i got the JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY

Have you ever known someone that seemed to have absolutely NO joy in their life? They don't find joy in anything...not in their family, not in their friends, their job, their home....nothing gives them true, real JOY! Of course there are also people who can be real "joy suckers". These are the people that suck the joy right out of the room as soon as they enter. Bet you've met a few of those in your lifetime! Today, I have a choice to make. We all do really. What do we want to be? Do you want to be without joy? Do you want to be a joy sucker? Or, do you want to be someone who purposely attempts to add a little joy to everyone you encounter? Today I chose to be a "joy giver". I don't know if I've been successful. I may never know. But I have tried to say "thank you" to those around me. I chose to hold my tongue when I felt like making a comment that could have been taken the wrong way. I chose to smile and say hello to someone who looked lonely. In general, I'm trying to BE A JOY. I'm not bragging or being proud. I'm sharing....and OH!!! what a joy it can be to share joy!!! I don't want to go through this life without joy. And I don't want to rob anyone of their joy either. Just by walking into a room with a smile in the midst of tension....that can at least start a spark of joy. So what is your choice today? Joy giver? Joy stealer? Maybe today you just need to be the one that RECEIVES the joy. Any way you look at it, joy is out there!!! I believe my source of joy to be God. Only He knows my heart from the inside out. Only He knows what my "joy meter" reads....whether I need more joy....or do I need to give some of my joy to others. I am learning to listen to what He tells me. Not always an easy task, but something I aim to practice. I'm almost finished reading a book that I'm POSITIVE will remain on my "favorites"list for the rest of my life!!! I recommend it to anyone...EVERYONE! It's not just a "woman" book. The message and story throughout the book focuses on THANKFULNESS. "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Volskamp. A MUST read!!! It is through the things I am learning through this book, that I realized I needed to put a little more emphasis on JOY. I need to focus on "eucharisteo" as well, but I'm going to be practicing the lessons of this book for the rest of my life. Today, I share my lesson with you...and that is JOY! Live today, and every day, with your hands open to what is being given to you. You may just be surprised! Joy may be falling right into your hands!!! I pray today's blessings are only topped by tomorrow's blessings!!! Go experience JOY today...and everyday! Maybe you need to share your joy with someone else. Or maybe you need to be the joy-seeker! Either way, remember where the source of true joy is....And HE is closer than you thinly! Blessings to you all!!! Share my blog with others! ~Susie