J is for Joy

 

Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.

I personally feel joy often and I am thankful that it is a feeling that my children and husband can give me. However over the years I have found that God gives me this joy in the greatest form, after all he is the one who has blessed me with my husband and kids!

I think of all my hours within the day and no I'm not "joyful" all of them and sometimes not any of them but when I get settled down and can think after a bad day I am quickly reminded of my blessings and it helps keep my joy.

I was told something a few years ago that I personally think of almost daily. It was an eye opening experience for me and I am glad that I was told this because I fully can see where and why my God is so important in my daily life.

  If you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today - what would you wake up with? 

These are the reason's I've got Joy!

I am a homeschool momma of 3, most of you know that but homeschooling is hard and I have to keep a balance over being the mom and being the teacher. I have seen so many blessings from being the teacher/mom while my kids are learning that I am so blessed to take part in. 

Lessons come in the strangest places, we don't just learn in the "school room" but in the line at Wal-Mart, in the garden, when watching TV, while driving or stopping to talk to a neighbor. 

I am filled with joy each time my children do good and each time they ask to help others. Joy comes from my daughter's little notes she makes for me all the time, from the hugs and kisses that I get for no reason at all.

I never imagined I would be a mother to 3 children and I never would have thought I would be homeschooling them but I am thankful and full of joy that God showed me a different path and that I listened.

Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, and is more than just happiness. There is a joy that God gives that far exceeds our human capabilities.

Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

Proverbs 17:22 - "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

Proverbs 15:13 - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."   

I pray that you find Joy my friends.