JOY

Harley writes a column for the Parish Newsletter.  This is her "mewsings" from the upcoming April/May issue.


Wow, do you know how much fun a plush Peeps is? It can be tossed and batted and carried all over the house. Aunt Blondie says that I'm so full of the joy of living that it tires her out just watching me race around the house. “I'll be glad when you start taking more naps,” she told me.

Joy, now that's an interesting subject. Although they're used interchangeably, joy and happiness don't mean the same thing. Happiness comes and goes, but joy, especially the joy of the Lord, is a constant source of strength and hope that Christians receive from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It's a gift of grace.

Because joy is from God, it can not be taken away from people, but people can allow it to be robbed from them by worries, troubles, stress, and even unforgiveness. Christians, empowered by grace through Christ Jesus, can take back their joy, change their attitudes, gain new perspectives and set healthy boundaries and limits. It's a choice you have because you have been freed by grace.

Have a blessed Easter!

Harley

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