You are not going to steal my joy!

     As I sit upstairs typing on my computer, the temperature keeps rising.  Our AC went out on Monday afternoon and we now have a built in sauna called the entire 2nd floor of our home.  One of my sweet friends, Kathy, passed away on Sunday and left behind 3 small children and a husband.  I am sad but thankful that I was blessed by her precious spirit.  But why am I still smiling?  Should I be happy about all of this? 

     I couldn't tell you how many times I hear, "Michelle, how can you still be happy and smiling through everything that has happened in your life?".  Two years ago my Grandpa Woods passed away.  He was my fishing buddy for life.  I was extremely close with both of my Grandparents.  Shortly after he passed, my Grandma became very spiteful.  She started sending my children and I hate mail, had biploar tendencies, crazy phone calls, lying to family members, etc...  This went on for a year before I decided that she wasn't going to steal my joy.  She wasn't going to steal my children's joy.  "You are not going to steal my joy!"  

     Through all of my hospital stays, testing, doctor visits, and results, I remain very hopeful.  My friend, Jeannette, passed away from cancer 3 years ago, and her hope in Christ surpassed all others.  My sweet Michelle was diagnosed with a brain tumor and cancer in May of this year.  She is an amazing woman and friend.  Our dear friend Brad has battled cancer for over 3 years now.  Cancer will not steal my joy.  "You are not going to steal my joy!"

     The kids and I always long for our July.  It is full of lazy days, vacation, time spent together, no piano lessons, and my only full month that I'm not working.  We love July!  This July we helped our cousins during a family emergency.  Maddie, 10, and Ethan, 6,  came to stay with us for a month while their mom was in the hospital.  The small amount of money we had saved up to go on a vacation was spent on taking care of our cousins.  My friends and family thought I was crazy beyond belief to take on something so big with our current financial situation and my health.  I didn't give it a second thought!  I was in my car to Dallas the next morning.  Instead of being spiteful for my July being taken away, I felt happy to be taking care of my cousins.  Last July we had a boy from church live with us.  I smiled everyday.  My unsupportive family and friends will not steal my joy.  "You are not going to steal my joy!" 

     Joey lost his job last October.  We were without a pay check, insurance, and lost our 401K.  After 6 weeks, he found a job that paid half of his previous salary.  Christmas was small.  We smiled and hoped that God would provide.  Being thankful for what we did have, gave us a sense of what our purpose was.  We were full of joy during the good and the bad.  The world will not win.  "You are not going to steal my joy!"

  

 Romans 12:12 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.