Joy is the flag...

I don't really even remember learning this song, but since I woke up this morning it has resonated in my head.
"Joy is the flag flown high, in the castle of my heart.
In the castle of my heart.
In the castle of my heart.
Joy is the flag flown high in the castle of my heart, For the King is in residence there."
This is a big deal. Let me tell you why.
I woke up at 6 am to the sound of my youngest screaming for mommy to hold her. The heater had been turned wayyy down due to my cooking-induced hot flashes yesterday. I had to fight the pile of dishes to get to my coffee pot. And the looming possibility that the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons might not fly was too suspenseful for my morning news tradition.
As I sat on the couch, scalding my tongue with that sweet hot coffee. My children joined me one by one, alternating between the dogs. My husband and I enjoyed some morning banter. All the while that song was on repeat in my head.
Friends, I am so thankful for so many things. I wish I had the attention span to join you all in the 30 days of Thanksgiving. I usually get through the first 5 and then forget all about it until day 25 and then I have to play catch up. I'm thankful for all of the obvious...God, family, friends, home, health, and more. But what am I really really thankful for this year? JOY. God has given me such a deep down joy in my heart that no thing of this world can take it away. No bad circumstance, no lost sleep, not even having to watch my favorite parade without flying balloons can touch my inner joy!
For my joy comes from my King! He beams from inside of me, and I wanted to share it with you this morning.
In all of the chaos of the holidays and traditions, don't forget what you're doing it for. Don't forget to really be joyful in Christ. Because the food, the presents, the shopping, it's all so fun. But it ends. The joy of the Lord is forever!
Happy Thanksgiving friends! I wish you all a great day, a full belly, and the joy to understand why it all means so much to us. I love you all.

Be Blessed!

Also, don't forget to ask God to dial back the wind a little bit in New York so we can watch those balloons fly :)