What is Joy.

My word for this year is JOY. I love this word. Happiness so often depends on circumstances but to me joy is what springs up inside that has nothing to do with what’s happening around me. Joy is being able to smile when my day is full of lemons; it gives me the ability to look beyond my frustrations and not let them get me down. Joy has a lot to do with my relationship with God and the trust I have in Him. A sign on my desk says it perfectly: “Debbie, I have everything under control. Trust me. Jesus.” That, my friends, says it all–that’s joy!
Posted on January 19, 2016 in Blog

January 20th, 2016 at 3:35 pm
Joy to me is having the Spirit of the Lord within me…knowing that I am NEVER alone.
January 20th, 2016 at 3:38 pm
My word this year is Challenge, I have decided to challenge myself to step out of the box, to accept things as a challenge instead of feeling defeated or frustrated. When life is tuff or seems like one thing after the other is just going wrong, I will pray and step forward to overcome it.
January 20th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
YES THAT SAYS IT ALL!
January 20th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Good morning Debbie,
Joy for me is to feel free of troubles, negative stress even for just a fleeting moment.
Joy is to feel alive.
Joy is the energy bubbling up inside that makes me smile “for no particular reason”.
I remember in my teens I just had to run arms wide open on that beach in Brittany, just enJOYing live and unexplained happiness.
Joy is when I knit things for people in my life and that I have time to do so these days.
Joy is sharing with people I love, like having long discussions about life with my teenage sons and my husband.
Joy is also reading your books!!!
January 20th, 2016 at 3:44 pm
Joy Macomber! It fits!
January 20th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Joy is my faith that God can handle everything that is out of my control
January 20th, 2016 at 3:49 pm
Joy, to me, is that overflowing love in my heart when I see my grandchildren. When they run to me with outstretched arms calling “Gigi!”. God is great and, despite many bumps along the way, I am blessed abundantly. Joy!!
January 20th, 2016 at 4:26 pm
Joy is a great word because no matter what kind of situations come along, giving our struggles and pain we can always smile because we know God has a plan for our lives and our health. Thanks for sharing!!
January 20th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
My word for 2016 is also JOY. I was thrilled when I saw that it was your word for the year as well. I look forward to your shares that I know will come through out the year. I have two grown sons, who are both incarcerated for drug related charges. It is overwhelming at times, but God has been faithful. As you say, joy is not dependent upon our circumstances. I am learning to pray “Thy will be done” and mean it.
Thank you for your honesty and faith.
Kristene
January 20th, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Debbie,
I go to church with and am good friend of Cindy Mesko who worked at World Vision. Cindy’s whole depth has been let go. Please pray for Cindy to find a wonderful fulfilling new job. I also chose joy for my word and am so enjoying your posts.
Nora Saldana in Federal Way.
January 20th, 2016 at 11:56 pm
Well put. Only Jesus can bring true JOY and PEACE to our hearts. You are an inspiration to me.
January 21st, 2016 at 2:07 am
JOY that unexpected surprise. When you look out the window. The BEAUTIFUL mountain snow on top Sun shining and a pink glow in the sky. Knowing God’s hand at making this day
January 21st, 2016 at 5:42 am
Asking in Jesus’s name that joy may be full
January 21st, 2016 at 4:57 pm
Last year is the first time that I had ever done “one word” for the year. My word was “discover” and it gave me permission to just check things out. It truly did propel me forward to do things I had always thought I would like to do one day. I am excited to share that I am currently recording my first CD. I have been dreaming of doing this for over 25 years! This year my word is “enjoy”, to enjoy the things I have discovered.
I agree, joy is not circumstantial. It is feeling content in spite of our circumstances. I love the sign you have on your desk. That is a great idea. I have a sign under my bathroom mirror that says “Because of Christ and his redemption (He paid for my sins), I am completely forgiven and fully pleasing to God. I am totally accepted by God”.
I appreciate you and your writing, Debbie. May God richly bless you this year with more “Joy” than you can handle! – Deanne Perry
January 22nd, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Joy is my new favorite word…..I found this quote and I love it: The Gloom of the World’s but a Shadow. Behind it, yet within our Reach is JOY..Take JOY!!! (Giovanni)
January 27th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Joy is my word for the year 2016 also!
Joy is higher than happiness.
Joy is deeper and is felt in mind, body and soul!
January 28th, 2016 at 7:42 pm
My word for 2016 is “intentional”. I want to be more focused on my belief in God, my family and friends. And yes…intentional in Joy.
January 29th, 2016 at 2:51 pm
I love the Blossom Street stories, would you please send me a list (in order)
Of these books?
I read every Debbie Macomber books as soon as I find the