WE ARE
EXPLORING THE HEAVENLY ATTRIBUTE OF JOY
+ We are called to create and enjoy a realm of compassion, peace, justice and sustainable abundance for all.
+ The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
-- Galatians 5: 22-23 NRSV
+ Joy is an
essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and
love. It is the pure and simple delight in being alive. Joy is our elated
response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of
abundance. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve
others and be glad for their good fortune.
-- Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat
This is the first paragraph of the Spirituality
and Practice guide to the practice of Joy.
+ Aha. Mary Ann & Fred tell us that “awareness of abundance” is associated with joy. Of course. All of these attributes of Heaven are closely connected because they all are created and sustained by Love. One of the great hymns of the church begins:
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
hearts unfold like flowers before thee,
opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!
-- Henry J. Van
Dyke
The version most churches use is from Beethoven's Ninth. You can sing along by going to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up6KRUG4D8Q
+ Spirituality & Practice offers plenty of resources on the spiritual practice of Joy. Also, there is an S&P Twelves Gallery of memes on Joy.
+ I would love it if you offered a guest post. And, I have work to do on the Abundancetrek Joy page. Maybe you can help. Send an email with the subject “Joy” or “Heavenly Attributes” or “Guest Post” to John@abundancetrek.com.
+ You can always find a link to any of the
Spiritual Explorations posts by going to http://abundancetrek.com/sepostsaccess.html
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