Joy

A blog I like to read posed the question "what brings you joy?" So, I decided to answer! :)

What brings me joy...

Joy: 'joi Function: noun
1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion
2 : a state of happiness or felicity
3 : a source or cause of delight

Music - Good quality music. Whether it be jazz, gospel, country, alternative. Anything that is true talent, not just good mixing skills on the producers part. But when an artist can sing, purely. Or when a musician can play that instrument in just a way that you feel the song. Not just hear it, but you can feel the words. Feel the music. THAT brings me joy.

Organization - Sad, is it not? But when I've worked hard (or not so hard) and things are all in order and organized. I get a sense of joy.

Moments with my loved ones - falling asleep in my husband's arms, having breakfast with my husband, the moment Krista gets a joke (love you girlie!), the long talks with my mother, the inside jokes with my sister (do YOU know WHY?), the inside jokes with Mandy (RUUUUNNN!!)...

I've noticed that the things in my life that bring me joy are not things at all. They are people, moments. It's the feeling that I am in the will of God. It's when I am listening to song and I feel God speaking to me. It's when I am spending time and building relationships. It's the feelings of accomplishment.

Psalms 51:10-13 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you."

As I think about it - yes, all of the above things bring me joy. They are all wonderful in their own right - but what brings me a true joy? God's salvation. The peace of His love. For when I have a Godly joy... oh how wonderful! It is the only thing that will help you through the storms of life and will give you the strength to lead others to His sweet love. The joy that comes from Him will give you life!

Sondra