Finding Joy

The fall air is creeping in and motivating me to create, grow, learn and achieve, share, encourage, and inspire...to reach further than ever to be the best I can be and enjoy every moment! The coolness in the air is revitalizing, renewing, and very welcomed here in the deep south! :)  I grabbed a book, "EnJOY Freedom From Financial Stress" by Kathy Kline Danner, for moms. In my quest to learn, I began reading it today in the carpool line, utilizing my almost hour wait. The car line was a joy on this day..and has continued through my evening, an answered prayer to maintaining the joy, which Christ has filled my heart with.  Making it through homework time with my 13 year old was a delight..along with the list of can I have this..or do that, I was hit with, all stayed well tonight!  Joy...lasting joy! Thank you God!!!

I am grateful to Kathy for the gentle, fun-loving reminders of keeping your joy....like laughing out loud (LOL), and letting your peace be in Christ; "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:15. Paul says in Philippians 4: 6-8 " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." The past year this verse has repeatedly guided my thoughts, reminding me of all the blessings I have to be thankful for.

Gratitude...focusing on what you have and remembering , as Kathy shares, "spreading joy creates joy!"  "Abundance is in large part an attitude," Sue Patton Thoele is quoted in the book. We have all heard, "what you think is what you get," in some shape or form.  Abundant blessings are poured out into our lives each day, and if the focus is on the problems/current situations/trials/loss, not the solutions/gifts/dreams/ blessings/haves in our lives, we miss them..our vision is clouded.  Stopping to breath and opening our hearts and eyes can provide a wealth far greater than material possessions...peace and joy! A joy, I have learned the hard way, can only come from God and allowing Him to take the wheel and steer us in the right direction. A peace that surpasses all understanding and fills us to the very core of our being...one that allows us to let go of the past, forgive our trespassers..and ourselves, then lets God's infinite love heal us and set us free to see the abundant blessings He gives us. What is left?..Gratitude...in great times and the darkest moments....through eyes wide opened and healed hearts you can find joy in all times and be thankful for them.

"Spreading joy creates joy!" My heart's desire has been to share joy and inspire others, and it blesses me so deeply, but Kathy's quote keeps it sweet and simple..and it simply made my day! My prayer is for it to touch you even deeper. As a single mom, I know how long the day can seem, and the challenges that can arise..love and support can lift you up to heights greater than the highest mountains..Not everyone has a person, or people they can get that from, but God is always there and is faithful.. His mercies are new everyday and His grace is sufficient. He is my strength and my fortress..and as Psalm 73:26 says, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. As much as I love my children, my greatest earthly treasures, nothing can compare to the Love our Heavenly Father has for us..there is no greater joy than this! May you bask in the fullness of His love!

Joy and abundant blessings to you now and always!
Janine