Joy

Joy.  Something we all want/desire/long for in our lives. What is joy, anyways?
This is Merriam-Webster's definition:

Joy noun \ˈjȯi\
1: a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight
    b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3: a source or cause of delight

Well, okay. That's a fairly good definition.
However, I like to think of joy as this:

Joy: the sacrifice of praise

Why ever would you define joy as that, you ask? Well, let me explain...but bear with me as I go back to the beginning...

So a couple of weeks ago the toaster oven quit working.  Well, that is to say that the 'toast' button quit working.  It still works if you use the oven settings.
The ice maker in the freezer quit working also.  The freezer still works, it just doesn't make ice cubes anymore.
Then two nights ago the microwave broke.  As in it doesn't run the microwave part.  The light still works, the buttons all work, and the fan works.  (just let me tell you that the past couple meals have been very interesting, preparation wise, without the microwave =P)

not my image

Now some of my family members reacted to this by focusing on all the negative aspects. "The toaster oven's 'toast' button doesn't work, the freezer won't make ice, the microwave doesn't heat up food!"


Others responded by focusing on the positive. "We can still make toast by just using the oven settings.  Who needs ice in winter anyhow? Just go grab an icicle outside...or use the ice cube trays. We can still use the stove top. What did people do before microwaves were invented anyhow? Hey look! The fridge, dishwasher, oven, stove top, and freezer all work!" 




You see, some of us were looking at the situation as a half-empty glass of water. While the rest were looking at the same situation but saw that the glass was half-full.

Joy--true joy--is when we stop. and praise God no matter what is going on in our lives.

In Philippians 4:4, Paul commands that we "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again -- rejoice!"
Yet how often do I slip into complaining instead of being grateful and rejoicing in what I have been given.  I know that I can't rejoice in every situation, I need God's help.  But oh, He is faithful and will help me in any and every situation I come across in life if I ask Him.

That is something I've really been challenged with lately and I thought I'd share. (and not just with the kitchen appliances either =P that was just the first illustration that came to mind)

I've found that going through my writing in and reading back through my 'blessings journal' (basically a journal where I write down all the things I'm thankful for--I got the idea from [here]) really helps me keep the mindset that my glass of life is half-full. =)

Another thing that encourages me is reading The Choice by Max Lucado.  You can read my post on it [here] to read it. =)

This song by Chris Tomlin is one that comes immediately to my mind when I think of joy:

Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well,
no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul,
never lets me go


you can skip to 1:42 or 2:52 for this section

This definition was so much on my mind that I even made a Polyvore set to go with it. =P hehe!

Joy by ~EmilyGrace 

Those are my thoughts on joy. What are your thoughts, dear friends? I'd love to know!


Love in Christ,

A Recipe - Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. butter

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1 c. sugar

1 c. packed b. sugar

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla extract

3 c. flour

2 t. b. soda

1/4 t. salt

Filling:

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

3 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

5-6 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1.)  In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter, and sugars.  Add eggs. one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well.  

2.)  Shape into 1-in. balls and place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Flatten to 3/8-in. thickness with fork.  Bake at 375 for 7-8min or until golden.  Remove to wire racks to cool. 

3.)  For filling, in  a large bowl beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency.(I ended up using more milk than it suggested)  Spread on half of the cookies and top each with another cookie. 

This is a unique twist on a traditional peanut butter cookie.  The filling keeps the cookies nice and moist if you have soft cookies. It also adds a bit of soft texture if your cookies are more on the crunchy side(if you well-bake your cookies =P ).

I would suggest spreading the frosting more on the thin side--otherwise it makes the sandwich overpoweringly sweet(my opinion).

I'm entering the recipe in this contest.  Head on over to see other recipes and enter your own!

While you're baking, go ahead and listen to this powerful song by Chris Tomlin.

Our God
Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You
None like You

Into the darkness, You shine
Out of the ashes, we rise
There's no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in power
Our God, our God

And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
Then what could stand against?

Love in Christ,