I have some very good news about my friend Ashli Van Horn. Friday night she had a “coming out party.” No, the party was not for her as a debutante, nor even for her daughter, Sophie, as a debutante. Instead, this was a “coming out party” for her new book, The Cure for Everything you Crave: Unlock the Secret to Total Satisfaction.

Now, you may wonder, “how can you be more than happy?” Actually, there are several ways. For example, she might be “ecstatic,” which is defined as “overwhelming happiness.” “So,” you may be thinking, “Floyd must be alluding to the fact that Ashlie is ecstatic.” Well, if that is what you’re thinking you would be wrong! When I say, “Ashli is more than happy,” I’m not referring to a copious amount of happiness, but, rather, I’m referring to the fact that not only is she happy, she’s something else as well! For, not only is Ashli happy, she is full of joy, too. And, in Ashli’s instance, her joy is more important than her being happy. Let me explain.

Ashli’s happiness is based on her personal accomplishment – – the fact that she has completed a book! As a writer myself, I understand the thrill of completing a book, especially your first book. When it arrives from the publisher, one tends to unpack it and just sit and stare at it for long minutes (at least that’s what I did!).

In comparison, Ashli’s joy is still based on the fact that she completed her book, but the joy is predicated on the fact that she completed a book that GOD TOLD HER TO WRITE! God’s Good News is that when you work in tandem with God, you will be filled, not only happiness, but with joy as well!

“Now, Floyd,” you are probably musing to yourself, “that sounds all well and good, but that seems to be a pretty definitive statement for someone to make, even if he is The Bible Guy.” The thing is, I can make such a bold statement because I am The Bible Guy, inasmuch as I have scriptures to back it up! Here are a few examples:

• Ps. 16:11a – You make known to me the path of life; You fill me with joy in Your presence.
• Ps. 126:3 – The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
• Rms. 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him.

The final verse explains exactly what Ashli did: She trusted in God when He told her to write this book! That’s why she is experiencing joy, which is defined as “A feeling of great pleasure and happiness!”

So, if you happened to be one of the lucky people invited to this “coming out party,” I’m sure you immediately noted Ashli’s happiness. But, if you looked even closer, I’m sure you saw her joy emanating as well!