What's Gives You The Warm Fuzzies?

The definition of JOY....

¹joy

 noun \ˈjȯi\

1

a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires :delight

b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety

2

: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss

3

: a source or cause of delight

— joy·less  adjective

— joy·less·ly adverb

— joy·less·ness noun

beatitude, blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity,gladness, happiness, warm fuzzies


So what floats your boats? Big things, little things? Family, quiet time? The love of a good book? Do you collect something special? Have a favorite vacation spot? What color makes you smile? When you go out to dinner = what cuisine is your top choice?

1. beach
2. swimming
3. antiquing
4. good music
5. great book
6. family always
7. quiet time is cool
8. I collect beachy things
9. Robin's Egg Blue & White
10. Thai

That's a brief list.... of my bliss.

I can't say I crave shoes...

no heights for me...

the joy of happy kids... mmm hmmm

black labs are my fav!

friendship is a gift I cherish

and I have amazing women in my life that are very 

strong and funny!

there are still many beaches I have yet to chill on...

Sanibel Island and Key West are on my list!

so who, what, where make you sigh, smile or giggle?

I'd love a comment or two. Jenn

head over heels with 

Happiness?

I Say A Little Prayer .... Self- Esteem and High School Girls Hopes & Dreams

Self-Esteem

Hmmm, as the school year ends and my high school girls have started to say their "good-bye's" to "Miss Jennifer" because they are either graduating, summer break will begin or they are going on maternity leave - I'm troubled by the word self esteem. I had 17 young moms this year in my school. 
 Each story is different, and yet similar.

They want someone to love. They want to be liked. I remember my high school years. My friends and I still talk about those days and how we didn't quite know what to do with ourselves. We graduated in 1971. There wasn't a family focus on anything but getting married and having a family. So 6 of us did - at 18. And we're all ok with that, love our kids, some are still married. We just didn't know enough about ourselves to realize we had options and opportunities. Travel, education, personal growth. We had to learn that on our own over the course of our lives, which is not that unusual - but it would have been so enlightening to go to college, see the world, see another state, think about what our choices could be.

the big picture
so, self-esteem - now, I work with young girls -
who fall for guys - have this Pretty Woman "rescue me mentality"

and we spend the school year planning how they will get their credits
to graduate, or pass, arrange child care, car seats,
I have classes on "Shaken Baby Syndrome", "Abusive Relationships", "Nuturing Touch".
Romeo has another Baby Mama already.

my wish, my prayer, my message - "girls, love who you are."
"cherish your time" "follow your dreams" "trust in the Lord"

you are incredible!  build your own castles!

moms, dads, teachers - please tell your girls you believe in them
if you teach - is there a girl you can mentor?
I'm not really sure why I began this post, perhaps it was seeing my colorful bulletin board next to my computer today. Glancing at all the graduate's photos and realizing they received their diplomas today and I've spent 4 years with them. Next to their photos are new babies born this year. Several of my girls have 2 children.

what will their lives be like - will they see opportunities? see possibilities?
let's say a little prayer

Please take one moment, is someone you know in need of a kind word or thought?

Someone touched my heart today. Made me stop and think - then pray. I became aware of my many blessings. That Life isn't always easy. That God is ever present. There are unthinkable sorrows: the loss of a child, a husband, a grandparent, a job, health concerns, money worries, lack of health coverage. But always people reaching out in their own little way: a wish, a bible verse, a blog, a give away, passing the word, reading The Word. So if I may... I'd like to repeat a verse listed in another's blog, that stopped and made me think of others. I hope I can show one act of kindness and that I pray more often for others throughout my day. It's just a few heartbeats isn't it? Jennifer

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.



Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?


The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'


Matthew 25:35-40

Feeling blue? I hope this makes your day!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                            Jeremiah 29:11-12

Feeling peaceful and blessed...

Life is good for me these days... I made it through Kidney removal surgery on 6/2 surrounded by loved ones and recovered rapidly and dashed off to Riviera Maya with family... whooeee - I love the sun and family more. Rested, healed my body and soul. Spent time with my

hubby, my sons and their girlfriends.

Learned to settle myself in prayer,

be thankful more often and say so,

laugh at the silliest moments, tell the folks I love them that I do, go the extra mile and enjoy every moment - that breeze on my face, the rustle of leaves, the "I love you Mom."....How blessed can I be?

Take me there - bring me peace....

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much." Mother Theresa

photo by theeye'sinfo@Etsy.com