Next week will mark the two anniversary of my father in law’s passing. Time does not heal all wounds. He was a Godly and faithful husband, father and grandfather that loved his family. I miss our daily meme of the day exchange.
The Hilarious Short Answer – No!
The sum total of today:
My car broke down and would not start and is currently in the shop.
We had a horrible storm pass through during the night. We had no power for 12 hours.
Several trees came down so the roof, yard, and other car are covered in tree limbs, pine branches and alot of needles.
And the more pressing first world problem was finding a place that had power in order to have morning coffee!
But it’s all good! Thank you for delivery from 7-11, and wireless earbuds to crank up the Christmas music in my ears while I do storm cleanup.
Midweek Motivational Post
Midweek Inspiration
For those where this Christmas might be hard: a time of sorrow, job loss, family tension…let this be a comforting reminder for you.
#peace #Christmas #hope #seasons
Let’s Have a Quilting Bee
I am teaching myself how to make a quilt! I found a reasonably priced heavy duty sewing machine for quilting, and of course, a how-to video on YouTube. My daughter taught herself how to crochet to make some handmade gifts for Christmas so we are having a great time!
So many cities, so little time
On my long term bucket list is renting a motorhome and traveling across the United States on a historical road trip.
Our top cities to visit: Boston. I want to see Old Ironsides, see where Paul Revere did his famous ride, and where our Founding Fathers walked. Savannah, Georgia. Just the homes and the architecture alone. Washington D.C.
That I loved God and my family
I would hope that if my name came up in conversation that people would say “Now there’s a woman who really loves God and loves her family” and treats people right!
New Week Inspiration
#Christmas #Christmasspirit #inspiration #peace #peaceonearth
My first day at college…
Daily writing prompt
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
I still remember my first day of college almost 40 years ago. I had never left home before as we didn’t have a car growing up. I was from western New York and was going to college in Pensacola, Florida. Going from pine trees and snow to palm trees and sand and from Buffalo wings to grits was a life change. My first roommates were from Alabama. We couldn’t understand each other for 6 weeks! But we figured it out and we are still close friends to this day!!
How to Find Joy at Christmas (Part Two): Sharing Light When Life Is Hard
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re carrying something heavy this Christmas. In Part One, we talked about how joy doesn’t require perfect circumstances—and how it can quietly coexist with grief, stress, or disappointment. Today, in Part Two, we’re turning outward. Because one of the most surprising truths about joy is this: sometimes we feel it most when we give it away.
When life is hard, grand gestures can feel impossible. But joy doesn’t ask for big, dramatic acts. It often shows up in small, faithful, ordinary moments—moments that remind both us and others that we are seen, loved, and not alone.
Joy Grows When It’s Shared
You don’t have to feel joyful to share joy. That’s important. Joy isn’t a performance; it’s a practice. When we choose small acts of kindness, we create space for joy to take root—sometimes in others first, and then slowly in our own hearts.
Think of joy like a candle in a dark room. One flame might feel small, but it’s enough to light another without losing its own glow.
Small Ways to Share Joy This Christmas
Here are gentle, doable ways to spread joy—even when your own energy or emotions are limited:
1. Speak one kind word intentionally
A sincere compliment, a thank-you, or a simple “I’m glad you’re here” can linger longer than you realize. Words have a way of landing exactly where they’re needed.
2. Send a short note or message
You don’t need the perfect card or the perfect wording. A text that says, “I was thinking of you today” can feel like a warm blanket to someone who’s struggling.
3. Practice quiet presence
Joy doesn’t always come from fixing or cheering up. Sometimes it comes from sitting with someone, listening without rushing, and letting them be exactly where they are.
4. Give what you already have
A smile, a recipe, a prayer, a few minutes of your time—these are gifts that don’t require extra money or energy, just intention.
5. Let someone else help you
This one might be the hardest. Allowing others to give to you creates connection, and connection is a powerful doorway to joy.
Joy Is Still Possible—Even Here
If this season feels tender or incomplete, please hear this: you are not failing at Christmas. Joy is not measured by decorations, traditions, or how cheerful you appear. It’s found in honesty, compassion, and small acts of love—especially when life is hard.
As you share joy in quiet ways, you may notice something unexpected happening. Your heart might soften. Your breath might deepen. And for a moment, you may catch a glimpse of joy—not loud or flashy, but real and steady.
That kind of joy lasts.
May this Christmas meet you gently. And may the small joy you share return to you in ways you didn’t expect.
#joy #whenlifeishard #giving #Christmasspirit #Christmas
Yikes sooooo many times
My husband and I were pre-law majors in college. We took 9 different speech classes during that time. Then after we were married, he ran for political office twice. So we were speaking at conventions, county fairs, public television debates.
Lemon and Rosemary 