Troubles Bring You Joy

My pastor said one Sunday morning that one of his favorite books of the Bible was James.  I immediately said, “What, What!  James, why James?”  I can think of a lot better books like, Romans, Philippians, any one of the Gospels, Psalms, Proverbs, or hey... maybe even Genesis or Exodus.  Those are all pretty amazing books.  I mean come on little ole James.  I think I have pretty good taste, are not my favorites everybody’s favorites?!  Bwahahaha

So, I guess I need to do a little investigation on the book of James here.

It is only 5 chapters long.

I like the theme: “Genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle”- http://www.biblestudytools.com/james/

When was it written: Some say early 60’s; some say before a.d. 50

Who wrote it:  Probably James the brother of Jesus, not James the disciple. For two reasons disciple James died (a.d. 44) before this was written and disciple James did not have the influence or stature that this writer had. 

Who was he writing to:  In verse one we read, “I am writing to the “twelve tribes” – Jewish believers scattered abroad.  Jewish Christians!

With this new found information, I will begin my Bible study right here on my blog on the book of James.  Join me and let us see why this is one of my pastor’s favorite books. 

James 1: 1-4

As I started reading the book, I decided to much good stuff is packed in chapter one.  Chapter one is going to be broken up into parts.  Whoo Hoo. 

Verse 1 captured my attention right away! You will see why in a second…

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Now if you peruse my blog a bit you may notice a blaring theme around here, JOY and how to get it.  However, this verse is not what maybe most people want to read first in a letter.  It would be like me writing…

Dear So and So friend of mine,

Hey, I know you are dealing with a lot of bad stuff right now; but hey no worries it is good that it is terrible right now.  You are far from home and probably being persecuted for your faith; but hey…you will find joy in it.  Yup…it is all good!

Haha okay maybe not really what James is trying to write; but it has that kind of feel to it.  Like really when life is hard, sticky, yucky, no fun, difficult, sad, and just plain terrible…consider it an opportunity for great joy.  No wonder why non-Christians think we are nuts.

 

I am all about “Getting Joy” especially when faced with tough stuff; because, if we were all honest most of life is tough a lot of the time.  So, James you have won my heart.  You shed some light on how to have joy during the tough stuff.  I love the following verses.

³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. ⁴ So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Oooo go read that again…do it, do it read it again…that will preach right there.  Wow, when we put our troubles in the light of scripture we see we can grow.  Grow in what?  Grow in endurance, holiness, wholeness, contentment, and in the end peace!  I want that!  I want all that good stuff.  I want to be at a place that when life throws all its junk at me I can endure and find all I need in God.  I believe there is where you find true joy. In the end, the hard stuff of life ends up giving you more than you could imagine.  God is so cool like that.

During hard times, we have a tendency to try to control our lives.  We try to put a slow death grip on the things that are falling a part.  In hopes that somehow if we just hang on we can fix it.  Release it, let it go, and “LET IT GROW”!  God is in control of all the details of our lives.  Let your momentary troubles be released to an everlasting God!

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. ~Romans 8:28

 Whoot whoot, that is good stuff!

Okay, that is where I will stop for today.  James you are moving up on my favorites list.  Let’s see where you land at the end of all this.  

GET JOY!

Yet, I Will Rejoice!

I was walking in the park a few months ago. I had to let off some steam.  I was a very angry at where the Lord had led me to in my life.  I had some very dark thoughts running through my mind and I had to work some things out in my head.  Has that ever happened to you?  I'm pretty positive; I am not the only one.  

On my walk, I realized that it was getting pretty dark.  I thought to my self, "You are really stupid!  Why are you walking in the woods in the dark?  How do I get to a place where I feel more comfortable?  Walk faster and get out of the park...yup that is what I need to do.  Get to a place where there is more light!"

And God began to speak to me in that very moment.  Sometimes, we are lead to very hard places by our own making, others choices, or because God wants to refine us.  Those places in life, those circumstances can be painful, scary, frustrating and just plain to hard to handle.  You may feel like you are walking in dark woods alone.    

Habakkuk reminds us that even when faced with tough times, discipline, loss or when you just cannot see a light at the end of the tunnel... God is our light. He is our strength.  He is our joy!

Habakkuk 3:18-19

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

able to tread upon the heights.

God has been teaching me a whole new aspect of joy.  True joy is not that happy, bubbly, good feeling that as Christians we are suppose to feel.  HA  There is nobody who feels like that all the time.  If someone says they do, they lie.  I bought into that lie myself.  What I have discovered recently is....True joy is that feeling, deep down inside of your gut when facing the most horrible time in your life, that says,"Even though my world is crashing into pieces...I know God loves me."  "Who you are ain't what you're going through!" (Group 1 Crew "He Said")

"I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!  The sovereign Lord is my strength!"  Joy is knowing that God never leaves you or forsakes you.  Joy is knowing that God gives you the strength you need to face any situation.  God will not allow you to break!  When you don't think you can take once more step in your circumstance say, "The joy of the Lord is my strength!"  

That joy is knowing that God loves you. He died for you.  He saved you.  He has given you a future hope with Him forever in eternity.  He keeps His promises.  He meets your needs.  He is all you need.  Really knowing and feeling that I am a child of the Most High.  That is joy!  Joy is knowing you are loved no matter what by the Creator of the universe.  Joy is peace with God!

We cannot manage our lives, try as we may.  There is nothing we really can control.  All we can control in our life is our reactions.  God is the only one who can manage our lives.  He knows the beginning from the end.  He has our best interest in His mind and heart.  

Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

We have a new saying around our home these days...

I can't...

God can!

I might as well let Him!

True joy can only be found in the mighty God who made us and loves us with an everlasting love.  

Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

GET JOY!

This song is my new favorite this year!

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Romans 4, part 1 The Joy of Faith!

Romans 4:1-22

Wow, I think I am really getting a picture of what Paul was really dealing with...with these Jewish Christians. After studying Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians & Philippians, Paul really has to correct some very strong doctrine issues. After pondering it some more, I have realized that Jesus had to do some course correction with the religious leaders during His time here on earth as well. They really had it in their heads that the only way to receive righteousness is through works.

As we have been studying, Paul and Jesus clearly tell us that this in not so. Faith is what saves us...faith alone. Our prideful humanity somehow thinks that we have the ability to do something, to control something, to be able to force something. Salvation is a free gift and it only comes through Faith.

Paul is a smart guy. He uses the patriarch of the Jewish faith to make his argument, Abraham. (I love the stories of Abraham and his great faith! So much of his relationship with God also foreshadows Jesus the Messiah) He doesn't pull any punches....

³ What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

& ¹⁷ As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Paul knew that the he needed a strong argument to prove what God had intended all along. The Jews had missed the point. They thought that their act of circumcision justified them....so far from the truth.

¹¹ And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.

God saves us because He loves us and all it takes is faith, it is very simple yet we make it so hard. I love the last part of verse 5

their faith is credited as righteousness

There is nothing we can do, so that no one can boast and think of themselves better than they are not, it is only through a powerful God who can make all things right.

I love, love, love how Paul uses the Old Testament to make his case and this scripture from King David is so beautiful....

⁷ “Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
⁸ Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Thank you Lord that there is nothing I can do to receive justification; because I could never in a million years do enough. I will give thanks that all I have to do is have faith and YOU make all things new. There are no words that express my deep gratitude for my sins are forgiven, my sins are covered and that they will never be counted against me; because of the precious blood of Jesus that was shed for me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you sweet Lord Jesus!

I will....
GET JOY!

Check out Jenilee's blog on Romans 4!

30 Days of Prayer 2011~ Day 7

For the next 30 days I am going to spend "30 Days in Prayer". I want to focus the next month on prayer. I am going to follow the simple pattern Jesus gave us, the Lords Prayer. Join me as I sharpen my prayer life and let this time encourage and strengthen your walk with the Lord.

What God's Word says about Prayer:

Isaiah 56:7 (New Living Translation)
I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer. I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices, because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Prayer Guide:
I am using the "Lord's Prayer" as a guide. (Matthew 6:9-13)

1. Praise God for Who He is! (vs. 9)

Today, I am going to focus on: He is My JOY!

Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)
13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Joy (Psalm 146)
Written by: Sarah Emerson

You made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, Your promises remainYou give justice to the weak, You care for the widow and orphan, Forever Lord, You reign

What joy, what joy for those whose hope is in the name of the Lord

What peace, what peace for those whose confidence is Him alone

You make the blinded eye to see, and cherish those who seek Your face, Your faithful love endures
You came to let the slave go free, You cause the sinner to sing praise, In You we are secure

Ha lle lujah (forever we will sing)
Ha lle lujah (praises to the king)

2. Pray for His Will to be done! (vs.10)

Today, I am going to focus on: His will in our Home.

3. Pray for Him to meet our needs! (vs. 11)

Today, I am going to focus on:

• My children would be filled with joy!
• John would be have much patience today!
• My Pastor
• Salvation for family
• Missionaries and fellow Christians in Iran who have been arrested.

4. Pray for forgiveness and that I would forgive others. (vs. 12)

Luke 6:37 (New Living Translation)
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

5. Pray for Help against Temptation! (vs. 13)

James 1:2 (New Living Translation)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Don't forget to put your armor on....

Belt of Truth

Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace

Shield of Faith

Helmet of Salvation

Sword of the Spirit

6. Thank God for His Goodness (vs. 13 NKJV)

Today, I am going to focus on: Thanking Him because

He is my Joy and gives me Joy!

7. Wait on God

If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power." ~Billy Sunday

In the name of Jesus that fills us with JOY, Amen!

Philippians 4 ~ Joy!

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Philippians 1!

Philippians 4

Chapter Breakdown (Matthew Henry)

1. The apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. (1)

2. Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (2-9)

3. Expresses contentment in every condition of life. (10-19)

4. He concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing. (20-23)

The grand finale of Philippians, chapter four! This little tiny chapter continues to be one of my favorite chapters of the Bible simply because I love so many of the verses in them, so much so, that I have blogged about them more than once. Paul is pretty much wrapping up his letter, exhorting the Philippians and blessing them. But, tucked in this conclusion are some pretty powerful verses on how we can live a content life, free of worry and full of JOY!

How many of us worry and feel discontent? If everybody was truly honest we probably struggle with one or both of these problems weekly if not daily on various levels. But here we find some verses that give these problems a 1..2...3...knockout!

1. Don't Worry! (and here too)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2. What To Focus On!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

3. How To Be Content! (and I wrote about it here too!)

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Do you want peace & joy in your life???? Repeat steps 1, 2, & 3 over and over!

What God Wants To Show Me Today

One verse really stood out to me today! I am impressed by the Church in Philippi. They were a very caring and attentive church. They understood Paul's needs and did their best as fellow co-laborers to help him.

15b......not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Wow, this really challenged me! In this chapter, we learn how to not focus on our own problems and give them to the Lord. Why? So we can meet the needs of others. Specifically, here they meet the needs of Paul their leader. Practically speaking, do we know the needs of our pastor? Are we so consumed with our own problems that we don't minister to him or those in real need? Are we missing JOY because we are consumed with worry and discontentment?

I find time and time again that when I get my focus off of myself I find JOY in serving others...hummmmm funny how God works that all out. Matthew Henry had a great statement in his commentary....

"Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow."

Ooooooooo soooooooooooooo GOOD, especially for the holiday season coming in the next few days!

Philippians 2 ~ Joy of Living for Christ

Don't forget to visit my dear friend Jenilee and her thoughts on Philippians 1!

Philippians 2

Chapter Breakdown(Matthew Henry's Commentary)

1. Exhortations to a kind, humble spirit and behavior. (1-4)

2. The example of Christ. (5-11)

3. Diligence in the affairs of salvation, and to be examples to the world. (12-18)

4. The apostle's purpose of visiting Philippi. (19-30)

I think Philippians may become my blogs official book of the Bible that supports my theme of JOY. Joy is one of the main themes of Philippians. More specifically Joy in ministry & Joy in adversity. Since my life is all about ministry, Paul's letter to Philippi is a great guideline for my life. It is great for everyone since we are all called to spread the Good News!

What God Wants To Show Me Today

Throughout my life I have tried to find women to pattern my life after. I look for certain qualities and some of them are: an encourager, loving, friendly, tender, compassionate, promote unity, works together with others, selfless, humble, interested in others, same attitude as Christ. (vs. 1-5) I have found a handful of women who really live out these characteristics. They are the most beautiful women I have ever come across. They are beautiful because their character radiates Jesus.

I want to shine brightly like these women and I am so thankful God has placed them into my life. I must work hard to show the results of my salvation (vs. 12b) I love verses 13 - 15.

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

I want to shine as brightly as I can! It is a Joy to serve my King!

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Joy

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (New King James Version)
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Now when I read this verse I have to admit that I thought, " I know a lot more verses about joy that I like better!" But then I started to try to understand it better and I think I get it now.

We have to find out a little about who this verse was written to. It was written to the church in Thessalonica. The church was being persecuted because of their faith. They were very evangelistic and loved the Lord very much and in the heart of adversity they still had joy.

Joy is more than just being happy; because I am sure that when they were being persecuted they were not jumping up and down with glee. But they were filled with a joy that only comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Now, I get that idea of the Holy Spirit giving us the supernatural. Thanks to the Lord who didn't leave us without a helper. The church in Thessalonica needed that supernatural power to help them through the hard times they were facing.

When we have the joy of the Lord it will sustain us even through the most difficult times of our lives. We will all face hardship at some point...it is the nature of living. Life is not fair, which is a hard thing to explain to a 7 year old with their big brown eyes looking up at you. We may never understand why we go through the things we do; but we can tap into the supernatural to help us. When we do we will receive a deep joy that will never leave, even in our darkest hour. In that deep joy we will find the hope that will carry us through.

So, as I ponder this verse it is exactly the kind of Joy that I want for my children. I want that deep joy that comes from the Most High through the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

*"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."


*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

Christmas Presents!

Christmas was so much fun this year. We were so busy the whole month...actually it was a little insane; but it is Christmas and we got to do so many wonderful Christmassy things. I took a picture of my calendar as proof to my family how crazy it was.

Anyway, John and I decided to not spend much money on our gifts to each other. The challenge was to really think about what each other would really want. We could spend $20.00 and go in with the kids if they wanted to. They got $20.00 to spend on each of us as well.

So, I sat and thought and thought some more and this is the idea I came up with. He loves football...He loves watching it with his dad...and he has always wanted to go see a NFL game in person. Naturally, tickets to a game would be the perfect gift....but I only had 40 bucks...not even enough for the nose bleed section at a Lion's game. What?!? You would think they would be giving the seats away...paying you to sit in them. The Lion's stink...it's the truth!

Well, we never said we couldn't use money that our in-laws were giving to us for Christmas. I love loop holes. I called my in-laws and pitched the idea to them. John's mom would buy dad's ticket and I would put money toward John's and what ever else would come out of my gift from them. They loved the idea and then began the hunt for tickets. We got John's dad involved , because what did I know about buying football tickets...nothing! Thankfully, dad had a connection through their business....to end a long story...we ended up getting the tickets for FREE! How cool is that?!? They were not even in the nose bleed section either, they got to sit on the 20 yard line, 20 rows up! Too cool! ~ I am pretty proud of myself...I got a great gift. He liked it even better that I didn't spend any money to see the Lions lose! LOL

So are you wondering what I got?????

John and the kids got me this really cool hoody! ~Good job hubby and kids!

And so all of my 11 followers can now own one too...LOL go here to check it out!

Don't you just love the internet, there are so many fun things you can do for gifts it is amazing!

Dream of Snow!

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow
It won't be long before we'll all be there with snow;
Snow, snow, I wanna wash my hands, my face and hair with snow.

Snow...I long to clear a path, and lift a spade of snow;
Snow, oh, to see a great big man entirely made of snow.

Snow, where it's snowing all winter through,
That's where I want to be;
Snowball throwing, that's what I'll do;
How I'm longing to ski through the
Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow,


Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow,
Those glist'ning hou - ses that seem to be built of snow;
Snow, oh, to see a mountain covered with a quilt of snow.


What is Christmas with no snow?
No white Christmas with no snow.
Snow...

I'll soon be there with snow, I'll wash my hair with snow,
And with a spade of snow, I'll build a man that's made of snow;
I'd like to stay up with you, but I recommend a little shut-eye --
Go to sleep, and dream of snow, snow, snow, snow.

Don't you just love snow?




Snow
Words & Music by Irving Berlin
Recorded by Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney & Vera Ellen*, 1954
From the movie "White Christmas"

God's Beauty

I just love the spring most of my favorite flowers come out right now. I took some pictures of a few of my favorites. I love the beauty of each detail of each flower. To me it shows God's awesomeness. Being in the garden brings me joy and peace. Enjoy some of my flowers for you today!

Lillacs

Columbine just about to bloom

Violets

Trillium

Flax

Lily of the Valley

Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him
GET JOY!

Proverbs 25 "Laughing While Learning, LWL"

Instead of LOL, I am going with "LWL"!
I think Solomon was a funny guy. In today's passage I saw this sense of humor behind some of these thought provoking words of wisdom. I think God has a sense of humor and I also believe He loves it when we laugh. Sometimes, the things that make us laugh help us remember it better. Now disclaimer, there is some very serious truths in this passage that can not be ignored. However, for my devotion today, God really drew me to certain ones and they just made me laugh.

16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.

I love how the Bible talks like this.
This one reminds me of Thanksgiving dinner. I always seem to get to almost that point of nauseousness (I know it is not a word, it's a Christina word). I always think, "But, it is sooooo good and I only have it all once a year" as I choke down that last bite of apple pie dripping with vanilla ice cream." Once again He is speaking to our natural desire to eat way too much food. Self-control is what God is calling us to. Even at thanksgiving????? LWL hehehehe

17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house— too much of you, and he will hate you.

Oh, you know the people that are like this! You start talking to them and they will not stop. They come over right in the middle of disaster breaking lose in your home and you are trying to break up fights with children, making dinner and holding back the dog so she won't eat them. When really you want to let the dog go so she can eat them; because they will not stop talking! LWL Just kidding... or am I. hehehehe
Seriously, we all probably can point to a person that is like this in our lives. But, are we making sure that we are not "that" person in someone else's life. I hope not. I may have my dog eat you if you are! LWL hehehehehe

24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

I have to laugh at the irony of this verse. We keep seeing it pop up everywhere in this book. I guess we have to consider the author and his predicament. Solomon had a ridiculous amount of wives, like 700. I feel that this matter was close to his heart. LOL Maybe God was showing him the error of his ways. I know that one woman can be tough when PMS rolls around, but 700? There was always one with PMS every week of the year for two years 1/2 years. hehehehe That's what you get when you have 700 wives. I bet there was also one pregnant every year. hehehe Better go get the pickles and ice cream again King Solomon. LWL
Okay, no more laughing at Solomon's expense, here is the heart of the matter women; God is looking at our character; if we are always picking fights with our husbands than we are not glorifying Him in our marriages. Our relationship with our husband is supposed to represent our relationship with Christ. I sure hope we are not picking fights with Christ all the time. Why should we treat our husband any less? Okay, yeah a bunch of you are thinking, "No way does my husband act like Christ!" Well, as true as that maybe, we can only control our actions and God is calling us to not be quarrelsome. you must let God work on your husband's heart.

I hope you enjoyed a fun look at today's Proverbs. I had a good laugh as well. Thanks Lord for teaching us through humor. Thanks for not always being "heavy".
I will LWL today and ...
GET JOY!

Check out my friend's perspective of Chapter 25!

The picture is of me and my middle daughter 5 years ago! Time sure is flying!

Proverbs 15 "Cheerful Hearts"

I love to see my children having the time of their life. It warms my heart like nothing else. Their smiles can wipe away a lot of sadness. Their laughter can fill a room with light. Their joy is something that I long for them to keep as a precious gift for the rest of their life.

Proverbs has been a little heavy lately, so I fell in love with these verses;

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit.

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

I love verses about happy hearts. I love what Family Bible notes said, "Cheerfulness is both a privilege and duty of every Christian; it contributes alike to his own comfort and usefulness, and to the welfare of those around him." Later in Proverbs 17:22, we will read that a cheerful heart is like medicine. How true is that?! I can not count how many times a cheerful person has just brightened my day.

I hope that everyday that I have a cheerful heart. Yes, there will be bad days, that is certain.
But I pray that those days do not rob the joy that is in me; that joy of salvation, the happiness that comes from knowing that I am a child of the king, the knowledge that I am Gods creation; that defines who I am and brings cheer to my heart.

May that joy not only be inside; but ooze out. I want to bring joy to the heart of others and that my words give health to the bones, as verse 30 so nicely states. The "Good News" of Christ is exactly what we need to share with others. It will bring to them that same joy that is working inside of ms.

When I look back at my life, I want to see a life of joy, not a life swallowed up in bitterness.

Today, I will let the joy of the Lord ooze out of me and...

GET JOY!

Check out my friend's perspective on Chapter 15!

The picture is of my daughter at one of our favorite vacation spots, Ludington MI!