Hygee: it's not a new idea (particularly if you live in Scandinavia) but for me, it's a fresh way of looking at life, something I've embraced
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3
Joy is not usually the first word that comes to mind when I’m frustrated and overwhelmed. I’m still a work in progress. Self-pity is too often something I struggle with. But I want more joy in my life. I read the words of Jesus’ brother, James, to “count it all joy” even in trials, and I know that these hard words were inspired by God. They’re true and they’re helpful. The testing of my faith does produce steadfastness. I’ve experienced it and I’ve seen it experienced in other people’s lives. By the grace of God, I trust, that as I grow and mature in Christ, someday it will become ever more of a part of who I am. I want to be the kind of person who counts it all joy, even the trials. I pray the same for you.
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Recently, I read C.S. Lewis’s account of his early years called, Surprised by Joy. In it, Lewis tells how he ended up becoming an atheist (as a teen) and what, ultimately, led him back to Christianity.
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What is your definition of joy? There’s one thing I know for sure; I want more of it. My definition of joy? That has been a bit harder for me to pin down.
The Bible has a lot to say about joy. The more I study the Word, the more I realize that joy is different than happiness. It’s a settled assurance, a quiet confidence, and a choice to trust God, no matter the circumstance. (Romans 15:13)
To read more, click here to read the rest at Being Confident of This.
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We were greeted this morning by a magical winter wonderland outside our windows. I sat at the table and leisurely sipped my hot coffee, watching thick snowflakes blanket our street, thinking of no school, no appointments, and no lessons. There were wide-open possibilities.
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Last year I set out to learn all I could about trusting Jesus. Trust was my word of the year. This year, the word joy, is what God seemed to place on my heart. Initially, my reaction to the word, joy, was…great; this year is going to be all about fun! And maybe it will be. But that’s not what joy is all about.
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