During the last week of 2020 I greeted neighbors with a sing-song, “Happier New Year!” One replied, “It’s got to get better, right?” to which I responded, “I’m not sure how it can get much worse.” My husband raised his eyebrows. “Don’t tempt fate,” he warned. We knew to expect that 2021 would continue the … Continue reading 21 Ways to Jump Start Joy
Tag: joy
Advent 4: The Light of Joy
Photo by Jill Wellington from Pixabay Week 4 – The Light of JoyDecember 20-23 Say aloud together: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Light four candles: We light these candles to celebrate Jesus, who comes into the … Continue reading Advent 4: The Light of Joy
Choose Joy
I have a full day in progress, some work and mostly mundane chores that still need to get done. I also received hard, sad news yesterday, had strange dreams that shocked me awake with my heart fluttering, and had a pressing headache--from the tip of my nose down to my aching shoulders--before I even opened … Continue reading Choose Joy
Lent 2020
I’ve been reading, studying, digesting, listening to and learning from the Bible over my entire life. I’ve been glad and mad, confused and convicted, by its words. I’ve had conversations and arguments with God and others about what it says and doesn’t say. I’ve read scores of books about the Bible. I’ve attended Bible studies, … Continue reading Lent 2020
Laugh More
Last week our family saw a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at CalShakes, my favorite Shakespeare play at one of my favorite theatres. CalShakes always makes for a great family outing: time together over a picnic in the grove and a good show, and my kids both enjoy live theatre which feels like a … Continue reading Laugh More
Advent 2018 Wk3 – Faith
The year C20 had his first birthday, Guy and I both turned 30 a few weeks before and after. Our birthdays span November to January so Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's got wrapped up in the fun. We created a list of small celebrations we could enjoy each day during those eight weeks, simple activities … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk3 – Faith
Advent 2018 Wk 2 – Joy
Lately I have been impressed with stories of joy: people enduring difficult circumstances with genuine smiles lighting their faces and claims of, "Laugh or cry, I choose to laugh," or "I was born a happy child," or "I choose to do something I enjoy every day." People who, in witness to others' difficult circumstances, decide … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk 2 – Joy
J.O.Y.
I attended Jr. High at the beginning of the 80's when Preppies ruled the school. I had one white Izod shirt and, though I stood several rungs down the social ladder from Popular, wearing it made me feel pretty. I had a crush on an 8th grade boy who had expressed interest in me despite my 7th … Continue reading J.O.Y.
Thankful Thursday – Puppy Joy
Our neighbors moved away, and of course they took their darling black lab with them. But as we more or less co-parented our dogs, it felt like losing not just our friends but also our pet. Izzy, who had never known life without her next door bestie, became depressed. Her appetite dropped off. Several times … Continue reading Thankful Thursday – Puppy Joy
Thankful Thursday – Celebrate
Oh, friends, what a week! Thursday to Thursday, I'm not sure there is any adequate way to sum it up, but let's try this: joy, and grief, and joy... In all, celebrate. One week ago we were in the final hours of the school year, during which both kids managed to drag out the drama … Continue reading Thankful Thursday – Celebrate