Choose joy . . . It's the better deal

How ’bout those Tigers, huh? I could hear explosions of great joy all over the net last night. Yeh, that!  I’m sure it was not explosions of grief for the Marlins – although with a close 7-5 score. Well . . . and let’s just leave it right there.  All I can say is Bring It! So is it OK to be thankful for a sports team winning? I’m saying yes! (my apologies to Marlin fans) What I’m most thankful for is the hype, the enthusiasm, the sheer positive expressions of happy fans, and the contagious nature all of that exudes. Can we grab onto that for today? Longer than a day?  Just for fun. Yes!
Sometimes we need a little reminder that joy is kindled from a whole variety of sources, sometimes even a game….lots of times from games. I think often about the Apostle Paul and his analogies often portraying athletes and their endurance in the game of life. Like the Tigers last night – they were in it to win it. And in this life, no matter what it brings, we are in it to win it. Bring it!
We might start this day filled with great anticipation only to encounter little earthquakes that shake us up. Before we let them get to our core we have to fight back. Here’s the path to overcoming the enemy of defeat. Don’t worry. It changes nothing.  Remember God is by your side. Ask Him to be your guide and protector. Start reminding yourself of what is good, lovely, honorable, and brings you joy. Write it down … I am thankful for … and make a list.  You will feel a lot better after you read it.
Here’s my joy jar so far:
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There is no such thing as perfect. Perfect is just a word, it’s not a state of being. So let’s not expect perfect but let’s expect to be so persuasive in our thoughts that our hearts and attitudes catch up with our will. You know will, don’t you.  I WILL do this. I WILL find the joy in this.
What we think eventually gets to our emotions. We choose.  Better or bitter.  Sunny or cloudy.  Peace or conflict. Joy or ….. choose joy.  It’s the better deal.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And I choose this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tezG4LRNzw&feature=g-vrec

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