Words of Wisdom for the Weekend: Living, Experiencing, Defining Joy

{I am taking a poll this weekend, looking for people to define joy and I asking if you might help. Please  consider leaving a comment below with how you define this beautiful characteristic called joy, I would appreciate it! Thank you!!}

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"A commitment to living a life of joy involves a one-time decision in our heart; 'Lord, I want to know your joy every day of my life, and I will seek to find out what it means to dwell in your presence in joy.' 

"Experiencing joy, though, is a long-term process--a journey toward maturity as we begin to be aware of those thoughts and worries that would steal our joy. The more we practice taking all of our troubled thoughts captive, the more easily we will recognize them before they take hold in our heart. Practice and discipline provide strength training for our mental muscles and heart responses. So walking in the reality of joy is a road we truly find as we mature and become stronger. The more consistently we follow the path--believing in God's goodness and turning away from Satan's taunts--the more the habit to submit to the Lord and trust him becomes second nature. 

"We simply have to practice walking each step with him and allow his presence to bring us the joy that comes from resting in the arms of our capable dance partner through each measure of life's song."

~Sally Clarkson, 'Dancing With My Father'

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{Words for Wisdom for the Weekend: These are words that I have been challenged or encouraged by that I have read throughout my week that I kept pondering; words that I couldn't get off my mind and heart throughout my week. 

For other Words of Wisdom for the Weekend posts see here.}


Again, thank you, for leaving a comment with your definition of joy.