for you so that

Jesus is Joy!

Always be joyful. Pray continually and give thanks whatever happens. This is what God desires for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

What can joy look like in my life? 

Ryan: Being content in all things. Really it’s about keeping the proper perspective on an ongoing basis. It is the relationship with Jesus that brings joy into and through our circumstances, no matter the scenario. So… if Jesus is Joy then nothing else matters. For me it’s continuing to focus on and grow through my relationship with Jesus so that I can live in joy always.

Kara: Joy is Jesus! You are right!!! I’ve learned to experience joy in the smallest of things and situations, intentionally counting them on purpose (23,330+). When He provides more significant Joy relationally or circumstantially, I’ll call this ‘Joy 2.0,’ the connection to this joy is still Jesus sooooooo… May we let our relationship with Him remain as our first love and from there know JOY is and evermore abundant will be!!!

Later that morning my text to Ryan: In and with a Holy Light I bring this song to you, highlighting from the first two phrases then throughout the remaining lyrics the ‘evermore abundant JOY’ which IS (it actually IS!) on this, the anniversary of the morning after the darkest and hardest night of our marriage.

Through God our Father, with Jesus our King and in the power of His indwelling Spirit we LIVE.

Mon Rovîa – Rust. (official lyric video)

Ryan’s response (remember he was away on a work trip): Yes, it’s not the same when we are not together and aren’t able to go to bed together and wake up next to each other. This routine positively impacts my entire day. One of the things Allender highlights in his book “To Be Told” is how God intends to use the hard situations of our lives to benefit us and others. I wish that wasn’t actually the case but I’ve seen how from surrendering after our darkest days I/we have been given NEW and different which has impacted our relationship and my relationship with Audrey, Spencer and Caleb. My question now is how does this also translate to others? I know this others aspect is contingent upon my ability to comfortably and confidently share. I pray each of our kids are able to see the good God is providing to help them through all their challenges and I also pray this is another year which brings us all much joy.

Link to view my say-so about this post: https://www.facebook.com/reel/471837712474001/?s=single_unit&cft[0]=AZXzZyp_WONk7_O5zR_tY2pLgA7fnpWJa9Dz3E9g1GirfCWwymVZJYgSCDOHuQoBcRN5A6njdZviKkyjtYN0PvJe4Gb7bXdKh09tuv3tHAYiFeWHF0oECh916fQXJI3LItKK-IRGbv-0cb7_b96nZ1nTqkUnYJkL60axJpPnukn2Fw&tn=H-R

full playlist from that morning: https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/31ZBBIoxHfrh2JXcQ78xEP?utm_source=generator