this life is a journey.

:::You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.::: Psalm 16:11

im completely thankful for the Lord's provisions. and hearing emily anne's story from africa made me realize how truly blessed we are here in america. and how often we take for granted God's blessings. always wanting & needing more than what He provides us with on a daily basis. how often do you really thank the Lord for His blessings? and how often are you REALLY content with those blessings? here in america we are so accustomed to bigger, better, prettier, more expensive, etc.. im frustrated with the american way. im frustrated with myself. im frustrated that i so quickly forget my riches in Him and desire more riches in this world. i truly desire joy to the highest degree- a joy that is impenetrable by this world's standards & expectations.

"True joy is NOT an emotional state. It is a spiritual state - a state of profound thanksgiving for the help received from the Creator in one's own life." coming from someone is who is SO driven by emotions, this hit home. finding joy in the Lord really is the only true joy. and from that true joy we find in the Lord, stems happiness in our lives. apart from the Lord, we have no good thing. oh but america, just society in general WILL try to convince you otherwise. we have all been sucked into this trap. and we will continue to. it takes true security & joy in Him to know who you are & WHOSE you are and know that that is good enough. it always will be. im just so very blessed. the Lord keeps surprising me with the way He was been growing me in Him. as i said in my last blog, His character just proves to be more and more sufficient. and His character is showing up in others. it is possible for me to find people who are as invested in this life as i am. who want to serve and praise next to me. who also want true joy found in Him. who arent saying "maybe later...", they desire the Lord's blessings NOW, they desire to praise Him, give Him the glory for all He has done for us. i praise the Lord for these people. they have given me a reason to celebrate His mercies. they have blessed me with their encouragement, love, and community. i am finding true joy in Him. and He is making my days more joyful by blessing me with everything i need. right here in atlanta, ga. and now im ready to start passing on this joy to others. EVERYONE should know and believe in this true joy that is found in our Lord Jesus!! He is worthy to be praised!!

i am not conformed to this world. i am transformed as i renew my mind to God's Word. i experience the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. [[refers to romans 12:2]]

:::May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, "The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant."::: Psalm 35:27

let me know how i can be praying for you, my friends. call me, text me, write me on facebook, or better- lets get coffee or icecream, etc.. i wanna hear about what the Lord is teaching you. i want to experience joy with you. love you guys. whomever you may be.

-tess