This is Jack and Loretta Joyner. He joined the Marines when he was 17 and has fought in almost every war there was. He started drinking about then and drank every day until about 7 years ago when he prayed to take away the need to drink. He said the next day that God answered his prayer. He even decided to test it, so he went to the liquor store and didn't want anything. He tested it again a week later and he still didn't want any. Before that time he was drinking and had a stroke. His girlfriend (now his wife) didn't know where he was for a year, until he came to his senses. Then a year ago the missionaries found them. They got married, and this is a picture of them and his aaronic priesthood ordination certificate. He keeps saying how much better his life is now, even though he is in a wheelchair, and has a towel around his neck to catch when he might dribble. To them the gospel is a precious gift that has made everything better. I'm pretty sure I take the blessings of the gospel for granted WAY too much.
Joy of the Gospel is finding in everyday life the blessings of God. Our very creation is a joyous miracle and our daily breathe another miracle. The beauty of the earth, the friendships in life, and the opportunity to serve one another are all joys of the Gospel. As missionaries we feel the joy in seeing the difference the Gospel makes in other peoples lives. Those are the miracles of joy.
ReplyDelete