Years ago there was a movement of Christians, a renewal of sorts, T-shirts and all using that acronym...J O Y...!
The acronym stands for JESUS first...OTHERS second...YOURSELF last!
When you think about it, it isn't a bad motto to live by...and I can attest...it doesn't mean you always finish last!!!
Now, we live in what many people refer to as 'The Me Generation'...Jason Sardi wrote an excellent post in which he refers to this age as 'The Age Of Entitlement'...everyone is looking for a free ride or a handout or a free lunch...
So what is JOY...is it just another word for 'happiness'...
No, it is a gift from our Creator...He wants all of us to have it, and it is free...well, somewhat...there is a 'catch'...we must acknowledge Him and welcome Him into our lives...
That's right, when Jesus abides in us we have JOY...not merely happiness, but true JOY!
Happiness is fleeting...it comes and goes...we are happy when we get a raise, hit the lottery, buy a new home or new car, get a promotion, etc...we are unhappy when gas prices keep rising, taxes go up, we lose our job, we are sick, etc...all through those peaks and valleys we have JOY...it never leaves us as long as Jesus is there...we never lose it because it comes from Him, not external forces or even our own efforts...
JOY, therefore, is a GIFT...undeserved, unmerited perhaps, but nevertheless real and deep and transforming!
If you want to experience this Gift, just ask for it, you will never be denied!
And remember, JESUS first, OTHERS second, YOURSELF last...works every time!!!
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Duane,
And I think Joy is missing for many...a shame...for it is so easy to acquire!!! Thanks, Fran
Jun 25, 2008 02:01 AM
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
Thanks for the link love Fran:-) I also love the acronym. Joy is a beautiful thing.
Jun 25, 2008 02:33 AM
South Florida Real Estate & Development, Inc. - Coconut Creek, FL
Broker Nick Relocation Broker Service
Joy...what a great post Fran, and a beautiful baby. Congrats. Joy of the Lord is our strength. God Bless
Jun 25, 2008 03:06 AM
South Florida Real Estate & Development, Inc. - Coconut Creek, FL
Broker Nick Relocation Broker Service
Fran ~
Congratulations this post is now featured in Walking By Faith In The Rain! of Active Rain.
Jun 25, 2008 03:08 AM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Jason: I usually think acronyms are trite, but I do like this one!!!
Nicholas: A wonderful gift!!! And thanks for the feature!
Thanks, Fran
Jun 25, 2008 03:19 AM
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon
This is why I live with the get by giving philosophy. I get joy out of giving to others and I can't explain it, but after I give, I get the joy of knowing that I did something for someone else and I know for some reason that I will live longer and happier for having done it.
I think most people expect something first, then they will give, it doesn't work that way!
Jun 25, 2008 06:07 PM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
TC: That's a truth that should be easily understood!!!
Not yet: Come back again!!! :)
Thanks, Fran
Jun 25, 2008 11:25 PM
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM
Awesome Advice to Live by Fran one of my best friends name is JOY - I will share this post with her!
Thansk for writing it so beautifully.
Sincerely,
Grace
Jun 26, 2008 03:57 AM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
DeGeorge Realty LLC - Long Branch, NJ
J O Y is a really good acronym, and it will help to put things in their right order. These days too many people are interested in only themselves...my dad called it the "Hurray for me and the hell with all of you" disorder. If more people knew how J O Y would make them feel, I think the world would be a better place.
Jun 26, 2008 04:20 AM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Broker,Owner - Dreams Realty - Reno, NV
"Dreams Realty"
Beautiful post, Fran -- more JOY (Jesus Observes You), and I am sure He is pleased with your work! God bless you!
Jun 26, 2008 04:43 PM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Steve Hoffacker LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
Certified Aging In Place Specialist-Instructor
Fran, I like it. Great motto - the way to live a "joy"ful life and have everything to show for it.
Jun 27, 2008 11:00 AM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Jason,
No problem...we all need to remind one another to be 'other' minded!!! Thanks, Fran
Jul 02, 2008 05:06 AM
Patriot Land Transfer, Inc. - Limerick, PA
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
Rainmaker
826,658
826,658
Fran Gaspari
"The Title Man" - Title Insurance - PA & NJ
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