Be Happy Don't Worry

Several years ago some one told me my life would be joyful and that is why God has called me Joyce.  The interesting thing about this prophetic word was I was in deep depression and suffering from bipolar at the time.  How could this be true I thought.  But as Peter said to Jesus when he told him to cast the nets on the other side of the boat.  "Master we've fished all night and caught nothing, but if you say so let it be."

Almost 20 years down the road and there's been a lot of water under the bridge. 

The other weekend we were at a off road vintage motorcycle enjoying lots of laughter and good times with friends. Many of our friends are Christians and I noticed that not once did I hear the Lord's name in vein by saying the popular "Oh my ______" expression. We as Christians need to laugh more when we get together and when we are in the world, even at studies, social times, and church.

I was reading Colossians chapter one and and what struck me was how God wants us to be passionate for him. Guess what the sermon at church was, the same thing? Don't you just hate it when God's gives you the message twice?

I was on worship, playing drums, and I decided not to be nervous but to enjoy the worship time.  I'm just beginning this.  I enjoyed myself and the pastor said that was the best I had played.

So what is it like to be passionate for God? In chapter 2 Paul explains.
1. We need to see things from God's perspective.  He's has a great sense of humor and Jesus loved to party with food with his friends.
2. Don't go by our feeling and emotions especially when some hurts us, but go by what Jesus would have done, forgive quickly.
3. Don't try to get the lime light.  Don't try to push your business or get the most attention in group studies.  Like the movie Field of Dreams, build it and they shall come.  Enjoy what God has called you to do and let him put you where he wants you.
4. Get along with others, stop complaining and be thankful.

When I have a troubling situation I looked for what I can be thankful for. Did I learn and gain wisdom, did God give me the strength to endure it etc?

Near the end of chapter 3 of Colossians it said "  sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives-- words, actions, whatever --be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

A plate I'm enjoying making for the YWCA

To be passionate for God is lot of things but for me now it is to enjoy creating pottery, sing my heart out in worship even when I am on the drums.  When I am feeling down sing to the Lord. The other day I was feeling lonely and down then a worship song came in my mind.  I started to sing it and was lifted out of my pity party. I realized I was letting Satan put negative thoughts in my mind. My drumming last Sunday at church went better because I followed Colossians. While singing my heart to God I was happy and didn't worry.