Choosing Joy

This morning the devil tried.

He tried to steal my joy. I had to force myself to roll out of bed this morning. I was dragging myself around trying to get my responsibilities accomplished.

Then, someone went flat out lied to my face. And you all already know that I can't stand a liar. I had to stand there and count to ten just to keep my mouth closed. I was fuming walking back to my office when one of my co-workers stopped me as I was walking past. She said I looked sad and needed a hug. When she hugged me I started laughing, and I felt myself calming down.

Instead of going into my office to stew and fume, I went in and had a talk with God instead. I sat at my desk and remembered that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I said a prayer and let the Father minister His love, joy and strength to me.

I feel better.

I'm grateful for that small act of love that my co-worker gave me. I'm thankful for the reminder that even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact on someone. I'm glad that there is always a bigger picture, a greater plan, and something more important. The little things come and go. The Kingdom is forever.

So, now I'm going to pay it forward and perform an act of love for someone else. I'm not going to get worked up over little things and let them ruin my joy in Christ. I choose joy! I choose to stay joyful.

Verse of the Day: ...neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

He's Brought Me From a Mighty Long Way...

We're back again for another week! I pray you had a blessed weekend. Seems like I was just here penning Friday's blog. Oh well, let's hop to it!

This weekend I had the opportunity to reflect on my growth in God thanks to a paper I had to write for class. Even though I've been saved all my life, God has matured me and changed me in so many ways.

I used to have an ugly attitude. I mean ugly. I could be the nicest girl when things were going okay, but don't let me get mad at you! I've had some 'scenes' in my day that I am not too proud of. And I've said some things out of pocket that still bring a little twinge of regret to this day.

On top of that, I could hold a grudge. You wanna talk about a long memory? I had it, and I used it. I would not easily forget an offense toward myself, family, or friends. Once a person made my list, it was nearly impossible to get off it.

I could be a mean little girl...

But thank God for His mercy and grace! Thank God for allowing me to change!

It was definitely not easy (especially the grudge part), but I recognized that I needed to change. I realized how ugly my behavior was. I saw how my witness and example were being affected by my non-godly ways. And I resolved to change.

Changing was a humbling experience. I had to apologize a lot. I had to bite (sometimes literally!) my tongue a lot. I had to spend a lot of time in prayer and study before the presence of God to allow His Spirit to make me over.

It's so sweet to know that there's nothing impossible for Him! Thank You, Lord, for continuing to mold me into Your image!

How has the Lord changed your life? What things can you see that God has helped bring you out of? Take some time today to give thanks to God for helping you to get rid of your sinful ways!

Verse of the Day:  But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

Attitude Adjustment Needed!

So this morning I was in a funky mood. I woke up because of God's grace since my alarm certainly did not go off like it should have done. Then I forgot that I had to go get some gas before I started my commute to work, so I was about 10 minutes late getting on the expressway.  The drizzling rain did not help lift my spirits at all (or move traffic along, for that matter).

I arrived to work with the work coming to greet me as soon as I walked in the door. I mean, can I get my coat off first, please? Yes, I was starting on work items - that weren't even my normal responsibilities - before I logged onto my computer. My bad attitude was turned all the way up. I was so not feeling today.

While doing the other person's job (they were blessed to be off today), I happened to ask one of my co-workers how they were doing just to make conversation. Listening to her response literally made me  feel like the most ungrateful, selfish person on the planet.

In comparison to her, I was experiencing bliss! She was going through real issues and if anyone was entitled to be a little sour, it was her. Yet she still had a pleasant smile on her face. There was no trace of anger, attitude or crabbiness in her voice.

I immediately repented of my bad attitude and made an internal adjustment. Thinking about things later, I had to admit that I allowed that mood to overwhelm me. I woke up upset, but I didn't choose to put a stop to it and take on the joy of the Lord. Instead I wallowed in it, and probably made some room for it's growth as the morning went on.

So, I am going to work to give thanks in all things. Life is a blessing, and I  should give praise at every opportunity. With all that Christ experienced and does for me, I should always strive to reflect His light no matter what's happening. How can I reach someone if I'm walking around wrapped up in a funky attitude?

Lord, help me to be a better person even when things don't go according to plan. Help me to realize that if it's happening, it's a part of your Master Plan. You still have everything under control, so I can just rest in You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace.

Verse of the Day: Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 (NLT)

**Did anyone else catch that I said I woke up because of God's grace, but I still had an attitude? Lord, help me!**

Self-Check

Yesterday I had a moment. Someone got on my very last nerve, and I felt myself slippin’ over to the dark side. I literally had to walk away and take a stroll to calm myself down before I acted out of character. It’s been a minute since I’ve been that hot, and I knew that what I was feeling was not of God.

As I breathed and cleared my head, I had to check myself. I reminded myself of who I was in Christ. I remembered the stance I have chosen to take to live holy before the Lord. I considered what Jesus would have me to do in that situation. I prayed and asked the Lord for help.

Eventually I was able to calm down and get myself back to normal. Thanks be to God for keeping me from saying some things that I would have really regretted!

We all have moments where we can become irritated, frustrated, and even irate. In all things, however, we are to remain examples of the Children of God. God’s children don’t curse people out. They don’t throw temper tantrums. Christians aren’t supposed to cause disorder, or inflict harm on another person.

So, when we feel the rise of emotion – and you know you can feel yourself getting steamed – it is our responsibility to rein it in and ensure that our character continues to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes you have to check yourself. Don’t hesitate to give yourself the ‘talking to’ you know is in order. Remind yourself of who you are and Who you belong to. You can save yourself from a world of trouble.

Verse of the Day: Be ye angry, and sin not… Ephesians 4:26a