Saturday, December 24, 2011

December 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host


appeared with the angel praising God and saying,


"Glory to God in the highest,


and on earth peace to men


on whom His favor rests."


Luke 2:13-14NIV




I chose this passage on the 15th, but just now getting to post it here. The most special part of our family Christmas traditions is my Mom reciting all of Luke 2. I'm just trying to remember short passages. After reciting all of Luke 2 today, my Mom said,


"It is amazing that I am having difficulty remembering some things, but some things are still with me."


She is amazing.


My hope is that you had a special time with your loved ones, that you have a "Happy Day after Christmas and a Merry rest of the year!" (Matthew West-song)


Sandy





Friday, December 2, 2011

December 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Through Jesus,

therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-

the fruit of lips that confess His name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16NIV


I would really like to hear from you.

Sandy

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

November 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

I pray that God who gives hope,

will bless you with complete happiness and peace

because of your faith.

And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Romans 15:13CEV


I really want to blog more than just my scripture memory, but that just continues to be all I am able to do right now. I hope, sometime in the near future, to be able to blog more. I would really love to read the part of the Bible that God is using to speak to you.


Sandy



Thursday, November 3, 2011

November 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Give thanks to the Lord,

for He is good.

His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1


So much to be thankful for every day!

What scripture are you meditating on and what are you thankful for?

Here's the start of my list:

Day 1-God's grace and mercy=my salvation

Day 2-My Mom and Dad. . .the love, guidance, grace and mercy they have given me all my life. . .memories of my Dad. . .friendship with my Mom

Day 3-My Husband, for so many reasons. . .never taking his love for granted

Day 4-each of my 3 children + my 1 daughter-in-love

and the list goes on and on!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandy

Sunday, October 16, 2011

October 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY





Ephesians 6:18NIV


And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.


With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.



Woud really like some comments and scriptures that are speaking to you!


Hope you are enjoying some change of the seasons!


Sandy



Sunday, October 2, 2011

October 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY




Speak to one another in

psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music

in your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks

to God, the Father

for everything

in the name of our Lord,

Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:19-20NIV


I would really love to read the scripture that God is using in your life at this time!


Sandy




Sunday, September 18, 2011

September 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 12:25


I would really like to read the scripture that He is using to speak to you!


Sandy




Friday, September 2, 2011

September 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3NIV


I would love to read the scripture you are memorizing!

Sandy

Monday, August 15, 2011

August 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY/Beginning of a New School Year!



Let us discern for ourselves what is right;

let us learn together what is good.

Job 34:4NIV


I have chosen this verse, because it, along with my previous listed verse, are the ones that we are beginning our year with for the First Friends 3 year old weekday Christian education class. It's also a good verse for beginning a new year in Girl's Discipleship and other areas.

I'd love to hear the scripture that is speaking to you at this time.

Sandy

Monday, August 1, 2011

August 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Ephesians 4:32NIV
Be kind and compassionate

to one another;

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ,

God forgave you.


I would really like to read the scripture that you are focusing on at this time!

Sandy

Sunday, July 17, 2011

July 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Love must be sincere.

Hate what is evil, cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal;

but keep your spiritual fervor

serving the Lord.

Romans 12:9-11NIV


I would love to read the scripture that God is using in your life at this time. I hope you are enjoying your Summer.

Sandy

Sunday, July 3, 2011

July 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

"Be alert, stand firm in the faith,

be brave and strong.

Your every action

must be done with love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 HCSB


I would love to read the scripture you are studying at this time, and I pray you are having a Happy and Safe Independence Day Weekend!


Sandy




Thursday, June 30, 2011

SIMPLE SUMMER PLEASURE. . .V.B.S.!


SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. It's been a while since I've been able to join the Thursday blog party, or even blog at all. I have less than 2 hours before returning to the church for V.B.S. Family Night, but I wanted to get this post in today. Today, and for the next few Thursdays, Dayle is asking us to share our "Summer" Simple Pleasures. Well, that certainly fit what I was thinking about today!

I don't have any pictures to share of precious children or the awesome decorations. I just want to share that it was a simple Summertime pleasure in my life to go to different Vacation Bible Schools in our town, and. . .it is a simple pleasure to be a part of teaching children about Jesus' love for them.


I wasn't crazy about the theme for this year, The Big Apple Adventure. . .at first.


I have very much enjoyed the "Connecting with Faith, Love, Trust, Others, and Life" part of the theme, and also the New York City part, too. It was just now, when I was looking for the picture to go with this post, that I read that the theme was chosen in honor of the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.


I hope that you will click on the words above, Simple Pleasures Thursdays, to join Dayle's party and also leave me a comment. I also pray that you are enjoying your Summer!


Sandy

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

June 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

For we are God’s workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus,

to do good works,

which God prepared

in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10NIV


Memorizing scripture this year

has gotten me through a rough time of

grieving over the loss of my Dad

and struggling with my brother.

Things are getting a lot better, now.


I would love for you to share the scripture that God is using in your life.

Sandy

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

June 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



"Therefore, if you are offering your gift


at the altar and there remember


that your brother has something against you,


leave your gift there in front of the altar.


First, go and be reconciled to your brother;


then come and offer your gift."


Matthew 5:23-24






I hope you will share your scripture with me, and I pray you are having a blessed Summer day!


Sandy

Sunday, May 15, 2011

May 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Psalm 143:10NIV


Teach me to do your will,

for You are my God;

may your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.


I would really love for you to share with me a scripture that God is using in your life.

Have a blessed week!

Sandy

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Search me, O God, and know my heart;


test me and know my anxious thoughts.


See if there is any offensive way in me,


and lead me in the way everlasting.


Psalm 139:23-24NIV


I would really love to read the scripture that God is prompting you to memorizing and/or using in your life at this time. Hope to hear from you! I pray you have a blessed week!

Sandy

Saturday, April 16, 2011

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .April 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY. . .Happy Easter!


I had a difficult time choosing my scripture passage to focus on memorizing this time, because I am doing two studies right now with weekly scripture memory. Finally decided on the scripture below. I think both of these passages relate well this week before Easter. I think it's a cool "God timing thing" that in my Girls' discipleship study we have worked our way to the lesson "The Eternity of God-God gives eternal life."



Colossians 1:21-23NIV

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds

because of your evil behavior.

But, now He has reconciled you

by Christ’s physical body

through death to present you holy in His sight,

without blemish and free from accusation–

if you continue in your faith,

established and firm,

not moved from the hope

held out in the gospel.


Chose to focus on the one above, but thinking on the following this week, too:


John 11:25-26NIV

Jesus said to her,

“I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?”


Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog

to share and be blessed.

Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

I pray you all have a blessed week

and Happy Easter!

Sandy

Friday, April 1, 2011

April 1, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY


Be sure to fear the Lord

and serve Him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things He has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24NIV


I would really love to read the scripture that God is using your life, or just a comment from you.

Sandy

Thursday, March 31, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .sunsets

Sunsets. . .every sunset is special. . .every sunset is different from the one before. . .
sunsets. . .a part of God's creation to be so thankful for. . . every sunset is beautiful. The same statements can be said of people, too!
A sunset means the end of one day, the hope of another sunrise!
My parents enjoyed many sunsets (and sunrises) together.

My simple pleasure for this week. . .getting to see

a beautiful sunset with my husband,

on the drive home from my son's baseball game tonight.


SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure.

Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think every day about my "simple pleasures".

What is your simple pleasure this week? I'd love to read about it!

Friday, March 25, 2011

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .the complete Serenity Prayer


I know that you are probably very familiar with the short version of the SERENITY PRAYER, and may even know this complete version. Just wanted to share it with all of you this weekend.

Prayer for Serenity

God, grant me the serenity

to aceept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;

taking, as Jesus did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it;

trusting that You will make all things right

if I surrender to Your will;

so that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

and supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

by Reinhold Niebuhr

Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!
I pray you all have a blessed weekend!
Sandy

Thursday, March 24, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .the simple pleasure of blogging!

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think every day about my "simple pleasures". So, I usually have a long list of simple pleasures, and can't get it to just one to share. I have had simple pleasures every day, and did take some pictures that I might share next week.
Today, is my "2 year Blogiversary", so today my simple pleasure is. . .You!. . .
I have always wanted to write and been encouraged to, but my blog is not really creative writing. It is SIMPLE. It started out as prayers and memory verses. Now, in addition to that, it is "Counting it All JOY", "Simple Pleasures", "A Little Happy Blog Hop", "Spiritual Sundays" and a little more. I would like to be able to benefit/bless others more with my blog. I will work on that. I don't have any give aways right now, but THANK YOU very much for taking the time to read my blog. I am blessed by so many wonderful blogs!
What is your simple pleasure this week?

Friday, March 18, 2011

FRIDAY "A LITTLE HAPPY BLOG HOP". . .handprint cross. . .

I have been blessed the past few weeks by Kristin's Living Graciously blog. Today, she is hosting A Little Happy Blog Hop, for us to share ONE picture that we took that makes us smile.


Here's one I found. . .

It was taken in the youth room of my brother's church at which he is the youth minister. It makes me smile to remember that Jesus paid the debt for my sins. It makes me smile to remember that He is alive. It makes me smile to think of the teenagers represented by these handprints and the people who are investing in their lives. It makes me smile to think about the youth in my life.
Share with us a picture that makes you smile! :-)




Wednesday, March 16, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .just a few of my simple pleasures from the past couple weeks. . .


I missed blogging about my Simple Pleasures last week, because I was waiting for what I knew would be a simple pleasure on Thursday, but then I didn't have time to get it posted. Last Thursday, I got to watch our students perform for the Area Special Olympics Art and Music Festival. We had been practicing with them for a couple months, singing "Gee Ma, I wanna go home!" It all came together so good, and they really did great! I wish you could see those precious children, but. . .can't do that.

On Friday, roses were delivered to school, from the teacher who hasn't been able to be with us, because of her fall. It wasn't necessary for her to send us roses, but it was a simple pleasure to get that show of gratitude. This picture was taken today, when the rose is 6 days old!


Last Thursday, my husband went to a Literacy Coucil fundraiser lunch. There was a silent auction, so he bought me a cheery orange, square plastic bowl filled with a bottle of olive oil, a few great spices, a healthy cookbook and 3 bright kitchen towels. I am enjoying all of those things very much. I love the addition of the bright towels to our kitchen. I should have taken a picture of it all together, but I didn't.

This is Spring Break, so of course, there are many simple pleasures every day.

Today, was a day to just stay home and rest. I got lots of hugs from my son, and



I enjoyed listening to him read to me! It is a simple pleasure to just be with family.


SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think every day about my "simple pleasures".

What is your simple pleasure?
Enjoy your Thursday! I will be getting up early to spend the morning getting my hair done, and then spending the afternoon sitting outside, watching our son play baseball, letting the wind blow my hair! simple pleasure!
Again, enjoy your day, taking time for simple pleasures!
Sandy

COUNTING IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .The JOYS of Blogging and Happy Birthday, Angel!. . .and Rejoicing in Hope!


Blogging. . .I created my Blog almost 2 years ago, because I was blessed by the LPM blog and I wanted to record my scripture memory. I do truly strive not to let blogging or Facebook take time away from time with God, time with my family or time that I need to spend doing "homehold"chores.

I have been blessed by hundreds of blogs.

I can't remember how I found Loren's blog, The Magoos News, but I remember that I found Angel's blog through Loren's.

Angel's blog is home to Count it All JOY Wednesday. I know that Angel is having a difficult time expressing her joy these days, while her son is preparing to go to Afghanistan, but I know she still has a grateful heart.

Today is Angel's birthday, so go here to share in the JOY of wishing her a Happy Birthday!

Thank you, Angel. for creating Counting it All JOY Wednesday!

Happy Birthday, Angel!!!!

It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

Jama. . .while she was at the hospital with one of her daughter's having ear surgery, her mother and other 3 children were in a wreck. Another daughter was thrown out of the car, but is fine, "Praise the Lord!". Her mom had to be air lifted to a far away hospital to have surgery on her broken leg.

This is my scripture that I am claiming today, as I count it all JOY.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perserverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5NIV

What is giving you JOY this week? Don't forget to go wish Angel a Happy Birthday!

Have a JOYFUL Wednesday!

Sandy :-)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

March 15, 2011 SCRIPTURE MEMORY

And without faith,
it is impossible to please God,
because anyone who comes to Him
must believe that He exists
and that He rewards
those who earnestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6NIV

I would love to read your scripture choice or just a comment from you.

Enjoy your day!

Sandy

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

COUNTING IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .Being alert for God's Plan!

I count my JOYS every day, and look forward to Count it ALL JOY Wednesday to share with you.

This week,

I am sad that the teacher that I work with had a bad fall a month ago, and hasn't been able to come back to work, yet.

I count it all JOY that maybe the fall has caused a medical problem that she already had to come to light, and given her time to get rested and healed.

I count it all JOY that I am now the "sub" for that class and able to help.

I am sad that I made mistakes as a teenager, but counting it all JOY that I am able to help with The Landing, the youth branch of Celebrate Recovery.

What's giving you JOY this week?


It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!
Also go to http://stephtmomof3.blogspot.com to read Steph's great Joy list!
It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

TO THINK ABOUT TUESDAY. . .I Timothy 5:4-8NIV. . .loving family. . .obeyng the Lord


I Timothy 5: 4, 8NIV
But if a widow has children or grandchildren,
these should learn first of all to put their religion
into practice by caring for their own family
and so repaying their parents and grandparents,
for this is pleasing to God.
If anyone does not provide for his relatives,
and especially for his immediate family,
he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


What are you thinking about today?
Have a terrific Tuesday!
Sandy

Thursday, March 3, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. ..all kinds of teamwork!




SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think everyday about my "simple pleasures".
This week, that simple pleasure is participating and watching all kinds of teamwork!
At home, I am a part of teamwork.
At work, I am a part of teamwork.
At church, I am a part of teamwork.
And this week, I will have 4 days of slowing down to sit still and watch my son be a part of his baseball team.
(a much older son than the one in this picture above)


Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;
If one falls down, his friend can help him up,
but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm,
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.


Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

why i COUNT IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY. . .Oh, the Places You'll Go!. . .Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!. . .missing someone. . .

I could never forget Why I Count It All JOY Wednesday, but last night and today were so busy, that I almost did forget.
Today was Dr. Seuss' birthday, so that's a special day at elementary schools. It was also the last day for a special kindergarten girl that I have worked with this year, to attend our school. So, we made Cat in the Hat hats, practiced for our Special Olympics Music Festival, read Dr. Seuss books, ate lunch together in the classroom, had a going away party for our friend and watched a Dr. Seuss video.
(and the students had reading, math and computer lessons, recess, p.e., etc.)
This week, I'm going to use a few good Dr. Seuss quotes to tell you why I'm counting it all JOY!
"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go
here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!
It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!

Monday, February 28, 2011

SCRIPTURE MEMORY 2011 March 1

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18NIV
I would really love to read the scripture God is using in your life today!
Sandy : )

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .Positive Words



SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure. Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think everyday about my "simple pleasures". Like Dayle said this time, you are a special friend to me, even if I've never met you in person. I have met you through your blog, and you know me through mine. I look forward to this post each week, just like I look forward to seeing special friends!
My job is working with special needs students who are young, but are very physically defiant. The beautiful little girl, with whom I mainly work with, bites, pinches, kicks and hits me multiple times daily, but she also hugs, kisses and says "thank you" a lot. This week, my simple pleasure is positive words, especially the words, "thank you!" and "good job!"
Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
P.S. I did not write this post or any of my posts for praise to me. Just sharing my simple pleasure. I do thank you all for reading and commenting on my blog.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS. . .A Covenant of Peace from the Lord


My son and I enjoyed watching my brother's 8 year old son's Upward basketball game this morning. We also enjoyed the testimony that was given by a coach at half time.
She shared that she had thought that she was a Christian, but that about 10 years ago, when her husband had a heart problem, and she couldn't find the "peace" that others kept talking about, she realized that she didn't have that peace, because God was not god of her life. She did become a Christian, and then her husband had a heart problem again, and that time, she did have peace. She still has her husband today, but God gave her the peace at that time when she needed it, that if He did take her husband to heaven, He would take care of her and her three small children.
I am touched every day, by journal entries of three Christian friend's of mine who have husband's with different forms of Cancer, and they share from their hearts, on the Caringbridge website.
I have not yet had to go through what they are going through. I do know, though, that I can always trust in God's unfailing love and his covenant of peace.
. . .Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10


I pray that you are having a blessed weekend, and enjoying the beauty of God's creation and His unfailing love for you.
Sandy
Click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog to share and be blessed.
Thank you so much Charlotte and Ginger!

Friday, February 18, 2011

COMPASSION BLOGGERS POST #1-Helping Emilda get to the World Special Olympics


Being a Special Education teacher and going to the local Special Olympics with students, this assignment touched my heart.


Emilda is an 18 year-old sponsored child with the mental capacity of a three year-old. She lives in a squatter community in the Philippines. And she's fast! In 2009 Emilda competed in the Philippine Special Olympics and she performed well enough to qualify for the World Special Olympics in Athens, Greece this Summer. But she needs our help to get there.


Pictures and more information about Emilda are available at:http://blog.compassion.com/the-making-of-a-special-olympics-champion/



To give to help Emilda, please use the following link:

http://donate.compassion.com/special-olympics-athens/?referer=96738

Thursday, February 17, 2011

SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY. . .recess! (swings and slides)




SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY is the place and time to slow down and think about the special, simple thing that is giving you pleasure, sort of like a recess! Since I have been joining Dayle's party at A Collection of This and That on Thursdays, it has made me think everyday about my "simple pleasures".
I have been thinking about my "simple pleasures" this week, as I have been
Going high on a swing,
on breezy days,
looking forward to Spring,
pointing my feet high to the sky,
watching a bird fly by.
One of the definitions of
recess-a temporary withdrawal from or halting as of work, business, or study
in elementary school, a scheduled period of relaxation or play, esp. outdoors
The British word for recess is break.
I'm hoping you'll have time to slow down today, take a "recess" and think about YOUR Simple Pleasures. . .and give someone a hug!
Join Dayle @ A Collection of This and That
to enjoy SIMPLE PLEASURES THURSDAY

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

counting it ALL JOY Wednesday. . .Continuing Life!

This past weekend, once again, our youth minister coordinated a United '11 DNow for the youth of our community. United meaning that 12 different churches joined together in this event. In the past few years, the service projects were doing physical labor to help people in our community in need. This year, it was a food drive, like the Boy Scouts do, picking up sacks of can goods that people had left on their porch for us to get to take to be used in our community Families Feeding Families ministry and other food banks in our town. My husband and I helped with this part of the weekend, driving 12 youth from different churches all together around in a van. The students were given $1.50 to spend to get themselves something for lunch, put it all together to buy lunch or use it to buy more nonperishable food for others. They all wanted to do the 3rd choice. It was a true joy to see them and all of the other students putting others before themselves. It is a true joy to see them want to continue to do that and to want to help the homeless right here in our town.

It gave me true joy to read my husband's text on Valentine's Day. . .
" To my 'daily Valentine', I love you! There is a surprise on the table."

It filled me with JOY to go to our niece, Gabby's 3rd birthday party at Chuckee Cheeses, before going out to eat with my husband, son and his girlfriend for Valentine's Day! It makes me sad that my kids have grown up, but life continues on. I count it all JOY that they are at the stages they are now, and that I get the Joy of participating in their lives, the lives of my grandchildren and my nieces and nephews!

It fills me with JOY that baseball season is starting! Tonight is the beginning of planning supper around church, baseball scrimmages/games and other activities.
Brisket is keeping warm in the crock pot! Gotta get to the field!
Then, to church. . .I am filled with JOY that I get to help my friend, Laura with the preschoolers tonight.

What is filling you with JOY today?
It is a true JOY to read other joyful posts, so go here to share in the JOY!!!
Thank you, Angel!
It fills me with JOY to pray for Angel's son Shane as he is deployed to serve our country, and also my friend/neighbor Jama's husband, John. I am praying for them and their families!