Over the past few weeks, I have experienced joy many times as I shared holiday memories with my family and friends. And as we gathered to make new memories, I noticed the joy on the faces of my grandchildren - and that, in itself, brings much joy to me!
My Bible reading and morning devotions have focused on the words joy and rejoice.
The holiday carols we sing mention joy and rejoicing as well...
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
"Joy to the World"
The meditation I read on the 29th secured it for me...
From "A Daily Journey Through Psalms for Women", the meditation reads: "As you take the next step in your life's journey" - {a new year!} - "you should do so with feelings of hope and anticipation. After all, as a Christian, you have every reason to be optimistic about life.
"As John Calvin observed, 'There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice!'
"But, sometimes, rejoicing may be the last thing on your mind. Sometimes you may fall prey to worry, frustration, anxiety or sheer exhaustion. What's needed is plenty of rest, a large dose of perspective, and God's healing touch, but not necessarily in that order."
Today, as I remember my mother whom passed in June 2012, I may not be joyful; yet, as I look back on all of the wonderful days I spent with this amazing woman, I can rejoice that we had those years together.
I pray God gives me the words throughout 2016 as I explore the word(s) joy and rejoicing - and all of the combinations we use such as enjoy and joyful.
I plan to publish a "Word Wednesday" every week - and only hope it works out to actually publish it on Wednesday!
Please join me on this journey through 2016...with JOY!
Great word. I haven't settled on my word yet, but I feel like God is leading me towards one.
ReplyDeleteTara, Andrew here...for what it may be worth, the word that always comes to my mind when I see your picture and posts is 'steadfast'.
DeleteKeep pondering, Tara! I'm sure God will confirm your word! Thanks for reading and commenting!
DeleteLove the word, love the spirit! I'll walk with you on this one.
ReplyDeleteWell, not walk...I'll SnOoPyDaNcE!!!
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/12/your-dying-spouse-99-it-gets-scary.html
I'll think of you and your SnoopyDance whenever I write my posts! Thanks for following, Andrew...and for commenting!
DeleteHoping you enjoy and really feel you can embody your word this year! with very best wishes for 2016.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alexa...I've not done a Word for the Year before...this will be a challenge to keep focused on JOY for a full year! Appreciate your reading and commenting!
DeleteLove your idea! Love your word!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Helen...not my idea, as far as a "word for the year"; but have really been leaning towards doing it and the word has chosen me, I think!!
DeleteSuch an awesome word Barbara. I look forward to your Word Wedsnesday posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbie! I have been considering this, especially when that word started becoming so...well, "in my face"!!! God is telling me something, I think!!!
DeleteWhat a fun word, Barbara! I pray along with you that your year be filled with joy and learning more about the souce of all joy :).
ReplyDeleteThanks! I just posted my actual first in the new year; this one was my intro! Praying I can keep this up...but so far, the 2nd week's popped into my head after reading a short story, which I summarized and used as my "stepping off poing" for the post!
DeleteAppreciate your reading and commenting!
I love the John Calvin quote! Yes, let's rejoice!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and commenting, Deb...let us rejoice because He has given us so many blessings!
ReplyDelete