Joy/Happiness

I'm living by myself (without a T.V.) because my other 3 roommates haven't moved in yet. I also have a lot of free time. For the past 2 years I have been seeking joy, not happiness. (Joy is a permanent state of mind where as happiness is momentary.) Having all this extra time and nothing to do, I went back to my pursuit.

I discovered that after my vacation, when I began living alone, that I was so unhappy I was reverting back to seeeking happiness. I bought too many things, watched too many movies, anything to bring me that happiness. But like all happiness, it is only momentary.

I discovered this two days ago, and since then, I have rededicated myself to this pursuit of joy. I have started reading "Captivating" by Stasi Eldredge. The morning show just talked to Rob Bell this moning, so I want to start reading his stuff again. (I couldn't get past the first chapter of "Velvet Elvis." It isn't too radical, I just found it boring.)

And, of course, the Bible is always helpful. The morning after I started searching for joy again, Dana (from the morning show) brought joy up in the devotional. She quoted Nehamiah 8:10, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." I don't think that it was a coincidence. . .