My Joy Journal Day 23

Today just think of a couple little things about joy.

"Do small things with great love/joy." - Mother Theresa

"Without love, deed, even the most brilliant, count as nothing." - Another St. Theresa

"Sometimes the little things ARE the big things."  Alex Burtness at 3 years old.

Think of all the little things, little joys, little decisions, little acts of love that make such a difference in our lives.  Big decisions make a difference, of course, but little decisions all along the road of life, also make a big difference!

Today just think of the little things that bring you joy.  Here's the video:

 

And here's a great new song entitled Little Things With Great Love.  Enjoy!

My Joy Journal Day 22

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. 

These are such great verses to memorize!  Anxiety - consolation - joy.  One needs the next and the result is joy!

One of the wonderful things about God is that God is there whenever we need consolation and God will listen as long as we want to talk about our anxiety.  It's my conviction that we need people who will listen to us, rather than talk to us.  Listening is a lost art in our culture and time!

Today just practice joy by doing more listening than talking.  Someone needs your listening ear.  And then, when you need to be listened to, there will be someone to listen to you.  

And yes, that is Eeyore in the video - so listen in!

And here's a video from Anthem Lights entitled "Who I'm Meant To Be."  Hope you enjoy it!

 My Joy Journal Day 21

I love the Great Boldness in our Joy Verse today!  I am acting with great boldness toward you...I am overflowing with joy.

I love great boldness!  I have thought for a very long time that there are far too many milk-toast Christians and far too few Christians who act with great boldness!  Our Christian life should be lived on the tip-toes of great expectancy, rather than sitting in a Lazy Boy faith just waiting to see what happens next.

So, think about the Joy Practice today, and seriously consider doing it!  Listen to the video and see if it convinces you to be bold and dance for joy!

SO - when you dance in your living room you may not be able to dance like this, but doesn't it look like this old-ish couple is having just a lot of joyful fun?  Nothing "religious" about this at all - but I hope it brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart!

 My Joy Journal Day 20

Today's Joy Verse is great!  "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer."  Isn't that something we all need right now?

Especially being patient in tribulation.  I've said in sermons before that patience is not one of my spiritual gifts!  I don't like waiting, even for the microwave!  

But I've learned the importance of waiting and being patient, even in times of tribulation and anxiety.  In the end, God will be honored if we continue steadfastly in prayer, and remember to rejoice in hope.

So hang in there!

Here's the video:

And here's a song by Lincoln Brewster called While I Wait I Will Worship.  Perhaps not the greatest soundtrack, but great lyrics!  See what you think.

 My Joy Journal Day 19

Today's Joy Verse is a great one to wake up to if you're doing it in the morning:  "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days!"

Don't you love those mornings when you wake up and say, "Good Morning, Lord!"  Those mornings are so much better than when you wake up and say, "Good Lord, it's morning!"

That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.  What a great focus for each morning.

Today I share some words with you about what "normal" might have been like for Lazarus after being raised from the dead.  Things were "back to normal" but not really.  How can anything be normal after such a traumatic event!  Think about that, and listen in to the video:

And I've seen this video several times, and just love it.  It's called Fall On Me by father and son, and it's just beautiful - sometimes things of beauty simply bring joy, so I share it with you to remind us that we can always fall on the grace of God!

 My Joy Journal Day 18

"You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests and new wine."  That's our Joy Verse for today - what a great reminder that our great and abundant joy does not come from external things or outside circumstances, but great joy comes from knowing our loving God.

And in the midst of all we're going through, when we might be tempted to ask where God is when pandemics hit, when fires rage, and when people die unexpectantly, it's important to remember the promises of God that help us make it through difficult and challenging times.  That's what I'd like to share with you today - just some verses of encouragement from God's caring Word.

So - here's the video:

This is a wonderful virtual choir and orchestra sharing "How Can I Keep from Singing."  In the opening slide it says, "In times of uncertainty, grief, and isolation, we find strength and joy in making music."  So true!  

 My Joy Journal Day 17

Today's Joy Verse is so awesome:  Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!

Kind of like my grandmother use to say, Praise God Anyhow!  When it's raining, Praise God Anyhow!  When it's sunshine, Praise God Anyhow!  Whatever happens, Praise God Anyhow!

Again, it's one of those perspectives on life kind of thing.  Today think about the game of dominoes, both the kind that adults play, and the kind kids play.  And then remember, like Joseph, do what pleases God, and Praise God Anyhow!

Here's the video:

And here's another great video from the Living Stones Quartet called, He Giveth More Grace.  Enjoy!