a J.O.Y. full 2012...

Welcome to 2012! A new year means a new beginning right? Sure! Why not?!
But we can begin anew each and every day! The Lord's mercies are new every morning! and His love is steadfast (Lamentations 3:22-24)! I will place my hope in the Lord, not in what this new year will bring.

This year, I will not strive for happiness. Nope. Happiness is a fleeting emotion that only lasts as long as the situation that made you happy lasts. I'm not saying I don't want to be happy, I do. Everyone does. It is a God-given emotion after all. Who coined the phrase "happy new year" anyway? The simple truth of the matter is, I don't think anyone will ever be completely and truly happy (in this life anyway).

I don't believe God ever promised us happiness. I believe He wanted us to be FILLED with JOY! In John 15:11 it is written, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete;" in Nehemiah 8:10 it is written,"...for the joy of the Lord is your strength." JOY!

This year I want to strive for joyfulness. Being joy-filled. Filled with JOY! Do you remember that acronym for j.o.y. ??? I do. It's "J.esus" "O.thers" "Y.ourself" This is what I will strive for in 2012.
There are many other "goals" I have for myself and my family. But I think this one is at the top of the list.

And what are goals anyway? Just guidelines really. Only God knows what His plan is for my family and I. All I can do is pray about the next step into life...and wait patiently for His answer.

God bless you my friends in this new year of 2012!