31 days of Joy(e)

It's kind of like 25 days of Christmas, but not as cool. (sorry, I do not think I can beat Christmas). I have decided to challenge myself for the next month. I hope to write every day about something that brought me joy, or something that brought joy to others or maybe just about my day. Bear with me, it may be harder than I think, but I hope you all continue reading them throughout the month. Unlike the 25 days of Christmas, there is not some grand holiday at the end of it, like the birth of Christ, but I hope that by the end of it I at least have the posts to look back on and it will help me to remember what brings joy to my life, or on the contrary, what may have brought me down. There may be some ups and downs this month, but I invite you all to go on that ride with me. And who knows, I may continue it throughout the year, a little less frequently.

Philippians 2:1-2 "So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

31 days of Joy(e), commencing in 3... 2... 1... 

What are you doing with your life?

It has become a common saying among some of my friends. "What are you doing with your life?", we ask each other, in usually sarcastic tones, almost daily. But, in all seriousness, what ARE we doing with our lives? Oh, I have a suggestion! How about finding joy in it? Yeah, there is that whole finding a job thing, making a living, figuring out how to support the family you hope to have, but what is all  that if you do not have joy?
Here's a clip from the movie "The Bucket List". Morgan Freeman's character asks two questions that we should really ask ourselves as well. Granted, we may or may not be close to death, but it's good to think about, regardless.

"Have you found joy in your life?"
"Has your life brought joy to others?"
So, ask yourself. Finding joy in life is different for everyone; Being around family and friends, learning new things, bringing the message of God to others, among other things. Those of you who know me know that it does not take much to make me smile. I find joy in the little things. The sunset over the lake, the smell of fall coming, looking up at the stars and basking in the wonder and glory of God's creation. I know that God loves me, and that brings me joy, as it should to you.

John 13: 34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."

So how can you bring joy to others? By showing God's love to them. These are not difficult questions, as Jack Nicholson's character seems to make them. First, you find the joy in your life. Think of it this way, God has put everything in your life, so you can find your joy through Him. Trust that He is going to give you what you need. Second, you take that joy in Christ and you show it to others. It's as simple as that.
So, again, what are you doing with your life? You do not need this great, extravagant plan to make a million dollars or cure a disease. Just find the things that make you happy, they can be big or small, and then go out and show them to other people, and encourage them to find the things that make them happy too.

" Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

12 years later...

I know this is a day late but I thought this would be a good poem anyway. In remembrance of all those who lost their lives on that terrible day, 12 years ago. And for all those loved ones we have lost in the time between then and now.

"If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I knew how much you love me,
As much as I love you.
And each time you think of me, know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye
For all my life I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad.
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized
That this can never be.
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things I might miss, come tomorrow
I thought of you and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me,
From this great golden throne,
He said "This is eternity, and all I've promised you"
Today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last
And since each day's the same way, there's no longing for the past

But you have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven, and now at last you are free.
So won't you take my hand are share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we are far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart."