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04/30/2005: "I've got the joy joy joy down in my heart"

music: where? (down in my heart) where? (down in my heart)
mood: down in my heart today =))

We used to sing this song in Sunday School at the Congregational Church. Now my children know it from Veggie Tales Sunday Morning Songs... It's still a delightful song for me. The joy that comes from the love of Jesus cannot be overstated, in my opinion, and deserves to be sung with a joyful heart indeed.

Reflecting on the joy I feel, I found these scriptures particularly meaningful tonight:

Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;
(Book of Mormon | Alma 36:25)

I find this to be true about all of my labors before the Lord right now. It's not just about traditional missionary work, it's about building the kingdom in whatever ways He calls me to do. It's about making my home a refuge from the storm, it's about teaching my children in light and truth, it's about reaching out to those around me, it's about strengthening myself and developing my talents...

Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 25:13)

The covenants I have made are very serious and sacred to me. They are not something I entered into lightly, but they do not weigh me down, they do give me cause to lift my heart and rejoice. The Lord knows me personally, knows my heart, knows my desires...

If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:61)

Personal revelation brings me great joy when I recognize it and incorporate it into my life. I just printed off another copy of my patriarchal blessing tonight--the tears and worn out places of the copy I keep in my scriptures were making it too difficult to focus on the messages contained therein. I know that I receive answers to my prayers through the Holy Ghost in many different media, and it's important to keep an open mind and a sincere desire to know the truths that I need to know for my life, my children, my stewardship.

"And I'm so happy, so very happy, I have the love of Jesus in my heart! Yes, I'm so happy, so very happy, I have the love of Jesus in my heart!"