joy and journey

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Find Joy in the Journey With These 15 Bible Verses About Joy

How do we find joy in the journey of life even when the journey has taken us along roads we never wanted to travel? How do we find joy when we are hurting, overwhelmed, or exhausted? Although it may feel impossible. It isn’t. With God, it is possible. But let’s find out more with these Bible verses about joy.

We need joy in our lives.

Without it, we leave ourselves vulnerable to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Those symptoms then impact our physical health, our relationships, and our purpose.

But first what is joy?

We often get joy confused with happiness or believe they are the same thing. However, they are not. Per the website, Diffen, joy and happiness are defined as follows:

“Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure.”

“Joy is a stronger, less common feeling than happiness. Witnessing or achieving selflessness to the point of personal sacrifice frequently triggers this emotion. Feeling spiritually connected to a god or to people.”

Biblically speaking, joy is something that lives within us because of the way we love God and therefore see life. It is something far more extensive than happiness and foundational to the way in which we live as Christians. Happiness is momentary. It is important and good. Yet, it isn’t what lives deep within us. Happiness comes from laughter, humor, fun, and relaxation. It’s the memories we make with our loved ones as we share both simple and momentous occasions together.

Yet, happiness and joy are woven together.

With a joy-filled life, we find more moments of happiness because our eyes are opened to the miracle of everyday life. And happiness, in turn, propels our joy and reminds us to look at Jesus and be thankful for all He has given us both great and small.

My God Story of Joy

I’ve always struggled with a weak immunity system along with a genetic kidney disease called Cystinuria . In my twenties, doctors didn’t believe I’d ever be able to have babies nor were they sure how long my kidneys would last me.

Although I still test positive for the disease, it rarely affects me. I had two babies and I still have both my kidneys. And through the ten surgeries in 2 years, wearing a nephrostomy tube for 8 months, and the passing of more than fifty kidney stones, I learned a little more about finding joy in the journey and paying close attention to moments of happiness.

Fast forward to 8 years ago and several years after my cystinuria struggles, I began experiencing chronic pain. The culprit turned out to be toxic black mold that was hiding behind the walls of a new home we had moved into. We also found out that my unique genetics allow mold to attack my pituitary gland which wreaks havoc on the human body. Although I was treated for mold poisoning and somewhat improved, it triggered a plethora of new health problems. Fibromyalgia, migraines, and severe food and environmental allergies are just a few.

Increased stress aggravates my symptoms. Over the last couple of years, as several stressors increased, so did my pain and ability to function well. That’s when I began to lose sight of finding joy in life.

I struggled with anxiety and depression. I began wondering where God was and why I couldn’t find relief. I was drowning in overwhelm, disappointment, and grief.

No. I’m not healed. My circumstances and stressors haven’t necessarily changed. But God continued to love me and wait for me as I found my way back to the peace I can only find in Him. The peace that surpasses all understanding.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7 ESV

Finding Unexpected Joy

I wrote a post just a couple of weeks ago that serves as a practical how-to for finding joy in the journey of life. I wrote it for Maree Dee at Embracing the Unexpected , who is not only a friend but an incredible writer and mental health advocate. In the article, I share 16 ways to find unexpected joy in difficult seasons . Strategies are important in finding joy. Being intentional is important. In the post, I do include a few Bible verses about joy, but I didn’t feel as though they were enough.

The foundation of finding joy in the journey is knowing the heart of God.

It is in knowing Him, knowing His promises, and knowing His love for you. All of that is impossible without reading your Bible.

The Bible is God’s love story to His children. It’s in His Bible verses about joy that we learn what real joy is and how to live it out. It is His way of teaching us and communicating with us. The Bible is His recorded legacy so that, for all of time, people may know the God who created them.

What About You?

Friend, where is your joy today? Are you facing a difficult season for the first time? Or, are you weary from back-to-back seasons? Perhaps you once found joy but in this new season, you feel lost. For whatever reason, I know you need hope. You need a reminder that finding joy and living out of its overflow is possible.

I’m here as that reminder. I’m here to tell you that the But God stories of my life are more than possible for your life, too, so don’t lose heart. Your joy is important to God. Pastor Colin Smith at Open the Bible writes that joy is referenced in the ESV Bible translation 430 times! That’s a lot of Bible verses about joy. I pray that fact seeps deep into your soul so that you do not doubt how much God cares for you!

I can’t possibly share all 430 times, but I will share with you these 15 Bible verses about joy! Eight of the verses are from the New Testament and seven are from the Book of Psalms. The Book of Psalms is loaded with stories of finding joy in the journey of life . It is a written record of the human experience that goes from pain, lament, and anger, then to peace and joy.

Find Joy in the Journey With These 8 Bible Verses from the New Testament

“You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.” -John 16:24 NLT

“so be truly glad. [ a ]  there is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” – 1 peter 1:6 nlt, “i have loved you even as the father has loved me. remain in my love. when you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as i obey my father’s commandments and remain in his love. i have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. yes, your joy will overflow” -john 15:9-11 nlt, “i pray that god, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the holy spirit. -romans 15:13 nlt, “rejoice in our confident hope. be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” -romans 12:12 nlt, “dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.   for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. so let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” -james 1:2-4, “so you have sorrow now, but i will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.” -john 16:22 nlt, “then you will experience god’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. his peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in christ jesus.” -philippians 4:7 nlt, find joy in the journey with these 7 bible verses from the book of psalms.

“You make known to me the path of life;     in your presence there is fullness of joy;     at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” -Psalms 16:11 ESV

“i will shout for joy and sing your praises,     for you have ransomed me.” -psalms 71:23 nlt, “for his anger lasts only a moment,     but his favor lasts a lifetime weeping may last through the night,     but joy comes with the morning.” -psalm 30:5 nlt, “this is the day the lord has made. we will rejoice and be glad in it.” -psalms 118:24 nlt, “those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.” -psalms 126:5 nlt, “but let all who take refuge in you rejoice let them sing joyful praises forever. spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” -psalms 5:11 nlt, “when doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” -psalms 94:19 nlt.

I pray that the words I share here point to the joy and hope we have in Christ . I hope they encourage you to do the next right thing and they begin a new deepening desire to seek Jesus in all things. May you thirst for His Word and His presence! And if this did help, would you drop me a note to share how? I’d love to know this and if there is something more you wonder about or need to know!

More Joy? More Hope?

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The Ultimate Guide to Find Joy in the Journey

What does it mean to find joy in the journey?

Would you consider yourself joyful? Would you like to be?  Doesn’t it seem like there is just not enough happiness or joy in the world today? That’s just not acceptable, is it?  Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding joy in the journey.

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Right?

In this ultimate guide, we’ll dig into the Bible to see what God says about joy . And then we’ll discover tons of ways for finding joy in the ordinary as well as ways to find joy in the journey. There’s absolutely no reason that we should be miserable in this life we lead. Yet most of us are. We’re so focused on the end goal, that we forget to stop and smell the roses along the way. It’s time we slowed down a bit. Don’t you agree? So let’s get started.

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Many people wonder if there even is a difference between the two.  Let’s look at the definitions.  Dictionary.com defines happiness as “the quality or state of being happy; good fortune; pleasure, contentment;  joy.”  I believe in this definition, the operative word is “state.”  I looked up the definition of state and found, “the condition of a person or thing, as with respect to circumstances.”  In other words happiness is temporary and conditional.

Joy, on the other hand, is defined as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation.”  If you are a child of God, that “something that is exceptionally good” comes from the Lord. Joy is part of who you are. It’s a fruit of the spirit.

Your joy doesn’t leave you when a negative event happens, like someone cutting you off in traffic or having a bad day. In other words, it is completely normal to experience finding joy in the ordinary, everyday aspects of life.

I believe that there is a very real difference between happiness and joy. Joy is a belief from the heart that comes from the Lord. It’s an internal emotion that doesn’t change regardless of what’s happening on any given day.  Happiness, on the other hand, is a surface-level emotion that’s based on external factors.  

For instance, you might think that finding true happiness might come from getting a raise at work, or a new puppy. But our happiness can change. For instance, if your lovable little puppy bites you or tinkles on the carpet. That might alter your mood a bit. I am a firm believer that you can choose to be happy if you want to. Then again, I suppose you might choose not to be happy as well.

What does the Bible say about seeking happiness?

In the KJV Bible, the word “joy” is mentioned 155 times.  The following Scriptures show how joy comes from the Lord. When you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you are filled with the Holy Spirit, and you become safe from eternal damnation.   This is where joy comes from. 

Let’s look at the Fruit of the Spirit. It’s called a fruit because it’s a product of the tree it grows from. Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. There’s only one fruit but there are nine traits of someone who follows Jesus in their life. Each trait reflects how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. Joy is the second trait.  It’s not something we choose to do. It’s a by-product of following Jesus. 

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

What does it mean to find joy in the little things?

We know that joy is an integral part of a Christian’s life. So what does it mean to find joy in the little things? Thinking back to our quote, that “Life is a journey, not a destination,” the main message I get from that, is that we need to slooooow down. Take life in.

Literally, we need to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy those first sips of morning coffee. Linger in the intimacy you enjoy with your spouse and the hugs from your babies, regardless of how old they are. When was the last time you snuggled with your husband on the couch while watching a movie?

I don’t know about you. But even TV watching has gotten mechanical. We grab our dinner, turn on the tube and do almost the same thing every night. We need more spontaneity.  

Some ideas for finding joy in the little things might be tucking a note in your husband or child’s lunch box. Having dinner on a blanket in the yard. Shake things up a notch and break the routine that’s wearing the traffic pattern on your carpet. That’s what it means to find joy in the little things.

Keys to finding joy in the ordinary

Opening the lock to finding joy in the ordinary starts with some simple keys. If you are a child of God, that means that you have been saved by grace through faith. You have ever so much to be thankful for. You are a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ.  If you’re looking at finding happiness every day, this is a great place to start. 

Do you remember what David prayed after the prophet Nathan confronted him after he had been with Bathsheba?  David blew it! He sinned against God and he knew it. I encourage you to read all of Psalm 51 , but look at this verse:

Psalm 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Any time you fall away from the Lord, whether you consider it to be a major sin or a small one (hint: in God’s eyes they’re all the same,) repentance brings you back to square one. That is a huge cause for rejoicing. 

Remember, finding joy in the little things is possible if only you pay attention. Here are some examples: 

• A sunrise that unexpectedly shows up in the most beautiful colors 
• A sale on your favorite grocery items
• An unexpected check in the mail
• A phone call from one of your kids
• Finding $5 in the laundry (or even a quarter, because for me, any amount brings a smile.)
• That smile you see when hubby walks through the door after a long day at work
• The love of your pet
• A gentle breeze on a hot day
• Listening to the birds singing
• I could go on and on….

7 Ways to find joy in the journey

There are many ways of finding joy in the ordinary. But I have found that there are some main umbrellas under which you can find happiness in small things.  Let’s start with the list. Then we’ll break them down.

• Remember our goal is to seek ye first the kingdom of God

Stay positive

Count your blessings.

• Remember that Garbage in = Garbage out
• . Finding joy in simple things

Stop waiting for things to bring you joy

Remember our goal is to seek ye first the kingdom of god.

If you’ve been saved by the grace of God, you’ve got eternal security.   I can’t think of a better place to start where we can find joy in the Lord.  Eternal security means spending eternity with Jesus. I definitely prefer that over the alternative,  don’t you? I mean, we’re talking forever here. If you need some guidance, here are the basics for growing your faith in God.

Joy can be found by serving God, following Him, spending time in close communion with Him in prayer. As we look back on answered prayers, we can be reminded of how often and how great God works in our lives. This is why I’m a huge proponent of keeping a gratitude list or gratitude journal . It gives us a place to record those blessings. 

Let me help you start. Grab your free 7-day Cultivate a Grateful Heart printable journal.

Joy can also be found by delighting in the Word of God . Scripture tells us of God’s goodness. So it’s proper for us to rejoice in Him. We don’t just rejoice for what He’s given us, but for who He is. We give thanks and praise His holy name. 

And by staying in His will, He bestows wisdom, knowledge and joy upon us. Our study of and closeness with the Lord keeps us finding joy in the Lord, throughout our whole journey of life.

Psalm 119:111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

Psalm 97:11-12 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness .

Ecclesiastes 2:26a For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:

We often find ourselves saying yes to so many good things. We become distracted and along the way, we lose our joy in the process. Remember, it’s about how to find joy in the journey, not just getting to the destination.

It’s possible to be busy doing good things all in the name of Jesus, but without actually being with Him. Remember don’t choose your to-do list over sitting at Jesus’ feet. Remember the story of Mary and Martha?   Martha chose the busy work, while Mary sat at Jesus’s feet.

Yes, we all have things that need to be done. But if we lose track of our priorities, we could miss out on finding joy in simple things. Remember simple and necessary things consist of Jesus, family, and other important things, so slow down and stay focused.

John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Another critical factor of joy is positivity.  As a survivor of flesh-eating bacteria and quadruple amputations , part of my recovery was keeping a positive mindset.  I have never approached my life, seeking joy in the journey from a pessimistic perspective.  I wonder, is it even possible? 

Finding happiness in the little things starts with waking up daily, thankful for all the blessings from God . I’m also thankful for the opportunity to wake up with a smile on my face. As a mom, our kids learn from us. They learn from what we say, but also from our actions. 

I always wanted to teach my kids to find joy in the journey. I would never be able to do that with a negative heart and a woe-is-me attitude. Life without hands and feet is hard enough. But if I lived in a constant pity party, what would that teach them? It is certainly not an acceptable lesson from a child of God. 

We’ve already talked about being thankful. So that’s why it’s one of my top tips for finding joy in the journey. I believe that you can find a silver lining in every dark cloud. You just have to look for it. 

If we pay attention, we can see many reminders of God’s grace in our everyday life. By looking at some of our negative experiences in life from a spiritual viewpoint, we can certainly see that God can use all of our trials and hardships for His glory as well as for our good.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I don’t need to count your blessings to give you some ideas of finding joy in simple things. But I can give you some ideas of things that would go in my own blessings jar just from the past day or two.

• My morning coffee  
• Video chats with our kids
• Glasses for better vision
• Answered prayers 
• Being able to boldly go before the throne of grace, seeking sweet fellowship with Jesus 
• Great friendship and fellowship with our church family
• The privilege of buying groceries
• The love and support of my husband, kids and church family
• A great sermon and Sunday School class
• A big, fat ice cream cone
• A beautiful sunny day
• A quick nap on a busy day
• Being able to work from home
• Flowers blooming
• Crops from our vegetable garden
• The blessing of falling asleep after a couple of hours of phantom pain
• My husband’s willingness to attend to my pain several times during the night, even though he had a 4am wake up alarm for work

That’s a quick list I put together in less than 10 minutes. But I want to draw your attention to the last two items in my list. As an amputee, I suffer from something called phantom pain every so often. Briefly, it’s nerve pain that exists in the amputated limbs. In my case, it feels like my missing feet still exist.

My point, however, is that when hardships hit, look for the blessing. That activity will help you find joy. Yes, pain hurts. And phantom pain is like a hammer beating on my feet. But be thankful for your trials.  They help you grow spiritually, which is important.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Remember Garbage in = Garbage out

Have you heard this adage? It basically means that what you put into your heart and mind, will be reflected in your words and actions. In other words, you are what you spend your time on, who you spend time with, the activities you participate in and the words you use.

The following Scriptures explain further, in the words of Jesus. Be careful what you do, because it creates habits that take you away from God and could ruin your witness for Jesus to others.

Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

Let me give you some examples about how garbage in equals garbage out which prevents you from finding joy in the ordinary:

• Spending time with worldly people results in doing worldly activities 
• Spending time with Godly people results in doing Godly activities 
• Watching R rated shows results in language and activities that Jesus would not condone and neither should you
• Finding joy in the Lord by reading your Bible has a far different outcome than reading books about death and trauma

These are just a couple of examples. Instead, aim for Quality In equals Quality out. Not only will it create a more joyful life , but it will result in a more positive relationship with Jesus.

Matthew 6:21-23 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Finding joy in simple things

There are so many things in life that will help you find happiness in the little things, once you have joy in the Lord.  Remember that salvation and safety from eternal damnation is the foundation of joy. It’s a joy that lives deep in your soul.

You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? We all know people who exude the hope, love and joy of Jesus .  In fact the Apostle Peter tells us that we should have a reason for people to ask us what it is that gives us hope. That means we must show it. With joy in our hearts, hope shows up.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

So how do we find joy in the little things? Stop and experience them. Put the cell phones and technology away. When you and your spouse are alone, are you both on your phones, texting, checking emails or scrolling through Facebook?  Or are you enjoying each other’s company, paying attention to the conversation and appreciating the time you’re together?

When your kids are playing, asking you to “look at me, Mommy,” are you really looking? Or is it an annoyance because they’ve asked for the millionth time? It’s so easy to not pay attention and assume that whatever you’re doing is more important at the time. I assure you that it’s not.

Because you will blink and they’ll be in their 20s. They won’t bother calling, because they think that you won’t care about what’s important to them. Why? Because they learned that truth when they were younger.

So please listen. Don’t waste this time. Enjoy the little things. Find joy in the journey.  Because it’s never about making more money or getting a better job. It’s about finding joy in the ordinary.

It’s never too late to experience joy. Start today, right now. It’s up to you to create a joyful life. Seek ye first the kingdom of God.  Then learn how to get closer to God . Let the joy of Jesus show through you.  Every day is an opportunity to refresh your joy in the Lord.  

The whole goal of this website is to help you rediscover God’s joy and peace amid the trials of your life. So, what can you do today or even right now to remind you of that joy?  This scripture and the Bible verses below should give you some ideas, as well as what the Lord thinks about the importance of joy in the journey.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Bible verses about joy and contentment

The Holy Bible is full of ways and ideas that guide you in your quest for finding joy in the journey. Jesus came to give us an abundant life and to guide us in the path in which to get it. Don’t be mistaken though. Jesus brings that abundance to our eternal life, not necessarily in this hard and difficult world we live in now. Below are some of my favorite Bible verses about joy and contentment. Plus, click for even more Bible verses about happiness and joy.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

John 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewel s.

Why should we find happiness in small things?

So what can we do to continue to find joy in the journey?  We start by living life with intention . We start by living our lives according to God’s purpose, not ours.  Living intentionally means that you are being intentional about your choices. You are making the conscious choice to do more of what’s important and less of what is not.

It’s so important that we seek God’s purpose in the everyday, ordinary things of life. Because when we seek to find the joy in the journey, and our lives are focused on living for God, extraordinary things will begin to happen.  If you enjoyed this post, please be sure to leave your favorite tips below. Then grab one of our freebies to become part of our One Exceptional Life family.

What are the little things in life that make you happy?

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Steph, the founder of Joy and Journey, graduated from the Honors College of Central Michigan University with two degrees (Religion and Psychology).

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Find the Joy in the Journey: Embracing the Road Trip of Life

What Does the Joy in the Journey Mean?

What Does the Bible say About Finding Joy?

In the Psalms, joy and rejoicing go hand in hand. Psalm 118:24 says: "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." NKJV The Bible says to be joyful because God has given you another day to live on this earth. Then be joyous because God is with you as you travel. Psalm 32:11 and Philippians 4:4 express being joyful in the Lord and making that joy known. As you travel and continue to seek God, Psalm 98:4 says to sing and shout your praises to the Lord. Add these Psalms and other scriptures on joy to your favorite bible verses to refer to when you need help finding joy.

7 Ways to Find Joy in the Journey

Here are seven ways to help you find joy in the journey.

When you go on a road trip, you usually make travel plans. Planning well increases your joy. The Bible talks about the need for a vision or a dream. Once you have a goal, you can get excited and joyful about your journey. God's Word has reminders that He has a plan for you, a good plan. It’s important to seek God and listen to His voice. Then follow His instructions to find joy in the journey. Psalm 23 explains that God will lead you, He will be with you, and you don’t have to be afraid.

You can use music to find joy. On a road trip, you may have music on the radio or even a special playlist created specifically for the expedition. When a song comes on, you may even sing along. Music can also help you in finding joy in the journey of life. Use music in your daily life and worship to rejoice with singing, praising, and thanksgiving. Music can transport you to another place and time. If you’re going through a less-than-scenic area of your journey, you can use music to brighten things up.

Purpose in your heart

Sometimes when you go on a road trip, you know that traffic will be heavy during part of the trip, so you make a conscious choice to accept that fact of the journey. In the same way, you can decide to have joy on the journey of life. You know that there will be some tough times. God has told you this, yet you can still find joy in the journey because it’s all part of life. Things may happen: such as job loss, physical pain, or issues with your physical health, yet you can still find joy despite a negative event.

Psalm 118:24 says we will rejoice. Will, means an act of will. In this case, joy is a decision and an act of obedience. Because God has blessed you with mercies and a new day, you will be glad, enjoy and lean into those blessings.

You may also enjoy:   The Secret to Using Your Senses to  Illuminate Joy

Give thanks and celebrate

When you go on a road trip, you’re already blessed to have a vehicle, money for gas and food, and family and friends to accompany you as you travel. God is the best gift giver. He goes way beyond new days and new mercies. Joy can be found on the road trip and in life as you count all the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Think about all the gifts, and then be grateful for those blessings. Rejoice and give thanks and praise for those blessings. Gratitude is finding joy in the journey.

Focus on the present

A common thing to happen on a road trip is to wonder, are we there yet? Once your focus is on the destination rather than the journey, it lessens your satisfaction. Try not to become impatient or allow negative thoughts to impede your joy. Focus on the present moment to find joy in the journey. The present moment is a meaningful part of the journey. God created the present to be experienced and enjoyed. You find enjoyment in travel when you look at where you are presently and give thanks for the moment. You can remember and assess how far you have traveled as long as you don’t get too focused on the past. Even if there is a detour in the original travel plan you envisioned, God will use the scenery you encounter on the detour to bring glory to Him.

Serve and give to others

Perhaps on the detour, you will encounter someone who needs your help or needs to hear your story. When you can help someone, it brings joy to you as well. You can find joy in the journey by serving and giving to others with your time, talent, and treasure. Being generous helps others while increasing your delight and sharing the love of God.

You seek the face of God by abiding with Him and inviting Him on the journey with you. Therefore, invite Him into your everyday life. Seeking God will build your faith. Strong faith assures you that any troubles or detours are small things.

When you go on a road trip, you see the beauty of God’s creation all around you. The more intentionally you are at looking at the scenery, the more beauty you see, the more in awe you become, and the more joy you experience. The same is true when you seek the face of God. The more you get to know Him, the more you realize how wonderful He is, the more in awe you become, and the more joy you experience. So seek God, praise Him, and find joy in the journey.

Final Thoughts on How to Find Joy in the Journey

Christians are blessed to have God take the lead on the road trip of life. Because He is with you, it’s easy to find joy. Knowing that He has a plan for you and that you can map out the vision for your journey will make you joyful to take action and get on the road. Having a musical playlist and singing praises brings joy as well. God has already stated that the journey will not be completely stress-free, but you can purpose in your heart ahead of time to be joyous nonetheless. Taking stock of your blessings and praising God during the journey, including detours, will keep you joyful. Perhaps the detour is a way to bring God glory. Remember to give and serve others along the way; you will receive joy in return. Most importantly, be intentional in seeking God so your journey will be joy-filled.

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About the Author:

Using her life experiences, from serving as a United States Air Force Officer to gaining her Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Theresa shares wisdom on the impact of spiritual laws regardless of time, circumstances, location, or leadership level.

In this way, Theresa is an insightful personal stylist of the heart, exuding the love of God and brilliantly relating how faith influences all facets of life. Her honest storytelling encourages others to seek God’s best for their lives while delivering perceptive action steps to help them make that life a reality. Visit Theresa online at www.p31virtues.com .

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Tips for embracing joy in daily life

• Balance your mental and emotional health

Stress isn't new. Modern technology has made some tasks easier, but stress levels have stayed the same or increased. About 27% of U.S. adults report that they are so stressed most days that they are unable to function. Over 75% experienced at least one stress-related symptom in the last month, like headache, fatigue, nervousness or feeling depressed.

Joy is a powerful emotion and harnessing it can be a remedy for stress-related burnout. Contentment and joy can positively improve physical and mental health and overall well-being. Here's what you need to know to build, cultivate and sustain joy in your life.

Joy versus happiness

It's easy to confuse the emotions of joy and happiness because they often are experienced at the same time. Yet, some nuances should be distinguished. Often, happiness is the emotional reaction to what is happening around you. Whereas joy isn't reactionary and often is driven by internal motivations like working toward a goal or finding a purpose in life.

"Happiness is an emotion, whereas joy is more a state of being," says Rebekkah Frunzac, M.D. , general surgeon and chief wellness officer at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin and Albert Lea , Minnesota. "When you are joyful, it doesn't mean you are always giddy or happy. But it means you can appreciate moments of happiness within the bigger context of life."

Karizma Maxson agrees. She is a neonatal ICU nurse manager at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and previously implemented joy activities at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse , Wisconsin.

"Happiness is fleeting, but my joy still drives me on a terrible day," says Karizma. "Because I have a purpose in life, I still have joy even during a horrible time."

Compounding joy

Joy isn't experienced in a vacuum. Most of the time, it's a feeling or sentiment that spreads to others through your attitude and actions.

"I think of joy as a ripple or a domino. On my team, we share a connection of wanting to care for women and children," says Karizma. "This shared purpose, and joy, builds a connection between everyone on the team. When you link joy together, it becomes even stronger."

Tips for discovering joy

Joy looks different to each person and can be found in everyday situations. Some people find joy in caring for others, spiritual connections, spending time in nature or continually learning. Other people discover joy in different activities, relationships or personal empowerment.

Karizma refers to these pursuits as "filling my cup" and encourages people to feel empowered to seek and discover what brings them joy. Having activities or a purpose replenishes physical and emotional energy and helps people be more resilient when times are tough.

Dr. Frunzac and Karizma offer additional tips for embracing joy daily:

Focus on what you can control..

Many possible stressors in life are outside of your control. The weather, how others treat you, your past, natural disasters, your relatives and other aspects of your life exist without your input. While building joy, focus your time and attention on things you can control.

"I've learned to not internalize the things I can't control," says Dr. Frunzac. "This frees me up to better navigate the situation and focus on my personal happiness and mental health."

This can be easier said than done. Write out the details of a stressful situation and outline which aspects are in and outside your control. Then make an intentional decision to shift your attention to things you can change, including your attitude.

"Our attitudes are often a choice. We can spend time ruminating on something that is negative and out of our control or decide to see the good in something and choose joy," says Karizma.

Express gratitude.

Gratitude is being thankful or showing appreciation for the things and people around you. This could be sending positive thoughts to someone special, writing a text message to a friend or listing three things you are grateful for each day. Practicing this daily helps your brain shift its focus to appreciation and blessings, instead of problems and challenges.

"It's easy to get bogged down in what we don't have, what we want or situations where we feel like we have been taken advantage of," says Dr. Frunzac. "Being deliberate about listing our blessings helps us recognize that, even with stressors, most people are very lucky and fortunate."

Assume good intent.

When stressed, any additional inconvenience or misunderstanding could be viewed as unjust and an intentional barrier to your joy. In most cases, people are simply doing their best with the information and skills they possess, and their actions are not malicious or spiteful.

"When you start a relationship from the position that somebody else is bad or wrong, then that relationship is set up for failure," says Dr. Frunzac. "But if you can assume positive intent and approach every problem as though you are sitting on the same side of the table attacking the problem together, rather than attacking one another, you can find common ground and fulfillment."

Concentrate on building relationships.

To various degrees, all people need social connections with others. For many, helping lift others creates a sense of purpose and joy. If building healthy relationships is at the core of your efforts, you can find happiness and joy in your life.

"One of the best parts of leadership is finding out what fills the cups of your team," says Karizma. "Part of being a good friend, good partner and good spouse is to recognize what is great in everyone and lift them up. Sharing in their joy and cheering them on helps us recognize the good things in ourselves, too."

Keep perspective.

Some decisions or situations have serious, long-lasting effects on your life. But often, things that seem important today may only matter a little or not at all in five or 10 years. It's common to recall the feeling of stress or worry years later, but not the actual scenario that caused it.

As you strive for joy, remember to keep perspective on which situations and decisions are monumental and which are not, like little annoyances.

"Everyone has aspects of their jobs that they don't enjoy," says Dr. Frunzac. "But learning to accept those parts helps compartmentalize them. Not everything we do is a defining moment in our lives. Sometimes, it's just a job that needs to be done."

Help is available

Even joyful people have difficult or unhappy days. Dr. Frunzac and Karizma stress that help is available for anyone struggling with depression or anxiety more days than not. Your health care team can help assess your symptoms and offer local resources to help you.

Mayo Clinic Health System invites you to try one or more of these free, self-guided virtual programs to help you improve different aspects of your health and wellness:

• Discover Gratitude This monthlong program will help improve your mental well-being through daily journaling.
• Journey to Wellness This yearlong program focuses on different aspects of healthy living each month. Using the provided resources and activities, choose those important to you, and complete them on your schedule.
• Kickstart Kindness During this monthlong program, you'll complete as many activities as you'd like from the list of nearly 100 ideas. You're invited to extend kindness to co-workers, community, environment, home and family, neighborhood, school and yourself.
• Slim Your Screen Time This two-month program encourages you to increase physical activity, build social relationships that contribute to resiliency, and improve your mood and mental health. Play, explore and connect more by completing as many activities as you'd like from a list of nearly 100 ideas.

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Why it is Important to Find Joy in the Journey

I talk a ton about dreaming huge and crushing goals, and GOALS are vital. However, it’s the PROCESS that gets you there — the journey — that is the most important part. In this post I’d like to share with you why it is important to find joy in the journey.

While writing this, I am sitting lakeside at Lake Tahoe, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The water is crystal, with parts that are brilliant blues and greens, and the mountains in the landscape are magnificent with snow caps on top. The coloring is just breathtaking, and pictures don’t do it justice.

Let’s take the process of the journey and break it down from start to finish. The destination is a crucial piece, but once you reach it, you will realize it is the shortest part of the whole process. The journey itself is the piece that changes us, and we need to find joy in that journey of growth.

What Does it Mean to Find Joy in the Journey?

I frequently refer back to when I broke my ankle a few winters ago, but it is pertinent to this topic because it was an unexpected journey in my life. It was a wall that got in the way of my goals, and I had a choice to make at that point. 

I could have chosen to be miserable, and no one would have blamed me. I could have chosen to be unhappy and go in that downward spiral of depression, which would have kept me from feeling content in my life right now. It’s important for us to find fulfillment exactly where we are.

That’s one thing Paul learned, and his trials were way bigger than mine. While in prison he wrote that he found the secret to being content in everything – having much or having nothing. What was his secret? Knowing God would give him the strength to endure (Philippians 4).

I wouldn’t have picked an injury for myself. I wouldn’t have said, “Hey, I want to break my ankle and change my whole life around.” However, I am going to find joy in this journey to recovery, and if I didn’t have that thought process, I don’t think I would be stronger or better for it. 

In fact, I would be miserable. If I complained all the time about, “Why did this have to happen to me,” I’d probably make my family miserable. If I chose a “woe-is-me” attitude, I’d probably make my friends miserable too.

I chose to find joy in the midst of it all.  Many people don’t realize that joy is a choice, but it is!

There are some positives that came out of this injury. I had the time to slow down, and it was probably an important time in my life to do just that and reflect on what truly is important. I had time to sift through all the responsibilities in my life and figure out what roles I needed to keep and what I needed to let go of.

The injury gave me more time with my kids to be more present with them. It also helped me to reflect on my goals, especially in running. What do I want to do in the next couple of years? What are my victory races going to be? Do I want to go for a personal best in the marathon once more? It helped me to dream and imagine again. 

Sometimes I get caught in a rut where I just keep doing what I’m doing and forget to think about it, process it, and find enjoyment in it.

Finding Joy in Your Own Journey

Everyone’s journey is different. Your journey may be just a short while, or it may take years. We need to be willing to find joy in the process because if we don’t find it during the journey, we won’t have it when we get there either.

It’s easy to think, “Well, when we get through this season, when we get through that season, when this is over, when that is over, then I’ll be happy.”

“When my kids are out of the baby stage, then I’ll be happy.”

“When my kids go to college, then I’ll be happy.”

“When I’m an empty-nester, then I’ll be happy.”

“When I get that promotion, then I’ll be happy.”

“When I win that race, then I’ll be happy.”

Here’s the reality, though: If you’re not happy where you are, then you won’t be happy where you’re going.

You can be content, but you don’t have to be stagnant. You can be content and still want more. Contentment means that you are joyful in the season that you’re in – whether you have plenty or you find yourself in the midst of a trial.

You can’t count on the destination to make you happy. You have to find joy in the journey .

Where is Joy in the Journey?

One of the main ways to find joy in the journey is to be grateful. Gratefulness, especially in the midst of trials, is one of the best ways to not focus on that obstacle or how much pain you’re going through.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV). 

The journey is the time to really enjoy the growth process. You may not see a plethora of change or much progress throughout that journey, but when you reach the summit, when you get to the destination, you will look back, and you will realize that you are a whole new person, and THAT is the glory of having a goal.

The journey will have its ups and downs. There are always ebbs and flows in life itself. The obstacles that we overcome give us a glimpse of victory and breakthrough along the way, and if we endure the trials with a joyful heart, when we get to the top, it’s even more rewarding because we know that we earned it. We know the process has changed us .

If you don’t enjoy the journey, you are going to miss out on all of the spectacular views.

While sitting near Lake Tahoe on a rock in the water, I realized I wasn’t anywhere near the summit. If all I did was focus on the top but not enjoy the view along the way, I would have been missing out on breathtaking, mind-boggling, no-words-can-express views.

Once we hit the summit (our goal) we will find out that the amount of time we spend there is so much more minimal than the time it takes to get there. If we only enjoy the view at the top, we totally miss out on the scenery along the way.

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” Andy Rooney, American television writer

Think about it like wishing away five days of the week just to get to the weekend. I know that Monday through Friday aren’t always the most appealing, and we want to enjoy the weekend experiences. However, there are seven days of the week, and wishing away the weekdays means we are only going to enjoy two of the seven?! What a miserable life!

We have to find joy in everything that we do. If we aren’t joyful in it, if it really gets us down, then we need to think about changing what we’re doing.

Joy is a Choice

Many of us will blame people and circumstances when things do not go our way.  Oftentimes, we are absolutely correct. Many situations are completely out of our control.

Does this mean we give up, pout, refuse to continue? Do we plod along in frustration, our heads bent to the wind and our hearts cold?

No!  

Joy is a choice. You can choose to be unhappy. You can choose to be angry and frustrated OR you can choose joy. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be happy, finding joy in the midst of a rough situation or the mundane.

What Does the Bible Say about Joy?

One of my favorite Bible verses that mention joy is from James 1. Here, James instructs us to be joyful in persecution. How can one be joyful in persecution? How can joy and persecution even coexist?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”  (James 1:2-4).

I will let you in on a secret that scripture holds for us. Joy is not dependent on your circumstances. Joy comes from within!

David lets us in on the reason we can have joy.

“You make known to me the path of life;

    you will fill me with joy in your presence,

    with eternal pleasures at your right hand”  (Psalm 16:11).

Our joy comes from dwelling in God’s presence and doing His will. If God is leading you in the direction your journey is taking, then even the obstacles should be filled with joy.

“My lips will shout for joy

    when I sing praise to you—

    I whom you have delivered”  (Psalm 71:23).

Why do we have joy? Because God has delivered us from sin and despair. No matter where your journey leads you, no matter how things go your way or absolutely flop, you can rest assured that Christ’s work on the cross was for you and you have a reason to be joyful.

The joy of the Lord really is our strength.

The Final Stretch: Will You Find Joy in the Journey?

It’s great to focus on that destination, that end goal, but don’t forget about the journey that takes you there. Don’t forget to enjoy the sites, to take in those breathtaking views, and to enjoy that growth along the way. Find joy in the journey.

How will you find joy in your journey?

Step into the Fire and Come Out Stronger!

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In all things I pray, you just run YOUR race!

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Finding Joy in the Journey

Many years ago, I lived at my grandma’s for some time. One morning, I woke up to the loud laughter of children outside of my room. I got up and saw my two cousins playing. One was blowing bubbles and the other one was catching them. They were so easily finding joy in the moment!

The fullness of their laughter made me smile. I realized how they found so much joy in playing with those bubbles. And just how they infected me with that joy!   

When Nostalgia Kicks

When was the last time you laughed to your heart’s content? Do you remember the last time you blew bubbles and played? When was the last time you felt genuine joy? 

Those children hit me with nostalgia. 

I remembered when I was young. When everything was plain and simple. Every day was a simple routine: wake up, have breakfast, go to school, go home, do homework, have dinner, sleep…and repeat.   

As I grew older and started to make a living, I got motivated by goals I set for myself. Every achievement gave me momentary joy but after some time, left me wanting bigger goals. I was so focused on the end goal; to the point that joy and fulfillment were not even part of the equation anymore.  I thought that if I were to meet these set goals, I can finally be happy and finally experience joy. 

Gah…how I was wrong!

Life is a series of journeys and a long journey in itself. These goals we set for ourselves are all part of this journey. Just like me, many people set their eyes on the finish line and forget to smell the roses (or don’t even notice the roses!) along the way. 

Slow down: Joy Ahead

Don’t get me wrong, setting goals is a good thing. However, if you’re too focused on your goals, you more often than not, become too absorbed with them that you forget to have fun. Life would feel like a race: the earlier you reach that goal, the better. But believe me, it isn’t.

Back when I was too busy reaching my goals, was also the time when I was too stressed and grumpy. Only when I slowed down a bit and stepped back that I was able to have that breather I didn’t know I badly needed. It was only at that time that I felt more relaxed, more fulfilled, and yes, I started finding joy in the day-to-day.

Joy: Defined

Dictionary.com defines JOY as t he emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. Keyword being: exceptionally good and satisfying, can be interpreted subjectively. Wonder how I found mine? 

Finding Joy in Your Journey

Would you believe that ‘JOY’ is innately in you and that in order for you to find it is to look within? It may sound absurd but that’s how it works for me. Here’s how:

1. Know what brings you joy

In other words, know what cliques you. Each person has a different personality type and what works for me may not work for you. What brings me joy may not have the same effect on you. Bottom line is, you have to know yourself enough to know what delights you personally. Once you find your thing, focus and magnify on it.

Most often when we want to take a break in our day-to-day journey of life, we tend to follow the trend or the things that people close to us do. This may probably give us joy because of the company but it will be best to also have your own activities that give you genuine joy. 

2. Stay connected to people who impact you positively

Positive people influence you positively and negative people influence you negatively. 

Choose your circle. Unless you are confident that your positivity is stronger than the negativity they bring, stay away from negative people (as possible) whether they are family, co-workers, or friends.  It is easier to find the joy within you if it is uncovered by negative vibrations. Remember that your energy is powerful, the more positivity exudes the more it comes back to you. 

3. Sometimes it’s okay to walk alone 

Your journey is yours. Even when we have our family and friends who support the decisions we make, expect that they will not be with you every step of the way. This doesn’t mean they stop supporting you. It’s just that it is your journey and the legwork is mostly yours. It is ok to walk alone sometimes. It will give you the independence you need to be strong on your own. 

4. Take care of yourself

Know that the most important person in your journey is YOU. And it is easier to find joy if you have a sound body and mind. Enjoying your journey can be difficult if you are unhealthy or unfit… .physically, emotionally, and mentally. These are possible ways to get you on track:

• Meditate – quiet your mind and connect to your inner self. Meditation has so many benefits (especially over time), it would require a whole entire blog post.
• Stay fit and healthy – This is not necessarily working out, going to the gym, or exercising (but if you can, why not!) . Find an activity that will have the same effect on you. Maybe hiking to the mountains or walking through the park? Regular physical activity helps you feel more relaxed and can help you sleep better. In turn, making your senses as sharp as they can be.
• Have fun – Go to the movies, play, be silly! Keep that childlike attitude in you. Truly experiencing joy happens when you let it fill your heart.

5. Appreciate everything (even the unpleasant ones) 

Life is not always rainbows and butterflies . Sometimes there will be obstacles that will challenge your journey. Appreciate them. Do not stress about things that you have no control over. If problems happen, try to solve them. If they can’t be solved then maybe they are meant to solve themselves eventually. Keep the lessons as they will enrich your journey even more. But just the same, learn to let go of the things that are not meant to be.

6. Practice gratitude

One other way to keep the joy in your journey is the belief that the Universe has got your back all the time. Whatever hindrances you experience along the way are all temporary. That everything will pass and it is all part of the journey. Focus on the blessings you receive each time. Finding joy is finding fulfillment in every (small) blessing. Always be grateful and these blessings will continue to pour. Finding and keeping joy in your journey is a mindset. It is a state in your being. It is what you control. When you find that joy within you, tie it in your heart to make your journey a blissful one. Remember that though the finished product is important, it’s the making it that makes it worth the while. 

Have a blissful week!

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Joy for the Journey

The giant stealing your joy and breaking your heart can be stopped. Shake off the binding chains, and run forward with purpose, intention, and hope.

“T his is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, NKJV).

Are giants stealing your joy? Giants may come in the form of illness, broken relationships, fears, uncertain careers, death, divorce, or issues from our past. Giants want to scare us and knock the wind out of us. They leave us feeling hopeless, burned out, cheated on, lied to, robbed, and scammed. Our hearts can be broken. Our souls can be battered. We become the “walking wounded.”

But as big as they are, giants can fall. The giant stealing your joy and breaking your heart can be stopped. Shake off the binding chains, and run forward with purpose, intention, and hope. 

I choose hope by deciding to no longer be stuck in the rut of sadness, numbness, anger, unwise spending, or wheel-spinning emptiness. When I intentionally begin to blame less and bless more, frown less and laugh more, hate less and love more, doubt less and dream more, gripe less and cheer more, sit less and move more, discourage less and encourage more, eat less and pray more, fear less and hope more, I feel the joy returning! I start to be more of who God created me to be! 

It’s easy to get lost and confused in the everyday, especially if we are going through the daily grind feeling unsatisfied and insignificant. We get trapped into wishing our lives away.

I say “we” because I am guilty of this, too. I still have days when I feel sad, down, or worried. Some days, I have a hard time getting started. The key to my joy is focusing on what God tells me, not what the world throws at me. A new beginning can begin at any time. Here’s how: 

1.   Say to yourself, “It’s time for a change.”

You are never too old to change or begin again. Change often means changing what you commit to. Practice saying “no” to the things you need to let go of and “yes” to the things that will improve your life, make you better, and fill you with joy, because they are what you love to do. 

Instead of shooting from the hip, shoot from the lip! Get a grip on the lip so life won’t be exhausting. Say no and refocus on what gives you joy and purpose. Your greatest accomplishments will be that you had the courage to begin and the endurance to keep going. 

The only way to experience joy in your journey is to do what you have a passion for, do what is right for you. Move forward, keep your eyes on the goal, and never miss the blessings along the way. Do what you can to make things happen in a positive way, and quickly dismiss negativity. Live a life you can be proud of. If your priorities change and you find yourself hiding from people or feeling ashamed, find the strength to start over again, even if that means saying, “I’m sorry.”

2.  Decide what is most important, and stick with it.

Busyness is not a spiritual gift. It distracts you from what is important. There is a big difference between being busy and being productive. Instead of running nowhere in every direction, walk in the direction you want to go. 

Make a list of the most important things in your life. List them in order. Give up the things that weigh you down and cause imbalance. They can make you angry, stressed, snappy, and cold. When we have balance, we are more kind, caring, compassionate, and understanding. Only then can we make a profound difference in the lives of others, as well as ourselves. Compassion will have us hugging the hopeless, comforting the sad and grieving, and laughing with those who haven’t laughed in a long time. 

3.  Choose to be positive.

Life gets better when you decide to make it better; it always begins with a choice. Moaning and groaning and whining are a trap. Do not give in to this kind of behavior.

Life is full of challenges and opportunities. When you grasp courage and boldness with both hands, you can make a difference, not only in your life but the lives of others. People are attracted to such people because, when the world feels like it is crashing down, positive people will find a way out of the chaos with a grin on their faces. 

4. Realize you can’t fix everything or everyone.

We can only control ourselves; as hard as we try, we cannot control others. When we try to, we become entangled in a web of confusion, frustration, and stress. Then we have a mess. When it looks like nothing is changing and you are manipulating a situation outside your control, go to a quiet place, refocus, and let God deal with it. You are not a self-appointed Holy Spirit for people. God can handle it better than you can. Let go of the need to control everyone else’s lives, and search within the depths of your soul for the peace that surpasses all understanding. 

5. Leave the past behind.

We all have a story to tell and a wound to heal. Some of us visit the dark places of our past day after day. We know it’s poison, but we continue to embrace it thinking we can put the pieces of the puzzle together again. Or we go over the “woulda, shoulda, couldas” thinking we can change the past. 

Leave the pieces where they are. Walk out of the dark place knowing that the puzzle can’t be put back the way it was. Close the door; walk into the light with your arms open wide. Get on the path to recovery, hope, joy, and peace. Seek to “get even” with all those who have done right by you and stop wasting time trying to get even with those who have done you wrong. 

6. Be an inspiration.

No matter how overwhelming life’s challenges and problems appear to be, or how insignificant you might feel, you can make a difference in the world. You can’t be everything to everybody, but you can still be something to someone. Most people will tell you that the reason they changed is because someone cared enough to listen and show them kindness in a world that at times is so unkind. 

When our final days come, we will not remember entire days, we will remember moments. The big things we tried to accomplish often pale in the end when compared to the little blessings along the way. Don’t let something that does matter lose out to something that doesn’t. Take time to notice those things from this day forward, one day and one decision at a time. And taste a little joy in your journey.

~ By Tammy Whitehurst

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How to Find Joy in Your Life

A film review: look at life differently and find happiness..

Posted March 27, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• Whatever our work is, if we do it to the best of our ability it becomes meaningful.
• Acts of kindness to strangers can bring great joy.
• Look around at the nature above and below us—love trees and cherish plants.

Last night we went to see a wonderful film called "Perfect Days" by Wim Wenders with a marvelous Japanese actor, Koji Yashuko who plays a man who spends his days in menial labor. The hero, Hirayama works each day meticulously cleaning toilets, only escaping for moments to eat his lunch under the trees, drive home listening to his cassettes, eat his dinner alone in a bar, and read before he falls asleep.

What makes the film so wonderful is Koji Yashuko's face, he says almost nothing, which somehow manages to convey his joy, in the small blessings of his day: a child he rescues shut in a toilet, a young girl who steals a cassette but brings it back and asks to listen again to the music; the sight of a tree with its branches spread against the sky that he photographs with his old camera; a young niece who arrives out of his past.

The film's brilliance is that it never explains why the hero, HIrayma is cleaning toilets for a living. There is no back story or moment of revelation. We do learn he has wealthy relatives. His sister, whom he loves, comes to claim her daughter at one point in a fancy car with a chauffeur. But we gradually learn that our silent hero loves the world around him: the trees, the light in the morning when he steps out the door, even a moment when he sees his lazy coworker responding to a friend who plays with his ears! He loves reading and books and is intelligent, responsive, and generous to others. There is a wonderful scene when he listens to a woman singing a song about a bar in New Orleans called The Rising Sun.

By the end of the film, which centers on the actor's face as he drives once more to work, we understand that surely he has had great tragedy in his life but has managed somehow to overcome his sadness and find joy in the small blessings of his day: by performing his menial work with great diligence, doing it to the very best of his ability, by small acts of kindness and generosity to the people in his life, by looking around him at the city (Tokyo beautifully filmed all the way) and the sky, the plants which he succors, and by reading which he does until he falls asleep at night. It seemed to me very sad and yet uplifting! Above all, it's a lesson for all of us to find in our days, however, we pass them the small joys that nature, art, compassion—be it music or literature, a small act of kindness to those around us, and above all the trees and nature above and below us—can bring to all of us.

Perfect Days, a film by Win Wenders acted by Koji Yashuko.

Sheila Kohler teaches at Princeton. She is the author of many books including, Open Secrets; Dreaming for Freud; and Cracks, which was made into a film with Eva Green.

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Joy Bible Verses

Joy is one of the most prominent themes of the Bible. From the very beginning, God’s plan for mankind has been to bring us joy and peace. Throughout the Bible, we see stories of joy in response to God’s blessings and celebration of His promises. In the Old Testament, the Israelites rejoiced and sang songs of joy when they escaped from the Egyptians and made their way to the Promised Land. In the New Testament, Jesus brings joy to those who follow Him, and encourages others to do the same. The Apostle Paul also speaks of joy in his letters, urging believers to be joyful even in difficult circumstances. The Bible teaches us that joy is a gift from God, and that it is something to be celebrated and shared with others.

Bible verses about joy can help Christians who may be going through a difficult season as a reminder of calm happiness through faith in God. Joy is rooted in who God is. It is not fleeting or based on circumstances. Worldly possessions, accomplishments, even the people in our lives, are blessings that make us happy and fuel joyfulness. However, the Bible teaches that the source of all joy is Jesus. God’s plan from the beginning, the Word made flesh to dwell among us, is rock solid, allowing us to navigate difficult situations without happiness while sustaining our joy.

Top Bible Verses about Joy

Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 12:12 ~ Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Philippians 4:4 ~ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

James 1:2 ~ Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

Galatians 5:22 ~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

John 16:24 ~ Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Proverbs 17:22 ~ A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Discover more Bible verses about joy in this collection of scriptures. May these joyful verses bring warmth to your heart!

If you are longing for joy in the Lord, use this free PDF Bible Verses for Overcoming Grief and pray for His comfort!

James 1:2-3

Psalms 47:1, ecclesiastes 9:7, proverbs 10:28, 1 peter 1:8-9, romans 15:13.

2 John 1:12

Nehemiah 8:10.

Esther 8:17

Isaiah 12:6.

Philemon 1:7

Psalms 27:6, isaiah 35:10, proverbs 15:23, psalms 30:5.

Romans 14:17

Hebrews 12:2.

77 Positive and Inspiring Journey Quotes

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with these inspiring journey quotes. Life’s a thrilling ride, filled with ups and downs.

It’s about braving the storms and cherishing time spent with loved ones.

So whether your path is spiritual, an exciting travel adventure, or just starting something new in life, let these quotes fuel your spirit for exploration and discovery.

Journey quotes to begin your path towards greatness

1. “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is.” – Lisa

2. “The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” – Antonio Brown

3. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

4. “Sometimes its more about the journey than the destination.” – Jamal Crawford

5. “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

6. “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” – Greg Anderson

New journey quotes to inspire your success

7. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

8. “Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” – Drake

9. “Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin

10. “Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

11. “Struggle teaches you a lot of things, and I am happy that I witnessed a roller coaster ride. The journey has improved me as a person and made me more matrure.” – Manoj Bajpayee

12. “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” – Henri Frederic Amiel

Life is a journey quotes

13. “Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith

14. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

15. “Learn to trust the journey, even when you do not understand it.” – Lolly Daskal

16. “Life is a journey that have a lot of different paths, but any path you choose, use it as your destiny.” – Unknown

17. “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” – Steve Maraboli

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18. “Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

19. “Everyday you got a chance to make your journey more beautiful than yesterday.” – Nitin Namdeo

20. “Every day is a journey and the journey itself is home.” – Matsuo Basho

21. “Everybody has their own story; everything has their own journey.” – Thalia

Enjoy the journey quotes

22. “Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” – Marshall Sylver

23. “Enjoy the journey of life and not just the endgame.” – Benedict Cumberbatch

24. “Enjoy the journey and try to get better everyday. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

25. “Enjoy the journey, the destination will come.” – Verghese

26. “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life.” – Joyce Meyer

27. “Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.” – Urijah Faber

28. “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” – Oprah Winfrey

29. “Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete.” – Chanda Kochar

30. “Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment, and quit worrying about winning and losing.” – Matt Biondi

31. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.” – Babs Hoffman

32. “I haven’t been everywhere but its on my list.” – Susan Sontag

33. “You must remain focused on your journey to greatness.” – Les Brown

Inspirational journey quotes

34. “You can never regret anything you do in life. You kind of have to learn the lesson from whatever the experience is and take it with you on your journey forward.” – Aubrey O’Day

35. “Life is a journey. When we stop, things don’t go right.” – Pope Francis

36. “There’s no map for you to follow and take your journey. You are Lewis and Clark. You are the mapmaker.” – Phillipa Soo

37. “I’m different than most people. When I cross the finish line of a big race, I see that people are ecstatic, but I’m thinking about what I’m going to do tomorrow. It’s as if my journey is everlasting, and there is no finish line.” – David Goggins

38. “We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.” – Marcel Proust

39. “Though the road’s been rocky it sure feels good to me.” – Bob Marley

40. “We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.” – Earl Nightingale

41. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs

42. “If my ship sails from sight, it doesn’t mean my journey ends, it simply means the river bends.” – Enoch Powell

Motivational journey quotes 

43. “Make voyages. Attempt them. There’s nothing else.” – Tennessee Williams

44. “Gotta take that adventure in order to understand your journey.” – Jennifer Pierre

45. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

46. “The beauty of my journey is that it’s always been pretty unpredictable, so stay tuned.” – Andreja Pejic

47. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot

48. “The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

49. “The goal is to die with memories, not dreams.” – Unknown

50. “Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.” – Theodore Roosevelt

51. “The harder you work from something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.” – Sudhashree Acharya

52. “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy

53. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – ILHQ

54. “When setting out on a journey do not seek advice from someone who never left home.” – Rumi

Positive journey quotes

55. “You may only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West

56. “Every day you got a chance to make your journey more beautiful than yesterday.” – Nitin Namdeo

57. “Stay positive. Better days are on their way.” – Unknown

58. “Your destiny is to fulfill those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something.” – Ralph Marston

59. “You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.” – Kate Morton

60. “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.” – Richie Norton

61. “Life is very interesting. In the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.” – Drew Barrymore

62. “Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think you’ve lost time. There is no short-cutting life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.” – Asha Tyson

63. “And suddenty you know…It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart

64. “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

65. “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” – Michelle Obama

66. “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

67. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Journey of life quotes

68. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

69. “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” – Carol Burnett

70. “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

71. “You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing, no one to blame.” – Erica Jong

72. “If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all.” – Dan Rather

73. “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

74. “Your Monday morning thoughts set the tone for your whole week. See yourself getting stronger, and living a fulfilling, happier & healthier life.” – Germany Kent

75. “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

76. “Our lives are the journey we take to find our true selves!” – Alyssa Gonzalez

77. “Your braver than you believe, stronger that you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

Which of these journey quotes were your favorites?

We all have the potential within us to be great.

But greatness isn’t about luck. It’s a choice.

We must choose to succeed and take steps towards it.

Remember, the path to success is a journey, not a quick leap.

Let these quotes inspire you to stay focused on your goals and dreams, no matter what obstacles get in your way along the path.

Helping people and eating tacos are my jam! This blog exists to help provide tips and resources that can help you achieve your goals and live a better life. Whether you’re looking for tips on personal growth, fitness, advice on starting a side hustle, or resources for working remotely, I’ve got you covered.

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it everyday.”

– henri j.m. nouwen.

There is no manual for how to handle a cancer diagnosis or the journey through treatments. Neither for the grief many families experience when the outcome results in the loss of a loved one. Loss is a profound, life changing event that has no end. I will not pretend to have any tidy answers for you on how to overcome grief or to provide a process for you to follow in your own grief journeys. I simply do not have one, even for myself.

This blog is about MY joy journey with the love of my life, Amy. You probably are curious about the use of the word JOY in describing this journey. Certainly, cancer is not a joyful event, but the word Joy had special meaning and significance to Amy and because of her example, to many others.

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Joy in the Journey

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We do the travel planning for you

Full service travel agency that is ready to help you plan the vacation of your dreams!

Our Background  

Owner and travel advisor, Jennifer Holcomb has been in destination management for nearly 20 years.  With a passion for food and travel, she launched Joy by Journey to help you book the vacation of your dreams.  She takes the stress and worry of vacation planning off your shoulders so you can just enjoy the experience.  Jennifer has traveled the world to some of the most exotic and incredible places.  Book a free consultation so she can get to know you and start the journey to your vacation of a lifetime! 

Our Services

 Joy by Journey will help you create memorable travel experiences that bring joy to your life. No matter where in the world you want to go, we can help you get there.   We specialize in unique destinations like Egypt, Turkey, Thailand, and those on everyone's bucket list; Italy, Greece, and Ireland. Whether you are honeymooners looking for a romantic, stress-free experience, a solo traveler interested in joining a group tour, or a multi-generational family looking for the ultimate holiday, let Joy by Journey curate the perfect itinerary for you. 

Why Book with Us?

You can expect a few things when you work with Joy by Journey-prompt responses, an eagle eye for detail, and a customized approach to your specific travel style.  We take the time to answer your questions and listen to your ideas before making expert recommendations that fit your budget.

In the internet age, you can certainly book on your own.  But Googling your way to a vacation is an overwhelming experience and a recipe for dissatisfaction.  We have the relationships with suppliers and destination experience to ensure your satisfaction.

What you may not realize is that the cost of using a travel agency is built into the cost of a tour, cruise, all-inclusive resort, hotel, rental car, and even trip insurance.  So, in effect, you are paying for a travel advisor whether you use one or not.  And, online booking platforms are agencies (think big-box stores) just without personalized service.  You deserve more than that!

Jennifer's Travel Blog

January 27, 2024

Breaking the Stereotype: Group Tours for All Ages!

Welcome, fellow wanderers, to a journey beyond stereotypes and misconceptions! As a travel enthusiast and agent, I understand the common misbelief that group tours are exclusively tailored for the older generation. Today, let's debunk this myth and explore the fantastic world of group touring, suitable for all ages!

• Diverse Destinations for Every Taste: Group tours cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you're a young thrill-seeker, a history buff, or someone who craves relaxation on the beach, there's a group tour designed just for you. From exploring ancient ruins to immersing yourself in vibrant cultures, the options are limitless.

Join me on an exciting journey, Oct 6-15, 2024

Vacation overview.

 Don’t think you can see the top sights of Britain and Ireland in 10 days? Sharpen your pencils to cross off your bucket-list destinations in five fabulous countries. A jolly good time awaits in England, Scotland, and Wales, plus both territories of Ireland, as you explore the lively capital cities of each.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

• Superior hotel accommodations
• Experienced tour director and local guides
• First class motorcoach with free WiFi
• VIP access, skip the lines to the world's most iconic sites
• Buffet breakfast daily

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare (quotes for airfare available)
• Airport transfer
• Travel insurance

Our favorite destinations

Our honeymoon in Italy was the vacation of a lifetime!  From floating around Venetian canals to sipping wine in Tuscany, Italy was the perfect place to begin our life together.

Egypt may not be on the top of everyone's bucket list but it should!  I felt the 5,000 year legacy of the pharaohs as I explored the Pyramids of Giza, cruised down the Nile, and visited King Tut's tomb. 

 Cruising is a perfect way to explore Alaska’s wild coastal plains, towering snow-capped mountains, and glacier-rimmed fjords.

Turkey is my all-time favorite destination.  Volcanic landscapes, ancient, sunken cities, and 4,000 years of rich culture and traditions, Turkey is an incredible destination where the cultures of two continents collide.  

China is positively massive by every conventional measure.  The diversity of hiking the Great Wall to exploring the forbidden city to meeting the Terra-Cotta Warriors was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A trip to New York is all about the food.  This is my favorite restaurant, Don Peppe's, in Jamaica Queens. 

Greece is the perfect destination for so many reasons; it's stunning landscapes, ancient history, vibrant culture, but the most lasting impression it made on me was for its food.  Oh my, the food in Greece is an experience unto itself.

 When I visited Hungary, I was awestruck by the stunning architecture of the Parliament building in Budapest. Standing on the banks of the Danube River, its grandeur and intricate details left me in complete admiration of this magnificent symbol of Hungarian history and democracy. 

I absolutely love Nashville. From its vibrant music scene on Broadway to the mouthwatering barbecue joints and the rich history of the Ryman Auditorium, there's something for everyone in this lively city. 

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Discovering Unexpected Gifts in Times of Grief with Sara Ward Joy In The Journey

• Self-Improvement

After losing someone close to us we are usually told about the five stages of grief and how each of them will show up. But grief often shows up differently for everyone, skipping and cycling through stages in unique ways. My guest today is Sara Ward, and she knows a thing or two about grieving. After unexpectedly losing her father to a heart problem as a teenager, her 9-month-old adopted son was diagnosed with a rare and terminal disease and given a very short time to live.  Instead of choosing to focus only on the hardships of grief, Sara committed to looking for unexpected gifts in her journey. Since then, she’s written a book titled, Made for Hope: Discovering Unexpected Gifts in Brokenness, which is aimed at helping others navigate their grief journey. She's sharing her story on how community, faith, hope, and gratitude got her through some of the hardest challenges of life.  This episode is perfect for anyone who’s in the thick of their grief journey or knows someone who is to feel less alone in this very difficult season of life.  Key Takeaways with Sara Ward Processing grief as a child or teenager Dealing with a sudden and unexpected loss  How the stages of grief are unique for everyone  The anticipatory grief that comes with terminal illnesses Seeking help through grief groups  The importance of rest for caregivers  Leaning on faith & community When parents have different coping mechanisms  Feeling guilt after the loss of a child  Focusing on the blessings in the midst of pain  Show Notes: Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/80. Rate & Review If you enjoyed today’s episode of The Joy In The Journey, hit the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen, so future episodes are automatically downloaded directly to your device. You can also help by providing an honest rating & review over on Apple Podcasts. Reviews go a long way in helping us build awareness so that we can impact even more people. THANK YOU!

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