Death was never something to fear for herself, she knew. For all of her kind, the embrace of eternity had almost appealed.

There were so many, though, who depended upon her. She knew that this, too, was a hollow concern, for all things were taken into account. The moment her heart ceased to beat, her charges were out of her hands and into another’s. One just as capable, one just as worthy. The Hand would never choose one less than able to protect the sacred world. She herself had been honored, once she learned to accept its existence.

Not only can you rejoice but you ought to rejoice: you are commanded to rejoice. Always. Unconditionally. No circumstance forfeits the commandment to rejoice. Rejoice always, and again, rejoice.

We should never complain to God about the hard times we are experiencing but instead we should turn it into an opportunity to praise Him and thank Him.
Whom He loves He chastens. It's a refining fire. The dross is consumed and we are cleansed. So thank God for the fires and trials that He puts you through.
Do not attempt to quench the spirit.
2 Thessalonians 5:19 "Quench not the Spirit."
Indulging in the lust of the flesh and the lust of this world is a way to quench the spirit.
1 John 2:15-17

We take happiness for granted. It's like we think we deserve it. But we don't. Ultimately we deserve hell. Christ changed that by suffering the wrath of God in our place so that we can experience the joy of eternal life.
Happiness is temporal but joy is found in the eternal.
So we should be joyful...when? Only when we remember what lies ahead (in heaven)? Or how about when things are going our way? Rejoice in the Lord every-once-in-a-while? No. "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice." (Phil. 4:4)

I pulled into the drive and found a spot to park my car. I took the key out of the ignition and put it in my purse. I looked at my hands, palms up. They were shaking and sweating like crazy. I clenched them into fists to steady them and gritted my teeth.
"You can do this," I whispered to myself. "It'll be better this way."

I stand on the plateau and look down. On the left hand I see the twisted and mangled bodies of those who fell. Poor souls. They trusted in their own strength. On the right hand I see those who continue to climb. Some occasionally slip back and some fall even as far as the deepest part of the valley, but all lift holy hands to the heavens in a petition for grace before pressing forward. I have made it across the Jordan River and now I am at the home gates. God is good. God is faithful. I do not deserve to be in this place. I can reach out and touch the Light of heaven from where I stand.

Purpose
Your life has a purpose
Don't ever complain
You must push ahead
Your grumblings are vain
God's given you this day
You must make it your own
All you do and say
Is heard at the throne

Temple
Your body is a temple
Please keep it clean
Furnish with fear, tremble
For God is your king
Purify and make way
Sacrifice your desires of self
Clean them all out
Every one on the shelf

When life is rough it's hard to be tough,
But we must carry on.
We must remember that He is enough;
So we can carry on.
He has given the strength that we need
To bravely carry on.
So we will run and joyfully speed
Our cross to carry on.

Oh Lord my God I stand right here,
Do cleanse me now and draw me near.
I pray you'd purify my soul,
Please sanctify and make me whole.

Amazing Lord, oh wondrous God,
To Thee all glory and all laud.
Your mercy sav'd me from my sin.
A gift of grace given to men.

All glory be to Thee dear Lord.
Teach me to wield your holy sword,
Help me instruct and edify
Your image Lord to magnify.

The kingdom where I've come
Is under fire
The place where I've been planted
Is in a war

So, Lord, please

Stretch me over this kingdom
When rain drops fall
Bend me into a solid wall
Too tall to climb

Thicken my skin to bare
Each arrow
Strengthen my walk so
I may lead

When it feels I'm called to Ninevah
Lord, keep my gaze upon the innocents

Keep whispering in my
Upturned, waiting ear
"Thou art come to the kingdom
Just for this"