Joyful Gratitude: November 14

I Am Thankful For:

Finding cute sheets on clearance
Sugar free peppermint mocha creamer
Getting back on track
Spaghetti squash
Filling the bird feeders
Cat playing with his new toy
Stars
Kisses in the airport drop-off zone
Deep conditioned hair
Sunshiny cold mornings
Happy curls
The Man of the House finally getting on a flight home
Soup for dinner on a chilly night
Giggles
That first sip of morning coffee
Nail-biter endings to a football game
Homemade salsa

31 Days of Joy

Y'all know that I select one word as my focus each year, rather than making resolutions. My word for this year is Joy.

I try to do Bible studies and read books that help me to learn more about and grow in the word that I have chosen for the year.  As I read my Bible each day, I make note of verses that include my one word (or some version of it or a related word).

For a while, I have thought that I would like to take those verses I collected and create a Bible study or reading plan.  After putting it off for far too long - it is now a reality!  My first ever original Bible Reading Plan.

These are all verses focusing on Joy.  Ones which spoke to my heart throughout this year.  My prayer is that they help you find joy also.

Want a printable version?  Find it HERE:  31 Days Of Joy

I recommend reading each verse a couple of times.  Then take a few minutes to journal your thoughts and feelings.  Make notes about what stands out to you from the verse and how it applies to your life and/or circumstances.

Please let me know if you try the reading plan.  I would love your thoughts and feedback!

Sunday Inspiration: Fear

Friday Favorites: Pens, Planners and Notebooks

I think everyone has their favorite thing.  That they can't get enough of.  That one thing that others may not fully understand.  And that's ok, others don't have to get it.  It just makes them happy. 

For some people it's shoes. Or handbags.  Or some sort of figurines.  Or electronic gadgets.  Or... well, you get the point.

My thing is pens, planners and notebooks.  It's no big secret either.  Which is probably why I received three different kinds of pens for my birthday! From three different people. 😂

I adore a good colorful pen.  Felt tip, ball pint, gel pens.  I love them all!  Who wants to write with a plan ol' black or blue pen unless they have too?  Not this woman!

I also received 3 planners and notebooks on my birthday!

I don't know what it is about planners and notebooks.  But I love them.  I use them for journaling, making lists, keeping track of events, orders and blogging plans.  Obviously, the cuter the better.  But even a good ol' spiral notebook can make me happy.


What's your favorite thing?

Joyful Gratitude: November 7

I Am Thankful For:

A bonus day with the Grand Kid
Unexpected afternoon nap on the couch
Birthday planning
Catching up on things
Low WW point tacos
Making lists
Looking forward
Rainy Autumn days
Birthday rewards
Goals met
Halloween
Costume pictures from my favorite spooky people
Birthday flowers
Having the best friends in the world
Early morning happy birthday wishes
Free birthday drink from Starbucks
The Male Offspring cooking dinner
Birthday sundae
A new FitBit
Eggs benedict
Feeling cute
A new bee shirt
A perfect Autumn day
Grand kid hugs
More birthday gifts
Nachos

Another New Year

Happy Monday y'all!  I had a lovely birthday weekend.

Typically I start the week off by sharing my goals for the next 7 days.  But, this week, instead of weekly goals - I want to talk about the coming year of my life.

You may recall my Before 50 post of a year ago and which I recapped just last week.  A list to keep me focused on things I want to work on - or things I have been working on and want to finally accomplish.  I enjoyed having a list of plans, goals and wishes to work toward achieving throughout the year so much, that I decided to make it a regular thing.

You'll see a few are items that didn't get marked off last year's list.  Many are new.  Some are simple.  A couple of them will tug me right out of that ol' comfort zone.  (Which is a good thing.) 

So, without further ado - let's take a look a the 15 Before 51 List!

1. Reach my goal weight.
2. Get into an exercise routine.  .
3. Attend a crochet group
4. Learn how to make Key Lime pie (one of my favorite desserts) from scratch
5.  Read these 5 classic novels
•  The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
• Watership Down
• The Secret Garden
• The Count of Monte Cristo
• The Picture of Dorian Gray
6. Attend a play
7. Take a class
8. Road trip!
9. Eat meatless meals one day per week
10. Start a sketchbook
11. Go on a spontaneous weekend away with the Man of the House
12. Get a family photo with the kids and grand kid
13. Go to a movie by myself
14. Donate blood at least 3 times this year
15. Crochet something for charity

And there you have it.  I'll be posting updates periodically over the next year.  Are you ready to follow along on my journey?  

Sunday Inspiration: Focus