My Journal

For years I have been on a mission to find joy in the holiday season.

• I have scribbled down Bible Verses on Joy.

• Started a Thankfulness Journal

• Taken the “25 Days of Joy” Challenge

But every year, I am faced with the emptiness of difficult childhood memories and complete disdain for the cheap “joy” sold to us through marketing ploys and TV ads.

Over the past year, through many challenges, I have uncovered the false narrative of worldly joy and discovered true joy.

Whether we know it or not, people are watching us to see how we

·       respond in times of chaos

·       endure struggles

·       engage with people who don’t believe as we do

Another year has come and gone, and what do I have to show for it?

At first, I thought I would share all of the highlights; with smiling faces, beautiful landscapes and just the right lighting…but that seemed a bit too picturesque.

In contrast, I considered sharing all of the LOWS, of which there were many…but no one wants to hear a sob story.

Instead, I want to tell you how this last year has changed me.

Exhausted and terrified, I stayed as isolated as possible. Most days I had just enough energy to get out of bed and make sure the basic needs of the family were met. I trudged hollowly through the days and wept in the solace of a hot shower at night.

This is not the kind of faith you get from sitting on a church pew, one hour a week on a Sunday morning.

This is the kind of faith that is developed over time, through countless hours of prayer, time in God's Word, and worshipping our Savior.

This is a bold faith that entrusts all that we have to the One who created us.

I don't know about you, but I want that kind of bold faith!