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July 28, 2015

Freedom Journey Day 14: Freedom In Joy

By Catherine Ballas

"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." — Henri Nouwen

Joy is different than happiness. Happiness comes and goes. It is fleeting, temporary, unreliable. Joy is deeper, it's foundational. It cannot be taken from you, but on some days it is a choice.

Today Catherine shares with us her journey of learning to choose joy.

https://youtu.be/VeVCw6uI3Uw

14 COMMENTS

Melissa

8 years ago

I really needed this reminder. I'm going through a dark time right now, and struggling with something you talked about. Yes, I am so thankful for the joy God has given me, that doesn't change due to circumstances, but is a deep constant. Thanks for sharing this. :)

Jennifer Pratt

10 years ago

Thank you so much for sharing! I never would have guessed that this was a struggle for you because you radiate incredible, authentic joy every time I see you! I guess that just shows how God can take our struggles and turn them into some of the greatest things in our lives! You are a beautiful ray of light and joy so keep shining and holding on to that hope! Love ya girl!

Lori

10 years ago

So well said! It took me a long time (50 years?) to understand there is a huge difference between happiness and Joy! I,too, went through some very dark times in my life,playing out what ending it would be like. Sadly this was actually a requirement in a college course I took! I still get pulled into isolation occasionally but it is now fleeting, over taken by joy!! Thank you, Jesus!

Ada Velez

10 years ago

Thank you for sharing, Catherine. I know well that dark place you mentioned. But so thankful Jesus didn't leave me (or you) there. As the song says "Though the sorrow may last for the night, Joy comes in the morning". Thankyou for sharing your joy with so many. Blessings.

Catherine Ballas

10 years ago

Love you Tracy Brooks!

Catherine Ballas

10 years ago

Hey Rebecca! Thank you! We are honored to have you on this freedom journey. The best is yet to come!

Catherine Ballas

10 years ago

You got it!

Catherine Ballas

10 years ago

Thank you for sharing your heart, Nancy. See you soon!

Catherine Ballas

10 years ago

Of course! =)

Tracy Brooks

10 years ago

Thank you for sharing your heart, Catherine ! You always radiate joy !

Rebecca Gonzalez

10 years ago

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony - definitely encouraged me! So much of what you shared really resonated with me and the journey the Lord has had me on my entire life, it seems. Thankful for His grace and that I can choose joy, when I chose the opposite for so much of my life. Thankful for restoration and redemption that can come only through Him. It is still a fight, with some days being more of a knock-down-drag-down battle than others. Knowing who He is and who I am in Him has made ALL the difference in the world. So thankful for your ministry!!!

Debbi

10 years ago

LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!

Nancy Wilhelm

10 years ago

Catherine this testimony brought tears to my eyes. I have been very down in my circumstances. Thinking about the circumstances instead of who I am in Christ. I remember the first time I heard the verse where it says that God thinks about me, it blew me away. I need to recite the things I am thankful for out loud. I am thankful for no matter what I am going through he is there with me knowing what ever comes in my life is filtered first through his fingers. Thank you Catherine, your testimony touched my heart today. Can't wait to see you all this week in Augusta for Refit cert. God bless all of you!

Elosia

10 years ago

Thanks for sharing!

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