Joyfull Living

Although I like to exercise, variety in the fitness routines helps me to stay diligent. Walking, Weights, Bicycling and Running are done each week in turn.  Running offers the best physical benefits, but in the summer it is the most challenging exercise.  Recently it was the day set aside for a run.  It takes planning and preparation to get a run in before work, but this was the day.  As I left the driveway, it began to sprinkle raindrops. Knowing it would be easy to turn around and not go, I pushed on. It was also very humid out and the excuses to not do it drummed loudly in my mind.  This time could be spent doing something I loved, or just enjoying a free hour. But then the benefits of the run would not happen, so I made the choice to keep moving and to go forward. The run was a struggle, it was hot, humid and I knew I wouldn't make it to the appointed distance.  A church sign was ahead and I told myself, just get to the church and you can turn around. Smiling, t

The entire state of Florida was recently affected by Hurricane Irma who blew through with force and fury. Some portions of the state were flooded, some experienced destroyed homes, many experienced loss of businesses and possessions and most of the state went without electricity for several days. This massive storm affected a vast amount of people in a variety of ways but each one no matter what level of impact was felt, will never forget Hurricane Irma.  Most of our county was out of power, gasoline to run generators was scarce, grocery stores were closed and our roads were busy with evacuees escaping the storm.  Immediately following the hurricane, people began to assess the damage. In our area, we were blessed and thankful the damage was not too extensive. There were several downed trees and many landed on homes. It will be a great challenge for those who must face repairs and clean up but it is also a comfort to know they will not walk the journey alone.  In our little

September 11 is a day every American remembers. It is a day with images forever burned in our mind of tragic and devastating loss. The day brings vivid memories of details such as "where we you when you heard the news?"  We can probably all recall what we were doing when we heard our country was attacked and the feelings of helplessness and fear that gripped our hearts.  Through the years those who were lost are grieved over daily by their families and our country continues on with the day to day lifestyle. But on this anniversary, we stop and reflect on what was lost and embrace the grace that brought us through.  For our family September 11 is also a day of remembering. It has been one year since our middle son was involved in an ATV accident on that day. Recalling the day, I can remember where I was, the exact words I heard telling me he had been in an accident, the feeling of immediate fear and helplessness.   It is also a day to remember grace.  God g

Selfies are defined as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media." The definition I looked up also added this quote - "occasional selfies are acceptable, but posting a new picture of yourself everyday isn't necessary".  Can I get an "amen'?!! 'Back in the day' when I was younger, cell phones and selfies were not around...thankfully!  I love photos and when the selfie craze began, my children were too old to want to take pictures with me and I was getting too mature to take too many pictures of myself.  There is a balance to everything in life and in the selfie spectrum, it could be aligned as taking enough selfies to share your life with friends and families but not to overload them with them constantly!    This fabulous book I'm reading - "Calm, Cool and Connected" which becomes available this week, shared some powerful thoughts on '

It's September 1st which probably ranks as one of the most favorite days of the year for me. I LOVE September, even typing it out makes me smile!!You probably are wondering what makes this month so special, but there isn't really a reason.  Crazy huh?  Both sweet hubby and myself have birthdays in September, but we don't celebrate all month!  No other special things occur in Septemeber, but I think it is the home and promise it holds that makes me smile. In the deep south, we've hit the 'dog days of summer'.  It is hot outside.  Not just hot, but miserable hot.   Hot, Humid and Hazy has been the weather forecast for months now. 'Cool' weather is still at least a month away, but September marks a glimpse that fall is coming. Oh, how I love fall!  Pumpkin everything, cooler weather, more outside time, time to bake, long sleeves, apple cider are some things that I'm looking  forward to. I can't see it or feel it, but I know it's coming!