Thanks to my older brother Matt for writing the blog last week! I know enjoyed reading his thoughts. What came to me as I was reading it was that I am so thankful for God’s grace in my life.

I know so many people who are struggling with many, many difficult circumstances right now. For those people, saying, “Happy New Year”may be a friendly greeting–but their realities are going to make it hard for 2015 to be “happy”. Any of our realities could change in a heartbeat and we could be facing the same trials.

Happiness is such a fleeting emotion anyway. JOY is what we should be seeking. But, since that requires a prayerful attitude that is focused on what GOD wants–and not what WE want–we sometimes find ourselves avoiding the habits and attitudes that lead us to true joy. It is much easier to settle for the temporary pleasures of happiness that are easier to achieve.

So, my hope for 2015 is that we would have a JOYFUL year that is focused on God’s plans and not our plans. I know I need to spend time getting to that point.

This week, our challenge is to reach out in some tangible way to someone–or a family–that is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Write them a handwritten note, give them a call, invite them over to your house or bring them a meal. Let’s be Jesus to someone this week.

More to come…
Jeremy