At a ladies retreat I went to the subject was joy, and that subject just hit me between the eyes at the time, because it is just like God to keep bringing up a subject until we “get it!” I don't see how anyone could make it through this life without joy..the kind that comes only from the Lord. You know, I have had so many people say to me, “I don't know how you do it with 4 kids” I didn't always know how to respond, because sometimes I ask myself the same question, now I truly know how I do..the Joy of the Lord! That is the only way I could do what I do, or be who I am. The speaker at this retreat said a neat thing she said “The devil will put his foot on the scale of your life to add more weight than what you are already carrying..” That is how he steals our joy, he just keeps adding more weight, husbands, homes, kids, misunderstandings, sickness, loss and before you know it, your best friend, joy is gone! Yes, we can strong in the Lord, but honestly it is easier to just give in, and joy slips away! That is so sad, because that means our strength is gone...how can we make it without strength? I think that is why mothers struggle with loss of joy, our families bring us joy, but they can take it too! I think we mothers need that all important joy so much! When you sit out service time and time again you just don't get the chance to replenish your joy, it is easy to feel weak under those circumstances. I have always deep down known what an important role joy played, but today I see clearly once again ...we all need a best friend...JOY!!! I love y'all...