugs and Love, Patti Jo
Amen Amen Amen! Hey, I like this post but I'm kinda biased. :)
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
How true - that there is a difference between happiness and joy!
Happy New Year!
Good thoughts here, Shar. I guess I'd never really contemplated the difference between happiness and joy before.
I also wanted to let you know about a new group that is focused just on Christian Historical Fiction. The address is here: http://christianhistoricalfiction.ning.com/ . There are several authors in the group and I thought I'd mention it to you (and the readers of your blog, I guess, who might be fans of Christian Historical Fiction).
May your year be filled with both joy and happiness! Love ya!
Hi, everybody! Thanks so much for your sweet and kind comments! Hope you are all enjoying a lovely New Year! First Monday! Time to get back in the groove of things. Are we ready?
Sharlene, Amen, what a great visual filled with truths. Jesus loves each one of us so much and all He asks is for us to surrender and Believe Him.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
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