What's your source of JOY?

HOLY-cow, I have been one bummed-out mama this winter. I spend my days wishing for things I can't have. I would love to live closer to my amazing family- I miss them daily. I, also, would love to have warm weather, a beach nearby and a constant tan (for now, the tanning booth will have to do until we go to San Diego in 2 weeks!)! I have always wanted a mini dog, not a huge slobbery St. Bernard;), who could follow me around the house and sit on my lap at night! I would love to have more money (or airmiles)... just, so I could travel to the most interesting locations. I dream of going to my old stomping grounds (Indonesia) with my family. I need a hobby other than; shopping, sippin' mochas and relaxing pedicures. I wish I could inspire my 2 yr. old to talk, so he could communicate his frustrations. There are so many other things I would like in life and these are the things that I have been focusing all my attention on since I moved to Alaska.

But, I do not want this for me or my family. I want to be completely joyous in ALL the numerous blessings God has given me. I have known that I need to find my JOY from God alone, but now I am actually pursuing it! You see... today was our first Young Mom's Bible Study, led by my super-duper-multi-talented friend, Amanda. I am so happy that God has inspired her to start this study where we study a different theme each month. This month, she felt led for us to study "JOY" and that is exactly what I needed! I am excited to see how God is going to use this month to inspire me in my walk with him to discover that through Him alone I can find JOY even when:

• my kids are fussy,
• I feel alone,
• the weather is lame,
• I'm "bored" with "life"...
• and, the list goes on but I don't want to bore any of you!

So, as I study God's Word and find complete joy... I am also trying to change my attitude on a daily basis. I desire to be joyful with the things God has given me.I am joyful that God has given me a family that loves the outdoors. This is a GORGEOUS day of our whole family taking a walk across the frozen lake to Popeye and Mo-mos home. Not every day in Alaska has; blue skies, humongo shadows, pure snow, and sparkly mountains... but, it is my goal to still find joy even on the not-so-gorgeous wintery days.

I am also finding joy in the fact that God gave me 2 adorable boys who LOVE to imitate their dad. Here they are on a frrrreezing/dreery day (I'm in the car!) but they are still outside trying to ski with their dad.

I know God gave us children to help us remember to find JOY in the little things. The boys were thrilled to be able to wax their skis, just like daddy. That would have been so boring for me but my 3 boys constantly teach me lessons of how to be thankful and joyful.

Savannah is such a smiley one! We are so thankful for her addition to our family. God knew that I needed a happy little sissy.

Oh Noah! What a crazy little boy! He can try my patience like no other but I know God gave him to me for a reason and I am determined to focus on all of his positive traits. This is how he fell asleep today- it's so Noah-style. He's just such a silly little guy that brings a smile to everyone's face. I, so badly want to be a more; loving, patient, joyful, wise and sensitive mama to Noah's needs.

So all of this to say, that so many people think I have it altogether... I do crafts with my kiddos, we do cool outdoorsy things, I help plan MOPS and other mommy things...but inside I have really let my joy be focused on these worldly things and events. I have, also, been spending too much time on my laptop instead of playing with my kids. So now, when I open my laptop I have a sticky note hanging down that reads, "Find JOY in God and give JOY to your family before you spend time on the web". You see, I have failed to let my joy be focused on God and taking time to truly be joyful for all His blessings to me. This month, I am super pumped to let His joy be my inspiration.

PS: One last thing... after I got home from our wonderful Bible Study, I opened up my email to read today's devotion. Once again, it felt like I was reading something written just for me. The devotion went perfectly with what we talked about in this morning's Bible Study. Proverb's 31 Ministries devotion from today.