Do You Think There is a Difference Between 'Joy' and 'Happiness'?

 It's time for the next post in my God-sized dreams series. If you're new, please jump right in, or get caught up here. 

{photo found here; graphics added by me}

My assignment for this week was to write about what brings me joy. I got really excited about this topic because I love sharing my obsession with coffee, painting, garage sales, DIY, etc. These things put a smile on my face. But then I got to thinking that maybe the assignment was a little bit more than that.

As Holley Gerth says in her book You're Made for a God-Sized Dream, "[joy is] Not the 'everything is sunshine and roses' kind of happy but the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you're doing what you're called to do."

I am joyful when...

>>>  I see God's hand working in my life and in my friends' and family's lives.

>>>  There is harmony in our home.

>>> I stop trying to be all that and a bag of chips and just let God use me. Sometimes it's not as glamorous as I would have hoped, but it's so much more powerful.

>>> I dwell on my blessings rather than on my "want list."

>>> I stop talking and start listening to a friend share her heart.

>>> When I remember to pray for guidance, and then remember to follow.

>>> I stop and remember that, yes, I did my very best and that's all God asks of me.

>>> I remember that I'm living for an audience of one.

>>> I learn something new because I wasn't closed-minded. For once!

>>> I see God rewarding our hard work. Or just the anticipation of it.

>>> I get a note from one of my readers telling me that I am making a difference. Wow.

>>> I take an opportunity to encourage someone else.

>>> I give.

You, too?


I am linking up at HolleyGerth.com.



{connect with Emily here}