by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: May 29, 2011   Last Updated: May 30, 2011

Joy is a spark that makes you glow inside and out. It's a feeling of feeling good about yourself, either from something you've done or you were the receiver of a kind gesture or word. Some call it a "God moment." Oprah called it an "Aha moment." We wish we could capture and bottle that feeling. A way of keeping joy alive in your life is to make some simple things a habit:

- A surprise a friend or shut-in with a phone call to let them know that you've been thinking them.

- Pay a sincere compliment to others, even strangers.

- Greet people along your journey, whether walking or shopping.

- Drop off some food to a neighbor who is out of work.

- Sing a song that pumps your spirit.

- Smile when you don't feel like doing so. It will turn your day around for you.

- You get the strong feeling that you should performa specific kindness for somebody but you don't know why. Do it. It's God's whisper for you to do His work.

- Recite positive affirmations, such as, "I am a child of God and God loves me. I will let His light shine in me."

- Offer to assist whenever possible. This could be a child struggling to open a door, an elderly person with grocery bags, or volunteering in the office of your local school or church. Joy comes from knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of others, too.

The list could go on, but you get the idea. God guides you through whispers. He answers your verbal and silent prayers. He provides responses in ways that will benefit you. The more you are tuned into the whispers of God, the clearer you will hear you direction.

Let go of worries, troubles and free yourself to be open to receiving the gifts of joy. Pray each day with a trust that God will provide your answers. He'll give you direction, place people in your life that will make a difference and allow opportunities that you never would have imagined.

Maintain a journal of your joy moments. Each evening before going to bed, write about the joy you received that day. When something tugs on your shirts tempting you to feel down in the dumps, read your journal and remember those feelings of joy. By doing so, your spirit will be raised and you will be able to turn to God and trust He will provide. Remember, too, what you give does, indeed, come back to you. Give joy to get and keep joy.

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