"If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and Him in us, because He has given us of His Spirit."

1 John 4:12b-13

How much of our time is spent looking for affirmation, belonging, and connections to others? I would dare say a great deal of our time is spent this way - seeking the approval of others, either directly or indirectly. But, if we step back and look at our lives, what an honor and blessing it is to realize that we are mightily loved by our heavenly Father, and that His love is perfected in us. "Perfected." Wow! There is no greater love that we can seek, and in fact already have, than this. When we realize this, then the need for affirmation can know no greater reponse than sheer joy and exhiliration. This is the "ultimate" joy. In this, then, truly joy abides in our hearts!

I long to know His joy more fully, more deeply, all of the time. I love to share with others in their joys. I belive the Spirit of God, living in us, abiding in our hearts, inspiring our actions and our utterances, is one of the most incredible gifts we have been given. And when we walk this journey together, we are given the sacred opportunity to uphold one another along the way.

Do you desire to know more of God and be encouraged in your walk?

It is my goal to be a source for support for you, for spiritual encouragement, for educational tips, and for challenging you to live a life of learning. Learning should never stop, whether it is about God, yourself, or others.

Please visit my page "Daily Word" where each weekday you can journal along with the Word of God, or my information on homeschooling, or sign up for monthly newsletters where you will receive tips and challenges on letting true joy abide in your life.

Let us each strive to know this rich joy, and strive to support one another in joyful celebration of life!