JOY :D

I'm am so thankful for the sun!  The past week has been beautiful, and I have found myself enjoying the surroundings of the King's Lodge, basking in the sun, and working on my tan (AKA SunBURN!) :)  The warmth is healing to my body, and to my heart.  So to those who were worried about what in the world would become of me over the course of 4 months in miserable weather: thank God for making the sun shine down on me :)  I think I'll be okay!  Below is the King's Lodge... notice the BLUE sky!

Not only will I be OKAY, but life is GOOD.  I spent today, Saturday, enjoying the sun, and giving thanks for all the wonderful people in my life, and amazing experiences that I have had.  Reflecting back over the years of travel, of work, of family, friends, and fun.  Life is good.  Life is great.  I can't complain, but I am filled with JOY at the memories of each precious moment.  

A couple of weeks ago I had a class about joy and healing (from trauma).  Probably one of the best weeks of teaching that I have ever had in my life... The principle was simple and clear, and essential to life, applicable to any and all situations: we were created for connection, for relationship.  The human brain experiences JOY when someone is glad to be with us.  The key to recovering from addiction, from trauma, or from the stresses of life is JOY, which is released in the brain when I engage in positive relationship with another.  We can experience true healing when there is a joyful connection with another person.  I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus, that is the foundation of connecting to God and experiencing joy, because He is glad to be with me.  His love is constant, and unconditional.  How easy it is to get caught up in a lot of activity, in much to do, and lost in many thoughts; but when I stop to connect with Him, ask Him questions, and feel that joy, suddenly I can cope with all kinds of other situations.  That's what I did in the sun today: I connected with Jesus.  I spent time with Him.  Now I feel refreshed, I feel invigorated with new energy, and heaps of JOY.  God is GREAT.  Life is good.  Thank You Jesus!

(So that I don't forget... it's all about joy!)