[Serious question] What is Joy?

[Rob]

And what bring you Joy in life?

:waiting:

[simpleman68]

Seeing my enemies crushed before me, hearing the lamenting of the women.... :lol:

I don't really know much but my first take,mode the cuff is to be comfortable in your own skin, have a true mate to share the journey with and have a sense of purpose. Call it Gods plan, providence or destiny.

That's about all I got... :shrug:
Scott

[DAB]

Reaching in your pocket hoping for a penny and pulling out a dime.

Getting what you need instead of what you want.

[kylebuck]

This is joy for me.

Being able to hook to my boat, head to where I want to fish, launch and just fish. No borrowing, no asking for companionship, no need of others. It brings me a lot of joy that I can survive my life with out relying on others. It used to pain me to "borrow a boat, borrow a truck, and ask people to come", so that I could have them help me pay. Its a joy to be able to do what I love without the need of others.

[Bill]

The gold standard for expression of joy:



Handel - Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus - YouTube

[Vet4jdc]

Waking up each morning and realizing I have at least one more day! :seasix:

[VatorMan]

Joy is small snippets in life. Watching your kids/grand kids do something for the first time. The first time you execute the perfect run on the uphill esses at VIR, etc.... Joy is a personal feeling.

[Broken Wind]

Solitude. A lab puppy. Seeing places in this country that take my breath away.

[Jeff '79]

For me, joy is synonymous with contentment.
If I'm content, I'm happy.

Pure joy can be derived from closing a deal and making a lot of money from it. This is accompanied by the joy that my wife gets from that also.
I oft wonder if there would be joy if there were no one to share it with.
I think not.
Joy is fleeting, contentment is the thing that I strive for.

[Knooger]

Hearing "you are not the father".

[theriver]

Hearing "you are not the father".

What if your father is Darth Vader? Joy, or no Joy? I mean after he sees the errs of his ways. :waiting:

[Fastguy]

What brings me joy? Hmm, deep question. Not "what makes me happy" or "what do I enjoy", but what brings me actual joy? A lot of things, but mainly being with my friends and family, making someone else's life a little or a lot better. Sharing my time, skills, knowledge or money to help someone else. Being on the ocean brings me joy as well.

[Rob]

Some good answers here - but do we often times confuse joy with happiness, isn't joy something more than just contentment and happiness?

[lspencer534]

http://i58.tinypic.com/27ysw87.jpg

Geesh!

[Craig]

If you find it, let me know what it looks like.

[Fastguy]

Some good answers here - but do we often times confuse joy with happiness, isn't joy something more than just contentment and happiness?

Well, one way to look at it, what would make you cry tears of joy?

[Rob]

Well, one way to look at it, what would make you cry tears of joy?

great question and very thought provoking

[Shrike6]

I believe joy goes beyond contentment or happiness. It is best seen in children. Without the filters we develop over time, without the calluses of experience on our emotions.
I believe joy is an unrestrained, visceral delight. A transcendent experience. Some music can do this, travel to beautiful places with someone you love, seeing something that makes you catch your breath in wonder and delight. Or makes you feel like a kid again.
There are obviously too many other things that bring joy to list, or don't need mentioning here in OT.

[lspencer534]

Well, one way to look at it, what would make you cry tears of joy?

My addition to today's trivia: If a tear forms in the right eye, it's a tear of joy. If it forms in the left eye, it's a tear of pain.

[Knooger]

What brings me joy? Hmm, deep question. Not "what makes me happy" or "what do I enjoy", but what brings me actual joy? A lot of things, but mainly being with my friends and family, making someone else's life a little or a lot better. Sharing my time, skills, knowledge or money to help someone else. Being on the ocean brings me joy as well.

I am prepared to give you as much joy as you can afford.

[DAB]

Watched the Canada-Sweden gold medal game. Played by very well paid players. Absolute joy over winning a medal worth about $800.

[MEANZ06]

My Grandson...

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p275/meanz06/Mobile%20Uploads/1393168450_zps2631c856.jpg

:seasix:

[Chuck A]

everything working as it is meant to, with no problems/hassles
that would bring me joy
very cool, indeed

[Bill]

everything working as it is meant to, with no problems/hassles
that would bring me joy
very cool, indeed

Speaking of, how's the hand? 50%? 75% 90%

:waiting:

[Chuck A]

Speaking of, how's the hand? 50%? 75% 90%

:waiting:

hand the 3 fingers that were cut i have 20% molbility, the pinky which was grazed i have 50% but the mind is doing well 80% about looking at the damage, thanks for asking:seasix:

[vetteman9368]

Joy is being happy, and being excited about it.

[five-oh]

Joy- riding around on a dirt road in a 65+ year old pickup with my 7 year old daughter, listening to her sounds of laughter and her begging to stop and pick the wildflowers....
That, and all the other moments she gives me that remind me that I am the luckest man alive, thanks to her, her mama, and their zest for life.

[...Whitepower...]

Things, people, events that happen throughout the course of your day that make you smile. That's what i think joy is...

Yesterday it was my 7 year old reading to my 4 year old. That made me feel happy and made me smile. My wife wearing Yoga pants.. My kids with their hands in the air as we drove down the road in the vert..Seeing my 7 year old finally figuring out how to ride her bike and pedal 10 consecutive cranks and be pumped about it, even if she ran into the garage wall..:D

At least that is my definition..

[Ol Timer]

Things, people, events that happen throughout the course of your day that make you smile. That's what i think joy is...

Yesterday it was my 7 year old reading to my 4 year old. That made me feel happy and made me smile. My wife wearing Yoga pants.. My kids with their hands in the air as we drove down the road in the vert..Seeing my 7 year old finally figuring out how to ride her bike and pedal 10 consecutive cranks and be pumped about it, even if she ran into the garage wall..:D

At least that is my definition..

:iagree:

There is also joy in overcoming adversity, or in doing what is right, even when it is not the easy way.

James says it best in James 1:2-5:


2Dear brothers and sisters,a when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

[Chuck A]

Joy- riding around on a dirt road in a 65+ year old pickup with my 7 year old daughter, listening to her sounds of laughter and her begging to stop and pick the wildflowers....
That, and all the other moments she gives me that remind me that I am the luckest man alive, thanks to her, her mama, and their zest for life.

very cool, indeed

[Datawiz]

Marc said I should post this here:

Witnessing a child far exceed your expectations is sheer joy. :yesnod:

15 year old daughter's first autocross - YouTube

[MrPeabody]

Having my grandchildren crave my approval, which I give in very measured amounts.:D

[Rob]

Thank you all for these great impressions of joy.

From what I can derive from this is that joy comes from within each one of us and is gained in different ways while granting the same level of satisfaction; whether it be from comfort, spirituality, family, or peace.

Cheers

[Burro (He/Haw)]

And what bring you Joy in life?
Music.

[lspencer534]

Music.

You shoud learn some....

[MrPeabody]

You shoud learn some....

Maybe some ABBA.

[Blademaker]

In no particular order:
My Family, especially my Granddaughter and my Granddogs.
Cooking, especially on the big green egg.
My wife of almost 34 years.
My Wife not fussing about me buying me some really cool toys here lately.
Camping in our camper.
Good Barb que .
Good beers.
Good Scotch.
A little weed sometimes.
Making my Own Mead.
Forging my own Damascus.
Knife making and the weirdo company that comes with it.
Being safe and secure.
Guns.
Lotsa fukkin' guns.

Much, much more............

[Burro (He/Haw)]

A little weed sometimes.
Damn stoner with a knife fetish. Terrific. :D

[Blademaker]

Damn stoner with a knife fetish. Terrific. :D

No shame in my game......:seasix: :D

[DAB]

Having someone you've never met send you a present.

[jaxgator]

A little weed sometimes.

Deviant! :D

[simpleman68]

Music.

Man, ain't that the truth. I can look back and honestly say that music has really saved me at times.

I can't even mow the lawn without having a song playing in the back of my head.
There is always a rhythm of sorts hovering in the background of my mind. :Jeff '79:

Scott

[simpleman68]

Reminds me of a funny clip by Tosh about happiness. :lol:

Scott

Daniel Tosh Completely Serious: Wave Runner Joke - YouTube

[onedef92]

To me, Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God's kingdom—His influence on earth. The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways:

For instance, the joy of deliverance: When God sets someone free, from oh, say, addiction, rejoicing is in order.

Then there is the joy of salvation: Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. Nothing is better than this.

There is also joy that comes from spiritual maturity: As the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit, we become confident in God's promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and with other believers.

And there is the joy of God's presence: The Holy Spirit draws us to God, in whose presence we can know true joy. Without the Holy Spirit, no one would seek God.

Possessing joy is a choice. We choose whether to value God's presence, promises, and work in our lives. When we yield to the Spirit, He opens our eyes to God's grace around us and fills us with joy. But beware! Joy is not to be found in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with God that can make our joy complete!

Read more: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy? (http://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-joy.html#ixzz2uFtwcSH4)

[onedef92]

There's a reason I usually wait till OD posts before posting in these type threads. :funny:

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. - John 15:11 :angel:

And man, when you get filled with the Holy Ghost, you can feel Him all the way from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet! He's so awesome! :hurray:

[Rob]

To me, Joy is the natural reaction to the work of God, whether promised or fulfilled. Joy expresses God's kingdom—His influence on earth. The Spirit’s production of joy can manifest in several different ways: For instance, the joy of deliverance: When God sets someone free, from oh, say, addiction, rejoicing is in order. Then there is the joy of salvation: Our greatest reason to be joyful is that God wants to save us and spend eternity with us. Nothing is better than this. There is also joy that comes from spiritual maturity: As the Holy Spirit works in us to bear more fruit, we become confident in God's promises and rejoice in our walk with Him and with other believers. And there is the joy of God's presence: The Holy Spirit draws us to God, in whose presence we can know true joy. Without the Holy Spirit, no one would seek God. Possessing joy is a choice. We choose whether to value God's presence, promises, and work in our lives. When we yield to the Spirit, He opens our eyes to God's grace around us and fills us with joy. But beware! Joy is not to be found in a fallen world; it is only fellowship with God that can make our joy complete! Read more: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit – What is joy? (http://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-joy.html#ixzz2uFtwcSH4)

I love it. Thank you Julian.

I love the fact that it can manifest in many ways as well. Similar to the way that God works.

[Rob]

And man, when you get filled with the Holy Ghost, you can feel Him all the way from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet! He's so awesome! :hurray:

Amen to that!!

[Joecooool]

Being happy with where you are in your life.

On a side note, I know for a fact that money can't buy happiness. I live on an island surrounded by more than a hundred multi millionaires. While most are content, some of them are the most miserable ****s I've ever met in my life.

[simpleman68]

Being happy with where you are in your life.

On a side note, I know for a fact that money can't buy happiness. I live on an island surrounded by more than a hundred multi millionaires. While most are content, some of them are the most miserable ****s I've ever met in my life.

Man, ain't that the truth. I grew up surrounded by much of that group from trust fund babies, hedge fund managers and a couple with substantial political connections....

I'd swear the divorce rate is higher, the alcoholism/pill dependence is higher and the stress and frustration of perceived inadequacy is all over their faces.

Very sad really. Many were fairly good people at heart and got sucked into the delusion.
Scott

[...Whitepower...]

BTW Rob.. Because i can't take a damn thing serious and this is 3 pages in...

This is the first thing i thought of when i saw the title..:rofl:


J-0R-UVBXLM

[Barn Babe]

The emotion my dog feels when I come home. I wish I were a fraction as happy as my dog is.

[...Whitepower...]

The emotion my dog feels when I come home. I wish I were a fraction as happy as my dog.

Now i miss my dog.. :cry:

[Barn Babe]

Now i miss my dog.. :cry:

Now I'm sad. :cry:

Wait, what happened to your dog?

[...Whitepower...]

Now I'm sad. :cry:

Don't be. I put my dog down due to health issues. I flew to NC today for work and fly home tomorrow. Wednesday morning my wife flies to Cali and comes back Friday night. With a 4 and 7 year old and with our current jobs/schedules we just don't have time for another dog. Especially if we want it trained up to our standards.. Besides it wouldn't be fair do the dog. I got plenty of friends who need dog sitters on occasion so its all good. Maybe in another 2 or 3 years.

[Barn Babe]

Don't be. I put my dog down due to health issues. I flew to NC today for work and fly home tomorrow. Wednesday morning my wife flies to Cali and comes back Friday night. With a 4 and 7 year old and with our current jobs/schedules we just don't have time for another dog. Especially if we want it trained up to our standards.. Besides it wouldn't be fair do the dog. I got plenty of friends who need dog sitters on occasion so its all good. Maybe in another 2 or 3 years.

One of the reasons it's sad is because you're such good owners. When the time is right you'll bless another pup. :seasix:

[Sneaks]

Joy is the unadulterated feeling of pure happiness without any preconceived notions, expectations, consequences, or shame. It can't be made, or manufactured. It comes when least expected, and can leave just as suddenly as it comes.
When we find a thing, person, or action that brings us joy, we try to hold on to it and duplicate it. But we find that mostly, after a time, it just makes us happy. That feeling of pure joy is not quite there, even though we are happy. It is the most elusive feeling there is, but also probably the most pleasurable.
Or at least that's my take on joy........

[Rob]

What researching Joy - I also found this. I found it touching as well.

I have often heard an acronym for JOY being: “J” is for having Jesus first in your life. “O” is for placing Others second; and “Y” is for placing Yourself last. There is a lot of truth in this simple acronym. If we put Jesus first in our lives, joy is a natural byproduct which empowers us to really love others and love ourselves.

[...Whitepower...]

Good perspective.

Man I need to keep that more in the forefront of my mind.

My wifes gives me shit all the time for not passing on positive karma.. That being said she has made me a better man over the years..

But sometimes people still bring the jaded NY dickhead out of me.

[NeedSpeed]

And what bring[s] you Joy in life?

:waiting:

Grammar, grammar brings joy.


:leaving:

[LATB]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dixievet
What researching Joy - I also found this. I found it touching as well.
Quote:
I have often heard an acronym for JOY being: “J” is for having Jesus first in your life. “O” is for placing Others second; and “Y” is for placing Yourself last. There is a lot of truth in this simple acronym. If we put Jesus first in our lives, joy is a natural byproduct which empowers us to really love others and love ourselves.
------------------------------------------


I was going to mention the joy I get when I know I'm in the presence of The Lord (usually during worship or while in prayer). In his presence I more understand the blessings God has given me. I'm humble and grateful for his grace.

But I did not want to hijack your thread. I know how the mention of faith can start a crap storm.

Many other good examples of joy in this thread. Most have an element of love in them. And that's what God wants us to do, love each other. I'm delighted to see not many monetary examples.

Good thread. :seasix:

['77Babe]

Can't find a way to answer. :lol:

Joy is something very personal, but it is much more than happiness.

[NEED-A-VETTE]

Things, people, events that happen throughout the course of your day that make you smile. That's what i think joy is...

:iagree:

Like sitting around with my sisters and reminiscing about growing up together. Laughing our asses off to the point that tears are rolling down our faces.

Spending time with my daughter and seeing what a wondeful person she's turned out to be.

Stumbling upon a beautiful sunset...totally by accident...and just enjoying the moment.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c343/sandyeas/Mobile%20Uploads/A0A1326B-B912-434F-A426-CA32A262208B_zpst2fynuqz.jpg

[Entropy]

I experienced it this weekend.

I went bowling with my wife's family. I watched my FIL throw a strike. Then I realized 8 years ago about this time he had a major aneurysm and I was reaching into my closet for my funeral suit, unsure if he would make it. He did. :angel:

[C5SilverBullet]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1467389_10101187826348525_1926338374_n.jpg

[simpleman68]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1467389_10101187826348525_1926338374_n.jpg

Yeah man! :angel: :cert:
Scott

[Ryan Bell]

And what bring you Joy in life?

:waiting:

God. Wife. Family. Friends. Hobbies.

[Rob]

So I have been carrying around a little note the past couple days asking myself this same question - so that it remains in my thoughts.

The one thing that I seem to have derived at this point is:

Joy is "Confident Expectation"

Like I said earlier, it is not everyone that finds joy in the same manner, but that feeling is a similar and emotionally bonding feeling that we all share.

[Ryan Bell]

Speaking of family, you guys have any little Bell's running around yet?

Not yet. Maybe next year. :)

[69camfrk]

Riding one of my Harley's is what does it for me. It gives me time to think, enjoy the scenery, feel alive. Yeah, that is pure joy!:seasix: I'll have to include my sons in there too. They keep me going.

[Burro (He/Haw)]

Riding one of my Harley's is what does it for me. It gives me time to think, enjoy the scenery, feel alive.
This is a CLOSE second for me. This activity clears my head. Ain't no motorcycles sitting outside a shrinks office. Nope.

[Ruffy]

Living in the moment without thinking about what happened in the past or what the future may bring.

[MrPeabody]

This is a CLOSE second for me. This activity clears my head. Ain't no motorcycles sitting outside a shrinks office. Nope.

Just the one the shrink bought with patient's money. :lol:

[LATB]

Some posts I believe are "happiness" and not "joy".

IMO, if it's tangible like fishing...or hunting...or riding your motorcycle...etc. it makes you happy.

But, if its heartfelt and includes emotion like watching your kids play...or spending time with friends or family...or watching a sunset with your lover. It's joy. Music also can be joyful because it often stirs emotion.

It's why intoxicants are so addictive because they trigger synthetic emotion many confuse with joy.