My Mom was always one for a little flair.  She had great jewelry, stylish clothes, TONS of shoes and always wore a fresh-smelling perfume.  Ally really got interested in perfume a few years ago herself and would always take the time to stop and smell the testers at the department stores. Her favorite perfume – that I make sure she has plenty of – is “Happy” by Clinique.  It is such an apropos perfume for her, as she is “happy” 99.9% of the time.  In fact, I will go a step further and say she is not just happy … she is fullof joy. Regardless of the circumstances, Ally sees the glass as “half full” 99.9% of the time.

Last night, for instance, she went to the freezer for a little dessert after dinner because she had a taste for ice cream. Unfortunately, I had not cleaned out that freezer in a while and the ice cream had expired.  I explained to her that she could not eat something that had expired. Instead of throwing a tantrum and demanding her way like I know some would, she very calmly said, “Oh, ok”, and began scooping out the old ice cream into the sink.  She did not let the fact that her taste buds went unfulfilled “ruin” her night.  She moved on.  Now I don’t mean to say that she never gets disappointed – she certainly does, however, she never lets life’s current circumstances steal her joy.

With life’s ups and downs, highs and lows, how can welive life that way?  The Scripture tells us a few things about joy.

First of all, joyis the second fruit of the Spirit.  When we empty ourselves of ourselves and ask God to fill us instead with His Spirit, He will.  When we are filled with the Spirit, we can walk in the Spirit.  Joy is a fruit that will flow out of us naturally when we are filled with His Holy Spirit – for this is God’s very nature.

Secondly, Psalms 16:11 (one of my favorite Scripture passages) says, “You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy;In your right hand, there are pleasures forever.”  Our dear friend, Dr. Richard Blackaby, always reminds us that if we are lacking “joy” it might mean that we need to spend more time in God’s presence – this is a great formula for restoring the joy in our life.

Finally, remember all that God has done for you.  Counting your blessings instead of your burdens is always good medicine for the soul.   Certainly, life brings worries, trials and disappointments, but remembering God’s provision, faithfulness and unfailing love toward you brings a deep attitude of gratitude and joy.  Isaiah 61:10 says, “I am overwhelmed with joyin the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.  I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels”.

Ally is very self-sufficient.  She gets herself ready in the mornings for work/school complete with deodorant, lotion and perfume.  The only thing I really need to help with is her hair.  The funny thing she often says is this, “I am ready Mom. I brushed my teeth, I put my deodorant on and I have my ‘Happy’ on”.  I always giggle to myself when she says this as I think it is so simple, yet so profound.  How we live, is a choice. Either we will submit to the Holy Spirit and walk in His Spirit, or we will live the day our own way.  My question for you today is this … “Do you have your ‘Happy’ on”?

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