The easiest way to find the Joy of God

Some people would call my overly positive attitude and outlook on life a kind of detachment. How is it that I can always remain positive and joyful in such negative situations? They often ask me. My answer has always been God. My joy comes from the Lord.

Mother Teresa explained what she thought Joy was to her, and ever since I’ve heard it, I, too, believe it is what she described it to be. Mother Teresa said, “Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with joy…”

I feel blessed in this aspect of my life because although to outsiders it may appear that I am detached from all the turmoil and chaos of the world that is being churned out, the Bible tells us to be not of this world, and in that regard, I know I cannot concentrate my energy/focus on the turmoil and chaos. Both things can pull you into a tide of darkness and one can easily lose their footing into the pit of despair.

I find when I am in a joyful state of mind, I can better handle the world and its chaos. I am by no means a warrior, but I find bringing the joy of God into your life, even in the smallest of ways, over time, can have an amazing and positive impact on your life.

Where can you find joy?

When I am introspective I can come to certain realizations. One of those realizations is that the majority of the human population generally doesn’t ever experience true joy. Not because of their life choices, and circumstances, but because of the way that they think. It is not our fault. From the time we can talk we are taught and modeled what society wants from us and what joy should be for us.

We’re told Joy is all of our positive accomplishments in life, the corporate ladder, and the traditional family. Some of you may say, “Christy, you’re wrong. I have felt joy.” Ask yourself how long-lived was that joy? Did you relish the journey along the way?

An easy way to find true joy is to just be present in your day-to-day life. When you are grateful for the day-to-day things Joy can easily find you and enter into your life. You will see how easily the feeling of well-being and joy fills you up through simple day-to-day experiences. For me, my joy is cooking. I love feeding my family.

It is truly one of my greatest joys. Compliments are nice but when they come from the people I love the most it fills me with joy and love. My family is my biggest cheerleader. They truly are the reason I am so skillful and fearless in the kitchen.

Fresh Tomato & Asparagus Gnocchi

This recipe is a fresh asparagus and tomato Gnocci. It is a vegetarian pasta. It is such a filling dish you will not miss the meat. I hope this delicious dish brings you and your family peace, love, and most of all joy.

Ingredients

1 lb-Fresh Asparagus

16 oz.- Gnocchi

1/2 Cup chopped sweet onion

1/2 Cup Chopped Purple Onion

1/4 cup of green onion

2 Tablespoons Olive oil

4 Garlic cloves, Pressed

4 Large Tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup chopped Basil

1 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Grated Parmesan for topping

Cooking Directions

Snap and discard tough ends of Asparagus.
Cut Asparagus into 2 inch pieces.
Fill a 3 qt saucepan with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
Add Asparagus and Gnocchi.
Cook 2-4 minutes, until tender, Drain.
Saute’ onions in olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. (About 5-6 minutes)
Add Garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
Add tomatoes, and cook an additional 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the basil, salt pepper, and Asparagus/Gnocchi mixture.
Top each serving with grated Parmesan
Serve.