It's been awhile my friends...

My dear friend Cheryl & I have been sharing our walks with Jesus for a few years now. We often share books, music, websites, etc., anything that strikes a chord with us in what God is working on in our lives. Recently Cheryl brought me this book called "Choosing Joy" by Angela Thomas. Angela Thomas is such a great writer on women's emotions & struggles within themselves. This is the second book by Ms. Thomas that Cheryl has shared with me. I have had a trying year personally and Cheryl has been an incredible support in my family's life. Cheryl & I spoke over Christmas over some personal matters & Cheryl told me she felt like God was speaking JOY into my life. It seemed as though everywhere I looked prior to our conversation, I saw something about joy or the word joy. Just seemed odd, & then she brought the subject up to me & seriously caught my attention! You might find this as interesting as I do... My middle name is Joy! Hmmm...

The Holy Bible speaks much on the Joy of the Lord....

Psalm 97:11-12 - "Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

John 16:22 - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

So back to this new book...
This book is a 52 week Devotional on Choosing Joy. You start on a Monday, any Monday. Let me share with you an excerpt from day one:
'For the Glory of God
Monday
The Pursuit of Joy

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Psalm 43:4 KJV


Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV

As we begin this year of intentionally choosing joy, I want us to begin with one purpose in mind. We must choose joy in our everyday lives because a joy-filled life brings glory to God. God shines brightly through the soul that is wholly devoted to Him. Trusting in Him. Delighting in Him. If the pursuit of joy has seemed too worldly to you, then I pray this year of Scripture-directed joy will change your heart. The pursuit of joy and the glory of God are not in conflict. In fact, just the opposite is true. To pursue joy with your whole life is to honor the One who has given you life....God desires that we find our joy, our happiness, our peace, and our purpose in Him. When we have done so He is glorified."

Therefore, as Philippians 4:4 says Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice! I will dance & sing before my God like King David...like there's no one around! I will seek that unspeakable joy that only God gives. So find your joy in God, in Jesus... be silly & happy...

I am choosing joy!

FYI: El SIMCHAH GIYL = God my Exceeding Joy (Ps. 43:4)... When I read "Your Secret Name" by Kary Oberbrunner this was my secret name for God. Interesting.... :)
~ Randa ~