Day 27...Ordinary Joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?





ordinary yet sweet...





                                       


*morning coffee

*eating my favourite cereal topped with blueberries and honey

                     *phone calls with friends

      *hugs from my teen

          *sharing a bowl of popped corn while watching t.v with my family

                                         *dinner time

                              *walking the dog

          *ladies Bible study

*crawling in to my comfy, cozy bed at night

                                    *driving my car

        
               *morning kisses from Bill

Day 20... Beyond Avoidance.What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

What I did do that I was very scared to do was... fill out AND submit an application/resume to the local elementary school for casual substitute teaching, etc; this was the easy part!  Taking the first aid course was the killer.  I've been home for 16 years and haven't had to use my brain in this way since way before our son was born.(approx 18 years)  The thought of the 8 hour course with complete strangers and the mandatory TEST at the end of the day was enough to make me sick.  I was stressed, sleep didn't come easy, worry ruled my mind, and I was nauseous every time I thought about it...I was close to bailing!  Thank goodness, the day before the course was to start, somehow I coerced a friend to take it with me...what a blessing I'll tell ya!  Without this course, I wouldn't be able to work in the school.  It seems like its the new trend...employers want 2 things...a graduation diploma as well as some sort of first aid ticket.

I learned a lot and passed the multiple choice test!  'Phew' I thought ...as I wiped the sweat from my forehead and took a deep breath!  I felt so good on the drive home; like I just won a battle!  MISSION COMPLETE!

My friend and I laughed together on the way home, wondering how our kids survived their childhood days without proper procedure, and protocol!  'Clean' meant rinse with cold water, and apply a wad of toilette paper to the wound; not...wearing the proper 'first aid' rubber gloves, using sanitary cotton swabs...fresh ones with every wipe, and following the step by step guide to slap on a band aid.

Day 16...Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

-One friend has constantly been an encouragement; helping me to dig deep inside!  She's modeled  self-acceptance, and has opened  my eyes to the many opportunities that have brought nurturing and growth in to my life.

...this has been a very gradual process!

-Another friend taught me about joy; living a joyful life seems to be a choice for many. 

...this 'burst' has allowed me to live lighter and laugh more!

-A few other friends, unknowingly, have helped me to realize how blessed my life is, segwaying me down a road of thankfulness.

...this has been a "burst!"

-Through the eyes of another, I've been taught that most places (locations,relationships, jobs, etc) have green grass but there is also brown grass.  "Lasting" contentment and happiness must come from inside through accepting and embracing each moment we can not change. 

...still in progress!

-Another important lesson has been the lesson of 'believing' which has come through the mouths of many friends over the last year.  Having that faith and believing that there is a plan and a purpose in all thnigs has showered me with much needed peace!   

...this has been a gradual process!