What Lies Beneath

This photo intrigues me . . .

I love daises, they are one of my favorite flowers—sunshine captured and encased by delicate white petals standing bold atop strong green stems. They just make me happy because they look happy and full of joy.

I have always looked at these beautiful flowers from the top and never from beneath. But now, after seeing this photo, I can see they still look happy and joyful. I like the thought of that . . . of not only being happy and joyful on the surface, but beneath as well.

Having just returned from a wonderful writers conference where God did more in my life than I could have ever imagined, I have a long to-do list before me. But here is where I will begin, on my blog branding myself as a happy, joyful person—not only from the surface but from below. It's what's beneath the surface that counts.  We can always put on the outside what we want others to see but it's what's beneath, flowing from our hearts, that defines who we are.

It's not always easy to be joyful because as we go through life we encounter trials, disappointments, hurts, grief, and hardships. I know, I've had my share. I can't control these things, but I can control how they affect me. I choose for the joy, that comes from the Lord whom I serve, to be my strength (Neh. 8:10).

What lies beneath your surface? I hope it's unspeakable joy. Joy in the good times and joy in the bad times. It may not come naturally and I understand, but it's something we CAN have because it's one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22).

The Bible says we have not because we ask not. Need joy today? Stop and ask God, for He will not only give you joy, He will give you His joy. Now . . . THAT makes me happy!

Blessings . . .