Faith Sharing Group
I'm in a Faith Sharing Group with seven other women who meet weekly. We are studying a book written by W. Phillip Keller, "The Gardener Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit." This is a wonderful old book written in the 80s, but what wisdom he had. We are learning so much. Today we studied the second Fruit of the Spirit, Joy. A few of the highlights from the Joy chapter: Joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness comes from the world around us. Joy comes from the presence of God in our lives. God is joy, His life, vitality, enthusiasm and energy are transmitted directly to me by the Holy Spirit. Joy is part and parcel of harmony with Him.

Joy seems to me a step beyond happiness.
Happiness is a sort of atmosphere you can live
in sometimes when you’re lucky.
Joy is a light that fills you with hope and faith and love.
~Adele Rogers St. Johns