2013-03-03

Joy



So I've been seeing it all over the blog-world/Pinterest that people have a "word" for their year. Like 'purpose' or 'faith'. I thought it was lame until I noticed that I had a "word" and didn't even realize it. So I guess I'm joining the ranks of the lame.
In my (rare) crafty sessions I would use it in embroidery, use it in a random framed art thingy I made or write it on my chalkboard and it hit me (as I was discussing this word phenomenon with my friend Amy ) it was my "word". My word I feel like God has given me. 
* JOY * 
And yes, I'm going to be so bold as to say it's a word that God has given to me. I keep seeing it in verses I'm reading, hearing it in music I'm listening to.... everywhere. I feel like He is beating me over the head with it (in a good way!). Because, well, sometimes you just have to have it thrown in your face in order to finally get it.
Because when you have a husband that works a lot, when you're stuck in a house because you only have one car, when you don't have family around to help with kids, and on and on, "happiness" is fleeting. But joy?? 
Joy can be in you, in your heart, in the midst of all of that. 
And I'm trying people. Really trying (and failing... a lot), but I figure I have all year to get it right ;)
I have 'Choose Joy' written on my chalkboard and when Zach is texting me that he'll be late (again), or Aubrey happened to dump a bowl full of popcorn kernels all over my bedroom floor, or I've been stuck in the house for days on end?! I hear it in my mind or look up and see that dang chalkboard.
Why I wrote choose joy I'm not quite sure, but it is just that isn't it? We can choose to be joyful in the midst of any rough spot, happy or not. And I've been trying to remind myself of that lately.
And like I said, I'm trying. 
I'm a work in progress. 



3 comments:

Kimberley said...

oh thanks jen! :) Great word choices and such a good reminder for me. Good thing God gives us an infinity of chances to get it right! :)

Amy said...

Amen, Jack. Choose joy. And i am sorry about the spilled popcorn kernals... That may have sent me right over the ol' edge as well.
By the way, i so wish i was there to give you a hand. : (

Astrid said...

I'm glad you're choosing Joy. It's so easy to get depressed and annoyed and upset and angry...all natural thoughts and feelings. But looking at those two smoochers, how is it possible to feel anything BUT joy?!?! Zach is out earning, and soon it will be so much that you won't know what to do with it ( other than fly me out ofcourse.)
I too have to choose joy so often. It's tough being away from family and doing it alone sometimes, but you're doing such a good job! Nice one Jennifife.
side-note---I'm glad you want to craft again;)