Saturday, July 16, 2016

The Truth About Growth: Growing in the Journey




growth for journey
Everyday presents us with the opportunity for new growth.  The journey is certainly a process of GROWTH! Nothing grows without some type of source providing it the very thing it needs to thrive and grow.   Personal growth is necessary, exciting and costly. To stay comfortable and dig in our heals right where we are is DEADLY.  To choose to die in the painful stretching would be forfeiting ALL that God has for us!  Growth comes in different ways. It can come thru experiences or circumstances.  Some may be good and some may be difficult. I have found in my own life that deep growth in my walk with Jesus has come thru the very challenging or painful times in my journey.  BUT the good or the fruit that comes from that is a desperation for HIM  that desires to go deeper.  It must go deeper or we will not make it! Been there? I have many times. One thing I have always said along the way is that their are times I dislike the process very much. I do not like pain or discomfort. I do not like injustice or  when things happen that are out of my control.  I love when my little world is balanced, peaceful and everyone is getting along. I know. I hear you. Totally unrealistic. That's how my world looks in my "Pink Bubble".  Just keeping it real! Can you relate? It is in these times that most of our greatest growth can take place.  The other thing I say is that the process is necessary and I MUST embrace it! Help me Jesus!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

3 Ways to Experience Joy in the Journey




Experiencing Joy in the Journey

 
sunflower joy

  I am overall a very positive upbeat person.  I choose to see things half full and not half empty. I want to find the good in others and in my circumstances. I have struggled along the way to experience the fullness of that JOY in the journey. Too often I have allowed circumstances or people dictate my JOY.  Like most things in life, experiencing that God given JOY in the midst of hard times is a process.  The first thing we must get straight is the true definition of JOY.  Joy is not happiness or meant to feel good all the time. That's impossible. Even for people who are upbeat and optimistic. Yes, it is true we can get joy out of  doing great things, experiencing beautiful relationships, holding our precious baby for the first time and doing something we just absolutely love to do.  All these things are circumstantial. Things change. People change.  Daily we are walking at the same time with joy and sorrow.  Happiness is fleeting and temporary.  Joy is the sustaining grace to enable us to walk through both the good and the bad. This is not of our own, but from God Himself.  As with everything we must look to God's Word and His truth.  What does real JOY look like? How can I experience JOY in this journey called life?

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