Ash Wednesday

March 7, 2011 By 4 Comments

Many people have already decided what they will be giving up for Ash Wednesday.  I’d like to challenge you to look at things from a different approach.

I was chatting with Father Miles of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church over coffee a few weeks ago, discussing ways that Spreading Joy could encourage his church.  We were discussing the difficulties that we all face, the clouds that tend to hang over us, causing us to just see only the negative things that are surrounding us.  He then had the idea that for Ash Wednesday, he would challenge his people to do something a little different this year.  Instead of giving up coffee, Reese Cups, fast food or other things of that nature, that he would get them to focus on giving up negativity and replace it with JOY!

I love the idea, but as one that is always looking past the negativity and searching for joy on purpose, I know how difficult this can be.  (Wait…am I being negative right there? uggghhh!!)

Replacing the negative, discouraging and depressing thoughts and actions with positive will certainly help anyone who decides to do so.  When you are on purpose looking for the millions of little blessings that are swirling about you at any given time, you will be a much happier, positive person.  Everyone will see a noticeable difference and want to know the source of your JOY!

Not wanting anyone to fail, I suggest that you replace, replace  - replace.  If you are trying to get rid of one thing, it is always easier to do so when you replace it with something better.  Tell me, what is better than true joy from deep within?  We can’t always change the circumstances that brings the black cloud of despair over us and try to keep us down, but we can make a choice about staying “in” the negativity or moving past it.

I was speaking with a co-worker about Lent and giving up things for these 40 days today.  She said that she will fast from something that will move her closer to God, such as gossip.  She doesn’t think that giving up coffee or Reese Cups would be wrong, but for her, personally – she wanted something that would help her to build her relationship with the Lord.

What are you giving up?  Will you join others in giving up negativity and replace it with JOY, happiness, contentment and pure delight?  Do you think this will be easy to do? Why or why not?  If you fall short one day, will you keep going or will you simply give up?

I pray your cup overflows with unspeakable joy for these next 40 days and beyond!

{{{HUGS}}}} yall

 

PS

I’ll have the honor of speaking and encouraging the members at St. Luke’s on Sunday 3/14.  I hope you’ll click the link and check out this gorgeous Church.

 

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Your Smile

March 5, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: encouraging, Poetry, sixwords, Spreading Joy

Six Months

February 20, 2011 By 6 Comments

July 11, 2003 One of the Last Pictures of Me with my Dad

I didn’t know it at the time but on February 20th, 2003 (or so) – I would hear news that would forever change my life. It was an honor actually, but when I was hearing it, I felt it was anything but an honor.

I was with my Dad at the hospital when the cardiologist came in to see him that morning. I knew my time with my Dad was limited, but what I was about to hear pierced through my heart like a dagger.

“John, if there is anything you want to do, do it now.” I looked at the doctor and simply uttered “excuse me?”

The doctor went on to explain that my Dad’s heart was only functioning at 13% or so and that it would not last more than 6 months at the very most. He told my Dad to do what he wanted to do, have what he wanted to have and take this time to get things in order. My body was numb, my heart was in shock.  I remember wanting to cry out that 35 years is not enough time to spend with him. I had leaned up against the wall, to steady myself and the doctor asked me to step outside. He informed me that with my Dad’s diabetes, that the sore on his foot would not heal and would contribute to his death as well – painfully so. He assured me that when the time come, he would call hospice in and make “it” as painless as possible. My heart agonized over the fact that I would not be able to stop this, that I would not be able to stop the pain and I would have to spend each and every moment with him that I could.

The doctor asked me if I was OK, and I simply nodded. We went back inside the room and he informed us that he’d be in there another day. The doctor left, I sat on the edge of the bed, wondering what was running through my Dad’s heart. As I sat there, numb, my Dad spoke…asking me “Well, Daughter…..what do you think?”  I immediately looked at him, eyeball to eyeball.  Here I was wondering about him…and HE was wondering about me.  Unbelievable.  I kept looking at him and said “I think I’m going to miss you soooooo much.” I sat quietly on the bed with him for a little bit.  Gently crying because I didn’t want to upset him to much, but there was no way I could hold in the tears.

Again, at the time, I didn’t consider being with him to receive that kind of news an honor, but now I know beyond doubt that it was a priceless gift that I would not trade for the world.

Not everyone gets a six month warning to get their affairs straight, do what they want to do, see whom they want to see and so on. But he almost did. I had the difficult task to start making the calls. To tell my sister and brothers and step mom what I had just found out. I wanted anyone that wanted to see him, hug him and tell him just how special he was to have the chance to do so and time was of the essence.

As Dad got weaker, I moved in to help take care of him. I organized my work schedule to where I would work in the late afternoons or at night and help Angie take care of him during the day. I slept when he did and enjoyed many midnight egg sandwiches with him. It never bothered me that he could only eat a bite of the sandwich.

You may wonder why I’m sharing this with you. My Dad didn’t get the full six months. He died on July 20th, 2003. We made sure that he laughed every chance he could and sometimes he simply laughed because he caught me and Angie “discussing things” between “ourselves” and we had NO clue he was awake.  We made sure that anyone that wanted to see him had the chance and we all had time with him to tell him just how much he meant to us. I asked several times if there was anything he wanted and no matter what it was, I’d make sure he had it. Even though he was at the point nothing much would stay down when it came to food.

If you found out that you only had six months, what would you do? Who would you see? What calls would you make?

My next question is WHY would you wait until you only have six months? Start doing what you want to do. You have life dreams! Start on them. No matter how slowly you think you may be accomplishing them, start on them NOW. One of my dreams is to visit all 50 states. When we look at vacations, we look at a state we have not been to. Make the list and start chipping away at it. One of my dreams is to publish a book.  In all of the spare time that I do not have, I’m slooooooowly chipping away at it.  Work on those dreams NOW.

Schedule a visit with those that you have not seen and make those calls. We live in a period where it’s easier now than ever to keep up with people we adore. Send the email, send the ecard or send the paper card. Tell those that are special to you just how special they are. Don’t wait until you find out that you don’t have much time left.

Do it now.

Six months is not long. Before we know it Christmas will be here again and it’s only February.

Work towards your dreams
Plan the visit
Make the call
Give the hugs freely

Say I love you.  Say it again.  Say it once more.

Do it now, don’t wait.

Tell me, what are some of your dreams you are working on.

Did you make the phone call, plan the visit or give the extra hugs?  I hope so, I truly do!

{{{{HUGS}}}} yall

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My Passion is Hindering My Passion

January 23, 2011 By 15 Comments

I love giving.  I love making a difference for others.  I love doing things as a surprise for those that I love as well as surprising complete strangers with Reese’s Cups and Little Debbie Cakes.  I can honestly say that giving and doing for others is a passion.

Spreading joy and encouraging others is a passion as well. I love reminding people that they ARE making a difference with a simple $10 donation, that they are making a change within their community when they volunteer their time and that they will see a difference by doing what they can – right where they are.

So………

Why am I not spreading the word about Spreading Joy?  Why am I not setting up meetings to encourage people and show them just how easy it is to make a difference without breaking the bank?  Why am I not trying to get my foot in the door of local corporations and churches?

Simple!  My passion for giving is hindering my passion for Spreading JOY.  I don’t have a “gift” to leave these people, I don’t have anything “physical” to leave them and I let that stop me from giving them what I can offer….and that is joy, encouragement and ideas for making a difference with little to no resources.

A friend of mine, Harry Tucker, and I were discussing passion.  He told me that passion could be a curse.  I kind of chuckled and thought there is no way.  Being passionate about something would help to get it done.  I asked him to explain how that could be and he said

Passion is a curse when many people are afraid of it.  It is a curse when it is bursting to produce results but is surrounded by apathy and indifference.  If not expressed outwards, it can turn inwards.

Little did I know that I would soon be living that statement…Passion is a curse.

Another friend of mine, Richard Mayhan has developed a site called Mercy Junction. One Roof – Countless Resources.  He is using this site to list all of the local places in his community that act as a resource for the needy. He includes things like food pantries, shelters, community dinners as well as National Hot-lines and other resources for those that are in need of assistance.  Brilliant idea!  He put hours upon hours of work into it.  Soon afterwards, he had an opportunity to share Mercy Junction with a group of men and did an amazing job. The reason I mention this is that as I was reading how the meeting went, it dawned on me that he went, presented his ideas and passion for helping others without so much as a business card to leave them  AND it was amazing!!  (I wasn’t there, but I’ve heard him speak – so I’m SURE it was fantabulous!)

I’ve told you all of that to tell you this….

I’ve decided that in this year, I am going to set up meetings to present Spreading Joy Corporation to various organizations in my area.  I’m going to offer encouragement to any church, civic group and ladies groups that will allow me to do so.  (If you’d like to discuss how I can encourage your group, please email me.)  I will start doing what I can, with what I have – right where I am; EVEN if I do not have anything to “leave with them.”  I am going to work on emailing various corporations and seeing if they will partner with me and help me make a difference and try and personally contribute more to Spreading Joy each month financially to aid in this.

I am not going to let NOT having anything to give stop me anymore.

I will remind people that “There’s no joy like Spreading Joy.”

I’m going to do what I can, where I am, with what I have and NOT feel guilty.  I am spreading joy and I am making a difference.

I’m going to help others in FINDING JOY as best as I can! How can I help you?  (click the finding joy link and see…)

{{HUGS}} yall

What is YOUR passion?  Has it been a tool to help push you into what you love or has it been a curse?  Is it bursting to see results and you just don’t know which direction to go?  Tell me….what are you doing with YOUR passion?

PS – you can follow Harry Tucker on twitter as @harrytucker and Richard Mayhan on twitter as @mcProdigal

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30 Day Challenge Jan 2011

December 27, 2010 By 18 Comments

I love spreading joy to others, but more than that, I love how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading joy.  A new year is upon us and it is my goal to help you see just how easy it is to get into the habit of spreading JOY.

The 30 Day Challenge - ONE thing a day for someone else, on purpose.  That’s all it takes. It can be for family, friends or random people.  Your mind will be looking, thinking and preparing for ways of spreading joy in no time.  This can be anything to help make a difference.  It can be a smile, it can be an encouraging email or text message.

The sky is the limit here and it is NOT hard to do this. By the end of the month you’ll have gotten yourself into the habit of spreading joy and it will be a natural thing for you to do as you meander through your day. Being aware of opportunities is key and this challenge is designed to get you thinking and looking for ways to make a difference each day.

Here is the challenge.

Will you publicly join me in developing this habit of spreading joy?  If so, please let me know.  I’d like to add your name here to a list – so that I won’t forget who is joining me, but so that I can encourage you  too. If you are on twitter, please include your twitter name, cause I’m old and forgetful like that!

Together we can journal our daily acts of joy.  I will write in my journal each day about what was done and then every 3 days or so, come back here and update things in the comment section.  I would encourage you to do so as well.  This will encourage everyone that is participating.

I’ve done this challenge publicly before and here is a link to how it turned out.

I would love to hear how this challenge affected your daily outlook, if you had any troubles and just over all, how it made your heart feel, to think, plan and then execute this challenge.

Ideas to get you going:

  • Give away reesecups and Little Debbie Cakes randomly
  • Have a NO chore day for family
  • Leave the closer parking space for someone else
  • Purchase a book of stamps and mail to Spreading Joy
  • Recycle, recycle, recycle
  • Have a “Eat dessert first” night with your family.
  • Make a financial donation to Spreading Joy, see if your company matches charitable giving – 2 acts in one
  • Meet someone for coffee and purchase it for them.  Enjoy the chat.
  • Sign up for this challenge and invite others to do so as well!

There are some ideas to get you going. If you need more, don’t forget that there are a total of 100 ways of making a difference WITHOUT spending one single penny listed here and here on this web site.

Are you ready to take the challenge?  Are you ready to develop the habit of spreading joy?

Those taking the 30 day challenge:

@spreadingJOY

@smooth_stone

@GodsWordisTruth

@10thamendment

@LifeVerse

@sharritiner

@sweetshel

IF we all do just 1 act of JOY a day – so far we are up to 217 #actsofJOY for the month!! wow.  I’m so excited to be making a difference this way!! Thanks for JOYning me!!

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Christmas JOY – The Celebration

December 22, 2010 By 10 Comments

It started like any other morning before a Spreading Joy event.  A million things running through my mind and this time, it’s a little different because I’m planning and handling much of the Christmas JOY event for the ladies at the Battered Womens Shelter & children from my hotel room in Virginia.  Then it hits me.  SNOW!! It was supposed to snow over night. I hurry to the huge window in my room and sure enough, IT’S SNOWING!!!! The little girl in me is so very excited! I can immediately see that there are several inches on the ground already.  I’m supposed to work a half day and then head home to Charlotte NC and start picking up toys for Friday nights Christmas JOY event!  I quickly get ready and head to work.

Much like a child that can’t wait to get out in the snow, I find a window and look out.  It is pouring snow!  Buckets! My heart is filled with worry at this point.  How am I going to make it home? I call my sister.  Tell her what I’m seeing.  She tries to comfort me saying, things will be a little stressful but it will be ok.  I quickly tell her that “you are NOT seeing what I’m seeing!”  We chat about the possibilities of me not making it back.  Two of the greatest things I love are both now tugging at my heart, snow and Spreading Joy.  I head back to work thinking ok, it will work out no matter if I get home or not.  I’m just going to enjoy my gift of snow! I finish out my half day of work, head back to my hotel and preparations start.  The phone calls to my mom, sister and friends asking for help.  The planning of who will do what, just in case I can’t make it back into town.  These ladies deserve a wonderful meal, a time of fun and laughter and these toys for their kids.  I’m determined to make it happen and with friends and family that have huge hearts, it goes off without a hitch!

The phone calls come in, “you won’t believe what Clark Nexsen collected for this event!” My friends Dave and Dale from Iron Mountain assure me it will be fine for them to bring the toys to me! Wow! Not only did they collect toys, but made things easier for me by bringing them to me, knowing that I was short on time! Amazing!

We get to the church, start setting up, sorting toys, picking up food, decorating and having fun.  Later that evening I hop aboard a bus with my brother in law and we had to pick up the ladies and children.  We are enjoying a trip back and I tease the ladies that we are having MY favorite meal – HOT DOGS! I giggle and tell them that Olive Garden has graciously given pasta, salad and bread sticks.  We are all excited.

Everyone gets settled, and is eating, laughing, relaxing and having fun.  There are enough workers so that the ladies that need help with their small children can eat their meals without worry for their tiny ones.  I love the view, the children laughing and slurping up spaghetti, the moms smiling and chatting with one another.  Peace, happiness and pure JOY surround me!  My heart is soaring beyond belief!

The children stay in the fellowship hall and I take the ladies with me next door so that they can “shop” for their children.  I thank them for coming and being such a wonderful part of my Christmas!  I have been thinking about them all week and take a few minutes to tell them the wonderful attributes I see in them.  I give them instructions as to where to find the toys, the gift wrapping stations and such.  I wander through the halls as the ladies “shop”, listening to the giggling, listening to the oooohhhhh and ahhhh’s, listening to the thrill in their hearts as they pick out toys for their children.  There are Easy Bake Ovens, dolls, Barbie dolls, stuff animals, play dough sets, Tonka Trucks, footballs, basket balls, games and so much more!  There are literally 4 rooms full of toys for these wonderful ladies to choose from!

The ladies finish wrapping and start heading to get their children and load back on the bus and van.  Several people volunteer to follow behind to “haul” presents as there’s no way all the people and the gifts are going to fit.  I love each and every single HUG that I am receiving! The sparkly eyes, bright smiles and huge warm HUGS are priceless.  Everyone leaves and I look around and the Spreading JOY heroes have already started cleaning up! Wow!! Amazing!

The night is perfect.  Chaos, silliness, fun, Christmas music, laughter, toys, food, drinks, hugs and the mile wide smiles make it memorable!

But, the giving is not over with yet! Sunday, more toys are given out.  To a local church and some for a teacher who has some homeless children in her class.  Thursday NIGHT – MORE toys will be given away!! A week of Christmas JOY, my heart can hardly stand it! It is flooded with happiness and JOY!

We were able to distribute 545 toys and books this year.  This is no small feat as we normally have 8 or 10 companies collecting toys and this year, we didn’t have that many.

Thank you seems so small in the light of what YOU did to make Christmas JOY 2010 possible.

Thank you to the director of Amy’s House, Vicky, for the wonderful work you do to help these ladies! It is my honor to make a difference for them, to encourage them and to remind them just how very special they are!

Thank you to Olive Garden for providing the meal for us! There was plenty of delicious food for everyone to enjoy! Thank you to Jim Taylor and Marvin McAllister for picking up food for us.  Thank you Dave Finley for meeting me with toys and saving me so much time.  Thank you Momma, Angie and Meg for picking up toys on Thursday for me while I enjoyed my gift of snow and stayed safely at the hotel.  Thank you Dale and Jeanne Strickland for being available at a phone calls notice to pick up toys for me and for helping out the night of the event.

Thank you to Pastor Jerry Taylor and Mrs. Taylor of New Grace Baptist Church for the use of your wonderful facilities and being available “just in case” I was snowed in!  Thank you to the wonderful members of New Grace for volunteering to help serve, sort, clean, wrap, entertain and for the great JOY you brought my way!  I could not have made it without your help!

Thank you to Patterson Pope for giving us employees paid Community Service time to make a difference in our world!

Thank you to my family for supporting Spreading JOY the way you do, helping and allowing me to make a difference right where I am.  Thank you Tripp and Bob for driving the vehicles to bring the ladies to the church.

Thank you Quiznos, Iron Mountain, Clark Nexsen, Arthur Squad, Stone Pump and Trench and Linden ARP church for collecting toys.

Thank you my precious twitterverse for your online donations, the interviews to spread the word and for using your voice to reach people that I couldn’t reach without your help! You were instrumental in making Christmas JOY 2010 a huge success!

YOU are all HEROES and I hope as you watch the video, read and recount this week of Spreading JOY that your heart is flooded with warmth, love and pure delight for the part that YOU played for Christmas

Thank you!!

{{HUGS}} yall

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The Little Things

October 3, 2010 By 9 Comments

Holding Pure Joy! Thanks Chris!

Some time ago, I came across a saying

It’s the little things that make life Big

and instantly I fell in love with it, because my heart has always celebrated little things.  I even asked my mom recently if I had always loved the little things in life as a child and she recalled that I did.  That the small, wonderful and simple things were always amazing to me. Learning that made my heart smile.

Many that know me, know I love Reese Cups and the picture here is me holding a “GIFT” from a student that had just attended the concept of Spreading Joy presentation at their school. I held it up to Angie, saying in my mind “LOOOOOK what I just got!!” I was so excited because I came to the school that day to GIVE to the students, not expecting a single thing in return and he put what he had just heard to work by spreading joy MY way.  Those kinds of unexpected little things will make my heart float through the day!

Inspired from a calendar of 10 Happy Things a day I purchased as a treat for myself last year, I started keeping a list in the back of my journal of the wonderful little things that make my heart smile.  I’ve decided to share them with you here, hoping that as you journey through your day with a million little joys floating around you, you’ll take time to notice them as well as appreciate them.  Who knows, maybe you’ll start a list of the little things that make your life BIG too! (I’m ordering the 3,650 Things To Be Happy About Calendar again this year. Click the link and you can to ;) )

In no particular order at all – Some of the little things that make my life BIG!

Coffee Reesecups Hugs Diet Coke Twinkling Eyes
Smiles Missionaries Gum Books Rainbows
Ocean Sunrise Sunset Full Moon Gel Pens w/Bright colors
Cloud Shapes Bright Stars Playdoh Bible Blowing Bubbles
Singing Music American Flag Sunglasses Handwritten Notes
Chuck Norris Soft Carpet Favorite Jeans Monkeys Roasted Marshmallows
Favorite Tennis shoes Riding a Bike Walk along a river Roasted Marshmallows Hot Chocolate w/marshmallows
Holding Hands Blue Roses Teddy Bears Soft Kleenex Over Sized Sweaters
Watching My kids sleep Laying in grass alone Sound of crashing waves Laying in grass w/a friend Catching snowflakes on tongue
Fresh Snowfall Long necklaces Wizard of Oz Fireballs Splashing in a puddle
M&M’s Cute Socks Technology Toe Socks Unsweetened Iced Tea
Breakfast Christmas Green LIghts Soldiers Heart dangle earrings
Standing Firm Blackberry Disney World Nurses Handmade bracelets
Jukebox full of Oldies Lightning across the sky Crossing a bridge w/out stopping Police officers Friends who call in the middle of the night
Roller Coasters Puppies Slinkies Card games Instant Messaging
Board Games Cute Note Pads Sticky Notes White Out Unconditional Love
Steady Rain Rolling Fog Crisp Breeze Hot Soup Waking to a kiss
Forgiveness Cute Purses Quotes Poems Making Cotton Candy
Belly Laughs Pictures Scrapbooking Opals Eating Cotton Candy
Sleeping Babies Audio Bible Audio Books Skype Thunder in the distance
Lemonade Circus Cute Sunglasses iTunes Precious moments
Face Painting No Spill Days iTouch Hair Spray Hot Cookies out of oven
Hugs from nieces/nephews Watching when NO one sees Overstuffed comfy chairs My Heart Ring from Daddy Hot Cake w/melted icing
Swinging on Swing HUGE sliding boards Empty Tomb of HOPE Being SAFE in Gods Arms Breakfast for Dinner
Choices Triple Coupons Coming Home Operas Hugs for NO reason
Walking Barefoot Random Photos Happy Endings Roses Little Debbie Cakes
Plants surviving in my house Growing up to be my Mom Being only ONE in the movie theater Meeting new People Sitting sideways in comfy chair
Ice Cold Slushies Animal Cookies Disney Classics Hope Always having music
Spreading JOY Opportunities Water Slides God’s Power Chuck Norris Bookmark
Golden Sunsets God’s Plan Safe flights Free Dinner Bath & Bodyworks
Smiles during tears Toasted Bagels & Cream Cheese Watching a merry go round Movie Theater Popcorn Social Media making world accessible
Hope Restored New Watches Misprints Paper Clips Kids that talk &talk….
Sparkles of love in eyes of friend Kisses from Todd & Megan Snow that is soft on day 2 Listening to the Rain Watching my kids make the RIGHT decisions
Unplanned vacations Full moon hanging on a cloud Long lingering WARM hugs Seeing Todd for 19th Bday Hearing Harry Connick JR Sing in PERSON!
Blistex Journey Perfume Care Bears Curve cologne Monkey Bookmark
Sleeping to sound of ocean lapping at shore PB&J Sandwiches w/Milk Extra HOT Cinnamon Dolce Latte Laughing thru nite w/a friend Sleeping just after alarm goes off
Free Anything Niagara falls Contentment A quick exit Beach Trips w/Mom
Passing w/A “C” God’s Character God’s Promises God’s Power Free Audio Books
Golden Grahams Curve 4 Women Tweet-ups Candid photos Meeting Chuck Norris
Kids Praying Being Welcome Being Paid Up …….Instead Dreams Coming True
Singing YOU are my sunshine! Power of Holy Spirit Overhearing kids say something nice Chocolate covered pretzels Being held close as I sleep
Texts from my children Sitting w/young people Blowing bubbles w/gum Kisses on the forehead Chocolate covered Marshmallows
Seeing Dad in my dreams A day of “To Don’ts” Beauty in the Ordinary Being loved as always Saved messages in my Voice Mail
Unexpected help Reesecups in mail Being Found Being Trusted My Flower garden living
Angels Among us Hugs from Santa Being Noticed Guidance Ocean at Midnight
Not giving up Pondering Finishing Soaring Fireplace at 1 am
Cute Coffee Cups Saying Thank YOU Treasures of the heart Courage to step out Making a Difference
Smokies of TN Cobblestone walkways Firefighter friends in Boston Acceptance of situation Frequent Flier Miles
Early Morning Smiles Loving with No Boundaries Great things HE has done Appreciating NOW Learning to live again
Phone calls of thanks from ocean Love that lasts forever Realizing love hurts and it’s ok Brightening MY corner of the world Unbridled laughter of Teen girls
Meg sitting upside down Todd’s time beside me talking about nothing Noticing a smile & glance from across the room Getting items donated for others Discernment right on time
Getting what you need Hearing what is NOT being said Computer prayers answered Sitting in Church w/mom Being happy -regardless
Seeing Hearts Grow My moms unconditional love Winning the heart of a shy child Hair blowing in the wind Learning a friend is a true American Hero
Happy gatherings for no reason Getting the gift that seemed ridiculous Realizing the headache is easing up Texts asking are you OK after horrid day Kisses from my almost grown children
Laughing while others wonder Unexpected gifts in the mail Printing off cute photo hugs Sight for sore eyes Little Debbie making it easy to give by giving
Falling asleep immediately Whiffs of old spice Being prayed through Color making my day bright Laughing at myself
Friends Praying Walmart @ 5 am One More Day Protection Getting to the Point
Certainty String cheese 2 hour naps Another Chance My John R. Rice Bible
Wild Flowers New  Journeys Simple pleasures Moments Keeping things going
Giggling…a few days later Honest Communication Inspirational words Listening…really listening Being accepted just as I am
Being Believed in Joy after the Pain Blueberry Muffins Family Cookout Surprise phone calls
Strawberry yogurt Extra night for free Believing in my children Brighter days ahead Sharing my passion
Marie Pong A car to borrow New purse 4 free Messages Peace, glorious peace
Stress free ping pong Cool nights after hot summer Resources at fingertips Hot apple cider w/cinnamon Guilt leaving the heart
Passing with flying colors Fasting & being close to God Finding out you’ve inspired someone Msg of Praise for blessing Psalm 6 Todd in suit & Tie for me
New book in mail No bake cookies Privacy!!! Stickers Knowing this isn’t all
Being inspired Cool Sandals Encouraging texts Milk duds 1895 House a B&B
Learning from an expert Being a persistent little booger Beach all to myself Emptying my heart of guilt Trusting even when I don’t understand
m&m minis Stickers in journal Stickers on FB Coming Home Being a Homebody
Jesus – Always Wanting to…. Gifts to myself Silence Cool sunglasses cheap
Todd saying “its perfect mom” Foggy Quiet mornings One of these days…being today Exploring new places Shaking hands w/40 military personnel
A smile that dries the tears Bright paper to write on Breeze from an open window Sounds that brings smiles Opportunities in another state
Going before security comes Praying without ceasing Travel and exploration Coming home to a clean kitchen Strength for tomorrow
Sweater when you need it Moon hanging in the morning sky Mountains every where I look Recognizing simple miracles Kids having the Bible I gave to them from 2nd grade & they are in 5th grade now
Friends sharing pics of beach & mountains Visiting a new ice cream shop Letting my light shine Christmas Stockings Watching a wall of rain approach
Lance cheese &pb crackers Compliment from Princess Megan Famous Author commenting on blog Warm comfy Christmas sweaters Phoning a friend, asking for help & getting it
Phone call from Todd Contacts & Corrective lenses Praying at Alter & a friend joins unexpectedly Surprise Videos in email from friend Unexpected knocks at door
Cool Journals Chocolate Milk Plums Peace Lilies Fixing a problem easily
Cool Whip Sprinkles on top Remembering IT Heroes Wonder Woman
Fresh Roasted chicken dinner Fav Worship song being sung live Dinner, movie & Bookstore date Friends pics on FB Watching my brothers with their Grand kids
Saying Yes to God and trusting Muffins in the Mail Mustard seed faith Blissful UNeventfulness Sausage Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Bewitched Cool Boots Blue Ridge Pkwy Promises Kept When the stars line up
Cake Icing Wars with Todd Meg Blocking goals in soccer Reading under a tree Warmth from Fire Place Cream Cheese Brownies
Sesame Chicken Bundling up Emergency Exits Par 3 More than Enough
List making Anklets Bracelets Cool shells Stove Top Stuffing
Wireless Internet Lucky Charms Winter Olympics “Getting” It Hands free Headset
Laughing till I Cry Del Sol Nail Polish Mailing Gifts Sleeping In Hot hush puppies
Free E Books Signed Book Silly Book marks Silly Putty Chuck Norris Facts
Cute Stickers Worship Songs Balloon bouquets Happy bunny Key Chain from friend
Special Olympics & the smiles Matching Hair color Sugar free Lattes from McDonalds Burger king Onion Rings Weekend alone at beach
Scotch Tape Sharpie Markers Love Songs Oldies Paper Jam Free Days
Extra Strength Tylenol Mechanical pencils Chocolate cupcakes Secrets of the heart Finding lids for bowls easily
Faith Oranges Strawberries Ranch Dip Late nights on Twitter
Seizing the Day Being Needed An Extra Hug Inner Strength Living your Passion
Soothing rain Bacon Phases of moon Bounciness Upgrades for free
Wooden swing on tree w/ropes Extra suite for guests Sitting in warmth of sunshine Kids doing what is asked on first request Thinking of a friend late at night, calling and they answer
Exactly enough cake Kisses from slobbery babies Unexpected calls that make you laugh Knowing what faith can do Peanut Butter sticks
Messing with song director in church, during service Wonder Woman to do book Missionaries coming to visit church Sitting with Angie in church Minute maid sugar free lemonade
People Watching Tip toeing Wall of windows Chips & salsa Napping in the sun
Cute post it notes Barefoot in grass Romantic table for 2 Slow dancing Love songs being sung to you
Laying in his arms Children that prayin…believing Laughter through troubles Emails Finding true love
Splitting a banana split Ending the day with a friend Arriving safely Easter baskets Sharing JOY with others
Facebook friends God’s Strength More than 1 bestest friend Hot fudge brownie sundae Starting a chain of yawning
Pony tail holders Secret paths Schoochin Clean windows Pimento cheese
Pig tails Face paint Challenge free trips Corn dogs Gazing at sky
Perseverance Funny people Something worth waiting for Early morning thunder storms Time capsules
Welcome home flowers Watermelon Emailed hugs Feeling better after crying Waking to roses
You Tube qued up Help through the rain Swimming Being prayed for & not even knowing it Deep, peaceful sleep – through the night

 

Whew…. that is a lot, I know.  but trust me. this list will continue grow.  Maybe the next set will be in color…as I do love writing in color.  All of these things listed in my journal are in different colors.

What are some of the little things that make YOUR life big?  What JOYS do you see daily that make your heart smile?  I hope you’ll take the time to tell us! You never know who YOU will inspire!

{{{HUGS}} yall

 

 

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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