Survivor Tree

I had the privilige of visiting the world trade center memorial in NYC this summer.  While there, I got to see the survivor tree.
This tree has an amazing story!
The survivor tree is part of the memorial and stands as a symbol for those who were hurt and damaged by the attack - all of America.  There were those who lost friends and family members, the immigrants who were discriminated against because of the fear that resulted and the people who just hurt because of the pain of others. 
The tree itself was planted in the 70s in the original World Trade Center plaza.  In the aftermath of 9/11 the tree was found, reduced to a stump, 8 feet tall.
Through TLC the tree is now at 30 feet and stands as a testimony of things that can be rebuilt and restored.
Events may make us feel like we've been knocked over, bruised and we think we can't get back up.  But God is there with his hand outstretched saying, "I know whats best for you.  I can heal you, if you let me."
A simple tree stands as testimony.

~Moriah

Does God want me to be happy?

As I grow older I'm noticing society's focus on being happy.  What can I do to make me happy? God wants me to be happy, right?
When I looked up the word "happy" on dictionary.com, this was the definition-
Happy-
1. delighted, pleased, or glad, as over a particular thing: to be happy to see a person.

2. characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy: a happy mood; a happy frame of mind.

3. favored by fortune; fortunate or lucky: a happy, fruitful land.

 

Happiness depends on things or circumstances, joy lasts forever. 

 -John 16:22 (NIV) - "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.". 
 

 And how do you get this joy? 
Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household.

God's joy can't be taken away, no matter what the circumstances are.  In fact, joy can be increased in trials.
James 1:2-3
² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

The world can take away your happiness, but they can't take away the joy.


Yo tengo gozo, gozo en mi corazón.....

~Moriah