Joyfull Living

I just about lost it....an explosion of sarcasm, attitude and anger simmered up quickly.   It wasn't an earth shattering event, just a few teenagers, hanging out, finding some shade on a sweltering hot afternoon.  The issue was, that they were taking up the entire sidewalk as hubby and I were on our walk. The closer we got to them, the more apparent it was that they were not going to move.  They saw us coming up the sidewalk (designed for walkers!!) and simply sat there with no inclination of moving to let us pass.   Sweet hubby, in his wisdom, sensing my ire rising said, "Just pass to the right".  I did, but not before looking and expressing some emotional gestures (waving hands to move)  to them while making a comment about the sidewalk....very mature for Christian women in her 40's huh???   While finishing my walk and simmering down, I reflected, why do I let things like that bother me?  But most importantly, why do I respond like I do.  Does that repre

Weddings are happy events! A place to get a first hand view of love, hope for a new life joined together and a promise and commitment in front of God, family and friends.  Even as a 'mature' married couple, I always leave a wedding inspired to love more, serve more and be a better wife! Wedding fervor has hit our family and circle of friends.Our oldest son got married last year along with a few of his closest friends.  What a joy it has been watching these boys who grew up together celebrate and take part in each other's weddings.  My mama's heart cried tears of joy at each wedding, so happy for the new life they are beginning. My picture taking fanaticism has dimmed some, boys still are not overly interested or see the importance of cherishing the moment with a photo.  BUT....I pulled the mama card out at this last wedding and rounded my bunch out for a few pictures! My handsome groom of 25 years!! My 2 oldest sons and daughter in law were part of t

Pretty words, positive words, powerful words...those are the things I am purposely putting around my home as decoration.  In the place where my family and I relax, renew and get real, reminders of faith, hope and love help restore my peace! This is the top of my refrigerator.  I added a piece of greenery and adjusted the plaques.  I stepped down to look at a distance.... and while walking back, spoke to myself.. ."my hope is crooked."  Simply meaning to adjust the middle plaque. After the words were spoken out loud,  that stirring of the Lord began working in my heart.   What would that mean... my hope is crooked?  I reflected on one of my all time favorite Scriptures, which happens to be all about HOPE!  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 "As you trust in Him" .  God is to be the source and focus of my hope bec