DSW - AUG 2024 - JOY!

JOY: (noun verb) 1 - the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: 2 - a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: 3 - the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety. 4 - a state of happiness or felicity.  (verb) to feel joy; be glad; rejoice. 

 As a child growing up in church, then in later years when my children were growing up and now as my grandchildren are growing up, we would sing, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (WHERE?) Down in my heart! (WHERE) Down in my heart! I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart to stay!" These days, as I am well into my middle age years and quickly approaching senior adult discount status in any place that offers such a thing, I've learned that true JOY, the deep, abiding, never ending JOY is often mistaken for happiness - a much more shallow, transient emotion.  In Galatians 5, Paul spoke of the gifts of the spirit, including JOY, in this manner; 

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

23. meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

When I read that passage, it tells me that true JOY is something deeper than it's shadow emotion, happiness. It is something that is found as a by-product of our life in Jesus Christ; a part of our "soul DNA" that is imprinted so deeply within us that no one can ever take it away, and will last with us throughout eternity. On the converse, happiness is an emotion, and like the wind in the trees, emotions come and emotions go. But true JOY, that deep, abiding, "soul DNA," gift of the spirit never leaves. It is forever a part of us. Do you have that JOY today?  The kind of JOY that Dante Bowe speaks of in his song, “JOYFUL” can be yours, just as it is mine! If you don’t know that kind of JOY, reach out to anyone on the admin team. We’ll be more than happy to share with you about JOY, and to help you find it in your own heart and life!

Happy Writing! - Mel

Please note: I write all my plans based off the King James Version of the Holy Bible, so other translations may vary in wording but should have the same context. Also, I write all plans for 31 days so that they can be used any month of the year. 







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PLAN INTRO - DSW - AUGUST 2025 - "HIS NAME"

Image
 PLAN INTRO - DSW - AUGUST 2025 - "HIS NAME" In the early days of our marriage, as our family was just beginning and growing, my husband and I took very careful consideration in the naming of our children.  As each one came along, we'd painstakingly research names for both a boy and a girl, as we anxiously waited to see which name we'd get to use. Our first child's name (a boy) was selected after a sermon by our (then) pastor and the 1st & 2nd grade Sunday school class that we taught.  Our 2nd child's name (a girl), had been inspired by a book I read at the age of 14, and had been hanging on to ever since.  Our third child's name (a boy), came as a tribute to 2 of our grandfathers (had he been a girl, he would have been named, "Gabriella," which my research revealed means "breath of God," and I absolutely loved it!). Our fourth child was adopted, but we had some input on her name, and she too was named after family members.  Remarka...
Read more

DSW PLAN INTRO - APRIL 2026 - NAMES OF GOD

Image
 April 2026 - Daily Scripture Writing Plan, "Names of God" Preface: This month's plan was originally shared back in July 2022.  As I attempted to create a new plan for April 2026, my mind was unsettled and my Spirit felt blocked from creating brand new content.  I prayed and sought the Lord's direction.  I felt Him leading me back to this plan from several years ago.  The names of God are timeless. I never tire of studying them.  As we are currently observing Holy Week leading up to Easter 2026, I believe this plan definitely bears repeating.  Perhaps it will help us keep our focus on the characteristics of our loving Father, even long past frilly, new Easter dresses, hats and bows. May it remind us throughout the month of the facets of God we may not think about every day. (Original Intro Content - July 2022)  "El shaddai, el shaddai El-elyon na adonia Age to age You're still the same By the power of the name El shaddai, el shaddai Erkamka na ado...
Read more

DSW - OCTOBER 2025 - THE SHEPHERD

Image
 DSW - OCTOBER 2025 - THE SHEPHERD 14. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  15. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.  16. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there  shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.  18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.                 John 10:14-18 (KJV) The image of the shepherd runs like a golden thread throughout the pages of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as the One who leads, protects, provides, and lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus declares, “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good ...
Read more