i've got the joy

here's a glimpse of what i am blessed to see all day long- this baby is so happy! even if he's cranky for a minute, he will usually swing right into a smile, with a giggle not too far behind. friends, family, and passer-byers are always commenting, "what a happy baby!" for the past couple of weeks, he has really perfected the art of squealing. it's so adorable. he'll do it when i'm singing to him, when i'm trying to talk to someone else, or when he's completely by himself... he is definitely exploring his vocal range. i like to think of it as making a joyful noise to the Lord. :) his obvious joy blesses so many people already, and he is only 3 months old. i love that God is already teaching me through my child. i must ask myself: is my life a daily reflection of joy? is my attitude one of praise to God? i came across a verse this week that i never really remember reading. i'm sure i must have read it as i read through hebrews throughout my life, but it never stood out to me until this week. (don't you love that?? the Holy Spirit is great.) anyway, the verse is hebrews 13:15-

through Him (Jesus), let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His Name.

this verse calls me to set my heart in gear to praise God- not just on occasion, but continually. praising Him in the little things or in the not-so-great circumstances can be a challenge, but the more i seek to have this sort of attitude, the more i am inclined to praise Him in my daily activities. i love the words to the song blessed be your name by matt & beth redman

Blessed be Your name
in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name
when I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

(chorus)
Every blessing You pour out
I’ll turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
when the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s all as it should be
Blessed be Your name

And blessed be Your name
on the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

chorus

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

now i've got that song in my head. :)