In 2020, when the world got really weird, I wanted to send a little extra joy in my sister’s birthday card. Confetti was the logical conclusion. My sister called, thanked me for the card, and laughed about her extra surprise.

Mission accomplished. I made my sister giggle.

A few weeks later, I received a suspicious envelope in the mail from her. Wanna guess what was in it? The very same shiny balloon-shaped confetti that I sent her. I smiled for days … and now again as I think about it.

So for four years, every birthday card I give has confetti in it. I’m not sure how my daughters-in-law feel about this. But they open cards slowly these days. And my grandchildren open theirs outside.

This year, on my 60th, they got me back big time. As I opened gifts, my son snuck up behind me with a BIG bowl full of … yep, you guessed it …CONFETTI!!! 🎉

Hence, the picture above. My lap was full, my heart was full, and the floor was sparkly too.

Six weeks later, I still find a tiny balloon or birthday hat in a shoe, under the couch, or in the laundry. A smile just when I need it.

One of my favorite quotes is, “Kindness is free. Sprinkle that stuff like confetti.”

The way I see it, Joy is free too. I hope to always leave a little wherever I go. Life’s too short to not.

Do you know someone who needs a little pick-me-up? How can you pass on some kindness?

💗☮

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🙏🏻Speaking Update: April 12-13, I’ll be in Houston speaking at Living Word Nazarene Church. It’s a women’s retreat & we’ll be talking about finding freedom in “Renewing Our Minds.” 🙌🏻

 

 

Is there something or someone you need to say No to? It’s an important word … especially this time of year.🎄

Two days before Thanksgiving, we had new floors installed into 4 rooms. Imagine the amount of stuff we boxed up out of closets and off of bookshelves, etc. And of course the cleaning & dusting that’s involved too. Oof.

The clutter and I are sloowwllyy getting organized as I prepare for a weekend with 5 of our grandbabies and my MIL.

There will be happy messes with cookie-making, gift-opening, and other random shenanigans. But if I’m not careful, I’ll burn out before they even get here.

So. I’m saying YES to peace even if it means saying NO to help at church. I’m saying YES to simplicity even if it means saying NO to traditions that require too much of me this year.

This is my motto for times such as this: “What gets done, gets done. If we don’t have it, we don’t need it.”

No guilt. No shame. No worries.

☮❤

 

 

We all need rest. 

A supernatural peace to carry us through our days and our nights. This peace does not panic, this rest is not rattled. It does not strive and it does not over-think.

But oh my, life gets heavy and we get weary. And when we’re tired, we often forget we are children of the Promise. 

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'” ~ Matthew 11:28-29 

Jesus is near. Always. He wants to teach us to live freely and lightly. This passage reminds us to exhale and refocus our weary heart, mind, and spirit.

Whether it’s 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., when restlessness robs you, think on these beautiful promises. Here’s a little trick that helps me refocus:

• Remember ~ You are God’s cherished child. He’s with you and for you.
• Engage ~ Talk to your Creator. Spill it all. He is patient, kind, and merciful.
• Surrender ~ “I hand it all to You.”
• Trust ~ When your thoughts want to worry and strive again, say “Nope. God’s got this.” Then think about your blessings, not your burdens.

                      When I am afraid, I will trust in you. ~ Psalm 56:3

                   ☮ May we continue to protect our peace and truly rest.

 

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Image by Joe from Pixabay