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True Joy

Father, my heart is overjoyed at the moments you give.  What many good gifts you bestow on the journey.  From the hugs of a child to a tear shed with the family, Lord your goodness and joy abound in the midst of the sadness.  On this walk I often hear Mom or Dad say, "You can't steal our joy."  I am so grateful for the moments when you make this statement is absolutely real.  We laugh, sometimes through  tears, and spend quiet moments reminiscing about silly things that have shaped our very persons.  Our hearts are sad, but our souls are at peace.  That is true joy in the Spirit.  I am humbled by the family you have surrounded me with and the love and peace that come from them.  As Dad said this week, we are a unit.  Thank you.  Lord, may we never lose sight of the One who is the source of our joy and may our focus and story ALWAYS be about life with Jesus.  For He is the sustainer of our faith.  May the Spirit lead our every decision, action, and word.  May we cherish the moments given with each breath.  For you, Lord, are the author and perfecter of our faith.  You are the reason we laugh, love, cry, and live through this journey.  We are living in Resurrection and nothing can steal our joy because nothing can separate us from you…nothing.  Amen!

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