Joy

Last weekend I had the privilege to attend the Passion 2011 conference in Atlanta. We heard some amazing Words straight from Jesus. One that has continually stuck out for me was on joy.

Where does your joy start? What is the foundation of it?

I love going to football games. I love chocolate ice cream with marshmallows in it. I love girl nights with Whittani. I love watching 'Elf' over and over and quoting it on a weekly basis with Caiti. But all the things that I "love" don't quite bring me the joy that Jesus does.

Too quickly we get caught up in the worldly, materialistic things of life. Too often we pass people by that are missing the one thing in their lives that will change them forever. The joy of Jesus. I want the root of my life to reflect Jesus. I want a light to shine in the darkness that shines brighter than the street lights. I want those around me to see that it's not a win by the Vols that is the foundation of my joy (however, I really DO love it when we win!) I want to be joyful even on the not-so-good days. I want words of Jesus to leave my lips when I feel like saying things that I shouldn't. I want grace to fill my heart when I think back to the things in my life that have left me hurt.

I want to always be mindful that joy comes from the Lord.