In the beginning of our marriage, people who knew and loved us would ask my husband and me a version of a question that sounded something like,
ABOUT
DEIDRA
Deidra is an East Coast girl living in an empty nest under a great expanse of sky in the American Midwest. She will forever be stunned and amazed by grace. Deidra and her husband have been married...
Deidra,
Thank you for your post. I am going through a time right now that is not good. The holidays are very depressing for me, have been for years! I cant wait for January to get here. I am going through a ‘divorce’ of sorts. My ex=husband and I attempted to reconcile, he moved back in 3 years ago, after 2 years apart. “for the children” we said. That was not good-it wasnt for us! He is packing to move out again. This time for good I say, but I dont know the future plans God has for us do I? I am hurting, the children are hurting. I am being blamed for all the issues of the relationship- I will own my part in the demise and not let his words destroy me-or I will try not to. I recently told/asked a friend-counselor at church. I wonder if I will feel happiness again–she said, just search inside for the joy that God has put there for you. It has always been there it will never leave you. But its buried so deep under all my hurt, anger bitterness and depression of just my life it is very hard for me to find it. I do know it is there adn I want to feel it and embrace it! I am starting to, action is scary and it is good all at the same time.
I am a quilter, and the visual of the ‘golden thread’ weaving its way through was one I just loved. I know His joy is inside of me and I will not stop until I am resting comfortably in that joy and love He so freely gives to me even though I certainly do not deserve it!
Lisa
What a fantastic post and reminder. I have not been “happy” lately, but you are right, with God and if I stop and really feel Him, I know there is a deep, deep joy in all of it. I felt His presence as I read your post. Thank you, Lanie
Deidra,
I love your thoughts in this post! Beautifully stated. Happy feelings come and go, but joy is constant and unwavering-a gift from Abba Father.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
Joy!
I absolutely love your post, and enjoy the reminder that happiness and joy are not the same.
Joy, from heaven, as you said is a fruit of God’s Spirit.
I have often forgotten that.
Wonderful reminder!
Deidra…you words are always so beautiful offering such inspiration and insight into life’s most precious relationships with ourselves and others.
Thank you.
It took me a good number of years to understand that the Father wasn’t necessarily concerned that I be in a constant state of happiness. However, He is the source of constant joy.
You have said it so beautifully, as always, Deidra.
Funny, I had never differentiated between happiness and joy, until now. And yet, even though I am experiencing some of life’s bumps right now, I still describe myself as The Happiest Person I Know. On some days, my happiness would best be descried as a deep thread of joy running through my life! No matter what circumstances I find myself in, my joy in my faith carries me through. That is the secret to happiness….faith that you are looked after by a Higher Power.
Live Life Happy!
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Deidra,
Thank you for your post. I am going through a time right now that is not good. The holidays are very depressing for me, have been for years! I cant wait for January to get here. I am going through a ‘divorce’ of sorts. My ex=husband and I attempted to reconcile, he moved back in 3 years ago, after 2 years apart. “for the children” we said. That was not good-it wasnt for us! He is packing to move out again. This time for good I say, but I dont know the future plans God has for us do I? I am hurting, the children are hurting. I am being blamed for all the issues of the relationship- I will own my part in the demise and not let his words destroy me-or I will try not to. I recently told/asked a friend-counselor at church. I wonder if I will feel happiness again–she said, just search inside for the joy that God has put there for you. It has always been there it will never leave you. But its buried so deep under all my hurt, anger bitterness and depression of just my life it is very hard for me to find it. I do know it is there adn I want to feel it and embrace it! I am starting to, action is scary and it is good all at the same time.
I am a quilter, and the visual of the ‘golden thread’ weaving its way through was one I just loved. I know His joy is inside of me and I will not stop until I am resting comfortably in that joy and love He so freely gives to me even though I certainly do not deserve it!
Lisa
What a fantastic post and reminder. I have not been “happy” lately, but you are right, with God and if I stop and really feel Him, I know there is a deep, deep joy in all of it. I felt His presence as I read your post. Thank you, Lanie
Your words always flow so well , Deidra. With truth , and beauty, and yes , joy.Thanks for sharing .
Thank you, Deidra. Something I always need to be reminded. xo
Thank you for a great post, Deidra! It really touched a chord within me. :)
I love this. Your words are exactly what I needed to hear today.
Thank You.
Deidra,
I love your thoughts in this post! Beautifully stated. Happy feelings come and go, but joy is constant and unwavering-a gift from Abba Father.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
Joy!
I absolutely love your post, and enjoy the reminder that happiness and joy are not the same.
Joy, from heaven, as you said is a fruit of God’s Spirit.
I have often forgotten that.
Wonderful reminder!
I can’t be reminded of the true meaning of joy too often — thanks for stating it so beautifully and eloquently.
This is really good. :)
Deidra…you words are always so beautiful offering such inspiration and insight into life’s most precious relationships with ourselves and others.
Thank you.
The difference between happiness and joy. Someone wiser than I was at the time pointed that out to me. I love how you think and how you speak!
It took me a good number of years to understand that the Father wasn’t necessarily concerned that I be in a constant state of happiness. However, He is the source of constant joy.
You have said it so beautifully, as always, Deidra.
Beautifully said. I am not always happy (who is?) but I know I can always have peace and joy from Him.
Thanks!
This was very timely for me. Beautifully written.
Funny, I had never differentiated between happiness and joy, until now. And yet, even though I am experiencing some of life’s bumps right now, I still describe myself as The Happiest Person I Know. On some days, my happiness would best be descried as a deep thread of joy running through my life! No matter what circumstances I find myself in, my joy in my faith carries me through. That is the secret to happiness….faith that you are looked after by a Higher Power.
Live Life Happy!
Well said my friend!
Beautiful post…I needed to hear this message today. There is joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart today!!!
So many of my blog friends are writing about joy today. Thanks for the reminder that we can find joy in the everyday, no matter the circumstances.