Visiting the Archives
Happy New Year! Here’s to a 2016 filled with JOY. I’m visiting the archives today because my #MYONE WORD for 2016 is LAUGH, drawing from Proverbs 31:25 (NLT), “She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.”
This word chose me. I’m a little bit sure why, but I’m definitely sure that 2016 will unfold more of “the why” to me. I know I need to laugh more. Be more lighthearted. Let go and let God.
So today I share this short little teaching from The 12 Practices, Christmas Edition, and hope it re-minds you to look “for joy” and to “scatter joy” today.
After all, “there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor” (Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol).
The Practice of Joy and Celebration
Last year, the entire world was mesmerized by the blockbuster movie, Frozen.
Because I no longer have small children in the home and as of yet don’t have any grandchildren, there really wasn’t a reason to see the movie. But after my daughter Brooke saw it, she kept telling me, “Mom, you have to see this movie!”
Finally, on a really cold, really rainy day, I went to Redbox, picked up the DVD, and snuggled in for the afternoon.
Wow. Brooke was right. What a movie!
Does anyone “scatter joy” like Olaf?
Let’s Scatter Some Joy
As I spent time writing about the practice of joy and celebration, I felt so blessed.
My joy tank was filled to the full.
Because joy doesn’t depend on circumstances, it can and will be a source of comfort during hard times.
It might sound silly to say, “Let’s scatter joy like Olaf,” but I can’t stop thinking about him.
His silly, sensitive, oh-so-exuberant-sense-of-being-alive is contagious! I want it!
I’m moving through this day with eyes wide open and a heart ready to give.
‘Tis the season to practice joy and celebrate with “Olaf-ness!”
For more:
I love what you said, “True JOY is not based on circumstances!” My goodness I needed that and how funny that I was thinking about my heart attitude on the way to the movies last night and my lack of JOY! My middle name is Joy yet I feel little joy!
Kim, Thank you so much for your honest words. Finding that place of joy is perhaps one of
the most challenging things to do…but, God’s Word says it is possible. I found this
encouraging word, too, that God can and will actually INCREASE our joy…..
My prayer today: INCREASE our joy, Lord, increase our joy.
Isaiah 9:3, “You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.”
I am so going to scatter some Olaf Joy today and every day!! Love that, we have watched that movie many a time at our house, and sing “Let It Go” on many occasion, and your so right Olaf just brings me joy and a smile to my face. Happy New Year Janell!
Happy New Year to you, Mary Ellen! May God help each one of us to “let it go!” in 2016!!!! I’m letting go of people pleasing, how about you?