the secret to joy.

Give thanks. 

At the beginning of this week, I was definitely not focused on giving thanks.  I was extremely frustrated, tired, and exhausted in every shape and form (emotionally, spiritually, and physically).  I was missing my family, my amazing friend Kristen, and my life in Livonia.  I was just at a breaking point.  Thankfully breaking points are perfect opportunities for growth.
 
Just when I thought that I couldn’t take another moment of life here, my Daddy stepped in and changed my perspective. 
 
Picture this: The stage was perfectly set for crazy growth in me this week.  People were just speaking life into me constantly, I was being encouraged like crazy, and there were huge tests for my emotional, spiritual, and physical strength on their way.  Thankfully, God never lets me go through a trial alone, and He was definitely pouring Himself into me.
 
All week, I wanted to do one thing: complain.  Well, my flesh wanted to complain, but my heart so badly wanted to just be content with each day.  As I wrestled between flesh and spirit, my Daddy continued to show me how to beat my flesh.
 
Give thanks.
 
A quote that was shared with me recently was:

That changed my perspective like crazy.  I only ever want the language of heaven to be on my lips.  Solution: give thanks.
 
Also, a verse that was given to me this week was:

Giving thanks to the Father.  Giving thanks.  Let me say it one more time: GIVING THANKS!
I’m going to let you in on a little secret…these 2 simple words are the secret to enjoying life with true joy: give thanks.
Now, I know that I am only 18 years old and I have many years to continue to learn and grow, but giving thanks to our amazing Daddy is the ONLY way that I have found to continually be able to choose joy and to actually be content where ever God places me.
 
Give thanks.  

Those words were spoken to me all week long.  We were challenged to only journal thanksgivings to God and you would not believe how it changed my perspective.  I went from focusing on how bad I thought things were to focusing on the good that God would bring from all of the suffering.
 
If you are in need of REAL JOY or a change in perspective, give thanks.
 
When I stopped focusing on me and turned my focus over to God, my whole attitude changed.  Focusing on His amazing promises, blessings, and goodness has a way of bringing real joy.  
Without thanksgiving: “Wow this sucks.” 
With thanksgiving: “Lord, thank you for giving me your strength when I have none left.”
Without thanksgiving: “I am so tired.”
With thanksgiving: “Lord, thank you for filling me up when I completely empty myself.”
Without thanksgiving: “I just want to go home.” 
With thanksgiving: “Lord, thank you for placing me here in Thailand for this season and thank you for the amazing things that you are doing in and through me here.”
Without thanksgiving: “I seriously have a month and a half left?” 
With thanksgiving: “Lord, thank you for the time that you have given me specifically here in Thailand to learn and grow in ways that I never could in America.”
 
“Thank you.”
Those 2 words changed everything.
Finally ridding myself of my pride and turning my focus to His promises resulted in true joy.