The J.O.Y. Experiment....the Plan, Stan!

I questioned it when He first dropped the feather-light thought in my head.

Can you really create JOY?

And, then I laughed.

Because, creating is what I love best.

We spent some time together...He & I.

I questioned.  He answered.

I worried.  He reassured.

I consented.  He said "Here's the plan, Stan."

(Okay, he really didn't say Stan.  But, it rhymed.  And, it sounded better than "Here's the plan, Jilly". And, yeah....He calls me Jilly.  Except for when He calls me, Jillain.  And, then I know He means BUSINESS.)

When I was little, my mama was part of a ladies group at church called "J.O.Y.".  The word JOY was an acronym (I love acronyms) for 

JESUS

OTHERS

YOU

And, ever since...that is how I translate JOY.

So, each month The J.O.Y. Experiment will focus on just that:  Jesus, Others & You.

In that order, m'kay?  That's kinda important.  

JESUS 

 So, how do you get more JOY outta Jesus? The answer is pretty simple.

 You get to KNOW Him.

And, that is precisely what we are going to do...

1.) Studying the names of Jesus.

2.)  Weekly scripture memory

3.) Pray & Meditation

The month of January we will study the name 

JESUS 

I will post one blog post on what I have learned. And, of course, you can study on your own.

For my own J.O.Y. Experiment & to celebrate Him 24/7 365 this year, I am keeping a Christmas tree up ALL year long.

My mama got The Gunny & me "Adornaments" for Christmas.  They are the names of Christ.   Each month, I'll add the name I am studying.

If you are interested in ordering your own set, you can find out more here. 

A new set is put out each year.  I am starting with the first set.  But, my awesome mama bought us both.  

Scripture memory for the month of January is below.  I am memorizing a verse each week.  I made some cute scripture cards to help me.  If you would like a 8.5 x11 PDF sent to you, just email me at justjilly@rocketmail.com.  I'd love to send you one! 
(Here's the deal.  I'm not tech savvy enough to figure out how to post it somewhere so you can click on it & download it.  If YOU happen to know this trick & wanna help me out, leave a comment or email me!) 

 

I think the prayer & meditation speak for themselves.  But, I would encourage you to really meditate on His Word & just sit in silence.  You don't have to fill up the space with God.  He's cool like that.  You can just sit & "be".  

Let's Talk...

OTHERS

We attend a church that is outward driven.  And, the discipleship group we attend incorporates a service aspect as well.  I love to "BE" the church & not "DO" church.  So, this is part of my OTHERS plan.

I am also doing Treat Your Teachers.  I've shared some of the things that I have done for my boys' high school teachers.  I plan to continue that a couple of times a month. 

This winter, our family has picked out several driveways on our block to clear when we get snow.  We are blessed with a snow blower...some of our neighbors are not.  If you follow me on IG, you have seen pictures of the boys practicing OTHERS. 

So, what does your "OTHERS" look like?

Your family is OTHERS.

Your neighbors are OTHERS.

Strangers are OTHERS.

This is your chance to get CREATIVE on how to bless & serve others.  

Share with me what you plan to do....it can be as simple as a unexpected encouraging note to a friend or paying for the next person's meal in the drive thru. 

I know by experience that JOY is found when I take my eyes off MYSELF & turn them toward others.

 

 Now, the last component of JOY....

YOU

I find this a tough one.  As a wife & mama, I feel guilty when I take time to care for myself.  But, I know that it is essential.  So, each week...I am scheduling some "ME" time.  The Gunny got me a massage for Christmas, so this month...that will be a part of my "ME" time.  However, every month won't be quite so decadent.

It may include....

getting creative with all my artsy stuff & NOT feeling guilty about the fact I should be doing laundry.

It may include...

 tucking myself away & watching Downton Abbey on the DVR or reading a book & NOT feeling guilty that I should be cleaning the house.

It may include....

dinner with a friend that I haven't seen in ages & NOT feeling guilty that my family is having cereal for dinner.

It does include....

Time at the gym & committing to 40 Days of The Daniel Plan.

Ugh.  This is NOT what I want my "YOU" time to include.  However, I know that it is what my "YOU" time MUST include.  

It does include....

JOURNALING.

Write down what He is whispering (or SHOUTING) in those moments of reflection.  Write down your memory verses.  Write down how you blessed others.  WRITE IT DOWN. 

I have journaled for years.  Mine is a bit of a smash book before smash books became cool.  I'll share parts of them next week to give you an idea. 

I love to go back & see what I have written or clipped out.  It is a permanent reminder of God's goodness.  A God "yearbook" of sorts. (smile)

So, let's recap this little J.O.Y. Experiment....on the 25th of each month, I will post the name of Jesus we are studying & the scripture memory.  I might also let you in on what I plan to do for OTHERS & for my YOU time.  I think it's important to PLAN it or it won't be a priority & will get pushed aside in the business of everyday life.

JESUS

1.) Monthly study on the names of JESUS (blog post on the 1st of each month starting in February).  For January, it will be next Monday, the 13th.

2.) Weekly scripture memory (PDF available if ya want it...& available on the 1st of each month)

3.) Pray & Meditation (30 minutes of quiet reflection each week)

OTHERS

Choose to bless others through your gifts.  I am shooting for weekly.  However, I have committed at least 2 JOY blessings a month.

YOU

Take time for YOU.

Focus on a Healthier Life: spiritually, emotionally, mentally, & physically.

 Oh, as a little reminder....I created this.  Make yourself (or buy one) a JOY sign as a little reminder. Place it in a spot you'll see it each day.  Mine now hangs on the kitchen door heading out to the garage. 

I hope you'll join me on this J.O.Y. journey.  I'm excited & hopeful to hear from you about the things He whispers & how you serve others & about your YOU time.

Come next December 25th, we are gonna celebrate HIS birthday with J.O.Y.  No more dreading the season.  No more getting caught up in the Christmas craze.  But, a time of celebration & reflection of what His humble birth did for you & for me.