True saints know..
that the place where all the joy comes from is far deeper than that of feelings;
joy comes from the place of the very Presence of God.
Joy is God and God is joy
and joy doesn't negate all other emotions--joy transends all other emotions.
Though my marriage tree may not bud
and though my crop of children may fail
and my work produce little yield
though there be no money in the bank
and no dream left in the heart
though others may choose different ways to live their one life
till my last heaving breath, I will fight to the death for this:
"I will take joy" (Habakkuk 3:18)
I will struggle to heed this until I am no more:
"Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way,
consider it an opportunity for great joy" (James 1:2)
and I will listen and again I will listen and I will wrestle to put skin on it:
"Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Ann Voskamp ..One Thousand Gifts
But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings.
You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall. Mal 4:2
Dear friends,
During this busy time of the year when the activities and emotions of the Christmas season can tend to get a little overwhelming...
let us remember to keep a thankful heart and joyful spirit while we go about our days.
In spite of the cares and worries of life that threaten to weigh us down with mundane dreariness...let us lift up our souls and become as little children again, full of joy and anticipation and innocent happiness - looking to discover and rejoice in the miracle of God's love at every moment and opportunity!!
Blessings..Trish
*
Hello friends, welcome to LACE!
This meme is for encouraging one another and is based on Philippians 4:8
Whatever is..Lovely. Admirable. Cheerful. Encouraging. ~ LACE
To join in and share your lovely and encouraging post please..
link up only to your LACE post
link it back to here
and kindly leave a comment after linking
- don't link and run!
Please try to visit each other with a friendly word and leave a blessing :-)
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I linked up then read your post and decided to post a different link. You can delete the first if you like. we do so often get caught up in the worries and stresses of lie and need to keep our hearts thankful and looking up.
ReplyDeleteShanda, your testimony in the first post you linked up is powerful and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGod delivered your family from deadly danger, and in that there is incredible joy and such glory to His holy Name!!
I'm so glad you shared it with us :-)
love..Trish
Hi Trish,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this post, it is just what I needed to read, and I'm going to read it again. I have not read the book " One Thousand Gifts," but your post has sparked my interest, and I'm going to hop over to Ann Voskamp's website. Also, I love!!!! the animal video, because I love animals, and that video was so cute and it made me laugh, and we know that laughter is like medicine.
God bless you friend, and your family.
Sending you a smile and hug
~Michele
I was reading the post the other day that reminded me that having joy is not the same as happiness. This is because joy comes deep within our very souls, that is, if we place our trust in Him, who is the only one who can give us that kind of joy.
ReplyDeleteJoy is something I still struggle with. Sometimes, I let my silly emotions get in the way, but I am working on it.
JOY is HIS Gift to all of us. When we embrace it, truly, deeply, no longer will we feel afraid or rejected.
ReplyDeleteGreat post my friend. We are in the same wavelength my dear :)
Love,
Maria
Trish - I love this - JOY - that's my signature word in all things. How I am with you in spirit desiring to look upon all things with Joy and the Peace in Christ that brings joy no matter what. Many battles in my life this year - I admit, some joyless days - but not the fault of anyone but me - God is on His throne and all is right with my world.
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
Thank you for the encouraging words. I'll need to come back to this post again and again. :-)
ReplyDeleteJoy in the Lord is our strength! Paul is the greatest example of rejoicing always, regardless of imprisonments, shipwrecks, beatings, and other perils and trials. If we keep our eyes on eternal, abundant life with Him, nothing can steal our joy. Thanks for the inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Hi Trish, what a delightful post to read among all the Christmas decorating. Goodness, this brings us right back to the center, doesn't it, and what is important!
ReplyDeleteMany blessings,
Barb
Hi Trish!
ReplyDeleteAt first I felt a little bleak the topic JOY... but, I am sooo glad that it was here and that it provoked my thoughts to dig deep, for there is much reason to have JOY and to embrace JOY.
I really loved the video of the sheep and its best friend!
In Christ's love, Deanna
Hey there Trish. I just found your blog and it's beautiful. I look forward to reading more of it. Love all the pictures and scripture quotes.
ReplyDeleteHello Trish,
ReplyDeleteWhat a timely and encouraging post! The JOY of the Lord is my strength! Thanks for hosting, dear friend, and I pray you have a delightful Christmas season.
Christmas blessings,
Sandi
Hello my dear friend. I have posted my Christmas Poem. I hope that's O.K. I know you have heard it before. I am having a mental block at the moment as to new posts so I thought I would share something I had already written (but not posted if that makes sense)
ReplyDeleteI love your lamb picture. especially it's ears, and as always your words are very precious. Thank you for them. Love you heaps and always.
Nell
nice post thanks for sharing..happy holidays...
ReplyDeleteYeS!!!! Thank you for this! Wow, two encouraging blogs in a row...I'm doing great tonight!
ReplyDeleteI'm hosting my Homemaking Link-Up Weekend again this weekend if you'd like to come link your homemaking post(s). I am really trying to establish a more Christian presence at my blog and would love to have you participate!
Have a lovely weekend!
Sarah
I am so glad you found your way to my blog so I could find you....Isn't God so good in the way He links us up with like minded friends.......
ReplyDeleteYour post today was inspiring and just what I needed.....Your blog is so full of encouragement and points all to our Savior, Jesus....Thank you....
I'll definitely be back....
What a cute video! :o) So sweet! Reminds me of our dogs that have been running around in the same manner! :o)
ReplyDeleteYour blog design is so pretty and the post so true in helping us ponder the mystery of Christmas as Mary did! love,andrea
ReplyDelete