INFECTED

Thoughts, Prayers and Words of Encouragement: S0 today my devotional said "Joy is infectious." Well wouldn't it be wonderful that Joy would overtake the world, that everyone would be infected instead of quarantined. Sometimes when looking around me, even in the church it is hard to see who is walking in the strength of the Lord. JOY

Today Mother Teresa reading is "A joyful heart is the NORMAL result of a heart burning with love. Joy is not simply a matter of temperament, it is always hard to remain joyful-all the more reason why we should try to acquire it and make it grow in our hearts. Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. She gives most who gives with joy" Now that is something to chew on all day long.

As I look into God's word, the joy theme really is a big one...right up there with Love. So today, as I prepare to leave for a respite....I am reminded again how incredibly grateful I am for His Joy. Truly though these last 2 years it has been His Joy that has been my strength.

The cool thing is watching the Joy be released into the lives of those in Bay St Louis. The women's luncheon are filled with laughter, smiles and bright eyes. In the early days of the luncheon, mostly silence. A few women talked and shared. However lots of solemn faces. This week we had a couple of women who had been ill the past couple of months return. They came in the door saying "I need my happy fix" Now that is the kind of joy Christians should be known for......so today let's infect the world....

Lord open my heart for more of You...since I know that the only way this joy will grow is more burning love of You, Your presence. Father may my heart sing today of Your great love, mercy and hope. May the JOY of Christ be spread throughout the world today as Christians let contagious particles of smiles, sparkling eyes and love contaminate the world with the truth of Your incredible love and saving grace.