Joy – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Choose Joy Over Pain

LatishaJuly 4, 20232 Replies

Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. -H. Nouwen

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! First, I want to apologize for being away for so long. Even though writing is my passion, the last few months have been a struggle for me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Despite all of the pain I’ve experienced recently, God saw fit to put an angel into my life to not only encourage me through my painful moments, but also, they suggested that I write about the joy that I am feeling now. For that blessing, I will forever be thankful.

So, today my writing focus is centered around how wonderful it feels to welcome joy back into your life once again. Now, let’s take a moment to define JOY.

JOY (noun): The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.

Believe it or not, you can recognize joy by the physical sensations it triggers within your whole body.

Here’s a few examples:

You may feel excited and warm all over.
Your breathing becomes faster.
Your heartbeat increases.
Your eyes may light up and begin to twinkle.
You may have an irrepressible smile on your face.

There’s no doubt about it, joy does not just appear in your life. You have to make the decision to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.

AMAZON RESOURCE

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF JOY?

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. – Helen Kellar

Joy has a way of working its way from the inside out. When our lives are filled with joy, we spread the same positive energy to those people around us. Joy is infectious, transmittable, spreadable, and catching. Simply put, joy is contagious!

Here’s a few signs of joy that you may experience in your life from time to time:

You express gratitude regularly.
You choose your authentic self.
You enjoy simple things in life.
You are present and live in the moment.
You create harmonious relationships.
You keep your inner critic on mute.
You strive to live your life with integrity.
You are not afraid of change.
You make room for what you are passionate about.
You make opportunities for laughter.
You set a goal(s) outside of your comfort zone.

Do any of these experiences sound familiar to you? As you continue your journey in life, pay attention to how you feel in various situations. Don’t be afraid to make mental and physical adjustments as you see fit in order to experience joy more frequent.

WHAT IS THE PUREST FORM OF JOY?

Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here. – Unknown Author

The purest form of joy can be found in ordinary moments, and those moments can happen any place where gratitude is alive. When God’s joy fills your mind, body and spirit it bestows on you a beauty that radiates from within. As you spend quality time with God (reading God’s Word, prayer, meditation, spiritual journaling), you will find that God is your sole source of joy. God brings joy into your life by answering your prayers, offering wisdom, His Word, and blessings from on high.

Here’s some ways to find your purest form of joy in life:

Schedule time daily to read God’s Word, pray and meditate.
Express yourself daily by writing in your journal.
Sing fun, upbeat and inspirational songs.
Recite positive affirmations and inspirational quotes.
Listen to inspirational podcasts.
Focus on the positive things in life, not the negative.
Surround yourself with joyful and God-fearing people.
Talk about joyful things that you enjoy.
Find your passion and share it with others.
Sprinkle joy and positive vibes around like confetti.
Share your joyful experiences with others throughout life.

Remember, joy is a gift of God and should be your strong foundation so when rough times and unexpected emotions arise in your life, joy will remain constant.

JOYFUL AFFIRMATIONS

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.

Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:

My life is amazing, and it gets better every day.
I am joyful every day and create joy for others.
I know exactly what brings me joy and make sure to keep these things close.
I have energy and joy bursting inside of me.
I am always looking at the bright side and can easily find joy in the little things.
I move forward with joy and grace.
I deserve joy and I express joy. Then, life returns the favor.
I am worthy of joy, abundance and love in my life.
The root of my joy is gratefulness.
I always surround myself with things that bring me joy.
My heart is so full of joy that it creates ripples of happiness in the hearts of everyone around me.

ACTION – Write two “I am” statements that make you feel joyful and recite them daily.

AMAZON RESOURCE

JOURNAL PROMPTS

There is no joy without gratitude. – Brene Brown

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

Would you choose joy over pain? Why or why not?
What brings joy into your life?
What makes your life feel fulfilled?
What’s one thing you can do right now to be more connected to joy?
Write about a joyful experience and include all of your senses: touch, sight, sound, taste and smell.
What are three words or phrases that come to mind when you think of joy? Write about them.
What in your life has evoked the most joy?
What is something that you’ve overcome in life?
Where do you feel out of alignment with the things that bring you peace and joy?

Remember to ponder on God’s Word and His promises of future joy in your life often. Let the hope fill your heart until you receive God’s radiant and everlasting joy. Exceedingly great joy will be yours forever. Why? Because you stepped out in faith to choose joy over pain. May God continue to shine forth like the sun itself within your life. Peace and blessings!

Let’s Talk. Joy creates a positive excitement that uplifts and expands you. How do you plan to bring joy back into your life? Please share your thoughts. I look forward to reading your responses!

WRITER & BLOGGER CORNER

ConvertKit is the go-to marketing hub for creators that helps you grow and monetize your audience with ease. Start your free trial 14-day free trial. No credit card required. Cancel anytime. Grow your audience using beautiful landing pages, sign up forms, and link pages that make your work standout.

Pixistock is a valuable resource that provides you with original content ideas in planner format, monthly, and the graphics to go with it to help speed up the content creation process.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Ways to Celebrate Life

LatishaDecember 11, 20196 Replies

Gift, Boxes, Birthday, Celebrate Life, Celebration — pixabay

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. – Oprah Winfrey

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! This morning I pause to bless my day and it is a beautiful gift from God. Today, I am celebrating my 46th birthday and I wanted to celebrate life with you. Now, what better way to celebrate than to write an inspirational blog post just for you. We should always make each new day a celebration of life. Why you ask? Well, it is quite simple. Every day is a fresh start. Always remember, what you celebrate expands to something bigger so celebrate life often. Throw kindness around like confetti.

Today, right in this present moment, I want to take time to reflect on my amazing life. I honestly look at where I am today, and I look at how I came to be here. I acknowledge the darkness and the light that shines within. Each day I focus on my vision of positive changes that I need to make in my life so that I may heal and grow in the most beautiful way possible. However, I do realize this journey has no rules, no right or wrong answers. I accept my journey for what it is, and I acknowledge that only I can do my healing work. I choose to feel good about myself each day. I am blessed. I am beautiful. I am brave. I am fearless. I am happy. I am bold. I am strong. I am enough. I aspire to be a giver. A giver of live, a giver of good vibes and a giver of strength. Today I fill my heart with love and embrace this wonderful, new life experience.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

WAYS TO CELEBRATE LIFE

Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even its end. – Joanne Harris

• Every day do something that will lead you closer to God. (Read God’s Word, Pray, Meditate)

• Thrive on happiness, a calm mind, good health and well-being. (Reading, Journaling, Exercising)

• Have faith, be courageous, and dream big. (Believe, Trust and Hope)

• Feed your soul spiritual food. (Read God’s Word, Attend Church, Listen to Gospel Music)

• Strive for greatness and embrace change along the way. (Victorious)

• Don’t procrastinate. Think positive and plan ahead. (Focus and Vision)

• Love to no end, be grateful, choose joy and be kind. (Heart and Mind)

• Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve. (Strength and Wisdom)

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown Author

• One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

• There is no one better to be than myself. I am whole, and I accept who I am.

• I believe in my goals and dreams. I have the power to make them come alive.

• I forgive myself for my mistakes. My mistakes help me learn and grow.

• My confidence grows when I step outside my comfort zone.

• I am in charge of my life.

• I am open and ready to learn.

• I am capable of so much.

• I am free to make my own choices.

• I am perfect just the way I am.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. – Oprah Winfrey

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Be honest with yourself and be willing to feel the words within your soul. If you allow yourself to escape for a moment and answer the questions below, you may free yourself from emotional bondage. Keep in mind that this is a journey and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• How can I love myself today?

• What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?

• Who/What brings the most joy to my life?

• When was the last time I felt truly at peace?

• What do I need more of in my life?

• What is something I would love to learn in my lifetime?

• What are the best choices I have made in life so far?

• What did I do today that brought me closer to my dream?

• What is your vision for the next 3 months?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

You become what you believe. – Oprah Winfrey

Let’s talk. How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you take time to enjoy life? Do you share kindness with others? Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

God Is My Strength

LatishaSeptember 15, 2019Leave a Reply

Keep your head up. God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Special Thought – Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Every day I wake up, I thank God for giving me the strength to keep moving forward. How about you? Remember that LIFE is a gift from God. God’s amazing strength gives us power for living each day. Never take your life, the good and the bad, for granted.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – NIV, WOMAN’S STUDY BIBLE

SCRIPTURES TO PONDER

At my lowest point in life, God is my Hope. At my darkest, God is my Light. At my weakest, God is my Strength. – Unknown Author

As we go through life’s challenges, remember that God’s strength and renewal can be found by reading God’s Word. There are many scriptures that confirms God’s strength and His willingness to strengthen His people. This is a personal spiritual journey. You must be committed to read God’s Word and hide scriptures in your heart.

Here’s a few of my favorite scriptures to ponder:

• Psalm 18:32 KJV– “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”

• Psalm 27:1 KJV– “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

• Psalm 84:5 KJV– “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.”

• Ephesians 3:16 KJV – “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”

• Philippians 4:13 KJV – “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

AMAZON RESOURCE #2- GOD IS MY STRENGTH BOOK

SPIRITUAL WAYS TO RENEW YOUR STRENGTH IN GOD

The purpose of being in God’s presence is to make us stronger no matter what the circumstances. Believe it or not, the strength comes to those of us who desire to follow after Jesus Christ. It is important for us to not only walk in FAITH, but also to remove anything out of our lives that would block God’s presence throughout this miraculous process.

Here’s some spiritual ways to renew your strength in God:

• Faith – Increase faith by hearing God’s Word and meditating constantly. Remember, the Word of God strengthens your faith, and builds you up. Saturate your mind and your spirit with the Word of God and God will impart His strength to you.

• Courage – Be very courageous in the face of your challenge. You must have courage and faith when you draw near to God, knowing that it is His will to strengthen you, and to clear a path for you.

• Prayer – Whatever we face in life, may we choose to lift all our moments to God in prayer. Keep praying about your God ordained dream and don’t lose hope.

• Joy – Sometimes joy comes to us in ways not always understood or appreciated by others. Joy can be tailor-made, just for us kind of experience. When you lock into God’s joy, you have locked into your dreams for life.

• Patience – It is important to spend time waiting on God. Give God thanks and honor Him as well as place your situations in His hands. Remember, it is God’s timing, not ours.

• Love – Love is a spiritual force that you can only receive what you have given and helps your faith to work properly.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – PRAYER JOURNAL

At my saddest, God is my comforter. It is important to confess often and turn away from any sin so that the door opens for God’s cleansing grace to wash through you. This process will not only restore the strength of God in our lives, but you will be strengthened to walk in victory, and walk in faith as well.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

My strength is greater than any struggle. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Now, open your journal or notebook and practice journaling each day by using these helpful journal prompts:

Here’s some journal prompts to help you get closer to God and receive His strength:

• Today, I want to use the strengths God has given me to __________________.

• A Bible verse I want to dwell on today is _________________.

• God gives me strength to overcome __________________.

• In the phase of life, I’m in now, I feel blessed with ____________________.

• God give me the strength to grow in the area of ____________________.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Do you depend on God to strengthen you? What is your favorite scripture related to strength? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Season’s Greetings

LatishaDecember 8, 20182 Replies

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our link (at no additional cost).

Season's Greetings, Holiday Season, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays — Pixabay

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou

Something to Think About – Jesus knows the way because He is the way.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Season’s Greetings! Always remember, the greatest gift you can ever own is not found in the shops or under your Christmas tree. It is found in the hearts of your loving family and your true friends. This should be a special time of the year filled with happiness and peace. Finding time to share joy and positive memories with family and friends. Don’t forget about those who are less fortunate than us. Sacrifice your time by serving people in need at your local homeless shelter, foster care agencies, nursing homes or hospitals. Visit some of your neighbors and make sure that your elderly neighbors have healthy meals for the holidays as well. Also, don’t forget to send monetary donations to your favorite charities. Jesus isn’t just the reason for this season. He’s the reason for every single day of our life. Wishing all my family and friends a beautiful and blessed Holiday Season!

Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold, and your health is wealth. –Zig Ziglar

REASONS WHY JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence.

We should celebrate Jesus Christ because He is the ultimate gift to the world (Romans 5:15)

His love inspires people to be extra kind and giving this time of year that’s why you give special gifts to those you love and cherish (I John 3:16)

It’s a time of year where we can all be like little children, just like He taught (Matthew 18:2-5)

Christmas lights remind us that He is the Light of the world (John 8:12)

We can be of good cheer and full of hope because He came to save us (John 3:16)

Everybody loves when a baby is born, but none has changed the world as Jesus has (Matthew 1:21)

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Season’s Greetings. Happy Holidays. Be Kind. Be Thoughtful. Be Genuine. But most of all Be Thankful.

How do you plan to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas holiday?

What action did you take today that brought you joy? What action did you take to bring joy to others?

How do you spread Christmas cheer?

How do you plan to serve others during the Christmas holiday and beyond?

When have you felt that you deserved something you wanted and couldn’t get it?

How could you remind yourself instead about all the blessings you already have?

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Who made you smile during the holiday season?

The holiday season makes me feel ____________________________.

Write about 4 emotions that come to your heart on Christmas day and why?

List 10 words that come to mind when you thinkof Jesus Christ. Ready, set, go!

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

Merry Christmas. Tis the Season to be Jolly.

How do you plan to spend the holiday season? How do you plan to share some joy and holiday cheer to those around you? Do you have any family traditions or recipes that you share every year?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program and Blue Host Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com and Bluehost.com

Spreading Joy

LatishaDecember 4, 201826 Replies

Joy is the sound of love, the color of gratitude, and the song of hope. – Mary Davis

Something to Think About – The root of joy is gratefulness.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today I choose joy. Joy is the echo of God’s life in us.

HOW TO CHOOSE JOY (www.flowingwithchange.com)

• Decide to choose joy.
• Daily affirm, “I feel joy today.”
• When other things seem to be more important like worrying, start over with the first one.

If we allow ourselves to be honest and feel the positive sensations inside, then we all could agree that life is simply bursting with joy. Joy grows from the inside, then you are allowed to spread it to others along your journey. Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path you take towards joy. No one makes you joyous, it comes from within. Simply put, it is your responsibility to choose joy throughout life. Now, you may be wondering how you choose joy from day to day? Well, you can choose joy by showing kindness, love and a grateful heart. In addition, there are some basic ways that you can spread joy to other people as well. It can be quite a rewarding experience to brighten up someone’s day by extending an act of kindness or just simply smiling at someone as you pass by. However, it is essential for you to bring joy to yourself first by empowering yourself and leading a happy and stress free life.

WAYS TO SPREAD JOY

• Be kind toward yourself. Remember, you cannot give what you don’t have.

• Smile. Don’t wait to be happy. Think of something good in your life, smile and see what happens.

• Transform your life by being optimistic and positive. Be helpful and give compliments to others.

• Surprise the people you love with a special gift or flowers just because.

• Say something good about someone or something. Be genuine and spread positive vibes and thoughts.

• Send a card, special note or letter to family, friends, co-workers or neighbors.

• Being authentic and courteous to others by saying words, such as “good morning” or “have a wonderful day”.

• Volunteer for a good cause where you can help others less fortunate than you are. For example, visit a nursing home, hospital, children’s group home or a homeless shelter.

You are free to think thoughts of worry or joy, and whatever you choose will attract the same kind back to you. Worry attracts worry. Joy attracts joy. – Rhonda Byrne

**5 WAYS TO FIGHT FOR JOY – (www.moreradiance.com)**

• Sing your favorite song
• Focus on the Good
• Smile throughout your day
• Surround yourself with joyful people
• Talk about joyful things

While living your best life, it is important to find joy along the journey. Don’t wait for perfect circumstances to experience the joy God wants to give in this moment. Remember, life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy. Begin to live life on your own terms or you will have other people sucking the joy out of you before you can spread it to anyone else. Find joy by walking in gratitude. Joy is contagious. Pass it on!

JOYFUL AFFIRMATIONS

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, and sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. – Thich Nhat Hahn

• Today I choose and welcome joy into my life.

• My day begins with gratitude and joy.

• I radiate joy and vitality throughout my life.

• I am worthy of love and joy.

• I am a joyful breeze entering a room.

• I am peaceful. I am joyful. I am thankful.

• I handle my own life with joy and ease.

• Life is filled with joy and abundance.

• Nourishing myself is a joyful experience.

• Today I spread love, joy and happiness.

Spreading Joy, Gratitude, Holidays — pixabay

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude. – Karl Barth

• What’s the role of gratitude in your life?

• What is one thing you’d like to improve in yourself?

• How frequently do you make time for self-care?

• What is your life motto?

• What needs to happen in your life to increase joy?

• When was the last time someone was wowed by something you did?

• What are some ways to give back during this holiday season and beyond?

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. – Mother Teresa

Sprinkle joy throughout your day. Shared joy is double joy which is incredible joy. Be joyful always. Is it difficult for you to spread joy to others? What kinds of challenges do you face concerning spreading joy?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program, Blue Host Affiliate Program and the WordPress.com Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com

Simply Joy

LatishaNovember 4, 201810 Replies

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11 NIV)

Something to Think About – Joy is the echo of God’s life in us.

Love is spoken here. Joy is chosen here. Grace is given here. – Unknown

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today I choose joy and I welcome it into my life. How about you? Now, my life is simply bursting with joy! There’s no doubt about it, joy does not just appear in our lives, we have to make the decision to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. So, repeat after me – I find joy in each day. It’s time to make my joy a priority. My life is full of joy and happiness.

Joy comes when we choose to live in harmony with God’s eternal plan. – Russell M. Nelson

Simply joy has a way of working its way from the inside out. When our lives are filled with joy, we spread the same positive energy to those people around us. Joy is infectious, transmittable, spreadable, and catching. Simply joy is contagious!

When God’s joy fills our mind, body and spirit it bestows on us a beauty that radiates from within. As we spend quality time with God (reading God’s Word, prayer, meditation, spiritual journaling), we will find that God is our sole source of joy. God brings joy into our lives by answering our prayers, offering wisdom, His Word, and blessings from on high. Simply joy is a gift of God and should be your strong foundation so when rough times and unexpected emotions arise in your life, simply joy will remain constant.

Remember to ponder on God’s Word and His promises of future joy in your life often. Let the hope fill your heart until you receive God’s radiant and everlasting joy. Exceedingly great joy will be yours forever. Why? Because simply joy will make you shine forth like the sun itself when God is with you. Peace and blessings!

SCRIPTURES

Here’s some scriptures that speak about joy:

• Then he said unto them, go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV)

• But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. (Psalm 5:11 NIV)

• Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (Psalm 27:6 NIV)

• For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5 NIV)

• Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. (Psalm 51:8 NIV)

• My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you-I whom you have delivered. (Psalm 71:23 NIV)

• When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:19 NIV)

• Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:1-2 NIV)

• This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

• Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:2-3 NIV)

• Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wind with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. (Ecclesiastes 9:7 NIV)

• And provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord of the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

• Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3 NIV)

• Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. (I Peter 1:8 NIV)

EXAMPLES OF FEELING JOY

You are free to think thoughts of worry or joy, and whatever you choose will attract the same kind back to you. Worry attracts worry. Joy attracts joy. – Rhonda Byrne

Here’s some examples of feeling joy:

• A twinkle in the eye

• A ready smile

• A skip in the step

• A song in the heart

• Pure happiness

• Strength in the midst of weakness

• Peace in the midst of chaos

• Comfort in the midst of sorrow

WAYS TO FIND JOY

Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow. – Helen Kellar

• Sing fun, upbeat and inspirational songs

• Focus on the good in life, not the negative

• Smile and leave a little sparkle wherever you go

• Surround yourself with joyful and positive minded people

• Talk about joyful things that you enjoy

• Find your passion and share it with others

• Spread joy and positive vibes around friends and strangers

• Share your joyful experiences throughout life

simply joy, blue sky, water, scriptures — pixabay

JOYFUL AFFIRMATIONS

I am perfectly happy to be me. I am good enough just as I am. I love and approve of myself. I am joy expressing and receiving. – Louise Hay

• I am joyful every day and create joy for others.

• I have energy and joy bursting inside of me.

• I move forward with joy and grace.

• I deserve joy and I express joy. Then, life returns the favor.

• I am worthy of joy, abundance and love in my life.

• My heart is so full of joy that it creates ripples of happiness in the hearts of everyone around me.

journaling, book, flowers, writing, simply joy — pixabay

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

There is no joy without gratitude. – Brene Brown

• What brings joy into your life?

• What’s one thing you can do right now to be more connected to joy?

• Write about a joyful experience and include your senses: touch, sight, sound, taste and smell.

• Write two “I am” statements that make you feel joyful and powerful.

• What are three words/phrases that come to mind when you think of joy?

• How can you bring joy into your present situation?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!