Dancing, gladness, cheer, laughter…words that we would all associate with joy. I’d also add to that list – sunrises, a cool fall breeze, greeting card in my mailbox, ice cream cone – some of life’s simple but mighty blessings!
Margaret calls those last few things joy bombs! I love it! Keeping track of the joy bombs in my life has turned my focus to all the blessings that I have taken for granted. Meeting a new neighbor, seeing a fox in our front yard, Christmas ornament from a dear friend (pictured above), family dinner with our kids, laying in bed an extra 15 minutes listening to the rain, Walmart curbside grocery! What about you? Joy is contagious! Please share with us any joy bombs that come your way, as we go through this study together. Share them in the comments under this post or on one of our social media pages (Facebook / Instagram).
We start Week 2 today (page 38), but before we move forward, I’d like to review our first week and share any thoughts. How did it go for you?
- Rating your level of joy (page 15 – top of the page in red) Did it make you reflect your heart as to why it wasn’t higher? It sure made me do some soul searching! In spite of all the blessings in my life, why wasn’t my joy just spilling all over the place and on everyone around me?!?
- Prayer checkup (page 27) Could you relate to any of them? I sadly found myself putting checkmarks next to most of them!
This week has made me dig deep in prayer, to open my heart and really start to SEEK joy! I must be intentional to recall everything that God has done for me and continues to do every second of my life! What about you? What has He surrounded you with? What have you already thanked Him for today? I have a wall hanging in my home that says “What if tomorrow, I only wake up with the things that I thanked God for today?” Ouch! I’d be in trouble! I definitely have a lot of work to do when it comes to praising God and rejoicing for all that He’s done for me!
Nine months after my mother passed, I listened as my dad preached on “3 Things to Cheer About”. (It was also 2 days after they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary).
- Your sins are forgiven (Psalm 32:1,11)! REJOICE!
- God’s Presence in our lives (Isaiah 41:10)! REJOICE!
- God has overcome the world (John 16:33)! REJOICE!
As I start to focus on what truly matters?Joy can’t help but to swell up in my soul!
So, how do you intentionally plan to litter joy this week? Play a game with me next time you walk into the grocery store. See how many people you can get to return your smile! Let me know what your score is. My running total is 6 for this week – can you beat me? I’m always up for some friendly competition – why not compete to see who can splash the most joy around? As we splash our joy around, let’s seriously take note of how it affects those around us. If we joyfully greet our spouse at the door as they come home from work, or cheerfully meet our child at the school bus, or smiling at the cashier and telling her to have a super blessed day… take note of their reactions. Ok, so, if our spouse or child gets worried at this type of joyful behavior, it may show just how much work we have. BUT, don’t give up! The changes in our home, workplace, etc. may start with us! ❤️
As I close, if any part of the “3 things to cheer about” didn’t resonate in your heart, please share it with me! Jesus Christ is the source of all this joy we are learning and speaking of, without Him in your heart, you will not be able to experience it. Email me today linda@youandmebygrace.com – let’s talk!
Jeremiah 15:16 NLT – When I discovered Your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies!
Lets put an exclamation point on today! ☀️
By His Amazing Grace,
+Linda
Linda,
Yes, page 15 had me really reflect on the amount of joy in my life. What really resonated with me all week is “the close connection between love and joy.” (p. 15) The joy bomb journal (in addition to the Bible verses) is my favorite application of this study so far. I also found myself placing a check mark beside many of the items on page 27. I was able to spread joy with friends this week and smile at others in the store (even though I didn’t keep count; I will have to keep count this week to see if I can challenge you. ?) My other challenge areas this week are to Radiate Grace (p. 36) and being more joyful in my home.
I hope you have a blessed week where “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
~ Amanda
Happy Monday Amanda! Thank you for sharing and I look forward to the friendly competition to spill more joy! ? I will also join you in the challenges to radiate grace and joy in my home! When I think of all the ways God continues to pour out His grace on me, it just reminds me of how much harder I need to try and do the same for others. Have a blessed week too! ❤️