Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

How Do You Uncover God’s Joy? Everyday Joys: A Photo Journal

By Bonnie Gray • April 28, 2011 • 16 Comments

How do you experience God’s joy in the everyday?

As we focused on the topic of joy this month, I have been challenged to uncover joy in everyday life.  Reading about Jesus’ invitation to “full joy” is one thing.  Actually daring to look for it and move out of “safe” joy is where the rubber meets the road.

In wrapping up our series on joy, I’d like to share a photo journal on everyday moments of joy this month.

As I focused on finding more joy, I became more sensitive to two joy busters:  worry and distractions.  It’s the same two words Jesus used to describe Martha, when He was actually in her home, at her invitation.  I realized that in the same way, I can ask for joy from Jesus, but if I don’t take an active part in joy, I can miss out on what’s right under my nose.

I saw it play out this month.  Whenever I got an idea to do something joyful or tweak a small change for joy, my mind would magnetize some worry or distraction.  After a few times, it got so expected, I found it humorous.

Instead of feeling guilty I was worried or distracted, I just saw them for what they were:  annoying joy busters to ignore. I went ahead and chose “full” joy, if only to just prove my joy busters wrong.

It’s working.  Another person might look at our joy photo journals and think them ordinary, nothing special.  That’s okay.  Our hearts are full of joy.  That is a quality that you can’t quite snap a picture of, but those around you will be blessed by it. Because they see glimpses of the true you.  And so will you too.

Next time, you run into the two joy busters of worry and distraction, just take a sharp turn to the right.  Joy is waiting to be uncovered.

~~~~~

 

CJ & TJ reading together. I was surprised to turn a corner and find this magic moment.

“Parenting” is a nice way of saying, “Repeat the same instruction 10 times an hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”  Then, something like this happens.  Agape.  I bow my head in thanksgiving for God’s faithful work, behind the scenes.

Creamed coffee with a splash of hazelnut. I usualy take it black. Not this time.

I had been working on a creative writing project that has been filling up the waste basket.  I decided to take my Heavenly Daddy’s perspective. He enjoys my creativity. So, I ordered up a creamed coffee with hazelnut and imagined God saying, “Enjoy.  This one’s on me!”  — and went back to writing.

Fresh rose paired with cup cakes stand in joyful celebration. It’s a bridal shower.

Friendships are God’s special gifts.  One of my close friends, Carol, is getting married after being a single parent for over 20 years. God is faithful.  Her joyful spirit has always been a blessing to everyone around her all these years.

TJ hard at work, filling plastic eggs with chocolate ones.

I made a dash to Target to get some plastic and chocolate eggs.  The boys and I went to surprise Hubby at work and passed them out to his co-workers, a simple way to share love we have in Jesus.  It was the first time I tried it. I told my preschool Easter Ambassadors we are happy Jesus gave us the best gift, so we can share some yummy treats.  5 yr old TJ asks, “What if they don’t believe in Jesus?”  I answered, “We just want to share the joy in our hearts.  Maybe they’ll wonder why we are so happy!”.  Some took and smiled, while others politely declined. A great adventure!

If we have faith as small as a cookie sprinkle… we can bake joy in your day. Even if the sprinkles decorate your floor and crackle under your feet.

Memories were created when I didn’t expect them. Trying new joys definitely takes more effort, but nurturing relationships is a lot like baking.  Joy takestime and practice.  While making Easter cookies with my boys, I thought of inviting some new friends over for brunch.

Waffles stacked up, waiting to be gobbled.

I love breakfast and hanging out with friends.  Having both combined is the best.  Everyone loves waffles, especially with whipped cream, bananas and strawberries for topping.  Time always flies when a meal is shared.  I keep in mind hospitality is really the love language of spending time together.  So, I may not be Martha Stewart, but what matters is I’m present. Giving attention gives joy.

My Mac’s video card konked out on me. Hubby took a weekend to “operate”.

One joy I’m learning more of is asking for help.  I know I can do it alone, but I know I don’t have to.  Sharing my heart with others encourages me because I feel a peaceful joy knowing I’m prayed for and understood.

 

~~~~~

Uncovering God’s joy is an addictive journey.  I started out joy as an experiment, and I’m finding it’s very creative and it’s also daring.  The best part of everyday joy is finding Jesus there every step of the way.  Jesus’ gentle words continue to guide me.  Full joy.

 

“…These things I speak in the world
so that they (disciples) may have My joy made full in themselves.”

~ Jesus, John 17:13

 
~~~~~

What are your everyday joys?

Pull up a chair. Click to share a comment or subscribe by email.

~~~~~

*Today’s post closes out our April series — Discovering New Joy. Check out our topic for today and next week’s new topic!

*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***


FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

Faith Barista Jam Thursdays — I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Let’s encourage each other. Add your voice. Swap our stories.

Today’s Topic 4/28:
Share a “photo journal” of what brings you joy. I would love to see some of your photos! What brings you joy?
Please share a minimum of 4 photos (you can share more), with your notes/reflection for each.

Share your post by clicking on the blue button below “Add Your Link” or just comment directly.

Next Thursday’s Topic 5/5:
Share how you experience God in one of the following areas: Mother’s Day, motherhood or a mom relationship.

Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real. Thanks for serving your personal brews!

Build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community: Grab the HTML Code For Faith Barista Jam Badge

HTML Code For the Faith Jam Faith Fresh Badge


FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG

An InLinkz Link-up



It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!

~~~~~

Want Free Updates of Faith Barista delivered to you hot & fresh? Subscribe now via email (click here) or RSS (click here).

 

joy

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

16 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

Books That Speak To Me: A Book Journal
Comfort For a Courageous Mommy

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • Never Been Kissed: When You Wonder If You’ll Ever Find “The One”

  • Just For You: A Thanksgiving Letter

  • The Pink Outfit: Why Joy Takes Courage: Choose Joy

  • Don’t Despise Small Beginnings. #BeginNew #SpringChallenge (FREE PRINTABLE)

16 Comments

  • Reply Joy April 28, 2011 at 4:56 am

    I love how food features in your joy journal — I forgot to include it in mine! I love breakfast, fresh-picked veggies and fruits from a garden, and sharing a meal with friends. Such joy in such a simple thing — I’m so thankful that God made taste and pleasure in eating. 🙂

  • Reply Kristine April 28, 2011 at 5:43 am

    Bonnie this is awesome. I have been looking forward to this all week, but I had a bad night at church and called my mother. I made her come pick me up and take me to my grandmothers house. I ran from pain and hurt at church to my family. My sister, nieces and nephew are visiting so I’ll spend the rest of the week and weekend collecting joy and healing my heart. Thank you for this month of joy.

  • Reply Kelli April 28, 2011 at 6:21 am

    Okay now I am hungry! I love when you said “Instead of feeling guilty I was worried or distracted, I just saw them for what they were: annoying joy busters to ignore. I went ahead and chose “full” joy, if only to just prove my joy busters wrong.” It is embarrassing sometimes what actually steals our spiritual joy. You are right thought, if we are away of the joy killers we can usually overcome! Beautiful pictures of your kiddos!!:)

  • Reply Rachel {the science of music} April 28, 2011 at 8:59 am

    I haven’t participated in the faith jams lately, but I knew I had to participate in this one! I didn’t have time to put my post together until last night, and I’m so glad it worked that way. I had a really rough evening and thinking about joy, and focusing on joy helped sweep away the yuckies! Which is basically what you wrote here. By choosing to embrace joy and let its goodness fill you, there’s no room for the other stuff.

  • Reply HisFireFly April 28, 2011 at 9:08 am

    Thank you for this prompt – what fun I had finding expressions of joy! Blessed to see what joy your family brings to your heart!

  • Reply Photo Journal of Joy April 28, 2011 at 10:12 am

    […] me the first day after Holy Week), seeking the little ways God shows himself good in the every day. Today, Bonnie (who blogs at The Faith Barista) asked us to share a photo journal of the things that bring us joy. I enjoyed putting together a few pictures of these little […]

  • Reply Adaykis Betancourt April 28, 2011 at 10:36 am

    I LOVED IT ALL! SO COOL! What a great idea. A reminder to me that JOY is mostly found in the everyday little things;)

    Don’t rush by it-Take a Double Look-Pause-& En-JOY!

  • Reply The Joys of My Life | Relevant Brokenness April 28, 2011 at 10:46 am

    […] I look all around me – I am challenged today to see things from God’s perspective as I Jam today with Bonnie Gray – the Faith […]

  • Reply Nikole Hahn April 28, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    Joy = Starbucks
    Joy = Spending time at home with hubby.
    Joy = Ignoring guilt and eating ICE CREAM.
    Joy = A cup of tea in the evening to wash away the day.
    Joy = Faith Barista’s bright encouragement to all of us.

  • Reply Laura April 28, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    This was the funnest jam ever! And I loved SEEING your joys, Bonnie. What a gift. Your words always speak new into me, but to SEE them! Just fun. Much joy to you, friend.

  • Reply Katie April 28, 2011 at 4:41 pm

    I wasn’t able to partcipate this time… but oh I love your joy pictures…. thank you so much for sharing.

  • Reply Through and Through My Life: Celebrating Joy in Photos « Sandra Heska King April 28, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    […] […]

  • Reply Sandra Heska King April 28, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    Those boys. Just precious.

    And now I want some waffles.

    I love this, Bonnie. And you.

  • Reply Hazel I. Moon May 2, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    I believe God is pleased when we spin, dance, sing, shout, wave our hands, in praise and joy to him, even if we do have our PJ bottoms under our gown!

  • Reply Jeri T. May 4, 2011 at 1:03 am

    I just love that photo of your boys reading together like that. It brings back so many memories. That one is my absolute fave. It’s so delicious.

  • Reply Merissa May 8, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    I love this idea! Capturing everyday joys in photo form and making a blog post out of it!
    I love your creativity, Bonnie!
    You inspired me.
    I joined this a little late, but decided to throw up some of my phone pics for a journal of my own.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact