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The Joy of it All.....

10/12/2016

4 Comments

 
We've all been told the things that would bring us joy.  Television encourages us to be drawn to money, looks and truly outward appearances will bring us joy.  But if it fades, no money, looks have changed including body type can we say that's joy.  When I went on my first roller coaster ride, I experience some level of joy, but I also haven't gotten fully off the ride over the past years.

​That roller coaster is not just at the amusement park where cotton candy, popcorn and other delights are sold, but that roller coaster has become my life.  There are some days or a day where all in the world is working on my behalf; then there are other days where I've felt like the world was working against me.  The ups and downs of our roller coaster of life.  The joy of a new baby being born, the joy of a couple saying I Do to marriage, the joy of being promoted on the job, the joy of purchasing your first car or house. 

​But let's ask ourselves the question, have these things, instances, decisions brought me real joy.  I don't know about you, but sometimes being a parent has been a headache, sometimes the house and car has made me want to pull my hair out, sometimes having said I do makes me want to say I don't, the job and responsibility makes me want to say what job?  LOL.  The reality is that all of these are part of the roller coaster ride that we have all gotten on and have tried to get off when the ride is still moving.  But I have found great joy in being a parent, I have found great joy in being married, there have been many experiences of joy on my job, I have found joy in being able to have a car and house.  All these things were no doing of my own, but it was only because of God's grace and He brings me great joy, unspeakable joy.  Yes that kind of joy the world didn't give me nor can take away. 

​Because now the children are grown and living their lives, now the mate has made his transition out of this side of life, now I'm creepy towards retirement and still taking care of car and house, but I must say I am truly blessed.  Through the ups and down of my roller coaster of life I've had good days and I've had challenging ones, but I made it, was able to get off the ride and breath and then get back on.  It's like when a woman has her first child and she says never again, but ends up having 3, 5, or 8 more of those little dumplings.  Your faith will take you where your doubt can't go.  Thank Him for your roller coaster of life.

​JOHN 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."  My friend true joy comes from knowing and walking and taking that roller coaster ride of life with Him.  He'll hold your hand when you want to scream, he'll shield eyes from things you don't need to see, he'll protect you when you think you are about to fall out of the ride.  The seat belt called JESUS tightens and holds you in.  COMPLETE JOY

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4 Comments
Jean Merritt (Smith)
10/16/2016 08:06:59 pm

Roller Coaster is SUCH an appropriate adjective to describe life...I love it!
I must admit the dips can be a doozie but with Faith, I have been able to see SOME (😊) of the dips for what they truly are...Faith builders, character formers, life lessons.

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Renee link
10/16/2016 09:27:09 pm

Absolutely. You either trust Him or you don't

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Michael Brown
10/16/2016 09:12:45 pm

Everyday provides us all with "teachable moments." What we do with those moments determine how we interact with others. Your sharing shows that you take those moments and teach all those you encounter.
"You give a man an a fish, you feed him for a day. You teach him how to fish, you feed him for life." Teach Sister.

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Renee link
10/16/2016 09:29:44 pm

Oh how we can all learn from one another, if we would just share.

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    Renee Shepherd has been involved in bringing awareness to Human Trafficking especially in Chicago.

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