J O Y

JOY. 

That's the word that comes to mind when I think about my life lately. I am joyful because I AM GETTING MARRIED! Time has seriously flown since my fiancé and I got engaged back in October. We have had so many great times, and of course, some rough times too. There have been smiles, laughs and blessings. But there has also been tears, heartache and fights. I'm not too shy to admit that I don't have it all together. I don't have all of the answers. I'm not always the kindest person to my fiancé, my family or friends. I have bad days and moments where I just want to be alone. But I am so beyond thankful for my Lord and Savior who loves me no matter what. No matter what I'm feeling. No matter what I've done. No matter how rude I am to my fiancé sometimes. But you know what I've learned through all of this time? The reason for my joy? It's because of LOVE. Love is amazing. I never knew I could feel so loved or reciprocate such love back to someone. I have never felt this way before. Even when things are tough, I feel so loved because I know that God is there. I know that God wants nothing but the best for me and for my future spouse. It's an amazing feeling when you realize that you are on earth for a reason. That you have found the one who you are meant to spend forever with. On this side of Heaven and in Heaven. It's truly a miracle! Do you believe in miracles? I do!

I am joyful because there are so many fun details to work out for the wedding. I am joyful because I have two jobs (although that can be challenging sometimes and makes it hard for my fiancé and I to see each other). I am joyful because I know that the tough times I walk through are only producing in me a perseverance from Christ. He is my anchor. I am rooted in Him. Why wouldn't I be joyful? I am so joyful because all of these blessings are from Him. I am joyful because He cares enough to bless us. I recently had THE best bridal shower I could've ever asked for. There was just so much love felt by all who attended. It was amazing. I am joyful because I am alive right now typing this! I am even joyful that I recently hit my two year anniversary of having diabetes because I know that my miracle is coming. And thank God it's coming soon! I am confident in Him. He's got me.

He's got YOU.

I want you to challenge yourselves to take a look around your lives. Where are you right now? Work, home or a game? Are you breathing? Are you in love? Or are you hurting? I challenge you to choose joy. Even when it's hard. And, boy, do I know that that can be soooo hard. It's not easy. I get it. Sometimes it seems impossible to be thankful and joyful when your circumstances don't seem all that pretty. It's okay. Even if you can just find joy in the fact that you're living and breathing. That you have food and water. That you have a life from God that is full of potential. Untapped potential. That is so exciting! Joy is contagious, and it can encourage others around you to want that same joy you have. I hope and pray that the joy of the Lord is your strength.