Joy

Have you ever stopped to think how wonderful our God truly is? How everything good in our lives is completely from Him?

Have you ever stopped to think how good God truly is? Even when things are bad in our lives, are bad in the world, God is still God. And God is still good.

"The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from [God's] perspective." Sarah Young

I love this quote because it speaks to me at my deepest core. God's perspective is so different from our own, isn't it? Our limited view disillusions us at times. Why tornadoes? Why worldwide hunger? Why massive tragedies? How does God's perspective look in light of ours?

I don't believe God likes to see tragedy strike us. We know that the world is not as He intended it to be, but sin entered and, therefore, things are not perfect.

But we can make them better.

Tornadoes, hunger, tragedies...those give us the opportunity to love others and show others who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are: loving, kind, generous, sacrificing, serving.

James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Easier said than done. Consider it pure joy to face trials? But, what if our perspective shifts a little? Could it be that trials allow us to see God's provision as well as the goodness of others? It does not bring God any joy to see us suffer. But what does bring Him joy is seeing His people help those who are suffering.

One way is to simply donate. Here is a website that lists different organizations and how you can donate to the relief of those affected by the tornadoes that hit the South.
http://www.examiner.com/home-living-in-atlanta/relief-efforts-continue-the-south

Another way is to get dirty and serve with your kiddos and your spouse! Talk about bringing joy to others...who doesn't like to see little ones helping others?!?! Not to mention, it would be a great memory to share together as a family. :)