Why this blog and why this name?

So here we go, I've been working on this blog for a while not exactly sure what in the world I am doing. But thanks to a few good friends, I'm going live with it or whatever you want to call it. As I do, I thought I should start of sharing with you why I am jumping on the blog train... I know I'm like only 5 years late with this, but hey I'm going to give it a try. 

So why, well first off I have felt for a long time that the Lord has been placing it on my heart to have one. Which is scary for someone who is very bad at reading and writing. So just excuse all those grammatical and spelling errors that you might come across. 
There are all sorts of blogs out there about all sorts of different things, and the life you often see from bloggers isn't necessary what their real life looks like. 
So I want to share with you what my real life looks like. No, I won't be dumping my dirty laundry on you and I won't be telling you everything I am going though. Sometimes we can be so quick to run and share with others all that is going on in our life when we haven't taken the time to slow down and share it with God first, and then let him do his work in our lives. Yes, I am guilty of that at times too. But I want this to first of be place where I share what God has done and is doing in my life.
I also want to share how God's Word can apply to our life directly. If there is one thing in life that I am passionate about, it is God's Word! The studying, teaching, preaching and standing up for the truth of it is one of my greatest passions. So expect a lot of Bible in here. Yep lots, and you know why, because it is the only thing that will last. My words, thoughts, and ideas are just that. But God's Words is powerful, full of life, it is living, it is full of authority, and can drastically change lives altering eternity. Just like Hebrews 4:12 says

"For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Now you might be wondering why the name... Kristina's great joy. Well that is actually a three fold answer, one of my greatest joys is the Word of God. Thus like I said, I have a passion for and want to share it with you. I pray that you too have a hunger and desire for God's Word.
Second, trivial fact, Joy is also my middle name. My parents thought I was such a great "joy" when I came into the world. Ha ha ha, they didn't even know me yet. I wounder if by my first birthday after so many sleepless nights with a colic baby if they would had the same thought. In seriousness though, they knew God had a plan and calling for my life, and they haven't stopped praying that over me. I also believe that God has a unique plan for each of our lives, but it is our choice if we are going to yield our lives and surrender them over to Him so that He can do what He has planed. 
Third, as much as I love God's Word, there is someone I love even more, and it is God himself. I could have all the knowledge of the bible I want, but if I didn't have a personal relationship with Jesus then it would be worthless in the light of eternity. I'm so thankful for my Lord and savor Jesus Christ who has paid our price that we might be able to have a relationship with God. From that relationship comes a joy that is so deep and unexpressable. Joy is a deep settled confidence that God is in control of every aspect of our lives. That is apart of the reason why I love Psalm 16:11

"You will show me the path of life; 

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

I pray that this be a place where you are encouraged, built up and inspired in your relationship with the Lord through God's Word. Whether we are good friends, or never have the chance to meet this side of heaven I pray that you have that deep settled joy in your life, knowing that God is in control.

-Joyfully His