First Corinthians 13

This was part of my Bible reading this morning, and I wanted to share it. Use it, or not, as you see fit. (This is taken from "The Message" translation", 1 Cor 6:3-13)

"Our work as God's servants gets validated - or not- in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed and mobbed, working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many, having nothing, having it all. ... I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. ... Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"

Living in DEEP JOY is my life goal. I believe that Christians have the responsibility to live with joy. Regular old happiness is for anyone, anytime. But JOY is so much deeper, so much steadier, and is ALWAYS there, if we remember it. Live with joy my friends. Even when sadness wins, (and it will sometimes, and that is just the way it is) remember that joy is bigger and stronger and totally different. Share it, shine it, live it. JOY!