Joyfulness

At work, we are asked to join an accountability group. One of the questions that is usually asked is "when was the last time that you experienced joy in your life?" That question has been a little difficult for me to answer lately. I've been pretty happy, but not necessarily joyful. In my mind, joyfulness means that it comes from deep inside your self and you just can't help being joyful. Happiness, well, anyone can show that they are happy on the outside all the while turmoil goes on in the inside.

I know that this is just one day (I hope it continues) but today was a joyful day! Strange thing though, it is supposed to be a bad day for me. Jared's new life began 5 months ago today. We had a Kids staff Christmas party, another reason for me to be emotional, but it was so much fun. Of course, when it is a white elephant gift exchange, with some of the tackiest gifts that I've ever seen, why wouldn't it be fun?! This was one of the best ones:




But truly it was a great day, thanks to a bunch of wonderful co-workers. Thank you Lord for providing this job for me, I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful Christian people who have walked with me every step of this journey!

These verses were the past three days of my desk calendar. They are so encouraging!

Deut. 30:6 The Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants to love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

Ps. 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Ps. 121:7-8 The Lord will keep you from all harm - He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, usually spent with family just hanging out, watching some football and eating lots of good food. This will be the third year that I don't go home for Thanksgiving, no one's fault but my own. First year I got to spent with my brother's new family, last year with those who would be become my new family, and this year I'm with fabulous friends.

Some of my favorite memories from the first Thanksgiving away from family, was being able to get to know my brother's wife's family, they are so wonderful! I remember watching the Cowboy's game, with cheerleaders included, need I say more?! Reeds, especially Granny, I know you miss someone around your table for the first time this year too!

Last year's memory included trying to cook Thanksgiving dinner so that Jared could eat everything. Jared and I were in charge of making the mashed potatoes out of cauliflower. It is actually good for those who are cringing right now. Some of the family not knowing that they weren't true potatoes, and hating them. Thinking that I had made them, they didn't say anything because they didn't want to offend me, so they politely said they were stuffed. Finding out later they hated them made Jared and I both laugh! Still laughing about it actually. :)

This year has yet to happen, but I know that it will be far different than I had anticipated six months ago. I'm sure I will still have a good time.

Although it will be far different, the reason for celebrating this holiday still remains the same, thanksgiving. Everyone has at least one reason to be thankful. My reasons for being thankful are many, but the one thing that I am most thankful for is that I am a child of the King! I am under His wing! I've seen the following verse twice today, which usually means I think God is trying to tell me something.

Psalm 121:1-3 (verse three is the one I've seen)

1. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?
2. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
3. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.

The rest of the chapter was great too, but I need to go to bed, so you'll have to read it yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving to y'all!