As I get older, even with the aches, pains and wrinkles that come
with the aging process, I am more persuaded that
the the best beauty secret of all
is this special ingredient:
A JOYFUL SPIRIT
I have found that you cannot just decide
to be joyful...because it must
come from deep inside of
a GRATEFUL and Contented HEART.
And I know it doesn't mean that you are happy
all of the time. It's much deeper than that.
I've known some wonderful people
who have gone or are going
through some major trials, and yet
their joyful spirit is the first thing you notice.
It's contagious!
For me, I believe that gratefulness
comes when taking the time to recognize, remember and give thanks to my
loving Heavenly Father,
who gave it all for me and who
continues to love and take
care of me.
(in spite of all of my failures)
even when
I don't understand why in the world
I have to go through this pain and trial
of a particular moment in time.
And believe me,
sometimes it takes me some
extra days to be grateful during those times.
Sometimes, I have to shed many tears of pain
and cry out the word "WHY" before
I can lay it to rest in the Lord's hands,
for at least today.
Then tomorrow I may have to give it back
and rest it
in HIS hands again.
(grinning as I realize God's unconditional love never gives up on us)
“It is His joy that remains in us
that makes our joy full.” ~ A. B. Simpson
He is always faithful to deliver on his promises.
He never leaves us to go through our trials alone.
He even sends new life,
like in these pretty spring flowers to
remind us that everything must go through
it's seasons of shedding the old,
the agony of the long
winter waiting with no blooms in site,
before the new
growth that is buried can come out with the freedom of
glorious and joyful beauty!
I love it, when in the middle of a woodsy area
you find a pop of flowery color.
It's as if God himself planted it in this
exact and surprising little spot
so that it would stand out
and bring a blessing to a person
he knows will need encouragement for the day.
Just like He plants us!
We will be on our way to Pennsylvania
in the morning
to have fun taking care
of our 2 sweet grandchildren, while
their mommy and daddy are at a retreat.
....then while there,
we will also be celebrating
our granddaughter's 6 year birthday!
(I cannot believe she is this old already)
I will certainly be taking pictures and coming
back to share them with you.
I know this for sure.....I am
so thankful for each of you. Truly, your
friendship helps grow the joy inside
of my heart.
~thank y♥u...thank y♥u...thank y♥u~
you are so beautiful to me!!
Hugs,
I have found that you cannot just decide
to be joyful...because it must
come from deep inside of
a GRATEFUL and Contented HEART.
And I know it doesn't mean that you are happy
all of the time. It's much deeper than that.
I've known some wonderful people
who have gone or are going
through some major trials, and yet
their joyful spirit is the first thing you notice.
It's contagious!
For me, I believe that gratefulness
comes when taking the time to recognize, remember and give thanks to my
loving Heavenly Father,
who gave it all for me and who
continues to love and take
care of me.
(in spite of all of my failures)
even when
I don't understand why in the world
I have to go through this pain and trial
of a particular moment in time.
And believe me,
sometimes it takes me some
extra days to be grateful during those times.
Sometimes, I have to shed many tears of pain
and cry out the word "WHY" before
I can lay it to rest in the Lord's hands,
for at least today.
Then tomorrow I may have to give it back
and rest it
in HIS hands again.
(grinning as I realize God's unconditional love never gives up on us)
“It is His joy that remains in us
that makes our joy full.” ~ A. B. Simpson
He is always faithful to deliver on his promises.
He never leaves us to go through our trials alone.
He even sends new life,
like in these pretty spring flowers to
remind us that everything must go through
it's seasons of shedding the old,
the agony of the long
winter waiting with no blooms in site,
before the new
growth that is buried can come out with the freedom of
glorious and joyful beauty!
you find a pop of flowery color.
It's as if God himself planted it in this
exact and surprising little spot
so that it would stand out
and bring a blessing to a person
he knows will need encouragement for the day.
Just like He plants us!
We will be on our way to Pennsylvania
in the morning
to have fun taking care
of our 2 sweet grandchildren, while
their mommy and daddy are at a retreat.
....then while there,
we will also be celebrating
our granddaughter's 6 year birthday!
(I cannot believe she is this old already)
I will certainly be taking pictures and coming
back to share them with you.
I know this for sure.....I am
so thankful for each of you. Truly, your
friendship helps grow the joy inside
of my heart.
~thank y♥u...thank y♥u...thank y♥u~
you are so beautiful to me!!
Hugs,
8 comments:
Such a beautiful and uplifting post Leeann! Love all the pictures... :) Even when we feel like our lives are crumbling around us, we can find joy in our eternal relationship with our Creator; when we we make it a point to delight in every little thing, all the small moments of joy and happiness will add up, and keep us moving down the path to the fruit of the spirit!
Blessing on your trip and your sweet grandchildren :)
Denise
Wooooooowwwww, those tulips are
tooooo beautiful!!!
(and those cute toes and red romper shoes too!)
oh your photos light me up:)
thanks for sharing
your joy,
Jennifer
(happy trails!)
He surprises us daily, if we're looking and you're looking! Such great photos of the beauty around you, makes me smile. Living with chronic pain I have found that it's that interior garden of my spirit where God is at work that keeps me going and enjoying the life I have. Great post!
You are so right, true joy comes from a deeper place, whatever the outer circumstances. But sometimes I have to remind myself of that fact! There are days that I forget the bigger picture in the midst of the pain. I pray those times grow further and further apart.
Love your Spring photos, such newness is beautiful.
Have a blast with your grandchildren...know you will!
LeeAnn, you are a joy!
xxoo
Lee Ann, you are such a blessing..always encouraging us to be thankful and to share our joy with others...Yes, it's so true, we can have peace in the midst of the fire and that comes only from the Father.....
These pictures are incredible....just a great visual reminder to go with your words of wisdom.....
Have a good time with your g-babies and make lots of wonderful memories.....
Love to a very special friend,
nancy
Your words are always so uplifting...as are the photos! Gorgeous!
I love tulips. I love a grateful heart. i love those red sandals. :)
It was a joy to visit you today! <3
Absolutely beautiful, Lee Ann. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers, and red and yellow are my two top favorite colors.
Although I'm not fully blogging at this time, I am continuing to visit and stay in touch with special neighbors like yourself.
Much love,
Marcia
how'd i miss this one. i agree. i'm aging...looking past the exterior and shining from within is the only key i think;) beautiful post...beautiful heart!
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