My baby girl Jasmine has always been the life of our home! The peacemaker and the loudest far and then she produced a noise maker with her daughter Braelyn! I’m perfectly fine with that, though, because they bring me joy!
Recently they came to the house to spread some love! Just what Jesus ordered for me and my husband! After attending a memorial service one night and a funeral the following day we both needed to see ALL of our babies! God had Jasmine call and come to us right when we needed it! We talked, laughed, played, Brae quoted her two bible verses her mommy taught her for the week (received her $2 for scripture memorization) and prayed! It was the perfect evening, they make me joyfully happy!
I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)
My husband is constantly getting library videos for our grand-kisses to watch. Last year, my one kiss (Autumn Rain) fell in love with Eeyore and Tigger. For Eeyore, no matter what amazing circumstance came his way, doom and gloom remained the focus. For Tigger, bouncing through life without a care in the world, he never perceived anything to go wrong. Sometimes it’s so easy to have the attitude of Eeyore while wishing we could have the outlook of Tigger — two very extreme viewpoints.
Joy is not simply overcoming our inner Eeyore, nor is it strolling through life in ignorant bliss. Rather, it is found in facing each day’s ups and downs through the contentment that our daddy offers!
You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11)
There is a difference between joy and happiness. Joy has more to do with remaining in the presence of Jesus than with avoiding problems and struggles in our lives because they will SURELY come!
• Happiness is a state of mind, while joy is a mindset.
• Happiness comes and goes, while joy is constant.
• Happiness is dependent, while joy is independent.
Happiness is conditional, while joy is unconditional.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)
I want to encourage you to be joyfully happy! Even in the midst of chaos and life’s challenges!