to be joyful always

I'm sitting here, feet dangling in front of my space heater, eating a coconut popsicle for dinner, and pondering the meaning of true joy and happiness. I tend to think of myself as being easily pleased and happy. I believe that because the smallest things in life can make me extraordinarily happy. But I'm debating the difference between happiness and joy. I've always defined happiness as being influenced by sources outside of one's self. Some sort of stimulus that evokes happiness. It can be something as simple as seeing a mother pushing her newborn in a stroller, laughing with your girlfriends, or even a vibrant new fingernail polish color. 

I like to take great delight in the simpler things in life. I like feeling overwhelmed with happiness when I hear 5 year olds laugh. But what I'm seeking is that deep down in your toes, all the way through your bones, and radiating through out your entire being sense of joy. Something that could withstand loss, suffering, pain, and the absence of my favorite things. 

Now, I'm certainly not desiring the removal of all that makes me happy. Absolutely not. But what I'm seeking is to find such affirmation in the Lord that I KNOW that whatever happens I'll remain joyful. Not happy. But joyful. 

I do not think sorrow or pain should be feared. I think a constant fixation upon our Lord and Savior is what is to be desired.

But....I always break my New Year's resolutions....I do not spend enough time thinking about them. This year it was to make my bed everyday. For a number of reasons I choose this. I thought it'd make my entire day better and that I'd sleep better in my bed at night. It's scientifically proven.

I'd like to change my New Year's resolution. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


That's my new resolution. To be joyful always. That spills over into a lot of other areas of my life. This is going to be a commitment to living the sort of life that enables me to be joyful always, pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances.


I have not quite figured out what this is going to look like.


I know a few things....It must consist of....
1) Quiet time spent with Jesus daily. 
2) Running. Ehhh. Nothing makes me feel better than running. But it's always quite the struggle. I usually wind up 30 minutes later face down on my floor praying for my calves to stop cramping up while sounding like I'm having an asthma attack. ( I do not have asthma)  Which leads me to #3
3) Eating healthy. 90% of the time. and Wendy's is considered "healthy"
4) Sleeping. Doing my school work during the day so that I'm not up past midnight on a regular basis.
5) Reminding myself daily that it's not about me. I'm only here on this Earth to serve a purpose. 
6) Holding my tongue. This should probably be Number One. In fact, It's going to be number one. Just mentally switch the numbers in your head. Thank you. I'm going to stop thinking I can solve my problems and disagreements with my own words. If it takes writing letters that I'll never send or talking to a wall....I'm doing to do it! (James 3:1-11) 
7) and while I'm at it....Not going to class looking like I'm homeless.... It's not frequent...but it does happen....