Joy

The Lord continues to renew my heart with His love and joy.

I noticed the transformation in my heart and spirit the other day on skype.  I was Christmas chatting with my family and they all pointed out the amount of joy in my presence. Noticing it even from the other side of the world through their computer.  They commented on how happy I seemed. Which is really the joy of the Lord exuding through my spirit.  

I am a firm believer in the temporariness of happiness. Happiness is a good emotion and needed but fickle and fleeting.

Joy,however, comes from within.  It comes from the heart.  It comes from the Lord.

No matter what season we are in life. No matter what the world throws at us. 

Joy can and will be found in the Lord.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. This is so true. I often try to live out of my own strength. I often operate out of what can Stephanie do and not what the Lord can and will do. When I allow Him to work and allow Him to be my strength, I find joy. 

I encourage you to seek Him fully, with your whole heart and allow His joy to fill you be your strength.  

JOY