Choose JOY

~~~James 1:1-11 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Mark 8:11-13 ~~~

Consider it all joy, 

my brothers and sisters,

when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith 

produces perseverance.

It is impossible to fool yourself into believing 

that you could make it through life without some trials and struggles.

It is how we handle these difficult times that 

determines our strength of character.

God never promised us that life would be easy because we had faith.

It is because of our faith that we can come through our difficult times.

If you want to grow in holiness retain your attitude of joy 

in the face of pain and disappointment.

We can learn to find joy in all things with his constant blessings.

C.S.Lewis wrote...

Joy is the serious business of heaven.

Joy is bringing the presence of our loving God

 into every possible situation.

Henri Nouwen wrote...

Joy does not simply happen to us. 

We have to choose joy and keep choosing it everyday.

Joy brings the light of Christ into our darkest nights.

May you be blessed with the spirit of JOY.

Peace.