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Courtney DeFeo

Creator & Ideator. Motivator for Families. Cheerleader for Loving & Serving

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When it rains, can you feel joyful?

January 5, 2015 //  by Courtney

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Tonight, I was sitting around the table and talking to my girls about the next virtue. JOY.

Reminding them that families around the country would be doing the challenge with us. The Joy Field Journal (Chapter 1 of In This House, We Will Giggle).

To get the conversation (not lecture) going, I started asking some questions.

Who is the most joyful person in our family?

Who is a joyful friend in your class?

Who is a joyful teacher?

What does it mean to be joyful? vs happy? (this was hard for them to understand at their ages)

 

And, then I asked a question that stumped them for a minute.

When it rains, can you feel joyful?

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There are two key parts of JOY that I want my girls to know this month. We have discussed before as a family, but we are focusing one entire month on the topic with you!

1) Joy is a choice

2) It’s praising God in ALL things – not just when life is praiseworthy or great. Rain or shine! Ups or downs.

 

So, as your kids are looking around for joyful people and make notes in their journals. I challenge you to be on the look for JOY in your home.

  • Call it out when dad wakes up joyful and lifts the spirits in the home.
  • Call it out and praise it – when a child is joyful (or content) when the answer is NO.
  • Call it out and show them – when you notice something praising God in all things.
  • Call it out when they make the choice for joy.
  • Call it out anytime you spy a cheerful or happy heart.

 

My kids respond so well to praise and encouragement. Take any chance to spot and affirm what looks like joy in your home.

And as you go about life, keep your eyes peeled. There are JOYFUL people everywhere.

 

Ponder these questions with your family:

  • Who or what is our source of joy? Circumstances? The Lord?
  • Are we happy (or joyful) when things go our way?
  • What makes you feel joyful?
  • On rainy days, can you be joyful?

 

Memory verse:

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

 

Memory definition:

JOY: Choosing to praise God in all things.

NOTE!

Because you asked and my publisher is super sweet – they are putting together a leader study guide for your book clubs and bible studies. We are working as quickly as possible to get it for your groups. Stay tuned!

Category: GIGGLE - Book, Virtues/Values

About Courtney

Courtney DeFeo is most known for being a factory of ideas for families. It’s her desire to lead a life that radiates God’s love in action and His grace along the way. As a former marketing professional for corporations such as Chick-fil-A and Ketchum Public Relations, Courtney has a history of creating memorable programs and ideas that motivate others to action. She is the author of In This House, We Will Giggle, creator of ABC Scripture Cards and Virtue Cards and the kindness movement Light ‘Em Up Acts. Her latest project is a community for tween girls and their moms - found at TreasuredGirlz.com. Her house is a wreck and she hates to cook. She adores her hot, patient husband. She posts entirely too many photos of her two girls on Instagram. Connect with Courtney anytime: Twitter • Website • Facebook • Instagram

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Greetings from Texas! I’m not an expert. I’m your friend. I love when faith comes to life in families. That’s what I’m doing most days of the week. Or, apologizing to my kids for the mess ups. Come in and get comfy. Start here.

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