Choose Joy.

As people, we are so emotional. We go through each day feeling tired, excited, happy, sad, depressed, surprised, sleepy, angry, frustrated, loved, touched, and the list goes on. I was reminded by my good friend Mark about what it means to CHOOSE JOY.

Joy is not the same as happiness.
Joy is more than just an emotion.
Joy is rooted in something deep and everlasting.
Joy does not depend on the circumstances.
Joy overflows into the lives of those around you.
Joy is contagious.
Joy causes you to celebrate like there is no tomorrow.

Mark's life story about how God brought joy into his life is so amazing. I can't think of a time where I've talked to Mark and not laughed. He inspires me at how much of himself he is willing to give to others.

Today was Carmel Young Life's first Neon Clubble Rave!! We danced, sang, danced some more, heard Mark's awesome talk, danced some more, screamed, yelled, and danced even more. Why so much dancing? Because we can't help but use our body to express the overflow of the enormous joy we have found!

So just like these awesome high schoolers, I challenge you today to

CHOOSE JOY.