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Joy

Welcome

Welcome to the St. Nicholas Moments of Joy blog.  This is a virtual space to share where we see God at work in our Hill Country community, explore faith and live into the Joy of the Lord.  When we speak of joy in the Christian tradition, we recognize that we are not talking about a feeling or a fleeting emotion of happiness, but rather a trust that God is always near – no matter what is going on in our lives. 

In the New International Version of the Bible the word JOY is shared 242 times – 174 in the Old Testament and 68 in the New Testament.  The verse that keeps popping into my mind right now is from Psalm 16 verse 11; You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

I believe that somehow Jesus is always near.  Most times I see, hear, and feel his presence when I am with others, when I am in community.  I certainly feel this with St. Nicholas folks.  We have been regularly gathering and growing in faith and love since July.  When the  I hear our children giggle and play together, when wise thoughts are shared during book and bible studies, when passion for reaching out to the community is expressed with deep love and passion in our planning meetings, I am truly filled with the joy of the Lord. Jesus is present in and with the folks at St. Nicholas. 

I’m looking forward to this great faith adventure of co-creating with Jesus a community of faith.  A community where we reach out to all people with joy, generosity and great love.  A community where everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone is loved – absolutely and unconditionally!  I believe Jesus is leading us down a faith-filled path to know and love Him more.  I delight in the many years of discovering what it means to live a life of joy in Jesus our Lord.  I am sure that we will have many Moments of Joy to share as we grow together in faith and love. And I trust with all my heart that through all of life’s ups and downs, Jesus will be present in our community, revealing Himself to us and always drawing us closer to Him and one another. 

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,

Beth+