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When we call home, we always ask Nathan how our Darcy Dog is doing. Over years, she has brought me joy at no cost—just ready to play, love, and give all of us lots of joy. Today, I wanted to create a podcast and blog post that would bring a smile to the midst of your busy day—just like Darcy always did for me.
Sometimes, I think mamas need someone to read them a story that fills the heart and soothes the moments of the day. Today, I read a really fun portion from December in The Lifegiving Home and share some of my favorite joy passages with you. I hope it will encourage you. I don’t know about you, but daily, I look for ways to keep my soul alive by what I am reading and pondering.
Recently, I have been deeply studying the concept of joy in scripture. We all know that it is a fruit of the spirit. But think about this, it is also good medicine, Proverbs tells us. And there are so many more treasures I found in my study that I will share with you—some today in the podcast, and some in my membership: https://lifewithsally.com
The reason I titled this blog post, “Cultivating Joy” is that it doesn’t just come naturally. Cultivating was originally a farming term that indicated preparing the land, planting seeds, causing the earth to be productive through preparation and planting. And so it is with joy. Though it is actually an essential part of who God is—a part of His very being, we must plant our thoughts, seek to live in the strength of His spirit, spend time with Him and dedicate our lives to growing in His joy. Living in joy is cultivating a way of seeing all of life—looking for the light and beautiful places.
As many of you know, a number of years ago, over many years, my life had become so burdened with difficulties, demands, disappointment, and drudgery. (I had fun doing all the d’s! ) I realized that I was drained to the core and the result was darkness in my thoughts, and dread in my heart.
After some deep soul-searching times, I realized that I did not want to be a victim in life but an overcomer. And so I wrote a book called, Dancing with My Father, and started my first blog named “I Take Joy.” I realized that as a woman, I had agency—the ability to decide how I was going to respond to the circumstances of my life. And I realized that I wanted to stay faithful to the Lord every day, (as much as possible and some times of regrouping) and be found a person of faith when I saw Him in reality, face to face.
My life has not been easy—just like yours hasn’t been. There have been difficulties beyond what I ever imagined and sadness, the broken-hearted kind in deep disappointments. Yet, my commitment to keeping a grid of joy has carried me through and allowed me to get up, time after time, to live one more day worshipping Him right in the midst of my story.
What brings you joy through your days?
Happy Monday.
Books Referenced in this Podcast:
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