31 DAYS TO A MORE JOYFUL YOU

LISA CLINE

Learn about my other books, get inspiration, or sign up for a free newsletter

abbasyaldah.wordpress.com

Copyright © 2013 Lisa Cline

All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the

United States of America. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial

gain or profit.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from

The Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission All rights reserved.

ALWAYS BE JOYFUL. NEVER STOP PRAYING.

BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS

GOD’S WILL FOR YOU WHO BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS.

- 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

FOR MEGAN

I HAVE BEEN

VERY BLESSED TO BE YOUR MOM.

YOU ARE A WONDERFUL DAUGHTER

AND HAVE AMAZING TASTE IN BOXES.

YES, "YOU'LL DO VERY NICELY.":

WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK

Life is too short to waste one second of it being anything less than fully alive. Yet, even in saying that, I realize this it is easier said than done. That's why becoming a joy-seeker is extremely important. It will help you to get the most out of your life.

I have not always been a joy seeker. I used to roll out of bed each morning dreading the day ahead, instead of looking forward expectantly to all the good things that lay in store for me.

I was so focused on all the negatives in life that I did not see the amazing wonderful things that I could be thankful for in each new day. What I did not realize I was missing, what I do not want you to miss, was the joy that surrounded me each and every day.

As I began to change my outlook, my quality of life began to change. Through this joy outlook I wrote this book, in hopes that others will also make the decision to seek joy, and reap the rewards of it.

READING THIS BOOK

This is a book for those who want more joy in their lives.

Joy is a key element to any to any successful life because it provides it provides us with the strength we need to get things done, the insight to appreciate what we have been given, as well as giving us the peace of mind to fully relax when we need to. And in a fast paced society such as ours, having no joy makes it all too easy to fall increasingly behind in where we need to be.

While this book is unique in itself , below are what Amazon reviewers are saying about my other book To Know God as Father

Love, love, love this book ~ Psparks

I'm glad I was drawn to this book. It was amazing. Thank you Lisa Cline for writing this book. Thank you Jesus ~ Sarah C.

This book is so good! It is well written and easy to read and follow...No matter who you are or where you've been, this book will entertain you and help you along your way! Read it!!! ~ Kathy P

Very insightful book that you will enjoy and will want to re-read. Would like more from this author. Would also make a great gift for anyone ~ Sherrylynn B

I really believe this book was an inspiration. It is a great book that draws in the fact that God loves us and wants us to have a close relationship with us. ~ Deb

A wonderful book written from the heart by a new author who has a heart for helping others to heal. ~Cellanne

WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK

READING THIS BOOK

INTRODUCTION

DAY 1 ~ WHY JOY

DAY 2 ~ WHAT JOY IS

DAY 3 ~ JOY IS EVERYWHERE

DAY 4 ~ CHOSE JOY EVERY DAY

DAY 5 ~ CHANGE OTHERS BY LIVING IN JOY

DAY 6 ~ JOY THRIVES IN A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

DAY 7 ~ JOY THRIVES IN GRATITUDE

DAY 8 ~ FIND JOY IN HAPPINESS

DAY 9 ~ LIVE JOYFULLY IN THE MOMENT

DAY 10 ~ FIND JOY IN LITTLE VICTORIES

DAY 11 ~ FIND JOY IN THE NOW

DAY 12 ~ DON'T WORRY, BE JOYFUL

DAY 13 ~ FIND JOY IN THE BREAKING

DAY 14 ~ FIND JOY IN THE JOY OF OTHERS

DAY 15 ~ HELPING OTHERS BRINGS US JOY

DAY 16 ~ JOY IS IN US

DAY 17 ~ FRIENDS GIVE US JOY

DAY 18 ~ THERE IS JOY IN BEING FULLY ENGAGED

DAY 19 ~ LASTING JOY COMES FROM MAKING RIGHT CHOICES

DAY 20 ~ HOLD ON JOY IS COMING

DAY 21 ~ GET JOY BY LETTING THE LIGHT IN

DAY 22 ~ GET JOY BY GOING DEEP

DAY 23 ~ GET JOY BY GIVING IT

DAY 24 ~ GET JOY BY REJOICING FOR OTHERS

DAY 25 ~ GET JOY BY GETTING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

DAY 26 ~ GET JOY BY SMILING

DAY 27 ~ GET JOY BY REALIZING HOW BLESSED YOU ARE

DAY 28 ~ GET JOY BY DOING

DAY 29 ~ GET JOY BY GIVING

DAY 30 ~ KEEP CALM AND HAVE JOY

DAY 31 ~ KEEP JOY BY KEEPING ON KEEPING ON

OTHER BOOKS BY LISA CLINE

AUTHOR WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE

AUTHOR INFO

INTRODUCTION

Each new day that dawns is a day that is ripe with exciting possibilities that often get trampled under the feet our own weariness. That is why joy is so vital. It is helps us turn our "maybe tomorrow," or “I wish I could but,” into “now is the time!” and “I can!”.

Studies have shown that if you participate in a specific activity or behavior for twenty-one days in a row, you are forming a habit. So by focusing on joy for a full month (thirty-one days) you are solidifying that joy habit.

This book is therefore divided into thirty-one days. Each one includes a thought provoking quote or scripture, a small devotional, and a question or call to action to get you thinking more in depth about making the change to live in a life of Joy.

To get the most from this little book, it is important to read each section early in the day and think through what you have read as you go throughout your day. This "thinking through" is a way of solidifying the information.

While I am a Christian and this book was written primarily for Christians I do believe that important truths can be gleaned from those of all walks of life.

DAY 1 ~ WHY JOY

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH! - NEHEMIAH 8:10

This is not an easy world to live in, and sometimes it seems like the more days we are alive, it gets just that much harder. That is why joy is essential. But not just any joy—the joy that only God can give us.

Joy is not something however that God just plops down in front of us saying "here is your joy, now go and spend the rest of your time in this world singing happy songs." No, the Joy of the Lord does not usually come all at once and it does not always come easily. It is attained through complete dependence on God and allowing Him to heal what is broken.

With that said, I believe that Gods joy is our greatest weapon against the depression, despair, and despondency that can sap our strength and keep us in a state of apathy, never full participating in our own life.

So if you are a Christian and find yourself walking around defeated all the time. Remember that is not Gods best for you. Ask Him to give you Joy.

Ask yourself

Do I have the Joy of the Lord? If not, ask God for it. He is faithful and will bring it forth in your life as you cling to Him.

DAY 2 ~ WHAT JOY IS

JOY IS THE HOLY FIRE THAT KEEPS OUR PURPOSE WARM AND OUR INTELLIGENCE AGLOW." - HELEN KELLER

Unlike what popular thinking contends, we are not here by accident and were not designed to live a purposeless life.

In each of us were placed gifts and talents that the world needs to see. Yet far too often that never happens because our lack of joy prevents it. For example just this morning something happened to cause me to feel like I didn't "measure up." You know, that feeling where it seems like you are not valued quite as much as the next person. It caused a lack of joy that instantly drained me of all of my energy. Crawling back in the bed I had just got out of looked like a good option.

Because I have been around that block more than once I knew I immediately needed to change my thinking by asking God to help me to get my Joy back. And He did through His word and song. So here I am, my joy restored and ready to fulfill my purpose here on earth of encouragement.

We each have a purpose in life.

Joy is a weapon in the hands of those with a purpose.

Ask Yourself

Has lack of Joy kept me from accomplishing that thing that I know I need to accomplish, but don't seem to have the energy to do?

DAY 3 ~ JOY IS EVERYWHERE

JOY IS EVERYWHERE; IT IS IN THE EARTH'S GREEN COVERING OF GRASS; IN THE BLUE SERENITY OF THE SKY; IN THE RECKLESS EXUBERANCE OF SPRING; ... IN LIVING; ...; IN THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE; IN FIGHTING EVILS...JOY IS THERE EVERYWHERE. - RABINDRANATH TAGORE

What an amazing world we live in and what joy there is to be found in it.~

It is morning as I write this, the birds are chirping and the sun is starting to rise. As I think of these two things I realize what joy there is to be found in both the happy song of a small bird or the knowledge that every morning the sun will rise again.

Now while I am usually a firm believer in watching only "happy" movies, I have seen the odd apocalyptic movie or two. You know the kind where people are living on a dark planet, with no hope for a brighter tomorrow. Even thinking on the possibility of living on such a planet brings heaviness to my spirit.

We are so blessed to be living in such a wonderful world. What amazing creatures it contains. How awesome is air we breathe and the trees the keep it clean.

When we start to focus on the things all around us that we once took for granted, joy will rise up naturally.

ASK YOURSELF

What are three things that are within my view that are truly amazing or that I am grateful were invented? Let this be a question that you ask yourself daily.

DAY 4 ~ CHOSE JOY EVERY DAY

JOY DOES NOT SIMPLY HAPPEN TO US. WE HAVE TO CHOOSE JOY AND KEEP CHOOSING IT EVERY DAY. - HENRI NOUWEN

Joy does not just fall on you—you have to choose it on purpose. I realize that for some of us this is easier said than done, but it is doable. Take for example, the way I used to live my life, and the extremely negative mindset which I clung too.

For every good thing I noticed about my life/the world, I noticed about one hundred or more bad things. As a result I lived a very unhappy life and I spread that unhappiness to those I loved the most; my family.

Not surprisingly, after becoming a Christian, the first thing that God led me to do was to change my mind set. He taught me, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

Every time I found myself thinking negative thoughts, this verse would pop in my head and I would actively try and think about something that was positive instead of negative. It was not always easy but I did always find something/someone to think on.

After awhile thinking positively came naturally and I started to notice the one hundred good things before the one bad thing. This lead to a better quality of life.

Is it always sunshine and roses? Of course not, but by focusing on the bloom instead of the thorns, I am able to enjoy the scent of it.

ASK YOURSELF

Is it worth it to put in the effort to think positively? What are some steps (putting up reminder notes/quotes around the home, talking with a loved one about making the change) that can be done as reminders to think positively?

DAY 5 ~ CHANGE OTHERS BY LIVING IN JOY

JOY IS A NET OF LOVE BY WHICH YOU CAN CATCH SOULS. - MOTHER TERESA

Just like our negative thinking can affect others, so can our positive thinking.

As Christians we are called to be the light in the dark world. If your family seems to be falling apart, or your co-worker seems bent on his life's destruction, or even if you have that wonderfully cheerful neighbor that just seems to have a glimpse of sadness about her, be determined to live your life joyfully in front of them.

People respond to joy because in this increasingly negative world, it is getting harder and harder to come by. When you live your live joyfully in front of others they will want what you want.

ASK YOURSELF

How do I appear in front of others?

DAY 6 ~ JOY THRIVES IN A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

WE CAN DO NOTHING WELL WITHOUT JOY, AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE

WHICH IS THE GROUND OF JOY. - SIBBES

Joy needs a peaceful mind in which to grow. In fact, it is almost impossible to have joy when your conscience is bothering you. If you have done something wrong and have not made amends for it, it will be like a little ache that never goes away.

Take for example the story Mrs. Macdonald:

In the 1890s, a man drove by the farm of Mrs. John R. McDonald. A sudden gush of wind caught his black derby hat and whirled it into the McDonald property. He looked in vain for the hat and drove off bareheaded.

Mrs. McDonald retrieved the hat and for forty-five years, it was worn by various members of the family until it wore out. At the end of those years, Mrs. McDonald finally went out and advertised for the owner of the hat. She said it had been on her conscience for forty-five years. [1]

It is amazing that for forty-five years Mrs. Macdonald was bothered about that hat not rightfully belonging to her. How many times must the hat have come to her mind when she was having a joyful moment only to give her a sharp pang of guilt. That hat was not free for Mrs. MacDonald.

When we really are at our best, the most creative, is when we have peace of mind. Although we may think it is beneficial when we "get away" with things, doing so is really not worth the price of losing our peace of mind.

ASK YOURSELF

Is there anything that I have done that I need to make right in order to have peace and true joy?

DAY 7 ~ JOY THRIVES IN GRATITUDE

GRATITUDE HELPS YOU TO GROW AND EXPAND;

GRATITUDE BRINGS JOY AND LAUGHTER INTO YOUR LIFE

AND INTO THE LIVES OF ALL THOSE AROUND YOU. - EILEEN CADDY

Around ten or so years ago keeping a "Joy Journal" was a big thing. It was where you wrote down five things a day that made you smile, or that had happened and brought you joy.

Those who used it claimed that it changed their whole outlook on life. Where they used to be negative thinkers, they began to look for the good in life and as a result they saw more of it which caused them to live in joy.

Although I have never been one for journals, I did adopt the outlook. I like to stop each day and thank God for everything from the fact that I have a washing machine, to the fact that I have a hot shower and a roof over my head.

It is really not that hard to develop a grateful heart. Just look around you and start thanking God for what you see.

ASK YOURSELF

Should I start a Joy Journal? What are five things that I can thank God for right now?

DAY 8 ~ FIND JOY IN HAPPINESS

FIND JOY IN EVERYTHING YOU CHOOSE TO DO EVERY JOB, RELATIONSHIP, HOME...IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LOVE IT,OR CHANGE IT.

- CHUCK PALAHNIUK

For most of us the biggest part of our day is spent working and yet this is the area that we most often complain about. Why? Because finding what we really love to do and then doing it can be difficult as well as scary. So we stay working at a job we hate, preferring that to stepping out.

Often we do not step out because we are not quite sure what our talents are or what we should be doing with them. If that is you it may be beneficial to ask yourself;

1. What is the one thing I do that when I do it, everything in the world seems to fade away? What do I do that I lose hours doing? That is often the place where your passion lies.

2.What makes me excited to talk about? If you are a very shy person and find yourself jumping into the conversation of complete strangers, chances are they are talking about something you love.

3. Who are the people (or what are the classes) that I have enjoyed learning from the most? So many times people do not let their passion dictate their job. They get it stuck in their head that they should be (for example) a mathematician—when it was their cooking class they most enjoyed.

4. What is my dream job? Sometimes the answer to this question is all it takes to find the job that brings you joy.

ASK YOURSELF

What am I doing to change the things that I cannot find joy in?

DAY 9 ~ LIVE JOYFULLY IN THE MOMENT

LEARNING TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT IS PART OF THE PATH OF JOY.- SARAH BAN BREATHNACH

Too often the end is where we believe our joy is found.

We tell ourselves that we will be happy "when the kids are grown," "when the house is paid for," or "when retirement comes.". Yet the reality is the "when's" in life are like the carrot tied to the end of stick that keeps it out of our reach.

There is no magic moment where everything is exactly the way it should be so we that can be joyful.

Joy is in the now. Joy is in the living of day to day life doing what you love, surrounded by those you love.

I remember once, when it had been a long time in-between getting new glasses, how hard it was to focus at first. Everything seemed to have so much depth of color than it had before. I remember looking at some flowers and being amazed at how vibrant they were.

I was able to see, really see, for the first time in a long time, and what I saw was beauty all around me. The interesting thing is that the color never changed, the way I looked at things had.

My old prescription had clouded my view, so I changed my prescription.

Sometimes all we need to do is change the way we see things.

ASK YOURSELF

Am I finding joy in my now? What may be clouding my view?

DAY 10 ~ FIND JOY IN LITTLE VICTORIES

I'VE GROWN TO REALIZE THE JOY THAT COMES FROM LITTLE VICTORIES

IS PREFERABLE TO THE FUN THAT COMES FROM EASE AND THE PURSUIT

OF PLEASURE. - LAWANA BLACKWELL

In this entertainment driven culture that we live in, we often confuse joy for happiness. One can be happy doing this thing or that thing that gives them pleasure, yet that is not where joy is to be found.

Entertainment has its purpose. We need to unwind after a long day and allow our brains to rest up a bit. But the problem is when all we ever want to do is to be entertained.

We may think that we are getting Joy from sitting in front to the television like a lump for hours at a time, when true joy is found in watching the child sitting next to us catch his first fish that we taught him to catch, or ride her first bike that we taught her to ride. It is found in running to the end of the block, then a first mile, then competing in a marathon.

Our accomplishments do not need to be grandiose to bring us joy. It is setting a goal and keeping it that does something to us on the inside.

Ask Yourself

What goals have I set and achieved lately?

DAY 11 ~ FIND JOY IN THE NOW

THINGS WON ARE DONE; JOY'S SOUL LIES IN THE DOING.

- WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Far too often people live their lives talking about the "glory days" of when they were the high-school football captain, or on the college cheerleading team. They find their happiness in what they accomplished in the past—or at least they try to.

Yet it is what we do now that will bring us the greatest satisfaction. We were created to keep striving, to be doing. Living in the past will kill your joy in the present because we were created to be active. To keep doing.

If our vision is focused on our past accomplishments then we will be unable to see all of the great things that God has in store for us in the future.

Focusing on the past is what kept me in limbo for years. I merely existed, never knowing the joy that accomplishments can bring. am changing though, with God's help. And I am expecting great things to come from this talent that God has given me.

God is the God of second chances.

It does not matter your age, the chances that you have blown in the past, or how long you have been stuck in it. As you turn to God he will give you a fresh start and a new vision.

I like to tell people that I may have bloomed late in life but when I bloom I bloom big and so can you!

ASK YOURSELF

Am I finding joy in the present or the past?

DAY 12 ~ DON'T WORRY, BE JOYFUL

WORRY NEVER ROBS TOMORROW OF ITS SORROW,

IT ONLY SAPS TODAY OF ITS JOY. - LEO BUSCAGLIA

Sometimes people think that if they worry enough about something that it will somehow protect them from misfortune. But that is never the case.

For example. I ran into a young man that I know the other day. He was on his way to an interview for a really great job. Yet unfortunately he was defeated before he even got there. Why? Because he was worried that he would do poorly in the interview and that he would not be hired. He is a bright, thoughtful, and contentious young man but because he made up his mind that he was going to fail, he did.

If we truly want to have a joy filled life then we have to stop worrying. That is not to say that various occasional circumstances might not cause us concern. However worrying should not be part of our daily life.

A good way to take the worry out of one's life is to simply turn off the TV News. It is a waste of time and brain cells. It is not only often filled with horrific stories, one as gruesome as the next, that we can do nothing about, it also is filled with story after story which cause us to worry about tomorrow.

That is something as Christians that we are not supposed to do. We are called to trust God no matter our circumstances. This is not always easy but nothing that is worth it ever is.

Ask Yourself

There are just as many good news stories out there as bad, so why does the news generally only focus on the bad? What are the things that I worry about that I should give to God.

DAY 13 ~ FIND JOY IN THE BREAKING

THE WALLS WE BUILD AROUND US TO KEEP SADNESS OUT

ALSO KEEPS OUT THE JOY.

- JIM ROHN

If we want to be bubbling over with joy in our lives then we are going to have to tear down some walls. Correction. We are going to have to allow God to tear down the walls that we may have built up because of the guilt, shame, abuse, or just plain sadness that we may have previously experienced at some point in our lives, or are experiencing now.

God will show us areas where we have built walls if we will ask him.

If you ever witnessed a wall come down (i.e. the Berlin one) then you know that tearing down a massive structure that is firmly rooted it is not an easy task. It is often a tedious process that requires a lot of chipping away at the wall until big pieces fall to the ground, smashing into rough edged pieces of debris that must latter be cleared away.

Because of the harshness of it (one may have to struggle through heartache and feelings more intense than one has allowed himself to feel in years) many people never allow their walls to be brought down, yet for our joy to be allowed the necessary space to grow we must submit to the process, for what comes out of us is what is inside of us. So if we are filled with despair that is what is going to come out...not Joy.

Some walls may take moments to come down and others years. But as you allow God to walk you through your pain the joy will begin to fill up the empty spaces.

Ask Yourself

Are there walls within me that need to be torn down?

DAY 14 ~ FIND JOY IN THE JOY OF OTHERS

WHO IS THE HAPPIEST OF MEN? HE WHO VALUES THE MERITS OF OTHERS, AND IN THEIR PLEASURE TAKES JOY, EVEN AS THOUGH T'WERE HIS OWN.

- JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE

It is not always all about you! There is a saying that we don't often hear every day.

In a world where we constantly being bombarded with messages of how we need the best, we deserve the best, we are the best, it is hard to not be self focused.

This is best illustrated through the an episode of the (not old) TV show Growing Pains. I remember the teenaged character Mike Sever was amazed one day to learn that when he turned off the television set and turned it back on, that it did not start up where he left off. His father then informed him that the world did not revolve around him and that he should of learned that fact when he was much younger.

Too many people today are just like Mike.

They believe that the world revolves around them, and that they need not be concerned of anything other than making themselves happy, when in fact we were designed for to be other centered, not self-centered..

Sadly, people will often spend more time knocking another's success rather than rejoicing over it. But by doing so they are doing their selves a disservice. True joy is not born out of envy or strife and cannot survive in the midst of it.

We were designed in such a way that rejoicing in the success of others that bring out the joy inside us.

If this is an area in which you struggle, give it to God in prayer and he will be faithful to deliver you from yourself. I know because He did just that for me.

Ask Yourself

The last time a friend had success, how did it affect me?

DAY 15 ~ HELPING OTHERS BRINGS US JOY

THERE IS NO GREATER JOY NOR GREATER REWARD

THAN TO MAKE A FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE.

- SISTER MARY ROSE MCGEADY

One truth that I have noticed is that Joy comes to those who help others get joy.

I remember the first father's day after my husband died, someone had sent my family a gift certificate to go out to dinner. However we did not feel like going out to celebrate, for it didn't seem like there was much to celebrate.

That Sunday though I went to church and got a ride home from someone who was going through a rough time..I prayed for her and spoke encouraging words to her and by the time I was done I felt so full of Joy that I took my kids out to dinner and it was one of the most memorable dinners of our entire lives.

The highlights: My youngest yelled out "Hey lady are you from China?" really loudly to our waitress as she was walking us to our table. She informed him that no, she was Japanese but is from America. Everyone of us (minus my oldest) spilled a glass of some sort of beverage, food ended up on sleeves as we reached across, my youngest wanted to strip his shirt off in the restaurant when it was wet but thank heavens his big brother took him to the bathroom and somehow dried it off. basically it was one mess after another, which prompted Megan to repeat their father's oft used phrase "This is why we can't have nice things. "

We all had a great laugh over that, and I somehow knew, if it was possible, that Allan would be up there in Heaven laughing along with us.

My Joy was full!

Ask Yourself

Where can I utilize my joy to cheer up another?

DAY 16 ~ JOY IS IN US

JOY IS NOT IN THINGS; IT IS IN US. - RICHARD WAGNER

The New York times once surveyed people who claimed their happiness would double if their income did. Yet in reality the "data showed that people who earned $55,000 were just 9 percent more satisfied than those making $25,000."[2] Why? because things are just things.

We were created for fellowship, both with God and with each other. Things cannot hug us or cheer us on and no matter how much we love our things, they will never ever give us true and lasting joy!

Yet in this upside down world we live in, getting more is what it's all about. There is even a commercial running right now in which a little girl is explaining why she just wants more. The adult then chimes in saying that basically she is speaking the truth. We are left with yet another message of "get more, you deserve more, more will make you happy." Yet getting true joy from stuff is like my expecting a ken doll to ask me out on a date

Sure Ken (as in Barbie and) is a little cutie and who doesn't appreciate him in his shiny gold and silver disco outfit, but if I had to wait for him to ask me out, I would be waiting a long time. He is made of plastic, has no brain, and cannot feel anything, for me or anyone else. He and his shiny clothes are just "stuff" that will one day end up in a landfill.

Now while I can get joy out of making Ken do the hustle (although I am not that creepy) I will never get a call from him. There is really nothing to him, just as there is nothing to that that fancy dress, that expensive car, or that kitchen gadget that we feel we need to have. Without us those objects it will just sit there. They have no ability to do or give anything.

Joy comes from inside us as we appreciate the things. Yet if we really want to double our joy we will focus less on stuff and more on people.

Ask Yourself

If you lost everything you owned, could you still find joy?

DAY 17 ~ FRIENDS GIVE US JOY

I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE WHERE I WOULD BE TODAY WERE IT NOT FOR THAT HANDFUL OF FRIENDS WHO HAVE GIVEN ME A HEART FULL OF JOY.

- CHARLES R. SWINDOLL

If you are a Christian then doing life alone is not an option. We were designed for fellowship.

Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to skip out on meeting together with other Christians (i.e. church). We need the teaching and encouragement we get at church as well as what good friends will bring.

The Bible says that iron sharpens iron and that is what good friends do. They help us to see clearer and be the best weapon that we can be in the hands of God.

I used to think I didn't need anyone, and as a result I was very lonely and didn't grow much as a Christian. Then after a get together (the first one I ever went to at a church) I saw (or rather felt) how much I was missing in my life. I then asked God to provide me with some real solid friends and He has been faithful to do just that.

I cannot tell you how many times I was in despair and a friend said just the right thing to lift me up, or I was about to make a mistake and a few friends steered me clear.

If you are like I was and find that you have become isolated from others and/or have no real friends, then do what I did. Ask God for some, and He will be faithful to bring just the right ones into your life so that you may have a heart full of joy.

Ask Yourself

Do I have friends who strengthen me or tear me down? Do need to ask God for new friends to help build me up?

DAY 18 ~ THERE IS JOY IN BEING FULLY ENGAGED

WINNING IS IMPORTANT TO ME, BUT WHAT BRINGS ME REAL JOY IS THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING FULLY ENGAGED IN WHATEVER I’M DOING.

PHIL JACKSON

We cheat ourselves by being in such a rush to get to the next thing. In the hurrying, we often lose our joy. Yet we live in a world where being busy is often a badge of honor, where multi-tasking is what we do. It is uncommon to find someone who is fully engaged in what they are doing.

I admit that I often have the bad habit of doing one thing (or several things) when I am thinking of something else. In fact I have a friend that often tells me to "be in the moment" to which I sometimes reply "I will, as soon as I get an extra moment to be in."

The movie Click is an example of this. In the movie the main character, a husband and father, is given a remote that allows him to speed up the, what he considers to be unnecessary, parts of his life. So he does... Obsessively. Before he knows it he is an old man with no wife, and children who dislike him. He wasted his life and the opportunity for building bonds with those he loved because he did not want to be engaged in what he was doing. Fortunately for him, in the end of the movie he got a do over. In reality, we do not get such a blessing. We have one shot at this life and to get the most joy from it we have to fully live it.

Ask Yourself

How much clicking have I done lately?

DAY 19 ~ LASTING JOY COMES FROM MAKING RIGHT CHOICES

SHORT IS THE JOY THAT GUILTY PLEASURE BRINGS.

EURIPIDES (484 BC - 406 BC)

We all have a conscience, which has been defined as a "self-awareness that judges whether or not an act one has carried out or plans to carry out is in harmony with one’s moral standards."[3]

As Christians we believe that it is God who gives us that conscience. This causes us to "live in a tension: God’s grace frees us to choose as we please, but God’s love requires us to ask questions of conscience about our choices."'[4] We are called to have hearts so tender that even the smallest disobedience will cause great discomfort.

So while we do have the freedom chose to do what we know is wrong (meaning that, for the most part, God will not stop us from making wrong choices) if we have a tender heart for God, then any momentary joy that we take from it will not last long.

If we find that we are able to constantly do the wrong thing without any guilt whatsoever it is because we have hardened our hearts to the things of God. That is cause for great concern. If we want to really live in full joy then and we need to come before him humbly and repent .He is faithful to forgive us as we do so.

Ask Yourself

What do I find pleasure in that God does not? Have I hardened my heart?

DAY 20 ~ HOLD ON JOY IS COMING

WEEPING MAY LAST THROUGH THE NIGHT,

BUT JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING.

- PSALM 30:5

I have a friend that is going through a really rough time. She has just lost someone that she cares about dearly. Someone that she was extremely close to. She is hurting, yet though her pain is deep and raw and a daily swamp that she must wade through, she is one who has hope.

I believe that God loves us so much that He will not allow us more despair than we can handle. That at the end of every season of grief he will give us something to rejoice over.

Even though the pain that my friend feels will lessen in strength, it will never go away. She will always be missing him, but she will feel the Joy again because that is how good God is.

So if you are in the midst of despair, hold on to the hope that Joy is coming.

Ask Yourself

When have I seen God turn my sorrow to Joy?

DAY 21 ~ GET JOY BY LETTING THE LIGHT IN

OWNING OUR STORY CAN BE HARD BUT NOT NEARLY AS DIFFICULT AS SPENDING OUR LIVES RUNNING FROM IT. EMBRACING OUR VULNERABILITIES IS RISKY BUT NOT NEARLY AS DANGEROUS AS GIVING UP ON LOVE AND BELONGING AND JOY—THE EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE US THE MOST VULNERABLE. ONLY WHEN WE ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO EXPLORE THE DARKNESS WILL WE DISCOVER THE INFINITE POWER OF OUR LIGHT.

― BRENÉ BROWN

If you are full of darkness you simply cannot live a joyful life. As many times as you try to make it happen, it is just not going to work.

Case in point; my life!

Around fifteen years ago I decided that I was going to be a joyful wife and mother. I am not sure what prompted the change other than the fact that I was reading about happy homes and I wanted mine to be one as well. So I set about being wonderfully kind to my husband, and children. I was even kind to all the people who generally annoyed me.

As a result, my husband became so happy about the change in me that he remarked "Did I die and go to heaven? Is this real? It feels like I am dreaming."

Unfortunately he was. It did not take long for my happy little joy filled bubble to burst, because my mind was full of darkness. I was not a whole person. I was broken in many places. In order to have joy I had to allow God to change me from the inside out. I had to allow him to pull out the weeds in the garden of my mind that was stopping the joy from growing.

I am happy to say that in the last year (especially the last eight months) before his death, God had done such a work in me that my behavior toward my family rivaled, even exceeded, that of my former self. This time my husband did not tell me He felt like it was a dream. He saw it the reality of it.

Ask Yourself

Are there areas of your life that you need to surrender to God in order that your joy may grow?

DAY 22 ~ GET JOY BY GOING DEEP

THE OUT-AND-OUT CHRISTIAN IS A JOYFUL CHRISTIAN. THE HALF-AND-HALF CHRISTIAN IS THE KIND OF CHRISTIAN THAT A GREAT MANY OF YOU ARE...LITTLE ACQUAINTED WITH THE LORD. WHY SHOULD WE LIVE HALFWAY UP THE HILL AND SWATHED IN THE MISTS, WHEN WE MIGHT HAVE AN UNCLOUDED SKY AND A RADIANT SUN OVER OUR HEADS IF WE WOULD CLIMB HIGHER AND WALK IN THE LIGHT OF HIS FACE? - ALEXANDER MACLAREN

If we want to have the joy of the Lord overflowing to the fullest, then we cannot be lukewarm Christians with one foot in the kingdom and the other in the world. I know this because for years I was such a Christian.

I knew that I needed Jesus to save me from hell but did not think that I needed Him in my everyday life. As a result I lived a unfulfilled life. Nothing satisfied.

It is when I climbed to the top of the mountain and beheld Him face to face, laying down all of who I was at his feet, that I started to see the joy begin to seep out of me like a sieve.

Those who knew me before cannot believe the joy I have and those who meet me today cannot believe that I ever was so sad, that thoughts of suicide were my constant companions.

The difference was in my surrendering, giving all of myself to the One who created me.

Ask Yourself

Have I surrendered all to the one who gave all?

DAY 23 ~ GET JOY BY GIVING IT

SINCE YOU GET MORE JOY OUT OF GIVING JOY TO OTHERS, YOU SHOULD PUT A GOOD DEAL OF THOUGHT INTO THE HAPPINESS THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO GIVE. - ELENORE ROOSEVELT

Keeping a list of ways that we can bless others and then ask God to show us who to bless is a great way to see our own joy magnified as we keep our minds off our selves (that can often lead to no good thing).

My oldest son once told me about a comedian who had a unusual desire. He thought it would make him happy to go to a park, find a child who was holding an ice-cream cone, take said cone, and throw it on the ground saying "for the rest of your life you will never forget me." Why the comedian was most likely right about the child's reaction, he was wrong about himself. None but the most callous people could take delight in the sadness of a small child.

When I was a teenager I frequently went around doing things I shouldn't. While I did not destroy any ice-cream cones I did do my share of hurting others.

As God has changed and restored me I have changed the way I act toward others. Instead of doing thing based off of what I thought would make me happy, God has shown me the joy in making others happy.

As a side note; If you have never seen the movie Pay It Forward, I encourage you to do so. It shows the value of spreading joy to a hurting world.

Ask Yourself

Who does God want me to bless.? How does He want me to bless them?

DAY 24 ~ GET JOY BY REJOICING FOR OTHERS

TO REJOICE IN ANOTHER PERSONS JOY IS LIKE BEING IN HEAVEN.

- MEISTER ECKHART

We were created for community. We were created to “Rejoice with those who rejoice” as Romans 12 says.

It is a curious thing, but there are times when we can be feeling so very down about our own life and choose to rejoice in the good news a friend has in theirs. As a result our spirits can be instantly lifted.

For example, the day after my husband's death, I had to go and do some important errands that could not wait. I ran into an ex co-worker who had just had a newborn and was so happy, she was actually beaming with pride. I could not help but rejoice with her over her good fortune. Afterward I noticed that the searing pain in my heart had lessened , if only for a bit. It was worth it though. It gave me hope that joy would come back to me in the future.

The reason that rejoicing with others is like being in heaven is that in heaven there is no pain.

Ask Yourself

Who can I rejoice with?

DAY 25 ~ GET JOY BY GETTING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

IN YOUR PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY. - PSALM 16:11 (ESV)

Taking a closer look at a this verse, some words/phrases stand out.

The first is fullness. What does it mean when an object, such as a glass of water is full of anything? It means that it cannot hold anything else. That if a drop of something were added, that it would overflow. So this verse is then saying that in Jesus' presence we're so full of joy that we cannot hold anything else. That things such as despair, despondence, dejection, etc. have no part in us..

Another word, or set of words rather, is “your presence” . Who's presence? The Lords. One bible commentary states that the correct translation of this verse is “in the abundance of joy [is] with your face.” (Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Biblical Studies Press, 2006), Ps 16:11.)

This corresponds with Matthew 6:33 that tells us to first seek the presence of God and everything else will be added to us. As we seek God and His righteousness, we will want what He wants and our brings us real joy will change.

So how do we get Joy that is so full it is about to overflow? By seeking Gods presence. And how do we do that? By keeping our gaze fixed upon His face.

Ask Yourself

How often do I really seek God face? Have I asked Him for help to do so?

DAY 26 ~ GET JOY BY SMILING

SOMETIMES YOUR JOY IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR SMILE, BUT SOMETIMES YOUR SMILE CAN BE THE SOURCE OF YOUR JOY. ― THICH NHAT HANH

Those who have watched Elf know that the main character, Buddy the Elf, is about as joyful as one gets. I love that scene when Buddy says, "I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite!" because it shows that joy can start with a smile.

Some of the psychological aspects of smiling include the fact that "smiling helps individuals present a positive image to others, allowing them to gain more respect. Smiling also helps calm the body and make more resistant to stress and pain. In addition, it promotes an overall positive feeling which allows people to find more enjoyment in all their activities."[5]

Smile where you are right now. Doesn't that just make you feel better. Try smiling throughout the day and see the joy released within you.

Ask Yourself

How often do I smile?

DAY 27 ~ GET JOY BY REALIZING HOW BLESSED YOU ARE

JOY IS WHAT HAPPENS TO US WHEN WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO RECOGNIZE HOW GOOD THINGS REALLY ARE. - MARIANNE WILLIAMSON

In this world of more than enough, it is so easy for our vision to get clouded regarding how blessed we truly are. For everything thing that we own or that God has blessed us with, there are thousands out there who are not as fortunate.

For example; if we are in an apartment with running water then we have it better than a large population of the world. I am sure they would give anything to live in a place where the wind does not blow through and the water runs clear.

If we have young children, we are blessed beyond measure and the envy of thousands of childless couples out there. If we are married, we are so very blessed to have someone to walk through this life with and the envy of those of us who are single.

It really does not matter our position in life, there is always something to be joyful over.

Ask Yourself

What am I blessed with?

DAY 28 ~ GET JOY BY DOING

HAPPINESS IS NOT IN THE MERE POSSESSION OF MONEY; IT LIES IN THE JOY OF ACHIEVEMENT, IN THE THRILL OF CREATIVE EFFORT.

- FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

Growing up I had a friend that had a rich relative. She always knew that she would be taken care of as an adult. As a result she grew up never really having to work for anything. This was a sad thing because she was a very talented artist...still is. She just never did anything with it because she must have thought, "What’s the point? I don't need the money"

We lost touch after we grew up but found each other twenty years later. I was sad to find her living an almost totally secluded life. She has so much to offer the world, through her life and talent but the money has kept her from the joy that achievement brings.

God gives us our gifts and talents for other people. We need to be about using them, and as we do we will see our joy overflow.

Ask Yourself

What talent has God given to me that I am not using? How can I steward it well?

DAY 29 ~ GET JOY BY GIVING

THERE ARE THOSE WHO GIVE WITH JOY, AND THAT JOY IS THEIR REWARD. - KAHLIL GIBRAN

No way around this. If you want to be joyful then you need to learn to be a giver.

There is nothing like the feeling that you get when you give to others. We were created by God to be givers, but the upside down way this world works has turned us into getters.

As a result we have grown more and more miserable with the accumulation of more and more things. Although I am not the most generous of givers yet, I have made great strides (with God's help) to change from a hoarder (though nothing like the show) to a giver.

If I don't use it, it goes to someone who can. And if I need it in the future God will make sure I have it.

It is funny but we can get ten times more joy giving to someone in need than to keep something we don't need for our self.

Ask yourself

What haven't I used for a year that I can give away to charity?

DAY 30 ~ KEEP CALM AND HAVE JOY

THERE IS A CALMNESS TO A LIFE LIVED IN GRATITUDE, A QUIET JOY.

- RALPH H. BLUM

As you cultivate this life of joy, you will begin to see things fall into place and get less chaotic. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, therefore it is a mark of maturity

As a Christians, others are looking at and watching how we react to things in life. We are being judged even though they may never say a word. We need to cultivate peace and joy in our life so that others may know the fullness of Joy... Jesus.

Ask Yourself

How calm do I appear to others?

DAY 31 ~ KEEP JOY BY KEEPING ON KEEPING ON

You have to sniff out joy. Keep your nose to the joy trail.

- Buffy Sainte-Marie

Unfortunately for us, joy does not just fall down from heaven in a rain cloud each morning showering us with all that we need for the day. True joy, is a process to acquire and once acquired needs daily maintenance.

I remember once hearing a pastor (one of the most joyous people that I have ever seen) talk about how he had to encourage himself every day by looking in the mirror and smiling and saying "God is good! It's going to be a great day." over and over until he felt it.

Now while that might seem extreme to some. I do believe that you can talk yourself into a positive mindset, and out of a negative one.

If your goal is to live a life of joy, you have made a great start of it. Never give up, keep pressing into all that God has for you and you will not only find joy in your journey, it will be one heck of a ride!

Ask Yourself

What are some ways I can encourage myself to keep pressing on.

OTHER BOOKS BY LISA CLINE

To Know God as Father ~ If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to have a father who is for you, not against you...

If you've ever wanted to have a father who is there, present with you, in every moment of the day, who delights greatly in your accomplishments, and who comforts you in your deepest pain. . . if you've ever wanted to have a father who will never mock you or push you beyond what you can handle, but who loves you the same yesterday, today, and forever. . . then this book is for you.

It doesn't matter if you are black or white, rich or poor, if you were raised in an adoptive, single parent, or foster home, or if you are athletic, bookish, or a couch potato by nature. Every person on this planet, no matter what their circumstances, has one thing in common: they are all greatly loved by our Father in heaven!

Whether our earthly fathers have been good to us, or have abandoned, abused, or pushed us, or just failed to love us as they should have, we have a Father who is far greater than any we have ever known. He is waiting. So, what are you waiting for? It's time To Know God as Father.

31 Days to a More Apologetic You:Why defending Your faith matters ~ While most Christians believe that defending the truth should be left to the professionals, all Christians are called to give a defense to the hope that lies within them.

If you are a Christian who has shied away from defending your faith, afraid that it would be awkward or that you did not have the right tools to do so, read a page of this book for the next 31 days and see if those thoughts might change.

AUTHOR WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE

Ben Dixon ~ This book is a direct result of your using your gifting from God to teach others to use theirs. I am so blessed to have heard your sermon, thank you for it and the prayer as well.

MaryJo Cline ~ Thank you so very much for all the hard work that you put into editing this book. As well as for the book's cover idea. You are a wonderful editor as well as lovely daughter!

AUTHOR INFO

Three neurotic cats, four amazing kids, a house full of books, a wonderful job, a swift bus, the world wide web, and awesome friends are what take up most of my day. And when I have an extra second, I love to jot down some words.

Born in Seattle Washington, I grew to love fresh air and a good cup of Joe. I also loved to write, and did so from the time I could hold a pencil.

Marriage and motherhood caused me to put writing on the back burner until the death of my best friend/spouse, brought it front and center again.

Through it all I have learned that writing is a gift I have been given, one that I am humbled to have received. And it is a gift that I plan on unwrapping for years to come.

I you have questions or comments please contact me at

lisacli@regent.edu

https://www.facebook.com/lcline

http://abbasyaldah.wordpress.com/

ONE LAST THING…THIS WILL ONLY TAKE A MOMENT

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this book or got anything positive out of it, I would very much appreciate if you could take the time to review it on Amazon.

Not only will your review encourage others to read this book, it will also encourage me to keep writing new devotionals.

The link below goes right to the review for this book. And leaving a review only takes a moment of your time.

Click this link for the review.

Thanks so much!

[1] Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc., 1996)

[2]Elizabeth W. Dunn and Michael Norton. "Don’t Indulge. Be Happy" July 8, 2012, New York Times. Page SR1

[3] Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 510.

[4] Word in Life Study Bible, electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1996), 1 Co 8:1.

[5]" The 5 biggest benefits of smiling "Diane Umansky. First for women. (Bauer Publishing Company, L.P. 1996).

Table of Contents

Why I wrote this book

Reading this book

Introduction

Day 1 ~ Why Joy

Day 2 ~ What joy is

DAY 3 ~ Joy is everywhere

Day 4 ~ Chose joy every day

DAY 5 ~ Change others by living in joy

Day 6 ~ Joy thrives in a clear conscience

Day 7 ~ Joy thrives in gratitude

Day 8 ~ Find joy in happiness

DAY 9 ~ Live joyfully in the moment

Day 10 ~ Find joy in little victories

Day 11 ~ Find joy in the now

Day 12 ~ Don't worry, be joyful

Day 13 ~ Find joy in the breaking

Day 14 ~ Find joy in the joy of others

Day 15 ~ Helping others brings us joy

Day 16 ~ Joy is in us

Day 17 ~ Friends give us joy

Day 18 ~ There is joy in being fully engaged

Day 19 ~ Lasting joy comes from making right choices

Day 20 ~ Hold on joy is coming

Day 21 ~ Get joy by letting the light in

DAY 22 ~ Get joy by going deep

DAY 23 ~ Get joy by giving it

DAY 24 ~ Get joy by rejoicing for others

DAY 25 ~ Get joy by getting in the presence of God

DAY 26 ~ Get joy by smiling

DAY 27 ~ Get joy by realizing how blessed you are

DAY 28 ~ Get joy by doing

DAY 29 ~ Get joy by giving

DAY 30 ~ Keep calm and have joy

DAY 31 ~ Keep joy by keeping on keeping on

Other Books By Lisa Cline

Author would like to Acknowledge

Author Info