BACK TO JOY...

"My word for the year..."

This is something that I see or hear each year as we come to the end of another year and begin our "resolutions" and plans for a new one.

I have tried...

And failed...

Three different years!

First year:  Joy

Second year:  Hope

Third year:  Well, since I failed the first two years, decided to combine the two words and use Joy & Happiness!

That didn't quite work either; so I gave up the idea and decided to just write whatever inspired me!  That worked for a couple of weeks...

Just didn't "feel it", I guess!!

And lately I have felt a loss of the Joy and Happiness I once had.  I keep feeling I have lost Me and the person I was...

Everything just seems to be crowding into me and I have lost my way.  Lost the reason for everything I do.

I have lost the person I was.

I have lost the joy I once had, and the happiness that comes along with it.

But I am beginning to understand that it really is still there...

Joy and Happiness are right in front of me!

I just have to look for them!

And I really have been finding both joy and happiness...



Like in the wrapping on a Christmas gift from my Secret Elfster;

I found JOY!



And in the words of this scripture in my email this morning:

"The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."  Psalm 28:7 (NLT)

And I realize the Lord is my strength and my shield!

The Lord gives me the strength to go on; and the shield to deflect anything that takes away my Joy that leads to Happiness.

He helps me to find what I have lost!

To find that which I have stopped seeing before me because I am not focusing on that but on the things that take away from it.

So, today I seek JOY!

Today I seek Happiness!

Thank you God for giving me the strength to go on; to see what is right in front of me!

And to find my Joy and Happiness!

Five Minute Friday - ONE

Time for another episode of Five Minute Friday, a weekly link-up where we write for five minutes using a word prompt.  Check out Kate Motaung's Five Minute Friday Community on Facebook.  This week's word is:

ONE

One day I will wake up in the morning...

Refreshed, ready to face the day.  No headache or aching back or neck and shoulders from sleeping on a not-so-comfy bed.

One day I will be greeted with a pleasant "Good morning" and a smile rather than a grumpy "Whaaaat?  Why are you looking at me?"

Sometimes I feel as if I have lost myself and the happiness and joy I once had.

Many days I wake up and just want to roll over and go back to sleep until I can wake to that time, a time not so long ago when I was happy and joyful.

I know it's there...

Because I find it when I am with my family and friends.  I know when I look at my "children" and grandchildren.  I find it when I share an evening with my crafting friends.  I find it when I share a meal with a friend I haven't seen in a long time.

I know at one time there was happiness and joy in my life all of the time!

 I know that one day I will find that happiness and joy again...

I know I will live out my days as the happy and joyful person I once was; the one that I know still can be found inside.  The one that enjoys life and wishes to share the happiness and joy with others.

That is my wish; that is my dream.

And last night I found the sign that assures me it will be so!

Just a small word on the wrapping of an early Christmas gift received from my anonymous Elfster sister at our gift exchange.

But, that one word - Joy - makes me realize that I do have that happiness and joy...and it's always been there.

I just need to look for it new every single day...

One day at a time!

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 30 - VOICE

Today is Day 30 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


Day 30 of the 31 Words of Encouragement posts.  Somehow, I have been unable to concentrate on writing this one.

Not because of the word - voice - but just because I have had trouble concentrating on writing.

But...here goes!

Holding a conversation with my husband is nearly impossible!  With his hearing issues, and the dementia, he either doesn't hear clearly what I have said or doesn't understand what I am trying to say.

Then he gets upset.

"Well, you know I'm hard of hearing.  Quit mumble mouthing and speak up!"

So, I do!

I raise my voice!


I realize that raising my voice does nothing; but eventually he hears me!  Part of the problem is he automatically thinks I am being ugly, or negative, or disagreeing with whatever he has said.

Sometimes that is the case.  I have become frustrated and react in a negative way.

Not a very good thing to do!

I need to practice that "raising my words" instead of my voice.

We all have a voice; we can speak up to let others know how we feel, what we think, our desires and concerns, our opinions on the issues that surround us.

Yet, there are some who cannot speak their feelings or thoughts or desires or concerns or even their opinions.

In these days of terrorists and political "whatevers", we never know when what we say with our voices will be taken wrong.

Even our social media is full of arguments between perfectly "normal" people trying to raise their voices and be heard.

Can't we "agree to disagree"?

Can't we actually listen to what the other person has to say; allow them to share their opinions and respect that, to them, it is their truth.  We have ours.  They have theirs.



I literally hate hearing all of these political commercials where each party is trashing the other.  The next commercial that comes on is the opposing party trashing them!

I am so confused that I dare say...

I may not even vote in this mid term election!

Not a good way to have my voice heard!

But...

Perhaps I have expressed my feelings in today's post!

I hope you are able to use your voice and share your opinions!  I can listen.  I may or may not express my thoughts on what you have shared; but I will not trash you for sharing yours!

Five Minute - Friday - REPEAT

Welcome to Friday!  We have just completed another 31 day writing challenge using the FMF Free Writes.  I am almost finished; just one more to write and publish!!

Today is our first Friday after the challenge; and I am determined to make it to each week's Five Minute Friday with a post to share!

Today's word is:  REPEAT

Have you ever felt that each day is the repeat of the day before?  That your life is in some kind of rut, nothing new or changed as each day runs into the next?

Well, that's not how my life is!!  Each day may be a repeat in that it's busy and I'm running around like crazy and though it may be fun it's just so busy I don't know which end is up or down?

Yeah!  That kind of day!!!  And, perhaps that last sentence will give you an idea of how crazy things have been!

No worries!  It's the life I have chosen; or been chosen for?  Either way, some days do tend to run into the next without any memories of what day it really is!

The days I love to repeat are the ones spent with family and/or friends.  When we gather to celebrate someone's birthday or a special holiday.  When we share a meal and maybe even some presents.

Those days when I can hear the laughter of my grandchildren as they run from one room to the other playing with the cousins they don't see very often.  Or a family visit to the zoo:

The days when I hear the conversations of my adult children, discussing this new venture or how their lives are going in their new house or new job.

Even the days spent with friends, creating cards and scrapbook layouts.  Sharing what we have been doing in the "how many days since we last crafted together"?  Or helping each other with our craft ideas or upcoming events.

Our lives get so busy that sometimes we do leave out the things that make us happy or joyful.  Those are the things that make our memories.  Those are the things that we want to repeat!

How about you?  Are you ready to repeat that special day?

Let's do that!!

And share with me in the comments what day you want to repeat!

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 31 - CLOSE

Today is Day 31 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


The end is here...in sight!  Like, it's TOMORROW!!  And I have that post almost ready to schedule...

As we come to the close of another Write 31 Days challenge, I am excited to have completed it...almost!

Yet, I am not sure what I have accomplished; or where I go from here...

Perhaps I will continue to write.  That is what I wish to do.

Yet, I don't know which direction to take my writing.

I think just to close this part of my writing?  Or, to keep writing as we continue our journey with dementia.

The days are never the same; and they are not easy.  But, I know they can be harder...

As we continue our journey, I have family and friends close by to listen and give their support...

"Right now, therefore, every thing we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community."  (Galatians 6:9-10)

And as I continue this walk that God has us on, I just pray to keep Him close.  Perhaps this part of my journey will close soon and a new one will begin.

But, every step of the way, I will lean on Him and keep Him close to my heart.

"I called out your name, O God, called from the bottom of the pit.  You listened when I called out; don't shut your ears!  Get me out of here!  Save me!  You came close when I called out.  You said, 'It's going to be all right.' "  (Lamentations 3:55-57)

As we all reach our goal - whether it was to finish, or just to write, or to follow each other's posts - let's continue the writing journey together!  I am sure I will see many of you on our Facebook page for "survivors of the Write 31 Day challenge".  Let's keep in touch and continue to encourage each other!

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 29 - TOGETHER

Today is Day 29 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


"Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble."  (Proverbs 17:17 Message)

As this verse from Proverbs says, friends and families stick together no matter what!!  In all kinds of trouble!

Through this journey with my husband and dementia, I know I have slipped into a lot of depression and down times.  Times when I wanted to just call it quits!

But, I've continued the walk...the journey is not over yet.  I must persevere and continue this journey my husband and I walk together.



 "...you've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end.  That's because God cares right down to the last detail."  (James 5:10-11 Message)

I certainly don't feel I have the faith and trust that Job had.  But, I do know to whom I can turn in times of trouble.  Not only my family and friends, but especially my Comforter; my Father in Heaven!

I hope the journey you are on is full of those who walk it beside you and you continue on your life's path together.

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 28 - SONG

Today is Day 28 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.

I love this Christmas song!  Well, I love all Christmas songs!!

Actually...

I love almost all songs!

But this was the first one that came to mind.  Perhaps because I have been watching a few too many Hallmark movies?

And, it's all about the holidays right now!!

"Take a good look at God's wonders.  They'll take your breath away.  He converted sea to dry land; travelers crossed the river on foot.  Now isn't that cause for a song?"  (Psalms 66:5-6 Message).

That's reason enough to put a song in our hearts, isn't it?!

"Let me shout God's name with a praising song, let me tell His greatness in a prayer of thanks."  (Psalm 69:30 Message).

So...

Let us sing our songs to the Lord above!!!

"...then sings my soul..."

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 26 - MOMENT {FMF}

Today is Day 26 of the "write31days" challenge.  It is the fourth of the FMF link-ups with Kate Motaung during the October challenge.

This week's FMF word is:

Moment

"My life, my every moment, my destiny - it's all in Your hands.  So I know You can deliver me from those who persecute me relentlessly."  (Psalm 31:15 Passion Translation).

I live my life moment by moment; day by day; month by month; 
and year by year...




God has my future in His capable hands.  He has my now in His capable hands!

I need not worry...

But, I do!

Of course I do!!

Yet, the question is still...

Why?  Why worry over things that God has in control?

Because...

I am me!  I am human!  It is in me to worry!

Perhaps if I just turned it all over to Him...

Yes!  That is what I need to do!!

Moment by moment...

And all the other times in my life when I try to take the controls, instead of putting it in His capable hands...

I put my trust in the One...the Only One...that can release all my worrying!!

"Join me, everyone!!  Trust only in God every moment!  Tell Him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to Him.  Believe me when I tell you - He will help you!  Pause in His presence."  (Psalm 62:8 Passion Translation).

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 27 - WHOLE

Today is Day 27 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


"Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."  (Philippians 4:6-7 Message).


Yes!  We don't have to be perfect for God to use our petitions and praises.  Once we turn our worries and concerns over to God, we are on our way to becoming whole!


"The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together.  the signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.  the life maps of God are right, showing the way to joy."  (Psalm 19:7-9 Message).

Wherever we are on our journey, God carries our prayers and concerns with Him as He journeys with us.

Our lives become whole as we lean into His ways and follow his "life maps" on our journey.

Not always easy to remain on the right path; but with the Master Guide...

It is possible!!


And, whatever our life's journey has brought us through, it is our life!!  Love your story...your whole story!!

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 25 - CAPTURE

Today is Day 25 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


Capture.

This word makes me think of war; of an enemy capturing their opponents and holding them as prisoners.

Ugly times!  Not the times of our lives that we want to capture in our memories.

I'd rather think about capturing good times and things that makes us smile, wouldn't you?

Of capturing someone's attention!




Things that are worth remembering.

A life that is worth remembering!




I love this quote; comparing our life to a camera!  Such truth in that, isn't there?

Focus on what's important;

Capture the good times;

Develop from the negatives;

And...

If things don't work out...

Just take another shot!!

Easy enough, right?  Just take another shot?!

Every day we wake to a new day!  We can "take another shot" at getting it right; at turning our negatives into positives!

Let's try to live our lives like a camera!!

And, share how that's going with you...

Me?  Every day is a new day and I never know what it will hold...

So, focus on the positives!

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 24 - BRIEF

Today is Day 24 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.

Brief.

A short time...like, we only have Five Minutes to write our FMF (Five Minute Friday) post!

At least, that is what the challenge is!

It's hard to fill up a page of words you want to share, in just five minutes!

Yet, sometimes the words come so quickly that it does fill up the page!

Brief.

A short time to sit and share with each other.  A reasonable conversation between two people.  To laugh and enjoy each other.

That's all I ask for...


A brief moment of laughter and quiet conversation between two people who have been together for over 30 years.

That's all I ask for...

But, that brief time is few and far between.  Instead, the moments are ugly and not very happy or loving moments.

Brief.

The only one that I can spend a brief time with is there always; always speaking loving words; not bickering or shouting ugly:

"But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within His Holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little renewing in our (slavery)."  (Ezra 9:8 ESV)

Maybe my eyes aren't brightened by the surroundings I find myself in every day.  but, God is there to brighten our eyes; to brighten our days.

Or...

"For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you."  (Isaiah 54:7 ESV)

It may seem that God deserts us, but He gathers us to Him.  He is always there...

Am I always open to hear God's word to me, no matter how brief it may be?

Perhaps not!

But, He is there for us!

Be still and listen for His still small voice, in whatever brief time you can spend.

31 Words of Encouragement - Day 23 - COMMON

Today is Day 23 of the "write31days" challenge.  Once again I am linking up with Kate Motaung for the FMF free writes.  Be sure to check out each day's post here.


In Job 34, the scripture says:

"...Isn't this just common sense - as common as the sense of taste - to put our head together and figure out what's going on here?"

Common sense?!  IS sense...common?  What is common about sense?  Or taste?

According to the Webster's Student Dictionary, common sense is - simply - "ordinary good sense"!

And common?  "Belonging to everyone; to the public in general."

So, that would mean that sense is common - or belonging to the public in general!

Right?  Well, not necessarily!  




This image certainly leaves me to think that not everybody has this common sense!  Not sure if I do or not...




There are many things that we may have in common with others...

* Scrapbooking or crafting in general.
* Reading.
* Writing or blogging.
* Sports - watching or participating in.
* Watching movies...love Hallmark!
* Fishing.
* Singing or playing an instrument.
* And many many more!

Having something in common is what brings us together with those who become our friends!




What are some of the things you have in common with your friends?

Share them in the comments!