Jan. 7: Isaac

Isaac is the "baby" of the family - soon to turn 15. He is the only one left at home. He brings me joy just by being around. He is quick to give me a hug if he thinks I need one or just because. We can tease each other but still get school accomplished. He is just a good kid and a cutie too! However, he doesn't like getting his picture taken. Here he is dressed up for his basketball game.

Jan. 6: Humor

Today I was reminded of what fun we all have when we are sharing something funny. Our family is big on wit/humor. Usually it is the "punny" or wordplay, sometimes a bit too sarcastic but always in good fun. As the kids age and mature their skill at telling a funny story improves. It is so fun to watch this as it happens. They go from telling their own made up jokes (usually these neither make sense or just aren't funny) to mastering the art of retelling something that happened to them that day and making us all laugh. Here is a silly picture three of my four took several years ago. They spent the good part of an hour playing around with the MAC camera.

Jan. 5: the voices of my children

I'm a little behind in posting but I have been keeping a written list so that I can catch up. Today's joy was the voice of my daughter. Now she is a "grown-up" I don't get to see her everyday and since texting is so popular and easy I often don't get to hear her voice on a daily basis either. She called today. It is always great to hear the kids on the other end of the phone. 

This is a photo taken by one of her college friends.

Intentional (Jan. 4)

I have noticed that I need to be more intentional about recognizing things that bring me joy. If I just go about my day I have to really think hard to remember something that made me joyful. If I work to live more "in the moment" I notice those things more.

Sunshine is the thing I noticed today. It was very bright, streaming through all of the south facing windows  this morning. It makes the little bit of snow that is left sparkle! The dogs love lying in the sun puddles. I love the warmth of it as I sit at the screen typing this out. Everyone gets to enjoy the sunshine -


. . . for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  Matthew 5:45b

                                              Kiley and Casey enjoying their sun puddle :)

Jan. 3

 Today I realized that a crackling fire on a cold winter day brings me much joy-to sit in a comfy chair in front of the fire and read or to just sit and watch the flames flicker.

Well, I've already failed at the picture-a-day portion but I plan to keep trying. This is a photo that was taken at a Scout campout by one of my sons' friends, Zachary.

Jan. 2: Music

I like pretty much most types of music. A song can lift my mood in a matter of minutes. Music brings me joy!

"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." Psalm 108:3-4

Word for the Year: Joy

A high school friend of mine challenged her Facebook friends to choose a word for the year to focus on. Hers was hope. Mine is joy. In order to keep myself accountable I decided to start this blog/journal. I hope to post each day something that has brought me joy. I am also reading C.S. Lewis' book entitled "Surprised by Joy" maybe that is why that word came to mind when I saw Tami's challenge. I've also always been impressed by those who can stick with the "picture a day" for a year. I may be biting off more than I can chew but I think I'll also try to add a photo that has something to do with the joy of the day. Here goes!