#joy – I and Thou Reflections

January is for Joy – Part 5

Joy in the Journey

How often have we been so focused on reaching a goal that we missed the little joys along the way?

So far, in our January is for Joy series, we have explored:

Joy in New Beginnings
Joy in The Present
Joy in the Deeper Meaning of Life
Joy in Relationships

If any of these were missed, now would be a great time to check them out. Each one is a quick two-minute read.

To recap, we’ve learned to jot down daily joys, ground ourselves with the five senses, connect spiritually through prayer, and cultivate joy through kindness and presence. Today, as we wrap up the series, let’s discuss finding joy in the journey.

Think about a road trip to the mountains. It’s a two-hour drive, but along the way, there’s an antique store that catches our eye. We could rush to our destination or stop, browse, and maybe find a hidden treasure.

Which choice brings more joy?

The adventure itself.
Each step forward. (And even backward, at times.)
Every small victory.
The lessons learned along the way.

James 1:2-4 reminds us,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Stepping Stones

James says triumphs and trials are opportunities to shape our character and draw us closer to God. We can now see our experiences as stepping stones toward more joy. Wow! That is good news.

Here are a few simple ways to nurture joy:

* Celebrate small milestones – progress is progress, no matter how small.
* Be curious and open-hearted – view each new experience as an opportunity to learn.
* Reframe setbacks—treat them as stepping stones that build resilience and grace.
* Savor the process—reflect daily on the moments that make the journey meaningful.

This January, let’s take a moment to find the joy in our journey. It’s easy. Grab a journal each evening, and write down one moment that brought joy. It could be an act of kindness, a lesson learned, or a small win. It may even set us up for a year of abundant blessings.

Remember, joy isn’t just found at the end of the road. It is in every twist and turn along the way.

So, let the joy of new beginnings warm your heart. Let it fill you with hope and inspire you to embrace the journey, one moment at a time.

#January #Joy #NewBeginnings #BeinthePresent #TheDeeperMeaningofLife #Relationships #Journey #LifeJourney

The Joy of January – Part 4

Joy in Relationships

Remember our first love? The thrill, the pounding heart, the innocence of that first handhold and kiss? Our first loves fed our curiosity. Didn’t they? We discovered newness and adventure. A spark igniting a wildfire. Until the fire was extinguished.

So, how can we capture the feelings of “first loves” and keep the fire burning over decades of togetherness?

To find joy in a relationship, we must choose to chop the wood, lug the wood, and gently place the wood in a position to best fuel the fire. Then, we need to monitor the fire by lovingly poking and prodding so that oxygen keeps the fire burning. In other words, joy flourishes when we focus on giving rather than receiving, choosing selflessness over self-interest.

The Treasure of Joy

Joy is a treasure. And finding the joy in a relationship is a treasure worth cultivating. While the world often emphasizes independence, the Bible teaches the beauty of connection. Romans 12:10 reminds us:

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Such devotion can lead to profound joy when approached with kindness and genuine connection. Here are a few simple ways to cultivate joy in our relationships:

* Compliment our partner on a unique strength.
* Offer to help our partner with a mundane household task.
* Listen actively, and express ourselves with honesty and grace.
* Set aside time for deep, meaningful conversations.
* Share moments of gratitude, telling others what we appreciate about them.
* Do something together for others, like make a meal for a neighbor or volunteer at a community event.

This January, let’s take a moment to cultivate joy in our relationships. It’s easy. Each day, ask these questions: Who in our lives needs an extra dose of kindness or encouragement? How can we serve someone close in a meaningful way? Are we giving our full attention and love to the people who matter most?

Remember that kindness is a powerful way to spread joy. Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful note, or a small act of kindness, there is a ripple effect. Let us love one another and connect in ways where we can treasure the joy. After all, we can cultivate and nurture it our whole lives.

Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts, fill us with hope, and inspire us to treasure the joy in our relationships!

#January #NewBeginnings #Joy #Relationships #Kindness #Connection #LifeJourney

The Joy in January – Part 3

Joy in the Deeper Meaning of Life

We covered joy in new beginnings and joy in the present. Now, let’s turn to the joy that can only be found in the deeper meaning of life. We begin with where we find joy.

Is it in life’s fleeting moments, like a fine wine?
Or a new sports car?
Or a high-paying job?

Sure, these can bring fleeting pieces of joy into our lives, yet they are short-lived. Right?

So, where can we find everlasting joy?

That is a much deeper question. True joy, which sustains and transforms, comes from the Source of our Creation. The source that some call God. In Psalm 16:11, David declares: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

This verse reminds us that true joy is not rooted in material things but in the eternal presence of God. We find joy by knowing, trusting, and walking in God’s ways. This satisfies our soul. Right? Maybe for some but not for everyone.

What if joy feels elusive?

Even when God seems silent, stay open to His voice. Be alert. Stay strong in your faith because God is everywhere whether you feel God or not. God hears your aches of emptiness and darkness. Rest assured, there is a greater purpose. We just don’t know what it is. Maybe this is what faith is all about?

Tapping into the Source of True Joy

Here are a few simple practices to help us tap into true joy:

Spend time in prayer and let God’s presence fill our hearts with peace and joy.
Let go and let God. Walking with God opens the door to everlasting peace and joy.
When life feels overwhelming, focus on eternal promises. These promises bring hope and joy even in difficult times.
Share God’s love through acts of kindness to others.

This January, let’s take a moment to connect with true joy. It’s easy. Set aside five minutes each day to thank God for specific blessings in our lives. As we pray, invite God’s joy to fill our hearts and overflow into every aspect of our day. These ordinary prayers of gratitude may lead to the extraordinary.

Remember that Joy is not found in what we achieve or accumulate but in who we are in Christ. Let us rest and rejoice in the endless, overflowing joy offered. After all, it is a free gift for all.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts, fill us with hope, and inspire us to find joy in the deeper meaning of life!

#January #Joy #DeeperMeaningofLife #Gratitude #Pray #Serve

The Joy in January – Part 2

Joy in the Present Moment

How often do we reminisce about the past or worry about the future? Too often, it seems. Life moves so fast that we barely make time for the present. Yet, isn’t that where joy truly resides?

Joy isn’t hiding—it’s simply overlooked. We rush through life, consumed by work, errands, and endless to-dos, forgetting to pause and ask, Where is joy?

Joy is:

In the scent of a flower.
In the warmth of a smile.
In the sound of laughter.
In the stillness of the morning.

Joy is found when we slow down. Let’s challenge ourselves to pause, even for a moment. Here’s an idea. The next time we head to our car, let’s try this:

Open the door, but stop before getting in.
Look around.
What do we see?
What do we smell?
What do we hear?

Let’s fully embrace the present. Take a deep breath, close our eyes, and express gratitude. These fleeting moments hold the power to uplift and renew us. They whisper, Rejoice!

The Apostle Paul offers a profound reminder in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This scripture calls us to find joy in all moments, regardless of circumstances. It encourages us to anchor our joy in God, the ultimate source of all joy. By finding comfort and strength in our faith, we can appreciate our blessings.

Cultivating Joy in Everyday Life

Here are a few simple practices to help us find joy in the present moment:

* Name 3 things we are thankful for.
* Fully engage in conversations around us.
* Take time to appreciate small things like nature, music, or a cup of coffee.
* Spend time with God. Pray and reflect. Be still.

This January, let’s take a moment to reconnect with the present. It’s easy. Each day, do a five sense check-in. Go outside or look out the window. What catches our eye? What do we hear? What can we touch? What scents are in the air? What do we taste? These ordinary moments may lead to the extraordinary.

Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts, fill us with hope, and inspire us to find joy in the present!

#January #Joy #5Senses #BeinthePresent #IandThouReflections #NewBeginnings

The Joy of January – Part 1

Joy in New Beginnings

A new year marks a fresh start. A gift for those of us seeking to wipe the slate clean. Right?

It is a gift to take a breath and start all over again. This time, we can cultivate the wisdom we acquired from the past to forge new roads for the future. Perhaps even paving the way for personal growth and self-discovery.

As these roads take us in new directions, let’s not walk. Let’s dance! Let’s seize each day and open ourselves up to new opportunities. Each one being a potential source of joy and excitement.

When Opportunity Knocks

When the door knocks, let’s open it and welcome it with open arms. Whatever that or who that may be. Let’s embrace what life has to offer with joy and excitement.

Let’s find joy in each day. We can discover God’s compassion with each new day. We just need to look. Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” These verses underscore God’s mercy and faithfulness, offering us a fresh start each day. Just as the dawn brings new light, so does God’s grace bring hope and joy.

In Isaiah 43:19, we find the promise of divine guidance and transformation: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. This scripture reminds us that even when we feel lost or stuck, God can create new opportunities and provide clarity as we move forward.

As we journey through January, let us hold fast to these promises.

This January, let’s take a moment each day to recognize the opportunities for for joy that surround us. Grab a notebook or a journal and begin writing one joy each day.

Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts and fill us with hope and inspire us to dance!

#NewBeginnings #January #IandThouReflections #Joy

Creativeness in the Sacred

Comfort & Joy

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Take a break. Step away and find a quiet place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Ask for God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In the depths of your soul, reach as far down as you can.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Sit for a while. Be open to God’s presence.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Ask God to sit next to you and join you in your thoughts.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
Shh. Quiet. Hear God speak.

God says, Hello, precious child.
“I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:9)
I am so happy to see you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to sit with you.
Go ahead and tell me what is on your mind.

It’s okay. Speak your mind.
Stay awhile in this sacred place.

Comfort and joy,
Where can I find this comfort and joy?
In this sacred space, may you find comfort and joy.

Whatever your religious beliefs are or are not, may this season of holidays, encourage you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

*****

Inspired by the Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen…
“Fear not,” then said the Angel, “let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour, Of pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him, From Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

#Comfort #Joy #Christmas #SacredSpace #NadiaCraneAuthor #Wine&Faith #RecommendedBooks

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I and Thou: Happy New Year!

Grow & Glow

Mesmerizing flames ablaze,
Burn throughout the day.
Capturing cherished memories,
Clasp tightly to the heart.

Exploring new territory,
Venture out of comfort.
Standing vigilant, astute, and alert,
Listen to the gentle winds.

Whispering possibilities,
Eyes fixate on mysterious signs.
Welcoming new adventures,
Skip along the way.

Like glass being blown,
Into a crisp, clear pane.
Seering off the rough by flames
Bring forth a polished hue.

Casting off the dreary,
Let optimism flow.
Unfolding the tale of a new year,
Relinquish fears to set sail.

Embracing clarity through new lenses,
The flames to refine.
Dissipating the burdens of time,
Joyful spirits will warmly glow.

#NewYear #Reflections #Flames #Glass #Memories #Glow #Joy

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I and Thou: Comfort & Joy