Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Got JOY??


The Lord your God will bless you...and your joy will be complete. Deut. 16:15
I simply love scripture that refers to the word JOY. Happiness is nice--it only lasts just for a while. But, give me some joy that will last forever!
"Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts"--this is straight from the Holman Bible Dictionary from studylight.org.
JOY that comes from praying and seeing God's hand as a friend gets a job after being out of work for over 15 months. Praise Him! JOY that comes from watching my precious mama experiencing a "hike" (actually it was around 30 steps!) on a mountain top Sunday after church. Her face simply lit up from being in the mountains in the winter weather. JOY that comes from watching an overweight child struggle to attempt a tripod(the first step in standing on your head!) and succeeding after several attempts--and her classmates giving her high 5's! (I subbed in PE today and had the biggest smile on my face and heart!!). JOY that comes from studying God's WORD and GETTING IT!!

What about you? What brings your heart joy? What scriptures do you just cling to that refer to joy? I would love to know!

Sweet Blessings,

11 comments:

Wendy Blight said...

Susan,

What an absolutely beautiful picture of you and your mom!! Just a few days ago, the Lord brought you to mind as He drew my eyes to the precious gift you gave me at She Speaks. I see the picture of the cross every morning as I walk into the kitchen, but this day He prompted me to pray for you. So thankful for you and still praying for a time we can sit over a cup of coffee!!

Blessings to you,

Wendy

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

I love this photo of you and your Mom. You look just beautiful and so happy.

"Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him, endured the cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne" Hebrews 12:2 (Holman)
I love the truth of Heb 12:2. Jesus took the pain of the cross for us to not only save us, but to return to Father and His glory. How exciting and what Hope for us!

Nothing brings me more joy than hearing Benjamin's sweet prayers. I also love to hear Georgia-Kate say "I love you, Mama." :)

Kathleen said...

From Nehemiah I treasure, "The joy of the Lord is your strength". So, whenever I'm weary or weak, I realize it's most often due to a lack of joy.

Joys, for me, are myriad. Sometimes I'm gripped by it - joy - and can't connect it to any particular item. Then I realize it's a supernatural gift, an imparting, by the Lord Himself. Little things become great things; and great things become little - and all them wrapped in His love.

Blessings,
Kathleen

P.S. Great photo!

Yolanda said...

Susan,

I've been asked to teach at our own Women's conference, a very small group which is perfect to test the waters. But I know that I know God is pressing in on me to teach on Joy and His fragrance.

Joy for me is seeing the smile on another. Joy is my Salvation. Joy is hand written note in the mail. Joy is putting 24+ scriptures on my heart in '09 and striving to do so again in 2010. Hmmm....joy.

Lovingly,
Yolanda

Gotta Run..... said...

Without words you can see the JOY on your moms face. Makes my heart smile :))))))

Empty Nest Full Life said...

What a great picture of you and your Mom. She surely looks joyful. Psalm 16:11 says,"You make known to me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever." Not just joy, but fullness of joy.
I too have subbed for PE this week. 4 days by the end of the week. I am already down to sub 4 days next week. Your Mom is so blessed to have you. Hope and pray she is continuing to do well. Jackie

Danielle said...

A smile on my husbands face. My daughters giggle. Knowing I've blessed someone in some way. Watching someone's walk with the LORD grow stronger.

I'm with Kathleen. I love the scripture in Nehemiah.

Ginger said...

Oh...I just love this picture of you and you mom! That's a keeper for sure. This post is so timely.

Joy is such a precious thing. Joy to me is laughter in my home, the love of family, the simple things in life and the the peace knowing that I have the love of my heavenly Father.

I guess for me one of my favorite verses about joy would have to be James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance.

Just wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about us getting together for lunch! I've needed to go back home for a couple of weekends and things have been hectic! I do still want to do lunch at some point. We will make it work:)

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

I absolutely love this picture! It has JOY oozing out all over it! :)

God bless you!

Marilyn..in Mississippi

Anonymous said...

Oh Joy! I have it...even on a cloudy day~ :) ((hugs)) Susie

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

You all are darling. Only thing missing... ME:(

peace~elaine