Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Happiness is caused by things that happen around me, and circumstances will mar it; but joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. D.L. Moody

It’s Monday again, the day when those of us who have taken the “joy dare” post our lists of thanks for the past week.

Joy can sometimes confused with happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling resulting from a positive experience. Joy on the other hand, is a fruit of the Spirit. It is present in the heart of the believer no matter the circumstances.

In the Christian life, we cant expect to experience trials and hardships. It comes with following the call of Christ who cautions, “Count the cost.” Yet the Spirit, who is ever at work in our hearts, produces joy that sustains us during these times. This is why the disciples could rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name (Acts 5:41). Joy enables us to see these gifts that we count each day, in both the darkness and the light. They are like breadcrumbs on the trail of grace. Trail markers, these graces keep us on the path that leads us ever closer to His throne. And so I keep following the trail…

Counting #1219-1248

Little Miracles, a new grill, and a husband who cooks on it

Playing Battleship alone with just Ian, successful steps made in letting things go, deep discussion and sharing with my accountability group

Surviving Ian’s allergy testing, celebrating his bravery with a trip to Tutti Fruiti and the park, peace in just sitting still on a bench while they boys played

Isaiah 53, 1 Peter 2:21

Clean porch after being coated in yellow pollen, the light bulb changing fairy

A son who loves to read

story cubes, reading poetry, writing silly stories, venn diagrams, weird word of the day, analogy of the day= homeschool fun

Planning big vacay with friends this summer

New Audrey Assad cd

red velvet cookies, sweet potato pancakes

Friend who texts and checks in on me-I dedicated this post to her this past week

The way Ian’s hat is always cocked off center to the side

Son learning the hard lesson that serving others can sometimes require painful sacrifice-a mere shadow of the Sacrifice made for us

Cub Scouts banquet-Ethan earning his Tiger badge

Linking up with: