I’m joining my fellow blogger Holley Gerth in her “Coffee for Your Heart” challenge of encouraging others. This week’s theme is “What brings you joy?” This was a timely theme as I read a post from someone else this week that was upsetting and it has plagued me ever since. I plan on writing a post about it in a day or two. It goes along with something I was already working on. So, thinking about what brings me joy was a good distraction. Here’s just a small glimpse of what brings me joy:
I love me some coffee – Venti decaf non-fat no-whip mocha lattes.
Walking my dog Lucy in the rain…we have the whole neighborhood to ourselves…so peaceful.
Sitting on the beach with a good book.
Hiking in the mountains.
Listening to music…really loud (smile). This also includes singing and dancing along to the music.
Celebrating 25 years of marriage this past September.
Babies laughing.
Holding hands with my husband.
Watching my daughter’s creativity blossom. She is a talented artist that can make something out of just about anything. Can’t wait to see where God takes her talent. She can draw, paint, sculpt, etc. Her creations make me smile.
Seeing the changes in my son this year at college after such a tough year last year. He went from losing 15 pounds last year, because he couldn’t leave his room to go to the cafeteria due to anxiety, to this year joining clubs, becoming an officer in one of them, tutoring, being in a film for the school…the list goes on. Reading his writing (he is also a talented writer) and listening to him play the player also brings me joy.
But the thing that brings me the most joy lately is when someone tells me that this blog has made them think about homosexuality differently. That this issue isn’t as “black and white” as they first thought. This makes my heart smile.
Just a glimpse of what brings me joy. The list could go on and on. Life isn’t always easy, but if you look you can find joy in even the simplest of moments. My journey has been one of many tears, but lately the tears have been tears of joy.
Psalm 126:5 (NIV)
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
Remember to find Joy in the journey…and as always love each other…because love matters.
Love Matters 
I’m going to have to go back and read what this is all about as you don’t give any clues or links 🙂
Sorry :-). If you are referring to my reference to a post I read, I will be sharing the link on the next post that I do.
Nope… on your opinions of homosexuality.
Oh…then you can find out by going through my archives. It’s not too many since I just started in September, but it is basically the journey of how my mind was changed when I discovered that my son is gay.
That tends to do it for people who genuinely put love above all else. Congratulations. I´ll find it 😉
My joy comes from my two daughters, seeing them grow in God and as beautiful women who are compassionate and creative and have hearts for social justice and those who are disadvantaged. My joy comes from seeing them not being statistical children of divorce. They aren’t on drugs, sexually active, depressed, or behind in their studies. They are both university students – one studying to be a primary teacher who absolutely adores children. The other studying social justice in the desire to work for World Vision and help those less fortunate.
My joy comes from seeing The Lord glorified in their lives. Being a mother is the greatest blessing and loving our children is the greatest privilege we have been given by God – no matter what!
Thanks for stopping by Leanne. Your girls sound wonderful. Blessings to you.
My joy today comes from reading the blog posts from my neighbours on Coffee For Your Heart. This was a lovely post.
Thank you Vernette and thanks for stopping by.
You are such a light in this world, Lesa! You always lift me up and remember me during the anniversaries of my losses. I cannot think of how you manage to always be thinking of others in your own times of sadness, but your joy in the Lord is contagious and I am so very grateful to have you in my life! Keep on writing, because if you only knew how your words speak into people’s lives, you would never doubt the validity of your posts! Love you girl!
Thanks Janice. I love you too girl! Hugs!
your writing brings this old man Joy—love D
It sounds like you have some very talented children, and congratulations on 25 years of marriage! A lovely, heart-warming post and a pleasure to read. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Sabrina and thanks for stopping by :-).