Choose Joy

Choose Joy

It was the spring of 2004, and I had just had another disappointing track meet. Things just weren’t clicking at the time, and my frustration continued to boil. That’s one thing you’ll quickly learn about throwers. They seem to live in frustration – always chasing a big throw and perfect technique, but only satisfied some of the time. This, was one of those times.

I shook my head as I walked to my bag, threw down my shot, and angrily shuffled my gear. My mind raced with the frustration of another bad day of throwing, but was startled as my dad’s booming voice bellowed something I have heard plenty of times in my life, especially during track season.

“Hey, son, the Joy of the Lord is your strength,” he said as he watched me slowly turn and try to hide my eye roll.

You see, I wasn’t rolling my eyes at the Truth he was speaking, but rather, the fact he always knew this is exactly what I needed to hear. In the years following, this Bible verse (Nehemiah 8:10) would stick with me all my years of throwing. And, inevitably, in my father’s deep voice.

“… do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

I have been studying through the book of Nehemiah and this verse stuck out to me, again. But, it wasn’t because I was reeling after a bad competition, but because of the impact it has on me, and all of us, in life. It’s a simple word, but seems to be awful hard for us to embrace – JOY. Yep. Joy. Like, “Joy to the World,” joy.

Honestly, if you look at the current statistics of “joy” in our world, it’s kind of depressing. So, what’s the deal? Why aren’t we willing to experience joy? What has us so down?

When my dad reminded me to have joy, he was reminding me where my worth and joy truly comes from – my relationship with Jesus Christ. Amidst something as trivial as a bad day of throwing, my strength lies in my joy of the Lord. As I try to be a good father to my five sons, husband to my amazing wife, friend to my buddies, employee to my bosses, and light in this world, am I full of joy? Or, am I letting anger, depression, frustration seep in?

I recently spoke at a few schools about this topic, and one of the things I challenged them with was to make the everyday things fun; to find fun in the mundane. When I was working in a large office, a group of co workers and I would do just this. Now, I will admit, I did my fair share of practical jokes and singing made up songs about my fellow cubemates, but the best thing we did was what we called, the “Man Ball” [insert movie trailer voice]. Now, it sounds both odd and grandiose, but it was just a stress ball that we labeled the most coveted prize on the whole 11th floor. Each day, we’d gather around one desk to see who the ultimate champion was.  Almost always centered around sports trivia, the group would select the genre, but the previous day winner would pose the question. Riddled with serious issues like, “Top five winningest franchises in NFL history,” or “top five guys with the most assists in NBA history,” we’d head back to our cubes to write down our answers.

A few hours might pass as we’d get back to work, but always thinking about that ever so serious question. As the “Man Ball” grew in popularity in the office, folks would stop by and ask what the question of the day was, all while knowing not to disturb the contestants with guesses or answers. To be the ultimate office champion, you had to tackle this task alone.

By midafternoon, inevitably, one of us would yell for all to hear; “We ready for Man Ball?” [insert our own sorry attempt at a movie trailer voice]

The circle would form again as the current champ would look up the answer. Groans and laugher would ensue as mocking and jubilation let all know the winner. Did the current champ remain, or did another prove victorious? All you had to do was watch the group return to their desks – to the victor go the spoils … a red stress ball.  

Some of us were more humble than others, while others would brag of their title; tossing the ball, bouncing the ball, prodding co workers about their successful day, taking it to lunch with them. Yet, it never failed, folks from other departments would stop by and ask, “So, who won today?!”

This event went on for a couple of months, and while we initially instituted a “Physical Test Friday,” it was quickly ended by management as you’re not supposed to be throwing, carrying, jumping, or lifting in a bank office. Who knew?

Sadly, “Man Ball” ended one day – evidently HR heard of our fabled challenges, and asked that we include everyone and change it to “Human Ball.” Yep. “Human Ball,” as you might suspect, didn’t quite have the same allure and faded fast.  While we were greatly disappointed, the tall tales and memories lived on – when our jobs consisted of talking about reports, financials and loan documents, the “Man Ball,” provided the joy and fun for at least a part of the day.

For me, the best way to live with more joy, is to have joy in the everyday things. And, amazingly, if we’d pull our faces out of our phones occasionally (only after you read this article, though), we’d find that God created a pretty amazing world that has plenty of things to be joyful about. He has so many great things planned and afforded to us – let’s enjoy them!

So, today, have joy! Celebrate in Him and the amazing things He does! Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

 

40 comments

  • J J

    Hello Everyone..

    Here we comes with fresh Fullz again
    Fresh spammed & Valid fullz available now
    All info are verified & guaranteed
    DL|ID with fullz available as well
    All stuff spammed from gov, stores & office databases
    Nothing generated & Fake here

    *USA UK CANADA Fullz
    *SSN-NIN-SIN with DL Address Phone email etc.
    *DL with SSN & Selfie USA
    *DL With Selfie UK CA SP RUS AUS IT FR BR GR IR
    *USA W-2 forms filling info available
    *Tax Returns-2026 filling fullz available
    *High Credit Scores Pros 700+
    *Company EIN|LLC Docs with DL & W-2
    *Young Age, OLD Age & Children Fullz USA (2009-2023)(1930-2008)

    You can contact us here 24/7:
    #Telegram – @ killhacks – @ leadsupplier
    #What’s App – +1-727*788*6129
    #TG Channel – t.me/leadsproviderworldwide
    #Discord – @ leads.seller
    #VK Messenger – @ leadsupplier
    #Signal – @ killhacks.90
    #Email – dghacks2 at gmail dot com
    #Zangi – 17-7369-4210

    *(Be aware from the scammers, only contact on the given details)

    Email Leads & Combos
    Crypto|Forex|Stocks|Investments Leads
    Payday & Loan Leads
    Crypto Investors & Exchanges Leads
    Sweep Stakes Fresh hunting
    Office365 Leads & Logins
    PayPal Leads & Logins
    Netflix|Amazon|Ebay Combos
    Medical|Health|Doctor Database

    Carding Methods & Carding tutorials (PDF & Videos)
    Sp@mming Stuff (All tools & Tutorials with Leads)
    CC Tutorials & CC Cash out Methods
    CC to BTC & CC To bank Transfers Methods
    Cvv dumps 101 & 202 with pin
    KYC Stuff for Account opening
    Bank Statements & Utilities Bill

    Many Other stuff available
    If you’re interested in anything let give a chance to our stuff
    Contact details are given & be aware from scammers

    #taxseason #usataxseason #taxseason2026 #tax2026 #taxfilling #taxreturn
    #usatrump #TrumpMAGA #Trumpera #USAmilitary #USAIran #Worldwar #WW3 #RussiaUkraine
    #USAVenezuela #Cryptobullrun #BTC #NASDAQ #S&P500 #ETH #Cryptoetfs #Binance #BinanceCZ

  • Want Nembutal pentobarbital,Fentanyl,Tramadol WhatsApp: +447401473736

    Want Nembutal pentobarbital,Fentanyl,Tramadol WhatsApp: +447401473736

    We are reliable and trusted vendors of Nembutal (Pentobarbital Sodium).We have established an excellent reputation over the years by providing our customers with excellent quality/ purity Nembutal. We offer pleasant and professional shipping experience with 100% discreet packaging and delivery worldwide. Our warehouse is unlimited. We sell Nembutal in Liquid form(50ml, 100ml, 250ml bottles)and in powder form ranging from 25g,50g,100g, etc. If you are looking to buy Nembutal Online, do not look any further. We have provided the safest and most accurate methods to buy Nembutal online and our service can be offered worldwide. Distance is not a barrier when ordering from us. We continuously invest in our service and upgrade on a daily basis to meet up with the demands of our customers. For your orders and more information you can reach us in the various ways listed below.

    We offer a wide variety of pharmaceutical products that contain almost everything you need. Fast and discreet shipping quality 100% guaranteed, Express by UPS, FedEx, EMS with tracking number, no receipt required.

    Ant-anxiety
    Chronic Pain
    Seizures
    Depression
    Migraines
    Arthritis
    Killing Cancer
    Epilepsy
    Post Traumatic stress
    Disorder(pstd)
    Diabetes
    Crohn’s Disease
    Gout
    Pain relief
    Glaucoma
    Opiod Dependence
    Treating Alcohol Abuse

    WhatsApp:+447401473736

    Text:+447401473736

    Telegram: @Ranko3222

    Note: we ship Nembutal 100% discreetly and expedited all over the world and we have a returns policy that offers our customers maximum satisfaction. We are available 24 hours a day to answer all your questions and also show you samples as long as you prove to be serious customer.

    We are determined to give truly painful people real hope and lasting rest. We sell Nembutal powder and Nembutal Solution(Injectable). Simply indicate your age and weight, we will be able to provide you with exact information on price, delivery and payment.

    When you order Nembutal online from us, we keep a close eye on details. We want to be sure of the dosage that will certainly be effective. You can purchase Nembutal online without any prescription and collect the shipped package without having to sign any papers. Shipping and delivery usually take a maximum of 3 days. All you have to do is provide some health related facts (for dosage estimates)

    SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY

  • Manuel Franco

    I promised Great Dr. Odunga to post this testimony and I really want to say “Thank You” to everyone who supported me through the years. My name is Manuel Franco, New Berlin, Wisconsin. My story of how I won the Powerball lottery of $768.4M is a bit of a tale. I was feeling very lucky that day because I had contacted Great Odunga to help me with the winning Powerball numbers. I really had that great great feeling that I looked at the camera wanting to wink at it. I only did a tiny part of it when he told me he would give me the numbers and trusted him. He gave me the numbers after I played a couple other tickets along with it for $10. I checked my ticket after the winnings came online and saw the numbers were correct including the Power play. I screamed for about 10 minutes because it felt like a dream coming into reality. I had won $768.4M. Thank you Great Odunga. Well, his email is odungaspelltemple@gmail.com You can also call or Whats-app him at +2348167159012 so you guys can contact him
  • Big B

    Hello Everyone!

    Here we’re providing Fresh & Valid Fullz Pros
    USA UK CANADA AUSTRALIA GERMANY SPAIN Fullz Databases available
    Many other countries Fullz are available

    All info will Fresh spammed
    Providing on whole sale prices for bulk orders

    USA UK Canada DL Photos available as well in bulk
    DL|ID Photos available of all Global Countries
    Passport Photos available

    SSN DOB DL FULLZ USA
    NIN DOB DL FULLZ UK
    SIN DOB ADDRESS MMN FULLZ CANADA

    USA LLC DOCS with SSN & DL
    W-2 Forms with DL
    Fresh Sweep Stakes & Casino Leads
    Fullz available in bulk quantity in Millions
    Dead Fullz available
    CC with Cvv’s with billing address (USA|UK|CA)
    Dumps & Cash out methods
    Fullz with MVR
    Fullz with DL Issue & Exp Dates
    Young Age Fullz (2002-2023)
    Old Age Fullz (1930-1999)
    High Credit Scores Pros 700+
    Business EIN Company Fullz & EIN Lookup
    DL Front back photo with SSN Card photo

    ……………………………………….
    Contact Us For Fresh Stuff & Bulk Deals:
    >Telegram@killhacks – @ leadsupplier
    >What’s App – +1 727’’788’’6129
    >Telegram Channel – t.me/leadsproviderworldwide
    >Discord – @leads.seller
    >VK Messanger – @ leadsupplier
    >Signal – @ killhacks.90
    >Email – hacksp007 at gmail dot com
    ……………………………………….

    USA Fullz Format:
    Name-SSN-DOB-DL-Address-City-State-Zip-Phone-Email-Employee-Account&routing

    UK Fullz Format:
    Name-NIN-Dob-DL-Address-City-State-Phone-Email-Sortcode-Accountnumber

    Canada Fullz Format:
    Name-SIN-DOB-DL-Address-City-State-Zip-Phone-MMN

    …………………………………………

    Email Leads & Combo available in Bulk
    Crypto Leads(Binance|Coinbase|Blockchain|Bybit|Bitget|Others)
    Medical & Health Leads
    Doctors Database
    Cars Database with Reg. Number

    Hacking & Sp@mming Tools & Tutorials with Guide
    Full Sp@mmaing Packages (Including all tools)
    Smtp’s Rdp’s Cpanel’s available
    Bulk SMS & EMail Senders Available
    Sc@m Pages & Sc@m Page Scripting available
    High Quality Dumps track 101 & 202 available

    >Telegram@killhacks – @ leadsupplier
    >What’s App – +1 727’’788’’6129
    >Telegram Channel – t.me/leadsproviderworldwide
    >Discord – @leads.seller
    >VK Messanger – @ leadsupplier
    >Signal – @ killhacks.90
    >Email – hacksp007 at gmail dot com

    #Fullz #USAfullz #ukfullz #canadafullz #ccfullz #dumpscvv #carding #hacking
    #spamming #tutorials #prosusa #leads #emailleads #cryptoleads #freshfullz
    #cryptopayments #youngagefullz #sweepstakes #casinoleads #ssndobdl #dlfullzusa
    #telegram #whatsapp #signal #discord

    *All Data, Tools, Fullz & Pros will be provided valid & fresh
    *Guaranteed stuff, anything found invalid will be replace instantly
    *No sampling for CC’s & tools
    *Payments will be in crypto only

  • jazzsimon

    Kaufen Sie gefälschte Euro Banknoten. WhatsApp: +32466061329 Gefälschte Euro kaufen, Spielgeld kaufen, Spielgeld zu verkaufen.
    Kaufen Sie Ihre Klonkarten WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Kaufen Sie Ihre Klonkarten WhatsApp: +32466061329
    counterfeit deutsch , Falschgeld kaufen WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Fake Banknoten kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    WO KANN ICH FALSCHE GELD KAUFEN. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    falschgeld kaufen ebay. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Falschgeld kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    falschgeld kaufen online. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    falschgeld stift kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    falschgeld stift wo kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    counterfeit money deutsch. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Fälschungen kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Kaufen gefälschte Banknoten online in Berlin. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Kaufen Sie hochwertige Euro-Banknoten. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Wo kann man gefälschte Banknoten online kaufen?. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Banknote kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Banknote kaufenDeutschland . WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Euro banknoten kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Alte Banknoten kaufen . WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Seltene banknoten kaufen . WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Sammler banknoten kaufen . WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Fremdwahrungsbanknoten kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329

    FÜHRERSCHEIN KAUFEN WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Benötigen Sie dringend in ein paar Tagen einen gültigen Reisepass, Führerschei, Personalausweis, Aufenthaltserlaubnis (WhatsApp: +32466061329) TOEFL-/IELTS-Zertifikat und …, sind aber nicht bereit, den langen, stressigen Prozess durchzustehen? WENN „JA“, haben Sie eine Lösung für sich gefunden, da unser Service die Bereitstellung gültiger EU-Reisepässe, Führerscheine, Personalausweise, Sozialversicherungsnummern und mehr zu guten Preisen umfasst.

    whatsapp contact: +32466061329

    Wir machen es für jeden einfacher, einen registrierten EU-Reisepass, Führerschein, Personalausweis und mehr zu erhalten, unabhängig davon, woher Sie kommen.

    Kaufen Sie registrierte IELTS | TOEFL-Zertifikat online
    FÜHRERSCHEIN KAUFEN
    BRAUCHEN SIE DRINGEND EINEN FÜHRERSCHEIN, EINEN REISEPASS, EINEN PERSONALAUSWEIS, EINE AUFENTHALTSERLAUBNIS, EIN TOEFL-IELTS-ZERTIFIKAT ONLINE?

    REGISTRIERTEN REISEPASS ONLINE KAUFEN

    PASS ONLINE KAUFEN
    FÜHRERSCHEIN ONLINE KAUFEN UK
    ECHTEN PASS ONLINE KAUFEN

    Führerschein online kaufen
    Registrierten Führerschein online kaufen
    Echten Führerschein online kaufen
    Gefälschten Führerschein online kaufen
    Reisepass online kaufen
    Registrierten Reisepass online kaufen
    Echten und gefälschten registrierten Reisepass online kaufen

    Gefälschte Banknoten kaufen, Falschgeld kaufen (WhatsApp: +32466061329). Falschgeld kaufen, gefälschte Banknoten kaufen, Falschgeld kaufen, Scheingeld kaufen, seltsame Banknoten kaufen, gefälschtes Geld kaufen, Imitationsgeld kaufen, gefälschte Banknoten kaufen. WhatsApp: +32466061329. Klonkarten online kaufen.
    HOCHWERTIGES FÄLSCHUNGSGELD ONLINE KAUFEN.

    KLONKREDITKARTEN MIT PIN KAUFEN. WhatsApp: +32466061329.

    Gefälschte Euro online kaufen | Wo kann ich kanadisches Spielgeld kaufen?
    100 % UNAUFFÄLSCHTES FÄLSCHUNGSGELD KAUFEN.
    Euro-Spielgeld kaufen.
    Gefälschte Euro-Banknoten online kaufen | Gefälschte US-Dollar kaufen. Gefälschte kanadische Dollar kaufen
    Gefälschte Euro-Scheine online kaufen | Gefälschte US-Dollar kaufen | Gefälschte kanadische Dollar (CAD) kaufen
    Gefälschte Euro-Scheine online kaufen | Gefälschte US-Dollar kaufen | Gefälschte kanadische Dollar kaufen
    Gefälschte Euro-Scheine online kaufen | Gefälschte US-Dollar kaufen
    Gefälschte Euro-Scheine online kaufen | Unauffälliges Falschgeld kaufen WhatsApp: 32466061329
    Gefälschte US-Dollar kaufen
    Gefälschte kanadische Dollar kaufen | Gefälschte USD/AUD/CAD/CNY/Euro/RMB kaufen
    Gefälschte australische Dollar kaufen
    Gefälschte USD, GBP und Euro kaufen
    100 % unauffälliges Falschgeld kaufen
    Hochwertige, unauffällige gefälschte Banknoten der Klasse AA kaufen. Wir haben USD, CAD, GBP und AUD verfügbar.
    Wo kann man in Melbourne gefälschte australische Dollar kaufen?
    Bester Ort, um online gefälschte Euro zu kaufen
    FALSCHGELD IN ALLEN WÄHRUNGEN ZU VERKAUFEN WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Hochwertige, nicht erkennbare Falschgeld-Banknoten zu verkaufen
    Bester Ort, um Falschgeld online in Kanada zu kaufen WhatsApp: +32466061329 Kaufen Sie nicht erkennbares Falschgeld und registrierte Dokumente online WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Wir sind der beste und einzige Hersteller von super unauffälligen Falschgeld-Banknoten. 300 Millionen unserer Produkte sind weltweit im Umlauf. Wir bieten ausschließlich originalgetreue, hochwertige Falschgeld-Banknoten und -Dokumente an. Wir versenden weltweit. Wir drucken und verkaufen auch Banknoten der Güteklasse A von über 150 Währungen weltweit. Hier ist Ihre Chance, Millionär zu werden. Unser Geld ist perfekt reproduziert und mit bloßem Auge und durch Berührung nicht von echtem Geld zu unterscheiden. Wir versenden in verschiedenen Größen, verpackt und diskret. Alle unsere Banknoten tragen alle Hologramme und Wasserzeichen und bestehen den Lichtdetektortest. Wir liefern das Geld direkt zu Ihnen nach Hause, ohne dass der Zoll dazwischenkommt. Wir haben eine riesige Menge an Euro, Dollar und Pfund auf Lager. Wir sind Profis im Bereich Geldfälschung und produzieren absolut unauffällige Fälschungen aller Währungen. Unsere Banknoten werden industriell und professionell hergestellt.

    WhatsApp: +32466061329

    WhatsApp: +32466061329

    Kaufen Sie echte und gefälschte Pässe online. WhatsApp: +32466061329

    Kaufen Sie deutsche, texanische, spanische und kanadische Führerscheine, Personalausweise, IELTS- und TOEFL-Zertifikate, Visa, Geburtsurkunden, Schulabschlüsse, Heiratsurkunden, US-Greencards, Sozialversicherungsnummern und viele weitere Dokumente in weniger als fünf Werktagen.

    WhatsApp: +32466061329
    Hinweis: Wir tun dies, um Menschen in Not zu helfen. E-Mail: +32466061329
    Beantragen Sie echte, registrierte Pässe, Visa, Führerscheine, Personalausweise, Heiratsurkunden, Diplome usw. Wir bieten Pässe, Staatsbürgerschaften, Personalausweise, Führerscheine, Diplome, Abschlüsse und Zertifikate an. Touristen- und Geschäftsvisa stehen Einwohnern aller 50 US-Bundesstaaten und allen Nationalitäten weltweit zur Verfügung. Wir sind spezialisiert auf die Herstellung authentischer, hochwertiger Pässe, echter, in Datenbanken registrierter und nicht registrierter Pässe sowie anderer Staatsbürgerschaftsdokumente. Wir garantieren Ihnen eine neue Identität, beginnend mit einer neuen, gültigen Geburtsurkunde, einem Personalausweis, Führerschein, Reisepass, Sozialversicherungskarte mit Sozialversicherungsnummer, Kreditakten und Kreditkarten, Schuldiplomen und Hochschulabschlüssen – alles unter einem völlig neuen Namen, ausgestellt und in der staatlichen Datenbank registriert. Wir verwenden hochwertige Geräte und Materialien zur Herstellung authentischer und gefälschter Dokumente. Alle Sicherheitsmerkmale echter Pässe werden für unsere registrierten und nicht registrierten Dokumente sorgfältig nachgebildet. Wir sind spezialisiert auf die Herstellung hochwertiger gefälschter und echter Dokumente. Wir sind der einzige Hersteller der oben genannten Dokumente und weiterer Produkte für zahlreiche Länder wie die USA, Australien, Belgien, Brasilien, Kanada, Italien, Finnland, Frankreich, Deutschland, Israel, Mexiko, die Niederlande, Südafrika, Spanien, Großbritannien, die Türkei usw. Wir verfügen über ein umfassendes und leistungsstarkes Partnernetzwerk weltweit.

    WhatsApp: +32466061329

    WhatsApp: +32466061329

Leave a comment