Choose J.O.Y.

An old hymn has been ringing through my soul lately.  "Because He Lives" was sung so often in the little country church I grew up in and I have found myself singing it lately.  The verse I continue to think of is the second one.  Here are the lyrics of that verse along with the beautiful words of the chorus:

How sweet to hold a newborn baby

And feel the pride and joy he gives.

But greater still the calm assurance

This child can face uncertain days

Because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, ALL fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

This holiday season has been so strange this year- a true season of thankfulness mixed in with an inner ache that can't seem to be soothed.  The chaos happening in the world we live in is just exhausting to the soul sometimes, is it not?  So many facebook friends posted things like, "this just doesn't feel like Christmas this year" or "I don't feel right having beautiful family memories when there are so many out there who aren't this year."  It has been an undeniably emotionally taxing year on Americans and it doesn't stop at our borders... So, what do we do?

I recently attended a church service where a friend of ours spoke on the true meaning of the word "joy".  Ronnie Baker broke it down like this (and if he stole this from someone else don't send me nasty emails telling me about it.  I am just going to pretend otherwise;0)- J- "Jesus", O- "Others", and Y- "You".  This is the order in which we should live our lives.  He explained how we as humans are seeking what we think is joy, happiness and fulfillment but, oh how sadly- we are going about it in such a terrible and selfish way..... and we are getting more and more sad (collectively speaking) each day we live this way.

Here's the truth- despite what we face on our televisions, what we read on facebook, what we hear on our "smart" phones or what the newest and trendiest psychologist tells you to believe about yourself we can choose.  We have the secret- plain and simple.  Why does it remain a secret- because there aren't enough of us choosing to live a J.O.Y.-filled life so.... NO ONE KNOWS IT EXISTS!!!!  Okay, that's an overstatement.  There are people who know it exists but..... they may only be people who sit next to you in church or get the whole "I am blessed going in and blessed going out" statement you practice in the mirror before leaving to go to your church service. (again, no dirty emails please.  hehe!)

Remembering the first moments of holding my three beautiful children.  Remembering the moments I realized they were not mine and not Brian's.  Remembering the moments when I was reminded they could face all of the uncertainties of life has brought me to this point in my own life-

Because He lives- we can face tragedy in our own lives.
Because He lives- I don't have to be afraid to send my kids to school.
Because I know He has promised to take care of my tomorrows
My life (and the lives of each of you) is definitely worth living......with fullness of JOY!!!!

As you enter into this new year do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1) because He said He leaves us peace (John 14:27).  Live in His presence- where there is truly "Fullness of Joy" Psalm 16:11. 

Today, here is a small glimpse of why I choose to live with fullness of J.O.Y.:

Blessings to each and everyone who reads this- choose joy...........