The Light You Shine

February 20, 2012 By 3 Comments

Thank you for the light you shine
For the encouragement you give.

Thank you for being bold and confident
On this journey called life we live.

Thank you for the laughs and the smiles
And for being there through every mile.

It’s a joy and honor to be called your friend
And because of a mighty God, that friendship will never end.

 

 

I’m honored to be surrounded by some of the bestest friends ever. 

In real life or online, you make my world better.

I’m looking forward to spending an eternity with you! 

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: Poetry, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Inspirational Quotes

February 16, 2012 By 3 Comments

Inspiring Quotes

I love quotes. They provoke thought, bring comfort and speak to the heart for years to come.

Here is a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I hope that they inspire, comfort and bring smiles as you are reminded of their message.

I hope you don’t mind, but I tossed a few of my own at the bottom.

You’ll notice that many of these have links attached.  Those quotes have a picture attached to it that you can use to encourage others by sharing or posting on facebook or on twitter.  Click, Enjoy & Share!

enJOY

  1. Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened.–Charles Spurgeon
  2. Even a small star shines in darkness ~ Finnish Proverb
  3. If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you ~ Winnie the Pooh
  4. We rejoice in spite of our grief, not in place of it. ~ Woodrow Kroll
  5. Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.–Christopher Reeve
  6. Let your hopes, not your hurts shape your future ~ Robert H Schuller
  7. God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him. ~ Jim Elliot
  8. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others? ~ Martin Luther King Jr
  9. The things that make me different are the things that make me ~ Winnie the Pooh
  10. A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition ~ William Author Ward
  11. We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own.–Ben Sweetland
  12. The place where light and dark begin to touch is where miracles arise ~ Robert A. Johnson
  13. If you continually give, you will continually have.  – Unknown
  14. Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall but wise words endure. ~ Edward Thorndike
  15. The luxury of doing good surpasses every other personal enjoyment.- John Gay
  16. The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller
  17. No one has ever become poor by giving.–Anne Frank
  18. Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way ~ Booker T Washington
  19. Blessed are those who give without remembering and take without forgetting.–Elizabeth Bibesco
  20. He gives DOUBLE who gives unasked. ~ Arabian Proverb
  21. To give without any reward, or any notice, has a special quality of its own.–Anne Morrow Lindbergh
  22. It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving.–Richard Braunstein
  23. Men are only great as they are kind. — Elbert Hubbard
  24. Giving is true having.–Charles Spurgeon
  25. Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectations ~ Andrew Murray
  26. Getters don’t get–givers get.–Eugene Benge
  27. No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow. ~ Alice Walker
  28. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow ~ Melody Beattie
  29. For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.  It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. ~ Judy Garland
  30. He conquers who endures ~ Persius
  31. If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching,, or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin into his nest again, I shall not live in vain ~ Emily Dickinson
  32. Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can ~ Danny Kaye
  33. The Journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step ~ Lao Tzu
  34. Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. ~ Maya Angelou
  35. Spread joy. Chase your wildest dreams. ~ Patch Adams
  36. Beauty is not caused, It IS ~ Emily Dickinson
  37. Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy~ Thich Nhat Hanh
  38. Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~ William James
  39. One joy scatters a hundred griefs - Chinese Proverb
  40. You never know what happiness a simple act of kindness will bring about.-Bree Abel
  41. Comparison is the thief of joy.–Unknown
  42. Sometimes,’ said Pooh, ‘the smallest things take up the most room in your heart ~ Winnie the Pooh
  43. Let your imagination release your imprisoned possibilities ~ Robert H. Schuller
  44. Joy is very infectious; therefore, be always full of joy.–Mother Teresa
  45. Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.- Elton Trueblood
  46. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.–Mother Teresa
  47. Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.~Corrie Ten Boom
  48. In every single moment there is significance. Wonder is sprinkled all around us.–Flavia
  49. Let your thoughts meander towards a sea of ideas  ~ Leo D. Minnigh
  50. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.–Ralph Waldo Emerson
  51. A life lived for others, is a life worthwhile. ~ Albert Einstein
  52. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. — Aesop,
  53. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader ~ John Quincy Adams
  54. There is no education like adversity ~ Benjamin Disraeli
  55. If people never did silly things nothing intelligent would ever get done ~ Ludwig Wiffgenstein
  56. Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as true strength ~ Ralph Sockman
  57. Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out. — Frank A. Clark
  58. The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. — Swedish proverb
  59. Character is much easier kept than recovered. — Thomas Paine
  60. Courage is being scared to death — and saddling up anyway.~ John Wayne
  61. What worries you, masters you.~ Haddon W. Robinson
  62. I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time ~ Winnie the Pooh
  63. When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” – Author Unknown
  64. When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. – Franklin D. Roosevelt
  65. Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there. - Josh Billings
  66. Fall seven times, stand up eight. – Japanese Proverb
  67. As you attempt to make big differences, remember to appreciate the small differences.  And remember that you don’t always have to reach the goal you set in order to make a difference ~ Win Borden
  68. The doors of wisdom are never shut. ~ Benjamin Franklin
  69. Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.- Newt Gingrich
  70. It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer. – Albert Einstein
  71. Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another. – Walter Elliott
  72. Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. - Author Unknown
  73. To be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible ~ unknown
  74. Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things ~ Peter F. Drucker
  75. Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead othes as what he does from day to day to lead himself. ~ Thomas J. Watson
  76. We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet. Even longer,’ Pooh answered.” ~ Winnie The Pooh
  77. Live out of your imagination, not your history ~ Stephen R. Covey
  78. It’s the ones you can call up at 4:00 a.m. that really matter. ~  Marlene Dietrich
  79. Problems are not stop signs, they are guide lines ~ Robert Schuler
  80. The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty. ~ Winston Churchill
  81. Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. “Pooh?” he whispered. ”Yes, Piglet?”"Nothing,” said Piglet, taking Pooh’s hand. “I just wanted to be sure of you.” ~ Winnie The Pooh
  82. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone ~ Loretta Scott
  83. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too can become great. ~ Mark Twain
  84. Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear ~ Anthony Robbins
  85. Joy is untouched by circumstance ~ unknown
  86. Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing. ~ Mark Twain
  87. A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else ~ John Burroughs
  88. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard ~ Winnie The Pooh
  89. The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook ~ William James
  90. A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. ~ Anonymous
  91. Look through the eyes of compassion as you make your way through the day ~ Marie Wikle
  92. Know storms will be coming…..remember you’ll be accompanied by the Master of the Wind ~ Marie Wikle
  93. Don’t just look for the writing on the wall, listen for the whisper ~ Marie Wikle
  94. I don’t have to be anyone special to be extremely special in God’s eyes ~ Marie Wikle
  95. We are all fighting a battle. Pain is pain – no matter what kind – it still hurts! I’m glad for friends who help ease it ~ Marie Wikle
  96. Be a light in someone’s life today, no matter how small – you’ll still light up their world! ~ Marie Wikle
  97. Failure is never final, it’s usually a detour. Enjoy the new scenery! ~ Marie Wikle
  98. Many look at failure as final, but it isn’t. It’s just a different road to get to where you need to go. ~ Marie Wikle
  99. Infect others with Joy!  Those smiles that you give away – powerful for the heart that is discouraged. ~ Marie Wikle
  100. Utilize those things you excel in and focus on taking one more step towards your dream today. ~ Marie Wikle
  101. WE have resources that NO one else has.  We can make a powerful difference right here, right now. ~ Marie Wikle
  102. A friend hugs the heart, brings smiles through tears & even when apart, is always near! ~ Marie Wikle
  103. Don’t focus on fear or failure – focus on the FATHER! ~Marie Wikle
  104. I choose to change what I can, fix what is wrong & find the good in the rest. ~Marie Wikle
  105. When you are surrounded by hurt, use that to deepen your drive to make a difference! ~ Marie Wikle
  106. Hug the ones you can, call those you can’t and the ones you can’t call…honor their memory today in a special way. ~ Marie Wikle
  107. Regardless of their circumstances, everyone has it within themselves to make a difference. I just want to be a voice that is constantly reminding others that it can be done. ~ Marie Wikle
  108. What awaits you is as vast as the ocean. Embrace the day, seize the precious moments and treasure the beauty of it all. ~ Marie Wikle
  109. There’s no joy like Spreading Joy ~ Marie Wikle

 

What is YOUR favorite quote?   Is there one that just renews your heart, encourages your mind and puts a little pep in your step? 

Share it with us in the comments below.  I’d love to know what speaks to your heart.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

Filed Under: encouraging, motivation, Spreading Joy Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Priceless Things I Love About You

February 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

I wrote this poem in October 2009, shortly before our 20th Anniversary.  It started out as a list of “I miss how you DON’T” because my heart was thinking of “how we never….. anymore.”  After looking deep within my own heart and realizing how I was at fault as well, I turned the list into the priceless things that I loved about him.  Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t have, I started focusing on what was still there and remembering, with joy, what we shared.

If you are feeling a little lost because of “use to’s” – do what I did, write out why and give it to him/her over a nice dinner.  I printed it on heavy card stock and laminated it.  When he first started reading it, I could tell that he thought I had purchased it. What are the priceless things you love about your spouse? 

 

The Priceless Things I Love About You 

I love how when you leave first in the morning, that you wake me to give me a gentle kiss. I fall back asleep easily with such great tenderness.

I love how when you see me for the first time after a long day that you take me in your strong arms, hold me, kiss me and look me in the eyes and ask – how are you?

I love how you come up behind me – even when we are just in the store, waiting in line – or at the kitchen sink and just wrap your arms around me, showing me that you love me – still.  I’m safe there, and I never want to leave from that feeling of being protected by the hero that I love.

I love how even though we don’t like to watch the same TV shows, that we can sit quietly beside each other – while you watch TV and I watch a movie and still be closely knit together.

I love how when we pray that you always hold my hand – and not just let my hand lay in yours, but you hold on to me.  You have me and again, I am reminded that you are my protector, my guy – my warrior.

I love how when we pray at the alter together or on our bed at home that your arm is around me and you hold me close when we are talking to our Lord.  I am reminded that you go to the Father on our behalf, on our families’ behalf.

I love how you leave things for me to find – a card on my steering wheel after you know that I’m not going back out, a full tank of gas when I have forgotten to let you know that I’m almost out of gas and the cute little poem, waiting on my pillow before I come to bed.

I love how when you get out of the shower that even though we have no plans that you apply polo – simply because you know I love sniffing you.  Sniffing you reminds me that you are mine and I can have you anytime I want.

I love reading the Bible with you at home.  I love listening to you read Gods word out loud to us. I love following you as you follow the Lord and I’m better for it.

I love listening to you pray for our children for I know that the prayers of their Father weigh heavily on the heart of an almighty God – who wants to give you the desires of your heart.

I love how you support Spreading Joy. You allow me to follow my dream, encourage me to keep working towards my goals and remind me that with God, all things are possible!

I love how you help around the house with the dishes that I despise so and when I don’t get to the household duties, you never complain. Never.

I love how you call me for no reason at all, just to say hello and to remind me that you love me.  I also love when you call, to ask me out on a date. My giddy, sappy love song lover self floats through the remainder of the day, on cloud nine!

I love sitting in the bookstore with you.  Drinking coffee, thumbing through the endless supply of books that I so love while you look through the mountain of magazines.  I look over the top of my book and catch you watching me read – and smile, knowing that you are there – making sure that I’m having fun and that I’m safe.

I love going to the movies with you. I know the horror flicks are not what you prefer, but you tolerate them – because of your love for me.  I know you love me deeply because we do things for those that we love before doing things for ourselves.

I love how you put up with the never ending supply of singing that seems to come out of me….as well as the not knowing what the song will be.  It might be praise, it might be a sappy love song, it might be big band music – or even Heffalumps and Woozles from Winnie the Pooh – but you listen – and let me free the child that is in me if necessary.

I love how when we have game night and I’m losing and feeling whiney – that you just let me whine – and don’t get angry with me and quit because you are so aggravated by the whiney silliness that is oozing out of me.

I love the tenderness that you show me when you embrace me and hold me for as long as you do.  I love the fact that you have no problem, just holding me…. stroking my cheek or hair until I peacefully fall asleep – in your arms under your watchful, protective eyes.

I love the gentleness that you show me when you come to me softly in the night. You reassure me that you love me and only me – no matter what. No matter the wrinkles, no matter the gray hair, no matter the frumpiness.  I am safe there, with your strong arms wrapped completely around me, tightly, yet gently holding me as you remind me how much you truly do love me.

 

I love all of these things about you – my hero, my warrior.  The job does not make the man – the check does not make the man.  The mercy, love, guiding and tenderness make the man.  The heart for the Lord makes the man.  The prayers for the weak by the strong – make the man.

 

I love you Steve and all of these wonderful, priceless things about you.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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25 Ways to Show Love

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Valentine’s Day is typically the day that couples express their love for one another.  Many single people have grown to dislike this day and sadly some have even come to despise this day.

May I challenge you to show those in your world that you care?  Don’t give thought to if you are a couple or not.

Think of your friends that you have fun with, your cousins that you rarely get to see, that high school friend that you chat with on Facebook.

Those are the ones that you can tell how you care…after all, who doesn’t need to know that they are cared for?

Every one of us, right down to the smallest of us, need to know we are loved.  Take the time to show some love today. Here are some easy peasy suggestions.

I know there are a BAzillion other ways, but I’m trying to REMOVE all excuses by using the K*I*S*S method – Keep It Simple Sweetie  - since I’m married, we’ll start with the husbands and wives. 

Husbands/Wives:

  1. Breakfast in bed – I bet the scene of “one serving the other” just ran through your head and you are thinking “what about me?” See, I KNOW how you are.  Actually, I was thinking – 2 cups of coffee/juice, 2 bowls of cereal or favorite oatmeal and sitting close and comfy with each other in the bed, slowly starting the day.  Remembering, giggling, and gazing into each other’s eyes as you talk.  Nothing fancy is needed as the time together is the best part.
  2. Divide and conquer – Divide up a few chores so that you’ll have more time to spend with each other.  Ladies, invite your husband to share in the dishes.  Ask him if he’d come, stand behind you with his mighty arms wrapped around you while you wash.  Here, it will go something like this –             you - “Honey will you help me?”  Him – grunt/groan    You- “pleeeeeeease, it will only take 10 minutes or so” (draw out the please)  Him - *sigh* ugghh – ok.  He comes to you in the kitchen, you take his arms, wrap them around your waist from behind you, pull him close and proceed to do the dishes.  You – “Thank you for helping with the dishes! It’s such a chore alone. You are such a hero!”   Him – to busy kissing your neck to respond. Make sure you are wearing some sweet perfume so that he will be helping you by nibbling on your neck. I hate washing dishes, but if I were engulfed in my husband’s arms and he was “helping” that way, I would not mind doing the dishes at all. Guys…. HELP with any household chore and it will free up your wife to do other things. **Side Note: I have NOT tried this, but will let you know what happens when I do**
  3. Hold hands – such a lost art of love between husbands and wives.  Simple, sweet…effective.
  4. Leave notes for each other  – Leave notes for each other.  Ladies, don’t expect the guys to acknowledge that he received it.  He got it AND smiled.  I use to struggle with this as I do it often, but trust me… He GETS it.  Guys, this is such a SIMPLE way to your gal’s heart.  She will BEAM with JOY when she finds the note you left her.  Get creative, have fun and smile…knowing you are loved.
  5. His/Her night with no guilt – He is watching TV in the living room while SHE is reading a book in the bedroom.  ONE of YOU schooch right up beside the other and keep doing what you were already doing.  He can watch TV while you read (or play angry birds, words with friends, tweet or facebook) and just enjoy being beside each other.  Who cares if SHE doesn’t watch TV with you, she IS WITH you.  Who cares if HE doesn’t like sappy romance books (or angry birds, words with friends, twitter or facebook) HE is with you.  Got it?  good!
  6. Date Night – I don’t care if the budget is tight, there are things that the two of you can do together.  Walk in the park or by the lake. If you have physical issues, sit in the garden together or enjoy sitting at the park watching the sun set. Go to McDonalds and share an order of fries.  Or, go big and go to Outback Steak House or even bigger with a posh downtown restaurant.  The thing is… GO ON A DATE.  Monthly if at all possible.
  7. No Complaining Night – This is exactly what it says.  Gals, if your guy doesn’t help don’t complain.  Guys, if your wife doesn’t do the dishes after dinner, don’t complain.  Gals if you don’t like how HE folds the clothes – keep it to yourself.  SIDE NOTE:  [whispering] wives, if your husband helps you with laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, kids – ANYTHING…never ever EVER complain… don’t do it.  You will DISCOURAGE him, make him feel like he can’t do anything right and stop doing it.  Guys – if she doesn’t listen to me and complains anyway – walk over to her EACH time she complains and take her in your arms and smother her with kisses.   Hmm, ladies….on second thought, if he starts doing this when you complain… complain all you want to.
  8. Honest Communication – Ladies, WE are the worst about this.  I can NOT read your mind and neither can he.  If you want something say – that would make a nice birthday gift.  If you don’t like something, kindly say.  If you say NOTHING is wrong, EXPECT the conversation to end.  If you say you don’t want anything for Christmas – expect NOTHING.  Being honest is the best.  Yes, he has and will make you angry.  YES YOU have and will make him angry…but telling everyone but him/her won’t fix things.
  9. Gadgets – Don’t you just love technology?  I do.  Find out what is something they’d like to have.  Often if you simply listen to them in conversation, they will tell you.  I’m already looking into a gift for my husband for Christmas this year. HE will love it….I Know he will, cause HE SAID he would, just in passing.
  10. Pal Around – Share the fun things, the bad things and everything in between.  Be their best friend.  Laugh together, cry together and know that no matter what you face, you are facing it together.
  11. Slow Dance – turn on some sappy music to play in the background and when he/she walks buy take their hand and slow dance for a song.  Look into each other’s eyes and enjoy the song.
  12. Say I LOVE you – tell him/her that you love them.  Tell them why.  It doesn’t have to be poetic or rhyming.  Tell why from your heart.
  13. Love yourself – YOU are special, you mean the world to your spouse…love yourself, regardless of how you feel you look.  Ladies, we struggle with this more than some guys do.  Society has us blinded to true beauty.  We feel we have to be a size ZERO to be gorgeous.  I have a pretty smile and an ok face, but not much else going for me.  When my husband takes me in his arms, kisses me and tell me I’m beautiful to him… I BELIEVE IT and I feel it.  Guys, when your wife tells you what a sexy hunk of man you are… Believe her and BE HER sexy hunk of man.
  14. Focus on the Positive – negative things are going to arise in a marriage. I know this and many times I’m the cause of it because I just don’t realize that I’m getting on his nerves.  Focus on the positive things that you love about each other, while honestly communicating about the negative and work on those.  For instance: I like to chew my ice.  Steve hates it.  When I’m around him, I really try to NOT do the things that he hates.  I don’t point out his flaws and DWELL on them because if I’m honest with myself, HE could POINT out my flaws for days and years.  Enjoy each day.
  15. Ask for Help – Ladies, our guys love to come to our rescue.  Seek out your hero!  Guys, sometimes we simply need a hero…be there!
  16. Special Date – Gals, you know the way to your man’s heart is through his stomach as well as sex.  Romantic dinner, awesome dessert & TLC afterwards = priceless.  Don’t have the time/money to get away for a special night.  Let me help you with that.
    1. Dinner – Use your best dishes. Lettuce wedge with a sliced tomato, bacon bits and dressing for appetizer. Rotisserie Chicken, mashed potatoes or other veggies from the deli and special dessert
    2. Setting – home – arrange for kids to be gone, candles, soft music.  If your husband has a job where he is sweaty when he comes home, set everything out while he is in the shower. He will be delighted when he see this set up.
    3. Meal – don’t be in a hurry. Enjoy each other’s time and company. Everything else is out of sight and mind.  Just YOU and HIM.
    4. TLC = Gals, NOTHING in this area of sex has changed about your guy since you married him.  Nothing.  Justsaying. Let the evening naturally flow, spoil him and enjoy him.
  17. Special Date – GUYS, see number 16 but change up a few things.  After the meal, have her remain at the table, while you light candles, turn on soft music and run her a hot bubble bath.  Tell her to simply relax in the bath.  While she is doing that, take the time to clean everything.  [nods] yes…all of IT.  Once the wrinkles have set in and the water is cold, bring her favorite thick, warm comfy pj’s to her.  Her idea of TLC = schooch in close, wrap your arms around her.  Kiss her goodnight and stay awake, watching her…protecting her while she slowly drifts off to sleep in your arms.  She will sleep peacefully knowing that her hero has her.  AND – if her idea of TLC is the same as YOUR idea, well then… still wrap her close afterwards….watching, holding…protecting.  Allowing her to fall asleep in your arms.
Friends/Family need to be shown love too
  1. Text – Technology is an amazing thing. Text pictures, hugs, laughs and smiles to tell someone you care!
  2. CALL – still a good old fashioned way of communicating to your friends and family.
  3. Mail a CARD – While I do love technology, there is nothing like receiving a card in the mail with a special note written inside.
  4. Plan Something Fun – Schedule some time for friends and extended family. Even if there are no birthdays or anniversaries, just go and have fun.
  5. Star Gaze – take your kids outside one evening and just look at the never ending galaxy of gorgeous stars.  Allow them to bring their favorite pillow, stuffed animal and spend some time talking about what they see in the stars. You might just be amazed.
  6. Brag on Them – go ahead and talk about them behind their back…as long as it’s positive, uplifting and encouraging. While you are at it, TELL them how wonderful they are!
  7. Fun Breakfast – still have kids at home? Regardless of their age, they will love some homemade chocolate chip pancakes or muffins.  Use fruit to make a cute face or put some out and tell them to make a face with it.  Enjoy the laughter.
  8. Free to be Themselves – Make your home a haven.  Regardless of who is there and when, allow their personalities to shine through, all them to be who they are without apology and build on their strengths.  Don’t always point out the negative things about them, focus on the things that you love and adore about them.

 

There you have it,  25 fun things to do to show love.  Am I a counselor? No.  Do I have the perfect marriage/family? No, and I never will.  Can I work on these things just like you? YES…and do.

But, just like you, I find time, finances and other “things” to get in the way.  I’m working on pushing past those things and showing love where and when I can.

There are things on these 2 lists that you can do to show love as well.  These items do not cost a single penny. List 1 & List 2

Life is short…spread some joy and show some love!

I’m a sappy gal… what can I say?

YOUR turn.

We are looking for easy peasy ways of showing those that we love them, just how much we love them.  Share your ideas in the comment box below.

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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90 Days of God’s Goodness

January 30, 2012 By 2 Comments

 

90 Days of God’s Goodness by Randy Alcorn is a daily devotional that is subtitled “Daily Reflections That Shine Light on Personal Darkness” and it delivers in a big way.

Pastor Alcorn takes us through many of the various things that darkness tends to bring with it and wisely gives insight to the situation.  The light pierces through the darkness as your heart is reminded of the wisdom of God in the crisis that sometimes creeps up in our lives.

In this 90 day devotional, you will no doubt find something that relates to your personal darkness.  I hope that as you dwell on God’s goodness while listening to the personal application  of each days study, that the light you’ll see will allow the heaviness of the situation you are facing to ease up…even if just a little.

If you feel like you are in a never-ending valley, may I suggest you get this book? If you think that no one on earth understands your pain and darkness, you’ll be encouraged as you read through this devotional and the light is shown on God’s goodness.  Your heart will be refreshed and renewed.

The audio book from Christianaudio.com is narrated by Lloyd James and is so easy and comforting to listen to.

I have many, many personal favorite quotes from the book, but I’ll list just a few of them below.

Whose we are, not where we are determines our misery or our joy

Isn’t it MORE remarkable that God would create a world in which no one would suffer more than HE did?

My weakness drives me to a greater dependence on Jesus

It’s one thing to suffer terribly, it’s another to CHOOSE to suffer (Jesus made that choice for US)

What if we see that every agony was giving birth to eternal Joy?

Believing God exists is not the same as TRUSTING the God who exists

Studying about evil and suffering doesn’t equal facing it, but it can go a long way in preparing us for it.  Provided we see it in relationship to both the goodness and greatness of God.

Trusting God doesn’t ward off all evil and suffering

 

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

 

I’m honored that Eternal Perspective Ministries has partnered with Spreading Joy to give away 2 copies of this book.  All you have to do is leave a comment below so that I can have your email address and you’ll be entered into a random drawing.

For more about EPM, other books, or to hear messages from Pastor Alcorn,  please visit their website

You can follow Pastor Alcorn on twitter here

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Boldly Face Tomorrow

January 4, 2012 By 9 Comments

Trials WILL come; it’s just a matter of when.

Tears WILL fall; it’s just a matter of how long.

Your Heart will break; it’s just a matter of how many pieces.

 

I understand this isn’t spreading joy, but it IS truth.

We can boldly face another day with a little preparation; after all, it is just a matter of time before we face storms and trials.

I believe I can say for certain that each one of us will face the following things:

 

Uncertainty:

You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  You don’t know what situations will arise that are beyond your control.  You don’t know about job issues, medical bills and other things.  You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  Choose to focus on the facts, not the uncertainty.  Look at the facts and allow that to help give you direction.  Sometimes all it takes is looking at things from a different view point.  Don’t allow your emotions to drive you.  Emotions are a tricky beast and can have our minds full of fear and doubt.  Even when facing uncertainty, choose to maintain a good attitude while fixing what you can and working around the rest.

 

Disappointment:

I wish that you didn’t have to face disappointments, but the truth is that you WILL face it.  Prepare for it in advance by looking for the good in the disappointment.  It’s an old saying, but still rings true today, look for the silver lining.  It’s always easier to see the negative, but if we teach ourselves to see the positive, it will get easier to find through each disappointment.  I’m not telling you to ignore your hardships, I’m simply instructing you to look beyond them at what treasure may be forming because of the hardship.

The positive things are there, you have to look for them!

 

Fear:

Fear will consume us. You’ll be so afraid to do anything, to make decisions or even just take the next step if you are not aware of just how consuming fear is.  Set your fears aside and focus on the truth of what is going on.  The truth is that YOU are strong and you will make it through this.  The truth is that you have people that care about you and will help you through it.  Focus on the truth!  Find the resources that are available and see if those will lead to more resources.   As things start to fall into place, you’ll notice the fears subsiding.  Let me encourage you to step out into the unknown.  When you do, you’ll feel the courage coursing through you and that will give you the ability to take the next step, and the next one and the next one.

 

Difficulties:

When you are facing difficulties, you don’t have to face them alone.  There are people who have been where you are and they are willing to walk with you.  There are people who have been where you are going, they will help you out!

When we face difficulties, we clam up and withdraw and then try and face them alone.  This is the time that we need to reach out so that we don’t have to battle the depression alone.    Find a friend to share your fears and difficulties with and divide the pain and in doing this, you will also double the joy you share.

When you are facing difficulties that lead to depression, may I suggest you pour yourself into “others.”  Regardless of the finances, we can all make a difference for others and that act alone will help bring deep down joy that no one or nothing can steal from you.

Here are 50 Ways to make a difference without spending a penny.  YOU can make a difference!

 

Sorrow:

Facing sorrow is not easy.  When someone is struggling, spend time with them, chat with them until they laugh.  It doesn’t take a special talent, lots of money or gifts galore.  It only takes a willing heart.  Be sensitive to others when sorrows arise.  Don’t assume someone should be over the grief they are going through.  Don’t assume someone shouldn’t be hurting “over that situation.”  We all deal with grief, pain and sorrow differently.  Be sensitive and kind to those facing sorrow.  If you are in the midst of sorrow or grief, know that it’s ok.  There is no right way to grieve.  Sometimes writing out your feelings – the good, bad and ugly is a way of releasing them.  Sometimes, it’s a matter of sharing them verbally or counseling.  Some may even need medical help.  Whatever your means of facing your sorrow, remember YOU have friends and family that will help you face them.  Don’t withdraw and try to go it alone.  That’s what WE are here for.

Regret:

This is the ONE thing we can choose NOT to face.  Regret.  Regret will break us.  The guilt of regret will weigh our hearts down and beat us.

We all have made bad decisions.

We can learn from our bad choices, we can decide that yes… I did “that” but I will NOT allow myself to be in that situation again.  Don’t let regret keep you from boldly making a change in your life.  Don’t let guilt keep you down when you are capable of doing so much for you and your family.  Don’t let regret win.  You are strong enough to use it, learn from it and then beat it.

Think about this:

If we are living in the past and worried about the future, how can we be effective today?

 

It’s simple – - – We can’t.  Choose NOT to regret.  Put those past mistakes to good use by learning from them and sharing what you’ve learned with others.

 

Emptiness:

There are times that you’ll feel empty, alone and like you don’t matter.  It’s going to happen, it is just a matter of when.  When you face this, once again I have to insist that you go on fact instead of feelings. Feelings are so tricky and emotional roller coasters are not very fun.

Here are the facts:

  • YOU Matter – Not only do you matter, but you matter a LOT.  You are the world to someone!
  • YOU Make a difference – in so many ways.  You feel as though you do nothing special and you are nothing special, but THAT is what MAKES you special.  No one can make a difference like YOU do.  NO one!
  • YOU will make if past this – and when you do, you’ll soar to new heights that you didn’t even know existed.

Use this time of empty feelings to focus on making a difference for others instead of dwelling on how you feel.  It can be as little as giving your children their favorite cereal for dinner, coloring with them in their coloring books.  It could be something like telling an older friend thank you for helping to shape our world into what it is today and taking some time to hear how they did it.  It could be something like extending patience to the cashier that is experiencing one rude customer after another.  Take your mind off of the emptiness that is flooding your heart and place your focus on those around you.  You’ll soon find the emptiness filling up with amazing JOY.

 

Overwhelmed:

Even the calmest person I know will face times when they are overwhelmed.  It’s at this point that you simply can’t afford to feel guilty for stopping and doing something for yourself.

STOP right here, pull yourself away from everything for a little bit.  Go outside, stretch and take 5 minutes to soak up the outdoors.  When you can, take an some additional time to just step away from all that is pulling at you.

If you have young children, it may need to be for 15-30 minutes after they’ve gone to bed, but STOP and do something for yourself.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be done and done without guilt.

Read

Write in your journal

Gaze out the window

Listen to the sound of the rain

Take a nap on the couch – set a timer so you don’t over sleep.

If you don’t pull yourself out of the situation for a little bit, it will only get worse.

 

How are you boldly facing tomorrow?  What other tips would you share with others?

 

To Hear an audio version of this, please click below:

 

 

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Healing? Really?

December 27, 2011 By 10 Comments

Megan Dec 2011

I know what you must be thinking – it’s not real….or she didn’t mean it.

Well, I did mean it and still stand by it. Here is the post that details the event.  November 2009 was a year that Megan was healed, but something more important than her stomach and gastroparesis was healed.

Her Heart, Spirit and Will were healed.

She had been beaten down mentally by the doctors not believing us so much so that nothing mattered.  She was physically exhausted from throwing up everything. She was broken and I watched helplessly, praying and trusting God to mend what I couldn’t. He did.

A year later, her gastroparesis has flared up again. She went back on medicine and things were going well. She still dealt with daily pain, but digested her food.  Now, two years later, It’s not just sever stomach pain every time she eats, no.  She is not digesting solids at all. It’s been since before Thanksgiving since her stomach just stopped working….out of the blue.

Take your worst flu and multiply the symptoms by about 100 and that is what gastroparesis patients suffer with.

We center so much around food and eating.  It’s not noticeable until someone you love dearly is not able to enjoy eating.

She is 17 and has battled this in some fashion or another since she was 12. It was only late 2009 that we even knew what it was that she was battling.

Christmas 2011

As I look at her, wishing I could take her pain, wishing I could change places with her, my heart thinks of all the moms out there that watch their child fight cancer and other diseases.  Their strength amazes me.  Their courage amazes me.

Her strength amazes me.  She deals with this daily but is also enjoying life daily.  She struggles with being exhausted and sleeps more than most teens but still looks for and finds the blessings of the day.  She still would rather not have milkshakes, due to the fact that we are forcing them in her as it is a liquid that will stay.

Recent conversations go something like this…

No….no food today, have liquids. It needs to be a throw up free day.

You ate yesterday, you can eat next week.

My favorite was in a restaurant when the waiter asked if she was ok because she only had a tea, she replied.  I ate yesterday and get to eat on Christmas. (Christmas was a week later)

Yes, she struggles. Yes this is awful and yes – I’m afraid at times.  But, I can say YES, I’m trusting the Lord with her again…just as i did back in 2009 when so many came together to pray for a little girl they didn’t know.

So, the tests begin again. If medicine doesn’t work, if they don’t find out what caused this flare up (like gallbladder or something else) then she may have to have a pacemaker put on her stomach.

I come to you asking for your prayer for my princess.

Thank you for praying, for boldly going to the throne of grace on her behalf.

Thank you for your friendship, love and care.

You bless me.

Thank you.

To peek at a little of what Megan has endured, other than the chronic daily pain of Gastroparesis, click HERE to read her story

Sharing this IS spreading joy

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