First we have to REFUSE, now we must CHOOSE.
I try to choose JOY on a daily basis, shoot, on an hourly basis BUT (and there is always a big BUT involved!) it is robbed from me because I LET it be taken by those who I let take it.
DANG IT!
Note to self: It goes along with yesterdays #1... It is time to REFUSE and time to CHOOSE
Now, just because I choose Joy, does not mean things are pretty, shiny, sparkly and lovely...oh no..
Here is an excerpt from the book "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown (pg. 73) that I have highlighted: "Joy is as thorny and sharp as any of the dark emotions. To love someone fiercely, to believe in something with your whole heart, to celebrate a fleeting moment in time, to fully engage in a life that doesn't come with guarantees-these are risks that involve vulnerability and often pain. When we lose our tolerance from discomfort, we lose joy. "
It reminds me exactly of this 2 choice: "Choose short term pain for long term gain"
amen.
That's a really good point and scripture-there. It also reminds me of something my sister told me she heard from her Pastor and that is -- Without a doubt we will have Joy when we are in the Will of God and we have His favor. ... but just because we are in the Will of God and in His favor - doesn't mean that we won't struggle. It means quite the opposite really. For the enemy - this decision means, Game On!!
Posted by: Sami Jo | January 08, 2013 at 07:44 AM
This was my favorite from this weekend!
Posted by: Suezi Gurzi | January 08, 2013 at 08:00 AM
Wow, convicting! Thanks. :-)
Posted by: Debbie Olson | January 08, 2013 at 08:21 AM