Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Favorite Things...

A few of my favorite things...

  • Flowers, especially hyacinths, tulips, lilacs
  • Mystery books and programs
  • Music of all kinds
  • Magazines like Victoria, Better Homes and Gardens, Country Living
  • Pretty, vintage linens, lace, and doilies
  • Old family photographs
  • Playing games like Scrabble, Dominoes, and Trivial Pursuit
  • Vintage dolls and toys

These things, and many more, make me happy. It feels good to think of simple pleasures and set aside thoughts of the craziness going on in the world around me. I am choosing to seek for what brings me happiness and joy. I know there will be dark days and some things I may have to think about and deal with, but when possible, I will be looking for the bright moments. The simple joys in life.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

A Few Brief Thoughts...

I don't have a lot to share, but I wanted to list some random thoughts...

It's mom's birthday, as always I'm thinking of her and remembering her with love.

I'm enjoying having both sons here for spring break. They bring so much laughter and fun into our lives. They are each such a gift and blessing to me.

My hyacinths have blossomed. They always smell so sweet! Some of the tulips have bloomed as well.

Spent yesterday with my little sis. Out to breakfast, and on to the Antique Mall to purchase more family photos. Then we wandered, just looking at all the other fun things for sale. I bought a Kenyan hand carved stone egg for $4.00, just in time to add it to my Easter decorations.

We had a whopper of a thunderstorm yesterday. Rain pelted the house, then turned into hail for a bit, wind roared, lightening striking all around. March has been mild this year, but yesterday it was a lion!

I'm getting ready to watch an episode of The Voice which I recorded earlier. I've been avoiding all the news of the world. I just needed a little oasis of peace today. Music always soothes the soul.

Wishing you Peace, sprinkled with a huge dose of Joy!



Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Friend Connect...

I've still been using Google Friend Connect, and just spotted an update which says it's really going away for blogger. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to follow my favorite blogs. I need to make a master list, I guess, and try to check in now and then. I feel like I'm slipping quickly behind on technology changes. I'll have to ask my sons if they have any recommendations.

My "joy" theme is struggling a bit today. I've been too preoccupied with computer issues to find my moment. I'm getting ready to head out to the mailbox, maybe there will be a surprise waiting for me. I feel a little "joy twinge" just thinking about that!

Until tomorrow...


Sunday, January 17, 2016

While Searching for Joy...

A new focus for this year, is to seek joy. I believe it can be found in all the moments of our lives. Joy isn't a mood, it's a state of being.

A little bit ago, the James Galway version of Somewhere Out There began to play. There was a time when any version of this song immediately reduced me to tears. It was a favorite of my mothers. She requested it to be sung by one of her grandchildren at her memorial service, but in the overwhelming planning of it, I forgot until some months later. After she passed, the song would evoke so much sadness I couldn't listen to it without weeping. I didn't see the joy in her choice. It took me a long time to realize it was mom's message of comfort to us, that she would still be "somewhere out there" and loving us just the same, as she always had. There's joy in believing that, in knowing her love crosses all barriers between her former life here and the new life she is now part of.

I'm still learning to look for the joy in every situation. It isn't always easy, but it can be found when we open our hearts and our minds to it.

As always, wishing you Joy!

© 17Jan2016 ajj

Saturday, January 16, 2016

My Thought for Today...

Life sometimes gets rough. We're left wondering why, and we are often left without answers. Once in a while the answers are right there waiting to be found.

In the midst of suffering, a new revelation may appear; in the midst of pain, healing may be happening; in the midst of loss, hope can be found. Loving the word "midst" today! I'm looking for JOY, because if you seek it, you will find it in the most surprising places!

Wishing each of you a large measure of JOY today!

© 16Jan2016 ajj

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Lovely Day...

This morning was my monthly ladies group from church. We met at the IHop for breakfast and conversation. My aunt shared some beautiful thoughts with us about finding joy in the small things rather than just focusing on the big miracles we'd like to see happening, letting go of our insecurities, and using what we have inside to give to others. From a song she wrote some years ago, there is a line:

"...I am nothing in my humanity. But, the Spirit of God who dwells within has a power vested in me."

I may feel insignificant and unable to provide much help to others, but if I have opened my heart to God's love, I find He has equipped me for the moment. When I am called on to give help or encouragement, I know I can draw on His power "vested in me" and it will be more than enough.

Wishing you a day filled with joy!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

A Sense of Humor...

Having a sense of humor goes a long way to help any situation seem better. Occasionally, just for fun, my husband or I will read the Horoscopes in the newspaper. This morning he read his to me, which made us both laugh.

"You have enough energy, motivation and stamina for two people, which is good because your partner might be dragging. Match his or her pace first, and then slowly pick it up."

"Might be dragging." Oh my, how true this is! After reading it to me, he smiles and says, "If I start where you're at, it may take me a long time to get up to speed!" We both had quite a laugh about that! I'm so thankful I have a husband who is able to laugh about the difficulties we face with my MS, at least some of the time. The ability to laugh and to find humor in what life throws at you, makes the journey so much easier. Fretting and getting frustrated, which if I'm honest we both do at times, makes it all seem harder. It's better to find that little grain of humor. Something to take your mind off the negative and lighten your mood and your heart. It certainly helps to have a husband, a partner in life, who has the ability to laugh and find joy in the midst of it all! His ability to make me laugh is one of the first things I loved about him. I am blessed to have him in my life!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Remembering Grandpa

Sending birthday greetings heavenwards, to my grandpa!  He was born 100 years ago today!  I'm sitting here on this snowy morning, sipping a cup of hot coffee, and reflecting on my years with my grandpa.  What a sweet, amazing man he was.  He made such a difference in my life.

I stayed with my grandparents off and on from the day I was born, then permanently when I was just 8 years old.  I'm not going to write a long story about him, just a few descriptive words...

  • grandpa, father
  • minister, man of tremendous faith, believed in the power of prayer
  • loved his family, proud of every new addition to it
  • loved me unconditionally 
  • looked for the best in people 
  • taught me to be generous
  • sang in his beautifully off-key voice with joy 
  • loved to laugh, and his laughter was contagious
  • loved nature, gardening, birds
  • always made time for people
  • dressed well, even when spending the day at home
  • had beautiful handwriting
  • loved words and learning
  • remembered your name...
I always expected grandpa would live well beyond his 100th birthday.  He loved life, and this beautiful world we live in.  He had a vision for a better, more peaceful world.  I still carry the same hope in my heart.  

Wishing each of you joy and hope.  

Wishing grandpa a very Happy Birthday.  I will always remember...

Friday, December 30, 2011

Hello Friends...

Christmas has come and gone.  It's been a busy month.  Every time I thought about posting, something always seemed to take priority.  A lot of things went by the wayside, but my family had a joyful, quiet Christmas. 

Like many of you, I'm looking forward to the new year.  I have expectations of better things ahead.  I'm not alone when I say, this has been a difficult year for us in finances, health, and the unexpected.  It has also been a year of growth.  I've had to make the best of every situation, sometimes finding new ways of looking at life.  Some things were lost, some set aside, and some were restored.  My faith has been strengthened through it all.  Despite all the negative voices, I believe in a bright future!  Sometimes it's nice to just turn off the TV, the radio, the noise, and spend some hopeful time in quiet contemplation. 

I'm wishing you renewed faith, quiet moments, the love of family & friends, and a New Year filled with peace.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Time passed so very quickly...

It's been a busy week, but I just wanted to say "Hello" to all!  My oldest son celebrated his "quarter century" birthday on Monday.  How can that be? It seems like yesterday I was waiting for his arrival.

And soon he'd arrived...

I can't post all the photos that are precious to me, but here's one I love...

My son has given us so many moments of Joy... and still does!  He makes this world a brighter, better place, and I am a better person for having known him.  I am blessed!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Melancholy...

In between moments of fun and the busyness of life, I've had a weird, weepy melancholy the past few days.  My grandma's best friend turned 80 on Saturday.  I wanted to be there to celebrate with her, but travel is not an option right now.  That was also the one year anniversary of my grandma's passing.  I guess that added to the emotions.

So many things have happened in my life over this past year.  I'm in a place of reflection and self-examination.  I have a clearer picture of things I want to accomplish, and I'm hoping to have the strength to get them done.  I also know what I'm ready to let go of.

I dusted off my piano the other day and sat down to play.  I was shocked at how difficult it is now.  Music is one of those things that requires practice to maintain, and I can't remember the last time I played.  I wasn't very good, but I discovered it still gives me great joy to make music.  I've promised to make more time for the things that give me joy.  Playing the piano, reading a good book, spending time with family and friends.  All those things and more.

I just found this post by a friend.  She shared the poem, The Pleasures of Ordinary Life.  It speaks to what I've been feeling.  You can find it Here, at Gathering Round the Table. 

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A Moment to be Thankful For

Do you ever find you are letting the days slip by unnoticed? I certainly have. I get so wrapped up in the daily chores, the illnesses and other challenges, the little interruptions that come along, that I forget to enjoy the moments in my day. I'm talking about those significant little events that can be easily overlooked.

I just spent over an hour sitting with my Grandma. I hadn't been to see her recently due to the illnesses in my home. Her health has faded in the past couple of weeks. When I arrived, she was in bed. I noticed right away that her bed had been replaced by a medical bed that will raise her to a sitting position, or will lift & lower her feet.

I bent down to give her a hug, and she silently hugged me back. She couldn't talk to me and didn't even try. So, I just talked to her about my family, her friends, the weather, and she held onto my hand, squeezing it tightly every couple minutes. I began to pray with her, and I heard her begin to speak. The words were jumbled, but she was praying with me. After that, we just sat and enjoyed the sun streaming in through her window. Grandma tried to tell me something, and I finally had to tell her that the medicine must be making it hard for her to talk, because I couldn't understand her. She reach out with one hand, so I leaned forward and she grabbed a piece of my hair. "Oh yes, I got my hair cut." I told her, laughing. She looked at me with a bit of a smile in her eyes. She pointed at her shoulder and nodded when I asked if she needed a back rub. I rubbed her back. I can't tell you what a joy it was to be able to do that for her.

Our time on this earth is out of our control. It feels like Grandma may be nearing the end of her journey with us, but only God knows for sure. All I know is, I treasured each minute I sat with her today. I don't want to forget that each moment is a blessing, even when it's just sitting in prayerful silence with someone we love.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Nobody-but-yourself...

To be nobody-but-yourself --
in a world which is doing its best,
night and day, to make you everybody else --
means to fight the hardest battle
which any human being can fight;
and never stop fighting.
~E.E.Cummings


I found this quote on a friend's facebook page. I'd always loved the poetry of E.E. Cummings, but I hadn't read any in a long, long time. This quote spoke to me tonight. I've been thinking about how hard it can be, just to be.

In my early years, I tried to fit the mold that was expected of me. Most of the time failing miserably, but I kept on trying. I set my dreams aside in deference to others. I failed to be my own advocate. I failed to follow my heart.

It took time, and life experience, to allow myself the freedom of being me. It didn't happen all at once. The walls I built, according to others specifications, took time to remodel. Some of them had to be torn completely down and started again at the foundation.

I am more "me" today than I have ever been. I'm more at peace, less affected by others low opinions. Maybe this is the gift that comes with age. Maybe I couldn't have pursued certain dreams at any other moment in my life. All I do know is that I am content. I see the good and the bad. I still experience tough days, but I am full of joy. I appreciate each day I have on this earth.