Dear Friends,

“This is the Day the Lord Has Made and I Rejoice In It!”

In my morning journal writing, I love to start off with an affirmation found from the Bible or other spiritual material. It grounds me in the Now moment and throughout the day.

The above quote is one I use often. I love the word REJOICE. JOY is inherent in it and what a wonderful way to start the day with JOY. JOY can be found in anything, the good life and the struggles in life. Last week I wrote about our experience with Steve’s phone, where if we had taken it on the plane it might have exploded or started a fire. Where is the JOY in that? The JOY is I am writing to you now. I AM here. Steve is here. God protected us so we can continue to JOYFULLY live out our lives and be of service.

Cylvia Hayes says, “Joy is the ability to demonstrate Hallelujah anyway, and to see the beauty and goodness beyond the darkness”

I have been praying for a family member for over a year. She is experiencing colon cancer and has gone through chemo, radiation with the possibility of surgery. Through out all that, she has remained undaunted and strong. Her doctor discovered through his research the cancer she has cannot be cured, however he found the right medication to enclose the cancer cells so they cannot spread. She has many more years to live. I call that JOY in the midst of darkness!!!

She has decided to go back to being a teacher’s assistant in the school district and live her life with joy, purpose and service. She is Rejoicing each day and finding JOY in her life with her husband and children and grandchildren.

FIND JOY TODAY in whatever you do. There are unseen blessings inherent in both the good and the challenges. The more you look for them, the more there will be.

Loving the JOY in life,

Abigail and Steve