IN JOY.

2016. Here we go.

With a new year always comes reflection and resolution which has led me to have a bit of a rethink. Since I last posted two months ago (!) a lot seems to have been going on and changing. In all the busyness of life this blog as been a bit neglected but you know what? That's ok. I'm speaking to myself here because I have a tendency to put on pressure to meet goals, be disciplined, tick things off my list and then feel frustrated if I fail. This is in life, not just on this blog. All of these things have a place but I can cling onto them too much and measure my success and happiness by them. Not so good.

One major challenge amongst all the changes and goals has been to trust God and give over control, something that is definitely a work in progress. I have been trying to shift the way I go to Him; as a first point of call, prioritising Him and not as a second or third option when my own efforts have proved to be not enough. I know the truth that He is my sustainer and my provider of everything good which I have seen play out in my life so many times. However, my default seems to be try my way first and if I fail be disappointed, don't tell anyone and try again. This is a crazy way to do it! 

Something I really value in life is happiness which I find in exploring new places, spending time with people I love, my job, making memories, eating good food, building my home, but undoubtedly these things would be hollow without a life based on my salvation and living in the freedom that Jesus has given me. True happiness is through Him. This is so freeing because if I live trying, an inevitably failing, to do everything right, meet all of my self-inflicted goals and make everything fun and happy I will fail BUT if I seek God and do things His way, I find true joy no matter the outcome or failings.

I was referring to this blog as 'today' trying to capture the everyday, seemingly insignificant things but I wasn't really posting regularly or meeting my own expectations which was unnecessary pressure that I am letting go of, along with the name. I am choosing to live in joy, perusing the joy that comes from living for God. Part of that will be sharing things on this blog and might not look a whole lot different to before but this is the reality of what my life is really about. Living day to day for Him.

ROMANS 15v13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

NEHEMIAH 8v10 "Do not grieve for the joy of the Lord is your strength."