Simply J.O.Y.

SIMPLY J.O.Y.

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As For Me and My House…

As for me and my house…                   You’ve probably heard the saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  You can find it on mugs, wall hangings, Bible covers…you name it and it’s probably been printed on it.  But do you know where it originates? Joshua 24:15: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, …

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Run Into the Storm

It is winter in Pennsylvania.  One of my favorite things is to sit inside and watch a beautiful snowfall.  To see the world transformed right before my eyes.  I love going outside in the snow:  walking, playing with the dogs, even sledding.  I just don’t want to be outside for long during a storm.  I’d rather watch from the comfort of …

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Love, Dad

Every year at Christmas I write my daughter a letter.  I started when she was six months old.  I write about the experiences we had during the year, what she’s learned, how she’s grown, and I tell her how very proud I am of her and how much she is loved.  I kept them in a special box …

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Drop the Blanket

When she was little, my daughter had a blanket that she carried with her everywhere.  The buttery yellow blanket with her name embroidered on it was a gift from a dear friend.  She would hold one corner of the blanket in her right hand as she sucked her thumb.  Over time, that corner would become dirty, and lose …

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From Puddle to Privilege

I woke up on Monday determined to face the week with gratitude.  I had a list of things I wanted to get done; the overachiever in me was excited to get started.  First on my list?  Get my dad’s Christmas decorations.  I kissed my husband goodbye as he headed to work and headed to the basement.  I was greeted by …

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Mary Didn’t Know

It’s beginning to look a lot like…expectations.  You were thinking maybe Christmas?  For me, it seems like Christmas also brings with it self-imposed expectations. I love the Christmas season.  The Friday after Thanksgiving, my daughter and I carry Christmas bin after bin up from the basement.  We carefully unwrap the decorations, spreading them out in the living and dining …

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With Thanks

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  There will be an abundance of turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and on our table, baked corn.  Many of us will indulge and find ourselves in a food coma on the living room couch.  And many will also indulge in a day of thankfulness.  We will turn our focus from social media, work, and responsibilities …

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The Path I Walk

My normal walking route at home coils and climbs through a rural landscape.  The three-mile round trip is one I’ve walked hundreds of times.  I could do it with my eyes closed, although not a good idea for obvious reasons.  I know every rise and fall, twist and turn.  The landscape is familiar.  I don’t need to rely on anyone …

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The Best Advice

If you ask someone, “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?” most will share a tidbit from a friend, mentor, pastor, family member.  Or maybe a quote that resonated with them.  I’ve been on the receiving end of many wonderful words of encouragement and suggestion; and I’ve offered my fair share.   Over the last few weeks, I’ve …

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Leaving the Loss

Autumn is by far my favorite time of year.  I love everything about it.  The cooler temperatures, the spectacular colors that blanket the ridges around my home.  Football games, mums, and fall festivals.  I love the crispness in the air when I hike or walk; it invigorates me in a way no other season does.  I even love wrapping up …

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