2014

So I haven't posted a blog post since this time last year...crazy!  That one person who reads this is probably really disappointed.  Actually, I'm just writing this post to have an official place for my 2014 Joy Dare Collection.  I'm just now getting around to getting started so I did days 1-8 today.

1 - 3 Gifts Heard
-silence
-Blessed Be Your Name by Travis Cottrell
-the hum of the washing machine

2 - A Gift Outside, Inside, On a Plate
-clear driveway and sidewalk
-warmth
-turkey, muenster, roasted red peppers, pickles on rye

3 - 3 Graces You Overheard
-children's laughter
-son talking in his sleep
-children getting along

4 - A Gift Old, New, Blue
-the Word
-new cozy slippers and robe
-jeans

5 - Something You're Reading, Making, Seeing
-Believing God by Beth Moore
-plans, goals, changes
-my children growing before my eyes

6 - One Thing in Your Bag, Fridge, Heart
-note from Rob from when we were dating
-hummus
-growing, deepening, maturing love for Rob

7 - Graces From People You Love
-affectionate, affirming words
-hugs
-laughter

8 - Dusky Light, Surprising Reflection, Lovely Shadow
-winter sky
-seeing beauty in myself
-shadow of Rob and I walking side-by-side

Brand New Year - Brand New Joys

Well, my "official" list of joys in 2012 got up to 150.  Since I'm starting in January, this year, I know I can far exceed that.  I'm really excited about what 2013 has in store.  I've made new commitments, not resolutions.  I didn't go looking for something to change about myself or add on to my schedule since it's January.  I have just been presented with some opportunities that I believe are God-given, and I'm really excited to jump in.  So here begins my Joy List for 2013...

1.  Waking up to the smell of bacon
2.  A Saturday spent (mostly) at home
3.  Surprises
4.  Looking back
5.  Hot showers
6.  A shirt was too big that is now too tight
7.  Fixing Megan's hair (When did her head become level with mine?  Wasn't she so very little just yesterday?)
8.  Kissing the top of Robby's head and drinking in that familiar scent
9.  Ice cream w/magic shell
10. The tangy sour pop of capers in my Spanish rice

Joy List

140. Christmas shopping w/my hubby
141. A stack of neatly cut fabric
142. Children's enthusiasm
143. The "Check Engine" light not being lit up
144. A cat with a string
145. Glossy painted fingernails
146. Surprises
147. The jabbering as the kids approach the door when they get home from school
148. Hot showers
149. Rob's sense of humor
150. A house full of people

The Joy of 12/17/12

131. A purring cat on my lap
132. A peace that passes all understanding
133. Teenagers on fire for God
134. Mmmmm, coffee
135. When kids mispronounce a word
136. Exercise
137. Fellowship with new friends
138. Nativity sets
139. A clean house

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you.

A Day Full of Joy Gifts

121. Watching my husband as he preaches
122. Flickering candles and the way the wax dribbles down the sides and hardens
123. Appetizers
124. Buying food in bulk
125. Shopping w/Robby for Megan's stocking
126. Realizing for the first time in my life that I haven't given any thought whatsoever to what I want for Christmas
127. Sunday afternoon nap w/my sweetie
128. Cooperation and being of use in small ways
129. The blending of talents and voices to create a beautiful offering
130. My daughter's amazing confidence

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you.

Joy, Joy, Joy

110. Friends who pray
111. Conversations with my children
112. An answer to prayer and peace in the meantime
113. Thoughtful gifts
114. Christmas goodies
115. Laughing
116. Re-learning a game with friends
117. An evening with friends
118. Praying for friends
119. New babies in the midst of sorrow
120. Receiving Scentsy order and prints of family pictures (It's like Christmas morning!)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you.

Today's Joys

107. My fingers' memory of the computer keyboard
108. A peace so unexplainable it can only come from God
109. Sweet fellowship

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God

in Christ Jesus for you.