Joy

Hey you all!

I haven't been such a devoted blogger these past several days so I thought I should change that and write a post :)

Something that's been on my mind lately is is joy

Joy for you might be that ever so wonderful cupcake

Or the feeling of throwing leaves in the air

Some of you might even feel joy when you have that favorite drink nestled in your hands on a cold and blistery day

Either way we feel joy throughout our lives.

We can never truly experience the fullness of joy with out God though.  How do I know this? Not only does the bible make mention of such, I have also experienced it and have heard others who have as well.
Joy doesn't mean that you have to smile all the time, it means that you are filled and happy in your heart and is enjoying the moment. That's something that an adventure in odyssey episode talked about. When you seek Jesus he gives you joy, that doesn't mean that you are just happy go lucky and never sad. It just means that you rejoice in the lord and is contently happy. It's kind of hard to explain, but perhaps you can get the idea.
Here are some verses that make mention of joy:

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

You can have joy just by believing in God and seeking Him. That is all that He asks to give you the gift of joy. You can do this by seeking Him in the morning with prayer and Bible reading, and thanking Him at night with prayer and more reading. It's devoting your time and life to Him, and abiding by His will. 

I can't say it will always be easy, but growing closer to God is always rewarding.

Many Blessings,