The Joy Experiment- Day 1

I always like to start things on the first of the month, so I've waited not-so-patiently to dive into this new project for a few days now. This past weekend, I was able to attend an amazing conference all about establishing healthy rhythms of rest and work, how to engage in Christian meditation, and ways to truly keep the Sabbath holy. I was honestly pumped for this conference because I have gotten to the point of being so tired of living my life just waiting for my next break. I knew that I needed to learn to romanticize and find joy in every day. So here we are.

That was already going to be my goal for February (I make a goal for each month to keep myself working on something). The difference here is that, after this conference, I thought it would be interesting to keep track of things this month and see what happens when I intentionally center myself on God and pursue His joy. So, just like I do every month, I have my goal, as well as the action steps to help me get there.

The goal: To find joy and abundant life through intentionally seeking God's presence.
The action steps:
1. Continue my daily time in God's Word.
2. Practice biblical meditation daily to center myself on God's will and presence.
3. Take time for a true Sabbath (24 hours away from any work to focus on God) every week.
4. Engage in healthy habits for my body- exercise, eating, sleep.
5. Engage in activities that bring happiness and make me come alive.
6. Engage with people who support me in drawing near to God.

I'm excited to see exactly what happens on this journey, although I know without a doubt that it will be beneficial. Jesus tells us in John 15, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit for apart from me you can do nothing... These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (verses 4-5, 11) Of course, I hope that joining me by reading my reflections in this experiment will also be a blessing to you and that God will reveal Himself as our true source of joy, the anchor of our peace, the Good Shepherd who always cares for those He loves.