Joy

March 10, 2013

What a beautiful word – Joy. You really can’t say it without your lips turning up in a smile. My wonderful young niece, Joy, exudes that same excitement for life. She serves in the military and enjoys her boys, her husband and her whole life. I watch as some people, like Joy Janeen glow with the excitement of life, while others never seem to enjoy much of each day. Now, that doesn’t make Janeen perfect. I am sure she has plenty of “duh” moments, but she keeps truckin and doing the things that work for her and her family.

On the other end of the spectrum are those who fight life. If they are encouraged to attend church, they determine that it is not for them. If they are asked not to smoke, use drugs, or alcohol, they declare that that is what gives them satisfaction. I have watched as some people I dearly love whack at their lives until there is nothing left but futility and despair. One fine young man in particular finds himself in that very difficult circumstance. He wants his son to be able to visit him. He wants to have a life of trust and respect. He wants to have that everyday joy that he sees others obtain. I believe this is the recipe for successfully making this leap of faith.

First, you must remove the danger and stress in your life. You can’t ignore the law. You can’t ignore reality. You can’t ignore the feelings of those who feel you have harmed them. Your job is to get right with yourself by taking care of any damaging, illegal things that linger in your life. Second, you need to seek out legal counsel that can assist you in making your life whole. Remember! Unresolved marital and child custody issues will always be a threat to your happiness. Without resolution, you sit like a target on a post. You can’t do what you want to and nothing can stop it. Third, you must seek out spiritual guidance. You say your religious belief is “Energy”. No problem, but you have to find out what that means and how to make this energy bless your life. When you get to the end of that trail you will find that this energy you speak of is, in fact, a loving Heavenly Father that knows and cares deeply for your earthly and heavenly successes.

Once you have completed these steps you can restart your life.

Today before Church, I was enjoying a moment of pleasantry and joy. For many weeks either Jean or I would not be well enough to go to church. Today, we both were going where we could partake of the Sacrament, ask for forgiveness for the rock headed things we do as humans; then, listen to folks from the congregation talk about spiritual things close to their hearts. Each talk today made me happy and helped me understand why I am a fervent believer in God the Father, in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. In the Sunday School lesson, Sister Roberts talked of this same joy and shared several scriptures which give us understanding regarding keeping our lives in order so we can feel that exquisite joy of the Savior’s love.

Lots of things are happening regarding education in legislative bodies all across the country. Watch the trashing (revisions) of history in new textbooks, the elimination of God given rights, and ill spent dollars. More later. 

God bless you as you move through your incredible lives with the Joy of God as your shield and protector.

Duane Jacobs, Fond friend, brother, uncle, cousin, and grandfather