Joyful Fridays Vol. 1

I am starting something new!  Joyful Fridays!  Every Friday I am going to post on Joy and how we can have more of it in our lives.  I would love to make this a Link Party or Blog Hop but I am not sure I have the following for that just yet.  If this is something you would be interested in, please let me know in comments or email!

This is one of my favorite songs by Casting Crowns off of their Until the Whole World Hears album and it going 'round and 'round in my head last night inspired me!



There are so many scriptures in the bible on Joy and Joyful that I am sure that this is something that God wants us to have lots of in our lives.  In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that he came so that we can have an abundant life and to enjoy it!  Each Friday I am going to give a verse on Joy and share a little of my own insight and how I apply it in my life.

Psalm 95:1-3

Amplified Bible (AMP)

    ¹O COME, let us sing to the Lord; 

         let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation!    
      ²Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
         let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!

    ³For the Lord is a great God, 
         and a great King above all gods. 

I would like to say that I am consistent each day but I am not.  That is something I am working on.  However, on the days that I make the time to spend time with God and to sing and make a joyful noise to Him, I can feel and see the difference.  He is our Rock, our King; the Alpha and Omega.  We live in a chaotic and ever changing world.  We can rejoice in the fact that our God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Maybe you aren't comfortable singing out loud.  Maybe you were not gifted with a singing voice.  Well, I fit both categories and am here to tell you that you should forget yourself and just try it.  Yes, some of us even have to step out in faith just to sing out loud!  Once I got over my own insecurities and reminded myself that this was not for me but for God; that it is not a contest but a way for me to bring joy and praise to my King; I let go and let loose!  It felt great!  Once we ask Jesus into our hearts, we are filled with Him, His Holy Spirit.  When I focus on praising and worshiping God with my less than lovely voice, Holy Spirit steps in and helps.  That is why He is here, to be our helper, counselor, comforter.  To step in and fill in where we are weak, broken, unable.

So turn on your favorite worship song or just click play above and SING, SING, SING!  Make a JOYFUL NOISE and start (or finish) your day with the peace and joy of the Lord!

I would love to hear from you.  What songs do you enjoy singing out?  What things bring you joy each day?

Full Time Happy

I realize that many days (lately, most) I am so intent on completing all that needs done that I forget to stop and just enjoy the time I have with my daughter.  My goal for today - and the ones to come, but lets take this one day at a time - is to still get things done while taking the time to play, laugh, dance and sing with my little Gracie.  She is such a fun and imaginative child.  I am ashamed of myself for not being more grateful for and actively involved with the beauty and love she injects into every activity.

So for all the Moms and Dads out there that are constantly trying to accomplish - Don't forget to enjoy your greatest accomplishment!  We only get a few precious years with them before they go off into the great big world and get too busy to enjoy us!  


On that note - I have a little snuggle bunny waiting patiently for Mommy to get off the computer!


May your day be filled with laughter, love and joy!