Hey y'all! I'm back. I know (or at least hope) this is exciting for my 10 readers. :) It might have seemed like I dropped off the face of the Earth, but I just had a trip back home to KY, followed by some major sickness that invaded my entire household. Thus, no time or energy for blogging could be found.
Even though it is already January, I am going to hold to my promise of posting at least 100 joys for the month of December. Just because I didn't post them in a timely manner doesn't mean they didn't happen. Thank the Lord. Since I have, oh, about 88 left to post {sigh}, I'm going to list them in numerical order and try to condense them to one or two sentences so I'm not droning on for hours and hours.
Here they are, in no particular order of chronology or importance:
13. Airports. I have always loved being in airports. They're so exciting. People coming, people going. Busyness all around and trips abounding.
14. Free cookies (for my son). He got a free cookie at the mall because the lady thought he was so cute. That makes me smile.
15. Reminiscing with family and friends. I got a great chance to do this back home and it was much needed.
16. Watching little man pull his own suitcase through the airport. He's growing up. It's bittersweet.
17. Cooking with my brother. We've connected on this level for the first time. Totally cool.
18. Getting to spend an evening with my Mamaw Sue (that's my grandma for you who don't speak Southern). The one-on-one time was wonderful and not something we get often.
19. Saying "Merry Christmas" to little man on Christmas night and hearing back, "Merry Christmas to you." It melted my heart.
20. Hearing: "Mama?" Me, "Yes, dear." Little man: "I love you." This happens several times a day and I relish each and every time.
21. Crazy little Clarabelle, our new Great Dane puppy! She's already smart as a whip and very loving. She'll be a great best friend for the little guy.
22. Bjork. Because I'm listening to her right now as I type this. She is amazing. (I cheated.)
23. My hubs buying me tickets to West Side Story for my birthday and going with me. Love.
24. Seeing the hubs after being gone a week. I sure missed that face.
25. Watching the little man play with his cousins, which only happens once or twice a year. Good times that he deserves and will hopefully have many more of.
26. Laughing. A lot. Like pee-your-pants laughing. I do it often amidst family. It's nice.
27. Christmas ornaments. Weird, right? Not really. Many of our ornaments have sentimental value and are very old so putting them up and taking them down is full of memories.
28. The angel atop our Christmas tree. We've had her since we lived in Guam when I was in eighth grade. One of the most trying moves of my life, but one of the most beneficial.
29. The Talking Heads. They're so original. Again, listening to them now and cheating again.
30. Getting Christmas cards. I love getting mail and love seeing how families change and grow over the years. I keep them ... all of them.
31. Christmas with my in-laws. We had a good time. Always do. We're blessed for that.
32. A clerk played a rousing game of peek-a-boo with my son at the airport. She was awesome for doing that; it made his day.
33. A butterfly necklace where its wings are mine and my son's birth stones I got as a Christmas gift from my parents. I'll treasure it always.
34. MOPS and all the friendships/support it has brought.
35. Christmas movies. Need I say more? Definitely a highlight of the season. Two of my particular favorites are White Christmas and Holiday Inn. Big, big fan of the Bing man.
36. Signing up for ballet classes with some friends. Holla!
37. Ugly Christmas sweaters. We have a party every year and they just keep getting better.
38. The abundance of University of Kentucky merchandise I can get my hands on in Kentucky. I love my Cats!
39. Chongs. If you're not from or have never been to my hometown, you won't understand. Let's just say the best Chinese food in the United States. Seriously.
40. Singing "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells" with the little man. We're a mean duet.
41. Getting to spend A LOT of time at home during Christmas and New Year's due to us all being ill. Another bad thing God turned into good.
42. Making Christmas Story cookies with the little man. We're baking buddies. I ice, he sprinkles. That's how we do it.
43. Little man being nothing short of perfect on both our flights, both ways, despite some turbulence that almost made me need a diaper change. Mama was happy she didn't have to resort to those little bottles of comfort.
44. Chris LeDoux. RIP Chris. A cowboy songwriter unmatched in talent and depth.
45. Seeing little man laugh as my dad threw snowballs at the storm door. He loved it.
46. Babies! We have several babies in our circle of friends right now, and it's glorious! Can you tell my clock's ticking?
47. My Aunt Karla's chicken dressing. It's the bomb. I got my fill at Christmas.
48. Our annual care package of candy that my mom, aunt, and grandma make and send to us. It's filled with love and all kinds of good things.
49. Disneyland! It's always magical, but it's somehow even more magical at Christmas, if that's possible.
50. Sharing a birthday with my husband's grandma. I couldn't ask for a better birthday partner. Oh, and Britney Spears. She and I also share maiden names. Weird, huh?
51. Hawaiian shirts on my little man. He reminds me so much of his father when he's wearing one.
52. Entertaining friends. I love hosting, cooking, baking; the whole nine yards.
53. Cirque du Soleil is bringing a long-term show to Los Angeles. Tickets are a must!
54. Seeing some People of Walmart in person while in Kentucky. Priceless!
55. Riding in my dad's snazzy new Camaro with my brother. It made me feel like we were kids again.
56. Noticing "I heart JCPenny" written on the toilet paper dispenser in JC Penney. Two things here: I can't imagine having no one else to "heart" but JC Penney and if you must heart JC Penney, heart it enough to spell it right.
57. A musical snowman that actually sang and danced to FloRida's "Low" in Bed Bath & Beyond. Seriously. I'm not joking. I only wish I was. Video will be posted for proof.
58. My dad digging out and cleaning up my brothers' Matchbox cars for little man to play with. Such a sweet gesture.
59. My husband getting an acoustic guitar for Christmas because now I get to learn to play it, too.
60. Being able to openly celebrate Christmas in a country where we're free and safe to do so.
61. Hearing my son sing along to my cell ringtone, "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. It's too cute. He insists I let it play instead of answering the phone.
62. My son's mealtime prayer, and the fact that he NEVER forgets to say it. I could learn a thing or two from him.
63. The opportunity to have some heart-to-heart conversations with one of my brothers. It's refreshing that we've come to this point being so far apart in age.
64. The Pajama Program. If you've not heard of it, check it out. It's a very easy way to help.
65. Time for personal reflection and growth.
66. The uncomfortable situations that cause personal reflection and growth.
67. The opportunity to be a better me. The understanding that my life is not comprised of one song, but an entire songbook that I can improve as time goes by.
68. Christmas presents. Who doesn't like getting presents? I like giving them just as much though, and wait with baited breath to see that people like what I chose for them.
69. The income with which to exchange gifts and bless one another.
70. My husband's job, albeit sometimes very exhausting. The Lord has blessed us heavily.
71. The opportunity to fly and visit family. In this economy, that's not a luxury many people can still afford.
72. Mine and my family's health. Being sick during the holidays was a great reminder that we generally enjoy good health and are tremendously blessed for that.
73. Spandex pants! Hee hee. This trend of spandex jeans/leggings really came in handy during this Christmas season with all the good eatin' around!
74. Big, baggy tunic sweaters and shirts are not to be outdone by jeggings. They help conceal that oh-so-gross dunlap.
75. Playing Potato Heads (or "Toda Heads," as he calls them) with the little man. That's quality time right there.
76. Watching Clarabelle and the little man frolic together in the grass. She'll soon be too big for him to wrestle with, so we're getting as much in while we can.
77. New births. It's a miracle each time God breathes life into a little one and we've been blessed to witness so many lately!
78. My home. Being away from it for a week reminded me that it's my haven, my place of comfort and rest.
79. Kentucky basketball! I bleed blue and love this time of year for all the basketball I get to watch with my two guys. No haters allowed. Really. I will cut you.
80. Witnessing my little guy command Mamaw Sue to "swish" in the mall and her actually doing some weird, very white dance move with her feet. It's now known as the "swish" and we've all been made to do it. My dad was especially good at it. ;)
81. The new Footloose knee slide little man has taken to doing down the hall. I don't know where he got it, but he's in love with it. It's so hot right now.
82. Brainstorming for little man's third birthday. I can't believe he's going to be 3! Where did my baby go?
83. The view from my kitchen window. It frames the majestic, snow-capped mountains. Now, to get up there for some snowboarding would bring more joy!
84. My marriage. As we speed toward 10 years of marriage, there's not a thing I would change. It's only getting better. Someone should pinch me.
85. The smell of lavender. It's my favorite scent. It calms me like no other.
86. Taking pictures. I'm still learning about my fancy schmancy camera, but I love it. Maybe a class is in my future.
87. Socks! It's strange. I get that. Every year, I look forward to winter so I can wear all kinds of funky, cute socks. It's the little things, right?
88. Hot chocolate. It's one of my favorite indulgences during winter. It's better with milk.
89. Peppermint ice cream. Yum! A December delicacy for sure.
90. Christmas light cruising with my little family. I like sparkly things and cozy car rides.
91. Seeing my husband cuddle a friend's little girl and her falling asleep in his arms. A Daddy's always a Daddy, you know.
92. Christmas movie date night with the hubs. Good friends, good cheer, and one really cheesy made-for-TV movie that I now HAVE to see the end of because I'm curious like that.
93. It's A Wonderful Life on the big screen at our favorite little old theater by the beach. I cried like a baby. Gets me every time.
94. iTunes gift cards! I love buying new music and am usually too cheap to buy it for myself.
95. Growth and strength in personal relationships.
96. Goals. This is the first year I'm actually excited about setting goals and seeing them through. Carpe diem!
97. Life. Specifically: my life. I wouldn't trade it. Not for nothing. Not for nohow.
98. Another year passed. Laugh lines that are a little deeper, a heart that's a little broader, and a memory that tries to hold all it's seen and tasted.
99. A New Year! Another year in this life: to be a wife, mother, friend, and a light for Christ.
100. The birth, death, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
God bless you all in this new year! May it be full of bountiful blessings, love, and joy!
Miss K
Showing posts with label 31 Days of Joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 31 Days of Joy. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 7
As Mary says on Jack's Big Music Show, "What a day!" Today was eventful and fun. It moved so quickly I almost forgot to stop this evening and post my joyful item. :)
Today, the thing that brought me joy was having a full house. Our moms' group had a playdate today at our home. We had four mommies and seven children hanging out in our modest house, so it was a bit noisy, but the kiddos were all pretty good.
In my old age, I've come to realize that I love to entertain. I would've never thought this about myself. I thoroughly enjoy inviting people over, cooking and baking all kinds of goodies (because what's a party without food, right?), and hearing the sounds of life in my house.
I think it's comfortable for me because it reminds me of my family. Growing up, we always had dinner together, around the table, as a family. Many of my fondest memories are from these mealtimes, where I was typically trying to gross my dad out by insinuating that I had touched his food (germaphobes don't like this apparently) and we were often laughing and carrying on like a bunch of jackals. It was loud, and oftentimes disorderly, and it was wonderful.
You're likely to get this same type of scenario if you eat dinner at our house now. The old man and I are both pretty boisterous, and the little whippersnapper's got a set of lungs on him, too. We can't help it. I don't think we own "inside voices." We operate on "playground voices" much of the time, and if distance or TV volume necessitate, we turn the dial up to "ballgame voices." What? You don't know what "ballgame voices" are? Sure you do. It's the voice your dad/grandpa/son/husband uses when he yells at the TV during a ballgame. Hence, "ballgame voices." I have to be careful not to use my ballgame voice when the front door is open for fear of scaring the neighbors. We have scared visiting babies in our own home with our level of noise. Some find it unsettling; I find it endearing.
When there are more bodies and voices in my home, there is more noise. It's comforting, like a good old pair of sweats. Some of my best times have been huddled around the kitchen island sharing laughs and stories. Now that we're in the parent trap, the noise level has increased and morphed. It's so much better. We have big people laughs and little people laughs, and what's better than a little person's laugh? Honestly. It's like the gift that keeps on giving.
So, as much as the Martha in me stresses about the house not being ready for company or the amount of food not being sufficient, I snap right out of it the first time that doorbell rings. When our door opens to the smiles of friends, it's a gentle reminder of what's important in life.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with a home to entertain in, sufficient nourishment, and friends and family to share in our lives.
Today, the thing that brought me joy was having a full house. Our moms' group had a playdate today at our home. We had four mommies and seven children hanging out in our modest house, so it was a bit noisy, but the kiddos were all pretty good.
In my old age, I've come to realize that I love to entertain. I would've never thought this about myself. I thoroughly enjoy inviting people over, cooking and baking all kinds of goodies (because what's a party without food, right?), and hearing the sounds of life in my house.
I think it's comfortable for me because it reminds me of my family. Growing up, we always had dinner together, around the table, as a family. Many of my fondest memories are from these mealtimes, where I was typically trying to gross my dad out by insinuating that I had touched his food (germaphobes don't like this apparently) and we were often laughing and carrying on like a bunch of jackals. It was loud, and oftentimes disorderly, and it was wonderful.
You're likely to get this same type of scenario if you eat dinner at our house now. The old man and I are both pretty boisterous, and the little whippersnapper's got a set of lungs on him, too. We can't help it. I don't think we own "inside voices." We operate on "playground voices" much of the time, and if distance or TV volume necessitate, we turn the dial up to "ballgame voices." What? You don't know what "ballgame voices" are? Sure you do. It's the voice your dad/grandpa/son/husband uses when he yells at the TV during a ballgame. Hence, "ballgame voices." I have to be careful not to use my ballgame voice when the front door is open for fear of scaring the neighbors. We have scared visiting babies in our own home with our level of noise. Some find it unsettling; I find it endearing.
When there are more bodies and voices in my home, there is more noise. It's comforting, like a good old pair of sweats. Some of my best times have been huddled around the kitchen island sharing laughs and stories. Now that we're in the parent trap, the noise level has increased and morphed. It's so much better. We have big people laughs and little people laughs, and what's better than a little person's laugh? Honestly. It's like the gift that keeps on giving.
So, as much as the Martha in me stresses about the house not being ready for company or the amount of food not being sufficient, I snap right out of it the first time that doorbell rings. When our door opens to the smiles of friends, it's a gentle reminder of what's important in life.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with a home to entertain in, sufficient nourishment, and friends and family to share in our lives.
Monday, December 6, 2010
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 6
Today, the thing that brought me joy was decorating our Christmas trees. Yes, I said trees. We have a big one in our living room, a pint-size one in our kitchen, and a miniature tree (that's also in the kitchen). I realize it is a little excessive, but I can't help it. Go big or go home, right?
If you come to our house during Christmastime, it looks like Christmas threw up everywhere. I hang garland any and everywhere I can, we have countless knick-knacks and figurines, and I even have Santa pillows for my couch. Christmas really is all around us.
We finally finished decorating the third of our trees today, the pint-size one in the kitchen. I cheated and decorated the miniature one myself while my son was asleep because I knew his little sausage fingers couldn't handle the miniature hooks and ornaments.
I must say I probably like the kitchen tree the most because I've devoted it to my favorite Disney character: Winnie the Pooh. All of my Winnie-the-Pooh-themed ornaments get their special treatment on the kitchen tree and it makes the child in me absolute giddy.
The little man and I had a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and sausage, and set out to "decking" (as he calls it) the tree. We had a wonderful, relaxing time working together. Only one Pooh bear and one snowman were beheaded in the process. Again, I was thanking the Lord for Super Glue, which fixed them up fine and dandy.
As Christmas tunes danced around in the background, I enjoyed a special time with my guy that I will cherish for many Christmases to come. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
If you come to our house during Christmastime, it looks like Christmas threw up everywhere. I hang garland any and everywhere I can, we have countless knick-knacks and figurines, and I even have Santa pillows for my couch. Christmas really is all around us.
We finally finished decorating the third of our trees today, the pint-size one in the kitchen. I cheated and decorated the miniature one myself while my son was asleep because I knew his little sausage fingers couldn't handle the miniature hooks and ornaments.
I must say I probably like the kitchen tree the most because I've devoted it to my favorite Disney character: Winnie the Pooh. All of my Winnie-the-Pooh-themed ornaments get their special treatment on the kitchen tree and it makes the child in me absolute giddy.
The little man and I had a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and sausage, and set out to "decking" (as he calls it) the tree. We had a wonderful, relaxing time working together. Only one Pooh bear and one snowman were beheaded in the process. Again, I was thanking the Lord for Super Glue, which fixed them up fine and dandy.
As Christmas tunes danced around in the background, I enjoyed a special time with my guy that I will cherish for many Christmases to come. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 5
Today, the thing that brought me joy was my son. More specifically, it's his burgeoning vocabulary and personality. When he's not busy teaching me patience, he's making me laugh.
We spent the evening decorating our Christmas tree and had quite a nice time together. The control freak in me was reluctant to let him help decorate the tree because I knew it wouldn't turn out "perfect" and a few ornaments might get broken along the way. We have a family tradition of decorating our trees with Hallmark ornaments, so I have a small fortune hanging on my tree each year and I shudder to think of anything getting broken.
However, I decided to let go and just enjoy the time working with my son. I'd like to thank God for the person who invented Super Glue (or, as little man calls it, "supy gwue"). With that said, I was in awe of the job he did. He took such care hanging each ornament and really handled them gently, which was a feat in itself for him.
At one point, as I was schooling him on the finer points of ornament hanging, he turned to me and said, "Are you kidding me, Mom?" I couldn't help but laugh. He has quite a mouth on him, and it keeps us on our toes.
Later on, he eagerly told my husband, "Dad, I have a present for you," to which my husband replies, "Oh, what is it?" He then turns around and shakes his little hiney at him, which was full of, well, I don't think I really need to spell it out. I almost had an accident myself in laughing at that one.
When we were putting him to bed, I was holding him and about to turn him over to my husband. He looks at my husband, puts his hand up in the "Stop" position and tells him, "Swiper, no swiping. Swiper, no swiping." If you've ever seen Dora, you know what this means. All we could do was laugh.
My child never ceases to amaze or amuse me. Thank you, Lord, for my sweet little boy.
We spent the evening decorating our Christmas tree and had quite a nice time together. The control freak in me was reluctant to let him help decorate the tree because I knew it wouldn't turn out "perfect" and a few ornaments might get broken along the way. We have a family tradition of decorating our trees with Hallmark ornaments, so I have a small fortune hanging on my tree each year and I shudder to think of anything getting broken.
However, I decided to let go and just enjoy the time working with my son. I'd like to thank God for the person who invented Super Glue (or, as little man calls it, "supy gwue"). With that said, I was in awe of the job he did. He took such care hanging each ornament and really handled them gently, which was a feat in itself for him.
At one point, as I was schooling him on the finer points of ornament hanging, he turned to me and said, "Are you kidding me, Mom?" I couldn't help but laugh. He has quite a mouth on him, and it keeps us on our toes.
Later on, he eagerly told my husband, "Dad, I have a present for you," to which my husband replies, "Oh, what is it?" He then turns around and shakes his little hiney at him, which was full of, well, I don't think I really need to spell it out. I almost had an accident myself in laughing at that one.
When we were putting him to bed, I was holding him and about to turn him over to my husband. He looks at my husband, puts his hand up in the "Stop" position and tells him, "Swiper, no swiping. Swiper, no swiping." If you've ever seen Dora, you know what this means. All we could do was laugh.
My child never ceases to amaze or amuse me. Thank you, Lord, for my sweet little boy.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 4
Day 4 of the 31 days of joy is quite a quandary for me. I have two equally fabulous things that are vying for the joyous item: one being a new haircut/color and the second being a new pair of shoes. I know, so shallow of me, right? Hello, I'm still a girl! :)
I decided that the latter should win because they have three major attributes the hairdo does not: patent leather, leopard, and sparkles! Let me introduce you:
I decided that the latter should win because they have three major attributes the hairdo does not: patent leather, leopard, and sparkles! Let me introduce you:
These shoes are off the charts on the fabulous meter! I love them. I want to sleep in them. I want to dance to "I Feel Pretty" in them. Yeah, I'm kind of obsessed!
Being the Frugal McDugal I am, I don't impulse buy very often and I certainly don't pay full price for anything unless it's an extremely special circumstance. So, why did I impulse buy these shoes at their full price? Umm, did you look at them? How cute are they?
I mostly bought them because it was the day after my birthday and I have birthday loot to spend. Yay for gifts! Also, they are special. Red is my favorite color. Leopard is my favorite print. Sparkles are just the oh-so-darling icing on the cake! Not to mention, I heart Mary Janes like nobody's business. I'm not sure why I felt the need to justify, but I just did.
They're like an edgy version of the ruby slippers. I have a sudden urge to put them on and follow the yellow brick road to the glorious land of Oz!
I'm off to see the wizard ...
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 3
It's almost midnight here, so today's thing that brings me joy is going to be quick and probably much shorter than usual. I assume that will make anyone reading this happy, since I am usually pretty verbose.
The thing that brought me joy today was laughter. After a tough day riddled with tantrums and timeouts, the hubs and I ventured out with a couple of good friends for an adults-only night out. Yay for babysitters! (As an aside, I just typed "babysisters" instead of "babysitters" at first, obviously a Freudian slip because I want a little girl like yesterday.)
Tonight was a much-needed good time filled with silliness, a crazy bathroom incident during which my scarf might or might not have went into to the toilet (I'm still not sure about that one), and TONS of laughter. And I loved it. Every single minute.
I love to laugh almost more than I like to breathe. It feels so good in my soul. It feels healthy, restorative, and just downright fun. After said bathroom incident, I went on a giggle spree that was obviously contagious because the whole car was laughing as we drove. When I get a case of the giggles, it's uncontrollable, violent, and wonderful to me. I question whether our tortillas might have actually been laced with tequila, but, alas, we'll never know.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift of laughter. In a world that's often so down-trodden and serious, it's refreshing just to be able to giggle like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world.
In the words of one of my favorite artists, "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane." ("Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" by Jimmy Buffett)
*Bonus: Whenever I laugh, I am reminded of the following scene/song from Mary Poppins. It's by far my favorite scene of the movie and one of the songs in the soundtrack of my life.
The thing that brought me joy today was laughter. After a tough day riddled with tantrums and timeouts, the hubs and I ventured out with a couple of good friends for an adults-only night out. Yay for babysitters! (As an aside, I just typed "babysisters" instead of "babysitters" at first, obviously a Freudian slip because I want a little girl like yesterday.)
Tonight was a much-needed good time filled with silliness, a crazy bathroom incident during which my scarf might or might not have went into to the toilet (I'm still not sure about that one), and TONS of laughter. And I loved it. Every single minute.
I love to laugh almost more than I like to breathe. It feels so good in my soul. It feels healthy, restorative, and just downright fun. After said bathroom incident, I went on a giggle spree that was obviously contagious because the whole car was laughing as we drove. When I get a case of the giggles, it's uncontrollable, violent, and wonderful to me. I question whether our tortillas might have actually been laced with tequila, but, alas, we'll never know.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift of laughter. In a world that's often so down-trodden and serious, it's refreshing just to be able to giggle like there's no tomorrow without a care in the world.
In the words of one of my favorite artists, "If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane." ("Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes" by Jimmy Buffett)
*Bonus: Whenever I laugh, I am reminded of the following scene/song from Mary Poppins. It's by far my favorite scene of the movie and one of the songs in the soundtrack of my life.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
31 Days of Joy ~ Day 2
It's day 2 of the challenge, which also happens to be my birthday, and I'm going strong. OK, so it's only been two days, but who's counting?
Today, the thing that brings me joy is: family. Specifically, my family. All of it. The immediate, the extended, even that black sheep uncle of mine (listen to "The Pascagoula Run" by Jimmy Buffett for reference to said uncle).
Family is like a warm, wonderful blanket the Lord lays over us where, no matter how much we kick or fuss, it covers us. It envelopes us, and it's always there for us. People may come and go, but family is here to stay. Isn't it wonderful that the Lord intertwines so many people in our lives to surround us and bring us joy?
Though we choose some, most are chosen for us, a fact I find utterly fascinating. Everyone's family story is different, unique. We may have similar threads but our family quilts are knit together individually ever so delicately by the Father, who knows our every word, deed, and need.
I truly felt the love of my family today on my birthday. While my own family is entirely across the country, I miss getting to spend my special day with them. However, they never fail to touch my day in the kindest way with their cards, letters, gifts, and packages. It's almost as good as them being here with me. Almost.
I was blessed to spend the evening with my in-laws. I know, I said "blessed" and "in-laws" in the same sentence, but it's true. I have been given a wonderful set of in-laws who couldn't be cooler. Really. My sweet sister-in-law baked my grandmother-in-law (with whom I share a birthday, which I find totally rad) and I a heart-shaped birthday cake and brought it to dinner. We had a grand time sharing a meal and trying to keep two almost-three-year-olds from serenading the whole restaurant. It was a bit messy, loud and chaotic, but it was joyful.
Thank you, Lord, for the joy of family.
Today, the thing that brings me joy is: family. Specifically, my family. All of it. The immediate, the extended, even that black sheep uncle of mine (listen to "The Pascagoula Run" by Jimmy Buffett for reference to said uncle).
Family is like a warm, wonderful blanket the Lord lays over us where, no matter how much we kick or fuss, it covers us. It envelopes us, and it's always there for us. People may come and go, but family is here to stay. Isn't it wonderful that the Lord intertwines so many people in our lives to surround us and bring us joy?
Though we choose some, most are chosen for us, a fact I find utterly fascinating. Everyone's family story is different, unique. We may have similar threads but our family quilts are knit together individually ever so delicately by the Father, who knows our every word, deed, and need.
I truly felt the love of my family today on my birthday. While my own family is entirely across the country, I miss getting to spend my special day with them. However, they never fail to touch my day in the kindest way with their cards, letters, gifts, and packages. It's almost as good as them being here with me. Almost.
I was blessed to spend the evening with my in-laws. I know, I said "blessed" and "in-laws" in the same sentence, but it's true. I have been given a wonderful set of in-laws who couldn't be cooler. Really. My sweet sister-in-law baked my grandmother-in-law (with whom I share a birthday, which I find totally rad) and I a heart-shaped birthday cake and brought it to dinner. We had a grand time sharing a meal and trying to keep two almost-three-year-olds from serenading the whole restaurant. It was a bit messy, loud and chaotic, but it was joyful.
Thank you, Lord, for the joy of family.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
31 Days of Joy
I don't know about you, but I often get bogged down at this time of year with my to-do list, Christmas gift list, party-planning list, etc. So many lists and so little time.
With that said, I'm giving myself a challenge for the month of December. I'm going to focus on sharing one thing that brings me joy every day for the entire month. Why is this a challenge? Two reasons: the aforementioned boggeddownedness (yes, I made that word up) and the idea that I can commit to posting on my blog every single day for an entire month.
The Lord gave me an epiphany the other day about perspective. As I was becoming harried at the thought of the inevitable time crunch I am coming under with Christms, travel, parties, gifts, and all, I was reminded of a verse of one of my favorite Christmas songs that has touched me this year like it never has. The song is "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" from Band Aid in 1984. The verse is:
With that said, I'm giving myself a challenge for the month of December. I'm going to focus on sharing one thing that brings me joy every day for the entire month. Why is this a challenge? Two reasons: the aforementioned boggeddownedness (yes, I made that word up) and the idea that I can commit to posting on my blog every single day for an entire month.
The Lord gave me an epiphany the other day about perspective. As I was becoming harried at the thought of the inevitable time crunch I am coming under with Christms, travel, parties, gifts, and all, I was reminded of a verse of one of my favorite Christmas songs that has touched me this year like it never has. The song is "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" from Band Aid in 1984. The verse is:
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
If you're unfamiliar with the song, it's basically about how fortunate we are and how important it is to remember those who are in need at this time of year. I've always loved this song, but this year, it's really hit me hard that we are so very fortunate to live in America and to have a roof over our heads, warmth, clothing, and water, among a multitude of other things. There are so many in this world without these very basic needs, and we take them for granted so often. We have life, and life is a gift from God.
So, I'm going to cast off the old robe of busyness and hurriedness I usually don this time of year, and take it slow, day by day, recognizing all the joy that the Lord has given me in my life.
Feel free to join in and spread the joy around. We could always use more joy. It doesn't have to be anything big; it just needs to be something that touches your heart. Just let me know if you do join in, so I can be blessed by your joyfulness as well. :)
So, for December 1, the thing that brings me joy is: life. This is the eve of my 34th birthday, and I'm overjoyed with my life. It is everything I wanted it to be and never expected. It truly is a gift.
*Bonus*
I've thrown in the video for "Do They Know It's Christmas Time" in case you are unaware of the song or would just love to see some seriously 80s footage. ;)
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