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Why I Choose Joy

Joy can last you through all of life, including the ups & downs.

Rachael Palmer

Jan 30, 2017

Roanoke College

Teruhide Tomori

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word joy has two main meanings. It can be used as a noun to mean a "feeling of great pleasure or happiness" and also as a verb to mean "rejoice." Joy is happiness that is overflowing SO MUCH that you can't help but rejoice! How great is that? Your heart becomes so full that it overflows onto God and others and I think that is one of the most beautiful traits someone can have, being joyful.

What are some things that make you feel joy? Is it reading a Bible verse that speaks to your heart in such a way that you feel encouraged to share it with others? Is it something as simple as finishing your homework an hour earlier than expected and praising God for it? My desire is to feel joy in everything and anything. Because, let's be real, God is someone to always rejoice over.

Sometimes you may feel like there is nothing good left to be joyful about. You may be saddened by the way the world is, you may feel alone and isolated, or you may even be extremely brokenhearted. But I dare you to find the positive in this.

As James 1, verses 2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Yes, your current situation might not be ideal. You might be under a weight or pressure or pain that feels unbearable. But hold on. Stay joyful thinking about how much stronger you will be after this trial ends. Also, know that Jesus went through everything you ever have and ever will go through, and now He's sitting at the right hand of God. As he says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." In all your trials be joyful that Jesus died on the cross for us that one day we may join Him with God in Heaven. Be happy in this and rejoice to our Maker!

This is why I have decided to choose joy. I choose joy because I know one day all the sorrow of this fallen world will end. I know one day my spirit will be united with God and Jesus. I know one day, everything will be more than just okay. And to me, that is more than worth being happy and rejoicing about.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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