Joy and Happiness

Have you ever seen what Joy looks like? This is one image I never get tired of looking at. (By the way for all of Deedee's fans it's the substitute tonight. I am always a little embarrassed to post any coments in light of how amazing Deedee's writings are but here goes). Back to the image you may think that the Joy I am speaking of is the look on Deedee's face as she is loving on her baby boy, but the Joy I am speaking of is from my perspective looking on my two Perfect gifts from God. They both just captavate me. I have been trying to explain to Brody how much fun he is going to have growing up with a mom as creative as his. She will make so many things fun that he will be happy most of the time but Joyfull all the time. Am I confusing any one yet? Let me elaborate, Happy is a feeling that comes and goes, Joy is built to last forever. Like for example so many people with the best of intent have said how happy they are for us. I would like to explain that Deedee and I are Joyfull that we have a Son but we are not happy that it has been such a rough start. We are Joyfull that he is doing better but we are not happy that he still has a few apnea spells. Does that make any sense at all? We are Joyfull in the Lord so It does not matter if we are Happy. Don't get me wrong we are doing well and having some good moments but I guess I want every one I know to spend more time pursuing Joy and less pursuing happiness. Happiness is fleeting, its a moment, Joy is permanent even in tough times I can rejoice in the Lord because I have Joy in Him. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."Nehemiah 8:9-11
See the choice food and sweet drink would bring happiness but the Joy of the Lord is my strength and that is permanent. While I may grow weary at times I rest in knowing that I can call on the strength and Joy of my Lord. So I don't even have to chase happiness cause I have Joy. As Ed Young said in his latest book I hope it becomes "outrageous, contageous, Joy."
I hope you all catch it, cause it is the only way real happiness can come any way. I am sure I have everyone confused and saying "please give us Deedee back:>)" can't say I blame ya,
but just know we are doing good and Honestly we are Joyfull, just not always happy and that is ok. We know the end of this long road is near and it will all be good, He is going to come home healthy and God has us covered.
He did well on his canula again today had a few spells, and my mom got to hold him. She was sighted floating back home at around 30,000 feet. I am quite sure she has not landed yet.LOL
Feeds still doing Ok mild reflux, and as always receiving excellant care. That NICU team is outstanding! Thank God for them all. Pray blessings on every one of them.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. May you have a JOYFULL day in the Lord with that wondrefull Image of Mother and Son so in love.
Brody's Daddy.