JOY

Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.

There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is more about our circumstances, but joy penetrates our hearts and lives, and goes beyond our circumstances. If we choose to allow it, it is ever present in our lives, which doesn't mean that we are always running around happy, but if we have joy, it has a place deep in our souls and we have a sense of peace in all circumstances. Joy is a state of mind, a sense of well-being no matter what we come up against. It's not a fake smile, or pretending life is great when it isn't, but it's knowing we can pull through. Too me, joy and hope go hand in hand. Joy isn't about things, it's about who we are and what is in us. It is living each moment we are given to the fullest. Joy shines through us for all to see, if we let it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Joy is prayer-Joy is strength-Joy is love-Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love. ~ Mother Teresa

Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ. Anonymous