I find happiness to be over-rated. Don't get me wrong, I love to be happy. From my 16 years of experience I've concluded that we as humans are happy because of the good things that happen to us. I'm happy when I drink a Starbucks chai latte or a green tea frap. (like how I snuck my order in there?) I'm happy when it's Christmas. I'm happy when I'm living in Kenya. I'm happy when I'm playing volleyball. I'm happy when I'm with people I love and I'm happy when I accomplish things I think are changing the world.
hap·py/ˈhapē/
Adjective:
But I want something more. I want our generation to posses a positive feeling that doesn't depend on what's happening around us. The way our world's headed, who knows where we'll be in 10 years. Is there something that make could make all of humanity smile even when life was at it's worst? Because It has to exist, guys. Real joy is out there somewhere.
"Joy is different from happiness in that the word "happy" comes from the same root word as "happen": "hap." "Hap" means chance or fate. the feeling of happiness comes from what happens to a person by chance, but joy is a source of delight. it is what lies underneath all emotions, no matter what happens to a person."
Joy. The never-ending, always giving word that is rooted in something more than a current obsession. Joy--is what intrigues me. Because I want joy. Joy doesn't depend on my circumstances, it depends on my attitude. Joy says I rejoice because I have another day not because today was a good day. Joy says I will give thanks in all things not just when I remember. Joy says hope is ever-present. Joy says that good triumphs evil. Joy says no matter what happens, I have a reason to praise you, God. Joy says It doesn't depend on me, it depends on him. Joy says I will smile always. Joy says I will be different. Joy says CHRIST because in him and through him we have all the happiness all the positivity and all the joy we could ever want out of this breath we call a life.
When we realized that the girls we were going planning to rescue from the juvenile detention centre today, are still sleeping in fear and abuse because our home wasn't ready ... It's not time to question God. It's a time to have joy. Because it wasn't up to you. It's time to rejoice, because God's plan was bigger than yours. Every time his plan wins, He wins.
The more I'm in Kenya the more I realize that I NEED joy in my life. Deeply rooting my joy in Christ is the best thing I've ever done. You say I'm a happy person? I say I have CHRIST and he is enough. I don't automatically spurt joy. I have to work at it, and so do you. I write to you not because I'm a perfectly "joyful" person who has it all together... but because I've realized how crucial joy is to life. Joy is a daily decision we have to make. It's a decision to smile inside and out because, "It is finished."
Want to read about someone whop to choose joy? Read about Ashley and her amazing story here. After 6 surgeries, 22 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 courses of radiation, Daisy Love Merrick is facing cancer for the third time. Buy gorgeous not-for-profit CHOOSE JOY bracelets to remind yourself everyday that you have a reason to smile. Spread the love. Choose JOY.
hap·py/ˈhapē/
Adjective:
- Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
- Having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with (a person, arrangement, or situation).
But I want something more. I want our generation to posses a positive feeling that doesn't depend on what's happening around us. The way our world's headed, who knows where we'll be in 10 years. Is there something that make could make all of humanity smile even when life was at it's worst? Because It has to exist, guys. Real joy is out there somewhere.
"Joy is different from happiness in that the word "happy" comes from the same root word as "happen": "hap." "Hap" means chance or fate. the feeling of happiness comes from what happens to a person by chance, but joy is a source of delight. it is what lies underneath all emotions, no matter what happens to a person."
Joy. The never-ending, always giving word that is rooted in something more than a current obsession. Joy--is what intrigues me. Because I want joy. Joy doesn't depend on my circumstances, it depends on my attitude. Joy says I rejoice because I have another day not because today was a good day. Joy says I will give thanks in all things not just when I remember. Joy says hope is ever-present. Joy says that good triumphs evil. Joy says no matter what happens, I have a reason to praise you, God. Joy says It doesn't depend on me, it depends on him. Joy says I will smile always. Joy says I will be different. Joy says CHRIST because in him and through him we have all the happiness all the positivity and all the joy we could ever want out of this breath we call a life.
When we realized that the girls we were going planning to rescue from the juvenile detention centre today, are still sleeping in fear and abuse because our home wasn't ready ... It's not time to question God. It's a time to have joy. Because it wasn't up to you. It's time to rejoice, because God's plan was bigger than yours. Every time his plan wins, He wins.
The more I'm in Kenya the more I realize that I NEED joy in my life. Deeply rooting my joy in Christ is the best thing I've ever done. You say I'm a happy person? I say I have CHRIST and he is enough. I don't automatically spurt joy. I have to work at it, and so do you. I write to you not because I'm a perfectly "joyful" person who has it all together... but because I've realized how crucial joy is to life. Joy is a daily decision we have to make. It's a decision to smile inside and out because, "It is finished."
Want to read about someone whop to choose joy? Read about Ashley and her amazing story here. After 6 surgeries, 22 rounds of chemotherapy and 2 courses of radiation, Daisy Love Merrick is facing cancer for the third time. Buy gorgeous not-for-profit CHOOSE JOY bracelets to remind yourself everyday that you have a reason to smile. Spread the love. Choose JOY.
