Joy

"In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God's love and work in our life - that He will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ."

This was a quote in the study notes in my Bible, and it made me think of my friend, Liz.  She lives with real hope and talks about God's faithfulness even in the most difficult seasons of life.  She trusts God in the midst of the storm, and lives from her Spirit rather than her soul and emotions.  And I love that!

(I also love this picture.  And I love Christmas!!!)  Anyway, God is good and I feel blessed.  At this moment, I have so many friends who love, encourage, inspire, and challenge me -- and we really have fun together, even in the simplest things.  So I'm thankful for good, solid friendships... and for this little reminder that the JOY of the Lord is my strength.  That no matter what losses I may endure, God truly is "the strength of my heart!"