May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
When Dennis and I married on Valentine's Day in Allenspark, Colorado, the theme of our wedding was "Joy". Our vows, the music we chose and the toasts we made were all about choosing joy in all things. Both of us had come through hard times and through those experiences God had taught each of us that joy truly is a choice. The Bible tells us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)
Is it easy to choose joy when you've lost a spouse to death and you're all alone? Or your marriage has ended through no choice of your own and you find yourself in the depths of despair? No, it isn't easy. But that's where the Holy Spirit comes in. By depending upon His power we can live the joyful life that comes through persevering in our faith, and matures us, conforming us more to the image of Christ.
The Reinkes want to have an attitude of joy no matter what the circumstances. Dennis is an established artist (http://dennisreinke.com/) and I am an aspiring writer. I started this blog in an effort to hone my writing skills, as well as journal my life in Estes Park, Colorado...a high altitude location. Maintaining a joyful attitude in high (or low) altitude is one of my goals. By the power of the Holy Spirit I will achieve it.
Well, you are not only my sister in the Lord, my friend, now you are even a blogging buddy. Yes, I have a knitting blog! And I have a yarn giveaway going on...you might win some free yarn...Love you and maybe someday we can meet your hubby. I'm excited that you can participate in the writer's guild and of course thrilled that you might start knitting!
ReplyDeleteI wish you JOY!
Debbie
So great to meet you and Dennis in Estes last weekend. Enjoyed your blogs! Was taken by your determination to achieve joy and make it part of your life. I've been grasping lately that since the word says Jesus is all in all then that means e.g. we want joy, well Jesus is our joy. Joy personified! And since He is in us then we already have joy! Seems there's no achieving but only receiving when we are in Him. Wow, what rest! Wishing you joy unspeakable and full of glory (1Pet 1:8)!
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