My 2010 Word for the Year

Joy

My Word: 

My word for the year of 2010 is "Joy". 

Definition: 

Joy- 

1. a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

2. Rejoice

3. gladness, a source of joy,delight.

4. joy, delight, exhilaration, rejoicing, glee, gladness.

5. A source or cause of great happiness; something or someone that     gives joy to someone. 

6. Success in doing, finding or getting something. 

Synonyms: 

delight, great pleasure, joyfulness, jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, exuberance, elation, bliss

My Vision Board:

Quotes:

It's not circumstances that create joy, it's you."

"Comparison is the thief of Joy." Theodore Roosevelt

"Joy does not simply happen to us. we have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day."

"Choose Courage. Choose strength. Choose forgiveness. Choose love. Choose joy." -Campbell

"I choose joy... I will refuse to see any problems as anything less than an opportunity to see God." -Max Lucado

"Find Joy in the ordinary." 

"Happiness depends on something, Joy depends on someone, and that someone is Jesus in His love shining through others!"

Invitation:

I wanted joy in my life, I wanted to choose joy in my life despite everything that was going on. My journal from January 1, 2010 opened with "Romans 15:13, "I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust him. Then you will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Followed by:

"I came across this verse last week. Verse for the upcoming year! Promise for the upcoming year as well. Word for the year= Joy. I want to experience the Lord's Joy even when I'm going through tough stuff! The unknown."

I was continuing on the healing journey. I had completed or rather came off the bed rest for the inner ear damage. I was sill having symptoms. I still had questions. I was going to Physical therapy three times a week up in Portland for my neck and for the ongoing compression headaches every day. My doctor had tested my balance so i was back in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. Dr. Black was retiring so I met the new doctor, Dr. Wackym who was taking over the practice. 

Let Go: 

I had to let go of the idea that I had to wait until my life was better to feel joy and be happy. I had to change my focus and see the joy in the little things of life. To find my purpose in the things of God and allow Him to bring fulfillment in my life 

Reason why: 

I had to move to a lower level in elevation before the doctor would agree to do surgery on my ear. I moved from an apartment into a duplex. After my surgery, and in this new space I had room in the front and back yard to plant some flowers and a couple tomato and zucchini plants. This is where I began a joy of gardening, growing things from seed, planting bulbs in the fall for Spring, and doing some light yard upkeep. These things brought joy to my life. I planted some sunflowers from seed and they grew and bloomed. 

I expanded my love of collecting tea cups and tea pots by finding them at very good thrift store prices. My sister and I planned a Tea Party for a friends daughter. It turned out so good. All things tea, teacups and teapots bring me joy. 

I started working on D.I.Y. craft projects for Christmas and birthday gifts. The finished product always bring me joy. 

My joy for photography continued to grow as well. It is such a pleasure to take pictures. 

Bible Verses:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

"May the god of hope fill you will 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

"Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." Philemon 1:7

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17

What I have learned:

1. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

2. Joy is contagious.

3. Joy comes from the little things in life.

4. We can have joy in the midst of hard things. 

5. Joy is not determined by our circumstances. 

Join the Conversation:

Is the "Word for the year" new to you? Do you have a word for this year? How has your word impacted your life? Please share your word or any thoughts you may have.  I would love to hear them!

Love and Prayers ❤

-Amber

Sources:

Joy. Retrieved from Google.