With His Stripes We are Healed

This is a series I am doing for the month of October. If you are new, you can start HERE.

Day 24

Thoughts on Joy:

 No one is perfect. I know I make mistakes and mess up every day. Sometimes when I think about how far I have to go, it can be a little discouraging. It's definitely not a joyful experience to reflect on our weaknesses. But there is a way to have joy even in our imperfection:

 “When memory of past mistakes encroaches upon your mind, turn your thoughts to the Redeemer and to the miracle of forgiveness with the renewal that comes through Him. Your depression and suffering will be replaced by peace, joy, and gratitude for His love.” ("The Path to Peace and Joy" by Richard G. Scott)

“Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53: 4-5

I remember coming across this poem way back when I was in high school. I liked the vivid picture that the analogy painted in my mind.

 Simile by Michelle Holgate Lord

Sludge—
soiled snow
from the trampling
of feet
and days gone
by without sun.
Will fresh snow
fall gleaming white?
I have seen
that it is so—
Repentance is like snow. 

(New Era, Aug. 1991, 25)

Picture from when we got snow in Auburn a couple of years ago.

Today I Found Joy in My Journey:
--Running into a friend at the grocery store. As a kid I always thought it was so fun to run into people I knew. I guess some things never change.

--Reading scriptures with my family. We are planning to read through at least one of the four gospels by Christmas. We are starting with Mark and we'll see how it goes.

--Reading this: "It is Better to Look Up"
--Reading this to my kids: Busy, Busy World by Richard Scarry. This book was one of my childhood favorites.

 What brought you joy today?

Other posts HERE