Pictures that make me smile . . .

A picture speaks to each of us differently.  
What we see with our eyes is only 
a fraction of its depth.  
A photo cannot tell what a person is thinking or feeling; 
or what it connects us to in our journey of growing or healing.
(just noticed that this rhymes which was quite unintentional)  
It reminds me of the quote: 'a camera cannot see the inside of a kiss' 
(Diana Evans - '26a') 
I think I need to start taking more pictures of 'moments'.  
Here are a few that make me smile . . . 
(Please note: do not copy and paste these for your 
personal use; I'm sure you have lots of your own :) 

* * * * *

A sunny day spent with friends at English Bay in Vancouver.  

This man walked past us several times.  Didn't know it until 

after we had seen the pictures that he had a tattoo of Jesus on his back. :)

* * * * * 

A handmade bracelet and necklace given to me by one of my kindergarteners 

(Tekoa P. you are amazing!) Yup, the choker has an encased bug in it. :)

This is a handmade heart from one of my grade 2 students (Aiden).  Each layer is cut 
out individually and glued onto the other.  It is made out of sparkly sheets of foam.

* * * * *

 

I love this picture because it signifies to me

 two cultures extending themselves in friendship.

* * * * *

 

This was the bathroom in the apt. we stayed at in Paris.  

No toilet seat; the floor was incredibly warped, the shower

about 2' x 2'.  I am standing in the kitchen taking this picture :)

* * * * *

A picture I took of random people watching the hockey game during the Olympics 

in Vancouver in 2010.  Love the expressions and intensity on their faces.

* * * * *

The easy part walking up Grouse Mtn.  A grueling hike but so worth it!

* * * * *

Signs of Spring along the Discovery Trail
looking over the foot bridge.

* * * * *

My friend's very well used Bible; the way it should look :)

* * * * *

BC has the most amazing trees!

* * * * *

3 sisters with the same MEC backpack.  I bought mine in Vancouver; 

L. bought hers in Halifax; M. bought hers in Winnipeg

* * * * * 

seeing life through the eyes of a child

* * * * *

Today's Personal Joy-spots [Jan. - April]

Today's Personal Joy-spot:

January 20: spending hours on the phone with a good friend, crying a little, laughing a lot.
January 21: meeting someone for the first time and realizing you are passionate about the
                   same things.
January 22: wearing my favourite boots and feeling amazing in them.
January 23: laughing with a friend; speaking words of encouragement that you know came
                   directly from your God-source (a.k.a. the Holy Spirit)
January 24: teaching a class of grade 1's - I love children! :)
January 25: a quiet day at home with just me,  listening to a 'catherine maclellan' CD while
                   washing my floors :)
January 26: remembering the laughter and shouts of little friends as they call out your
                   name, and dive into your arms for a hug (thank you Olivia and Braden
                   McKnight - you bring a smile to my face every time I think of you)
                   re-reading journal entries and being reminded of treasured thoughts.
                   words. moment's
January 27: finding the scarf that I thought I had lost.  special because I bought it in
                   Portugal.
                   a nap after a long day with busy kindergarteners
January 28: worshipping God
January 29: having my married children pop by for supper
January 30: today my body 'screams' in 'delight' at having spent an hour and a half at the
                   gym yesterday
January 31: reading 'Psalms' as if they were written just for me
                   receiving an email from a friend who lives far away - [sigh . . . I know some
                   very amazing people :)]
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February 2: leg hugs from little grade 1-ers running to me; random leg hugs just because
                   (thank you Cooper, you blessed me)
February 3: a phone call from a good friend
February 4: life giving words from Pastor Jeff [www.northview.org]
February 5: sunshine (oh how we west-coasters love our sunshine!)
February 6: taking 3 words of written instruction and creating a lesson out of it
                  (where would I be without the Holy Spirit's creativity?)
February 7: yeah for chiropractors who have an opening appointment just when I needed it
                   - laughing with 'the boys' planning drama stuff
                   - coffee with a friend
                   - listening to the wind - we have a small area down the street with massive
                   trees  that 'embrace each other when the wind attacks'.  It reminded me of the
                   day I held a restless baby Julia in my arms.  We sat outside on the bench in
                   front of my house wrapped warmly in a blanket just listening to the trees talk.
                   I was in awe of Julia being in awe.
February 8: I made coconut buns and they were amazing!  and THEN I made homemade
                   tortilla flats.
February 9: a thoughtful comment from a friend
February 10: walking into a well organized classroom with a clearly planned day
                    (thank you Susan Beatty)
February 11: I found a Patricia Polacco children's book at the thrift shop for .75!
                    - my daughter Keterah [keterah.blogspot.com] brought over cookies she
                     had made and decorated.
February 12: my back doesn't hurt today - I can move again:)
                    - talked to my dad on the phone - his body is slowly dying yet his attitude
                    towards life is good.  He said: 'everyday is a good day; some days are
                    just better'
February 13: I love adding to this list - searching for joy-spots sharpens the intent.
February 14: Aleah got a chance to go to the Canuck's hockey game last night;
                    she's wanted to do this for so long.  I was so excited for her.
February 15: creating stuff (specifically spaceships and aliens for my grade 2's and 3's)
February 16: 20 children working quietly and independently on their math with Pachebel
                     playing in the background - a perfect moment in the classroom
                     - sitting on my teacher chair, reading a story to the class, while little girls
                     quietly play with the fringe on my moccasins
                     -sharing teacher ideas with my daughter
February 17: I went to the gym - this is always cause for celebration!!
February 18: spent the day with a friend.  listening to her very talented daughter's
                    (Emily Harder) yet to be released CD.  Wait for it - it's amazing!
February 19: inspired by yet another sermon by Jeff Bucknam [www.northview.org]
                     The more we know, the more we are held accountable for.
February 20: reading a story to my class while the 2 little girls sitting at my feet played
                     with my shoes.
                     - knowing my daughter is happily married; excited with her as they celebrate
                     their 2nd wedding anniversary

February 21: listening to my daughter as she shared what she is learning in her university
                     classes - she is going to be the most amazing teacher ever! :)

February 22: being told I've made a difference in someone's life
February 23: my children were all home for supper - sometimes children grow up
                     amazing in spite of us . . .
February 24: listening to my 2 prayer mentors (Pam & Marilyn) speak at a conference  
                     [www.abbotsfordcityprayer.blogspot.com]- I know some very amazing people
                    - a coffee date with Carissa and Ale
                    - my new stove came (double oven and everything works!)
February 25: supper with long time friends; drinking expensive Port while eating a
                     decadent 3 layer (cookie, oreo, brownie) chocolate cake - so good!
February 26: we had care group over for supper; having a double oven stove to make
                     pizza for 10 was so nice!
February 28: walking into a school and having the teacher cheer and the students
                     run in for a hug
                     - new fireplace just got put in; I so love being warm
                     - being respected (thanks D.)
February 29: watching Amy (grade 2 student) dance to the Macarena while singing
                     O Canada in assembly
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March 1:      creative ideas keep bopping into my head . . . love that when it happens!
                    -here is a picture of an idea that I
                     thought of a few
                     years ago, it works so well, and its a
                     Marilyn Kampen original: take an
                     apple corer; core out a hole in the
                     side of a lemon; pop in a wine cork
                     to keep it from drying out.
                     purpose of this: fresh
                     squeezed lemon juice!
                     keeps for weeks!
March 2:       going shopping at 2nd-hand
                     consignment and thrift stores.
                     excited for my friend who found a grad dress
                     (1/2 price) and shoes.
March 3:       my daughter bought me a pan to make Roti - so excited about this!
                    - if you squinted with one eye, turned your head a little to the left
                     and used a magnifying glass, you could see the possibility of a
                     piece of clear blue sky :)
March 4:      dancing in the kitchen with my daughter to Luke Bryan! :]
                    - my daughter made me perishky - so proud of her; so excited
                    to have these in my fridge :)
March 5:      standing in the rain with teacher friends on strike; singing 'sunshine songs'
March 6:      a long walk with a fun friend on a beautiful sunny day
                    drama practice with the boys :)
March 8:      laughing with a friend (Lia) as we try on clothes we have no idea where we
                    would wear.
March 9:      not having a car accident when it clearly looked like I would
March 10:    doing well at something you love.
March 11:    'nailing' my lines and timing in a dramatic reading.
March 12:    sisters
March 14:    coupons [2 for 1 coffees]
March 15:    hearing my ticket number called - winning free defence lessons!
March 16:    kitchen dancing with my 2 year old friend (Ale) to Lion King
March 17:    so proud of my friend for his creative take on a dramatic reading.
March 18:   my dad is dying and yet he and my mom are both at peace - God is
                   their strength and their joy!
March 19:   knowing what I'm going to have for supper.
March 20-29: [attended funeral of my father]
                   - joy-spots during this time: my father is at peace; he is in no more pain
                                                             : good remembrances
                                                             : laughter
                                                             : respect
                                                             : my mom is healthy; am excited for her
                                                               new beginnings
                                                             : spent time with family
March 30 : yeah for my own bed!
                : it isn't raining!
                : time on my own after a busy week of people
March 31: Dale told me I look younger every time he sees me - EVERYBODY
                 needs to hear those words every once in a while :)
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April 1: a empty day filled with potential and possibilities
April 2: getting creative ideas on the spot
April 3: having a special needs child who doesn't do change well, feel
             comfortable with me in the classroom
April 4: thai food and a glass of wine with a good friend (Jody)
April 5: I love feeling confident at my job
April 6: Kailey (grade 1) wrote in her journal 'that the best part of Jump Rope
             for Heart was skipping with Mris. Capin (me)'
             thought of a great Easter craft that everyone loved
April 7: 15 C and sunny!
              talking to my friend on the phone.
April 8: a hug from a long ago friend (Susan)
April 9: going shopping with my daughter - I love spending time with her
April 10: reading to a class of kindergartens - I love reading children's books:
               'I am a Duck'
April 11: reading scripture - every time I read I see something new as if it's
               been there hidden, waiting for me to find it :)
April 12: motivated to clean my bathroom - walls, floors, . . . did it all!
April 13: a student told me I was 'the funnest sub ever!'
April 14: listened to 'come to the well' by Laura Rhinehard -
               music that reminded me of the source that gives life!
April 15: completing a project and liking the results
April 16: mittens - I love having warm hands
April 17: my friend Lia is today's joyspot.  I love that she trust me to share
               the 'good stuff' in her life.
April 18: accomplishing an overdue task
April 19: seeing the face of a child who has just been successful at
               something for the first time
April 20: my on-the-spot idea worked!  20 'slightly' imperfect paper
               ducks created by 20 enthusiastic kindergarteners
April 21: being gracious when I've been insulted . . . sigh . . . yeah, I
               did it!
               building my people resource list - I love connecting people
April 22: breaking through hard stuff
April 23: a moment of serenity listening to the creek water run under
               the bridge
April 24: polka-dots
April 25: when a friend trusts you
April 26: being invited out
April 27: when I looked out my kitchen patio door this morning, I
               saw flowering jasmine, flowering dogwood, a flowering
               apple tree, a flowering cherry blossom tree, tulips, candy
               tuft, golden seal and . . . a little bit of sun :)
April 28: hiking for 2 hours - new group of people - tough climb
               but I did it! - stunning view - beautiful day
April 29: after a busy weekend, I didn't get called in to work - yeah
               for sleeping in!

Today's Personal Joy-spots [May - Aug.]

May 1     cuddling my friend's 2 week old baby
May 2     reconnecting with an old friend
May 3     walking into a school and having a teacher and the
               principal welcome me with a hug
May 4     the grade 3/4 class has 'adopted' me :)
May 5     conquered the mountain again - better time and less
               exhausted - yeah for perseverance!
May 6     having my children over for supper - I have great kids!
May 7     Mackenzie (grade 1) comes up to me this morning and
               says, "I'm so glad you're here Mrs. Kampen; I've missed
               you."
               Zumba classes
               talking with a friend
May 8    lunch at New Saigon (G-2 with chicken and spring rolls -
              my favorite!) with my friend K
May 9    a hard topic to talk about - still standing
May 10  Holly :)
May 11  it's Friday.  it's sunny.  there was one coke left.
              coffee with a friend.  feeling safe to discuss the hard stuff.
May 12  'bumped and bruised' but not broken
May 13  I love being a mom!
May 14  respected
              Zumba week 2 completed!
May 15  a handful of buttercups from Thomas (age 5)
              a conversation with a respected friend (E)
May 16  remembering
May 17  hiking - bettered my time up
May 18  hiking - loving it!
May 19  homemade deep fried bananas and ice-cream
May 20  a friend had 2 hours of time to spare and called ME!
May 21  found the exact purse for me I bought for my sister in a different province
May 22  all my ironing is done!
May 23  yeah for Lia!
May 24  planting flowers on a sunny day
              beat my hiking time by 5 minutes
              saw a mother bear and her 2 cubs on the hike- so thankful for my
              hiking friends beside and Dave's whistle to scare them off
May 25  just got splatted on by a vengeful crow while sitting on my deck -
              quadruple plopped: my arm, my shirt, my skirt (through to my skin),
              and in the glass of coke I was holding.  Nothing on the chair or the
              deck mind you.  The 'joy-spot' in all of this? - it missed my hair! :)
May 26  perseverance
May 27  a new friend (M)
May 28  a hard day at work done.
              my daughter said: 'what would I ever do without you?' :)
May 29  One extra-small left in the store and in the color I wanted-yeah!
May 30  a dive-in-and-hug from Tekoa (grade 1) today - she makes me smile
              every time I see her
May 31  as I was walking into the school, I hear 'hi, Mrs. Kampen!'.  From across
              playground, in the rain, are 4 boys swinging, alternately saying 'hi'.
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June 1    starting a project I've thought about doing for months
June 2    accomplishment - hiking 16 km. in just over 4 hours
June 3    being brave or victorious doesn't necessarily mean you feel that way
June 4    mentos
June 5    skype date with Benjamin
June 6    a pencil sharpener that works
June 7    a day to myself; a reprieve from grumpy kindergarteners
              bought a clematis on sale
June 8    after days and days of rain, the sun came out
              a Tekoa run-and-dive-hug; a Kaeden 'it's nice-to-see-you-again-Mrs.
              Kampen' greeting; a Cooper and Milan 'just-one-more-hug'
June 9    hiked up Mt. Thom - it was hard but I did it!
June 10  watermelon and rollkuchen
June 11  Isabella came to school today with a large piece of fabric on her back,
              attached at the neck with duct tape; on her head was a head band with
              pipe cleaners.  On the back of the 'cape' were the letters BBH: Bella -
              Brave Hero.  She was dressed as a super-hero; it was something she
              had always wanted to do.  I love that she felt so confident in who
              she was/is - that girl knows how to do life with style :)
June 12  The first person I met this morning on my way into ESR was an EA
              whose class I had been in before.  She welcomed me and said, 'the
              children just love you Mrs. Kampen; we just love you.'
June 13  Oliver and Lincoln  (age 5) told me I was an awesome teacher!
              Costco has ciabatta buns
June 14  getting out of the car and being greeted by 'Hi Mrs. Kampen!' from
              various students across the playground is a great way to start the
              day.
June 15  random hugs from Aleah
June 16  my friend Lia bought me the most amazing book - 'the Wreck Journal'
June 17  'I am the daughter of the Chief!' reference prophetic word
June 18  Zumba!
June 19  sports day at Deroche - respect from students that haven't shown any
              before
June 20  reading 'chicken little' to kindergartens; with extra noises of course!
June 21  a day of cleaning my house - so good!
June 22  it's Friday.  Tekoa greeted me with 'Mrs. Kampen, I was wishing you'd
              be here!' and a leap-frog hug from Kaeden
June 23  Donario's  & Mountain ice cream - caramel praline in a waffle cone
June 24  blubbering on the phone with a friend I trust
June 25  worked out at the gym AND went to Zumba!
June 26  last day of teaching before the summer break!
June 27  affirmed as a trusted friend
June 28  feeling motivated
June 29  we've been invited out for supper! yeah!
June 30  my daughter asked me to go for a run with her in the rain - she even
              let me use her ipod
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July 1   the guest room is ready!
July 2   a late night tea with my friend Deste
July 3   'Dick Tracy' - movie; inspired to write
July 4   Zumba - words of encouragement from Michelle
            hiked up Sumas grind - another hike conquered
            a sunny morning tea with my friend Marilyn W.
July 5  a visit with my friend M.
           'conquering' another hike - Sumas Grind
July 6   my daughter A. made the most amazing strawberry rhubarb
            pie!  it was perfect!
July 7  7 hours of hiking - exhausted but so glad I did it!  Elk Mt.
            conquered!
July 8  my children came over for lunch.  I have amazing children!
July 9  a new day filled with possibilities
July 10 a long meeting with my drama 'boys' - felt very comfortable
July 11 the hike I usually go on was so easy to do today - I'm getting
            stronger!
July 12 I bought a bright colored sweater - as opposed to my usual black
            or navy blue choice
July 13 a friend called and started with 'I thought you might want to process
            the other night' YES!!! I love it when friends just know.
July 14 beat my time going up McKee Peaks - 36 minutes!
July 15 enjoying my new 'quiet' room
July 16 it is sooo good to have a friend to process 'stuff' with
July 17 a great drama meeting with the 'boys'
July 18 Purdy's dark chocolate with blueberries and almonds
July 19 an unexpected 'wondering if'
            laughter
July 20 being a trusted friend
July 21 completed the grouse grind - bettered my time
July 22 zip-lining; laughing with my sisters
July 23 the 'angel' who saved us a free parking spot at Lonsdale Quay
July 24 lunch in Fort Langely
July 25 satisfaction of a weekend spent well with my sisters
July 26 a surprise gift left by my sister
July 27 ordered a medium pizza; they delivered a large @ a medium price
July 28 so proud of my gracious daughter as she diverted strained
             relationships into the positive
July 29 a very quiet day doing very quiet things
July 30 exploring the unknown paths of McKee peaks with 3 adventuresome
            ladies
July 31
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Aug.1 - 13 oops . . . didn't realize I hadn't done this for so long . . .
Aug 14   finished writing our Christmas play and . . . we are so proud of it.
Aug 15   seeing White Rock beach through the eyes of a 2 year old;
               everything comes alive, even decaying crayfish
Aug 16   they had praline ice cream at Coast Mountain - my favorite!
Aug. 17  my nephew's 2 year old calls me the 'fun nan' (won't my sister
               love that :)
               my friend Jody called me after her brain surgery - she is doing well
Aug 18   laughing
Aug 19   a whole day to just 'go with the flow'
Aug 20   great hike with Denise - 31 minutes up - my best time yet!
Aug 21   being a blessing to a friend
               free salsa from Thrifty's because the till price and the actual price didn't match :)
Aug 22   out with the old . . .
Aug 23 - 31 . . . on holidays away from my computer so here's a few of my
               favorite joy-spots:
               - walking along the beach of the Atlantic Ocean in Charleston NC
               - gleaning from those whose walk is stronger, deeper, more committed
               - favour: receiving free fried green tomatoes and hush puppies from the
                 owner of the restaurant 'Hyman's' in Charleston. NC; staying in the
                 only hotel in all of Charleston that had an indoor pool during the
                 torrential rains from Hurricane Isaac; being the only ones in the theatre
                 watching 'Bourne Legacy' altogether as a family; . . .
               - 19 relatives floating down the river on bright yellow inner-tubes
               - laughter
               - listening to God speak as I walked to prayer mountain at 5:00 a.m.
               - I have amazing children [all 3 of them]
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Reflections

Definitely going to write something profound here; just waiting for the words to come . . .

Feb. 18  I just noticed that there are tiny spots of people from around the world peeking
into my blog space.  Love it!  Thrilled by it!  Overwhelmed though by it's responsibility.
The responsibility to make my words count; to inspire others; to add to someone's day
in a positive way.  So here's my wondering . . . what are people (you) expecting when
you look up a blog site that is about joy?  Are people (you) looking for ideas?
something to make you smile? something to add to your own resources to make
others smile? . . . would welcome / love for you to add your thoughts and ideas.

Feb. 20  I had the most amazing day teaching a class of grade 2/3's.  They like each
other and treat each other with respect.  They treat me with respect.  In the 4 days
I've been in this class, I have not heard one of them complain about anyone of their
classmates.  It is easy to be a good teacher in this class.  Liking the people you're with
makes it easy to be likeable.  Life's more like a boomerang than we give it credit for.
Life gives life.  It propels us forward.  It propels others to move forward.  Added
thought:  when others like you, it's easier to remember to like yourself.  This is a
good thing.

March 4: reflecting on the power of words as I was reading birthday wishes on
my Facebook page.  there is something so incredibly life-giving when words
are personalized; a remembrance, a thought, a specific wish.  It makes me
want to be more intentional in my own words to others.  This is a good thing.

April 8: about 2 weeks ago, I attended the funeral of my father.  After years of
pain and multiple infections, his body and spirit said, 'it's time to rest now'.  Sad
that he's gone; so excited that he is no longer suffering.  I didn't think I would be
able to see him in the coffin; but I did.  I stood next to a vague
replica of a man that was suppose to be my father.  It wasn't.  Not the real
part of him.  The spirit. the life piece was missing.  I KNOW with everything
in me that he (as a believer in Jesus Christ) is with God his Father.
Dad referred to 'heaven' in his last days as 'the new Jerusalem'.  He
had never spoken that way before.  He talked about it with anticipation.  He
walked toward it in peace.  This is a good thing.

April 25: it's raining again.  the endless tapping on my windows.  so peaceful
on some days; so relentless on others.  today it adds to the lonely spots
I've been haunted with.  and then an email from a friend whose struggle is
so much more than mine seems to be.  maybe what I feel is not for myself
but for another.  maybe to lift off what I struggle with, I must pray for
another to be refreshed.  to be healed.  this gives me hope.  hope for myself.
hope for another.  This is a good thing.

June 30: Today was a good day.  My daughter asked me to go for a run with
her in the rain.  She even let me use her ipod.  She tried to teach me how to
pace myself; hold my arms.

I met a little girl, about age 4, while looking for books at the thrift shop.
She was trying to help me.  She said when she grows up she wants to be a
princess and a rock climber.  I asked her if she'd been practising how to be
a princess. :)

I listened to Noah (age 4) sing Sunday school songs to his friends.
Apparently he plays 'concert' all the time. :), you made me smile today
too.  Your home is so welcoming.  Your intent for your home, so welcoming.  :)

I was welcomed at the church doors this evening by a random friend, Sharon.
I love that you are intentional with people, with me.  thank you. :)  The theme
for this month's sermons is 'An Uncommon Joy'. Today they interviewed a
teenager named Kourtney was was born with a skin disease.  She talked of
her struggle; her faith.  She and her dad sang a song of hope.  It put life into
perspective, if only for a little while.

Finding the joy-spots in each day is a good thing.

July 12/12:  it's been a struggle, this finding joy in every day.  EVERY day is
the key here.  Sometimes, as I have of late, felt depleted.  empty.  void.  sometimes
even tormented.  so . . . this morning I chose to refocus.  I think that's a big part of
joy; making the choice to break through.  I liken it to hiking.  3 months ago, McKee
Peaks was hard.  I was out of breath constantly.  trying to keep up.  keeping my
heart inside my body.  Yesterday it felt easy.  manageable.  enJOYable.  that's it isn't it?
pushing through.  persevering.  in life in the natural.  in life in the spiritual.  the power
of our minds; our thoughts; our choices.  sometimes joy is a celebration of this.  a victory.
This is a good thing.

July 26/12:  I just spent 5 days with my sisters.  They live 3 provinces away so this
was sort of a big deal.  We had a road trip of sorts - lots of local; one over-nighter.
L., the youngest of the three, is on her 2nd marriage.  This year marks their 20th
anniversary.  She seems so content in her relationship with her husband.  She says
'every day is a choice'.  I've loved seeing the transitioning of maturity on/in her;
the 'joy-spots' in her life develop.  Mostly by her own recognition as there is always
something in our lives to celebrate.  It takes the rightness of the inside of us to
recognize it.  [side note: she has the most amazing smile/laugh]

M. is the middle sister.  Also divorced.  She is in a healthy relationship right now.
There is lots of wooing and affirmation.  She seems so much freer, happier than I have
ever seen her.  A lot of that freedom has come from letting go of the past, forgiving -
herself and others, from getting right in her relationship with God.  She pursues
health - mind, body and soul.  It shows.

And then there's me.  the thinker.  most of the time joy radiates from me, but lately,
there's been a yet-to-be-determined sadness within / on me.  As much as I want to
pretend it isn't there, I think it's 'leaking' from the inside out.  I think we all do -
leak from the inside out. The stuff on the inside of us, whether it's good or 'bad',
leaks out through our face, our spirit, the presentation of ourselves.  It affects how
we age, how we look, how physically, mentally or spiritually healthy we are.
Reflection of this doesn't change where I'm at but it does make me aware.
This is a good thing.  Can you tell who is who?  :)

August 21. 2012:  My personal list of happy things.  a child's laugh.  a run and dive hug.
a phone call from a good friend.  small 'I want to be close to you' touches.  a glance
and a smile that doesn't need words to understand.  a day that starts with tea on the night
table, an open bible beside me and a pen and journal in my hands.  remembering 'moments'.
words that explode with life.  feeling beautiful.  the first step into the woods that begins a
hike. music that makes me want to dance.

August 21. 2012: there's something about walking into the woods, the first steps of a hike,
that draws you in.  inhaling. life-giving. peace. and the silence - the silence is exhilarating!
It sharpens all our other senses and we begin to 'hear' from within.  Maybe that's why we
are never without music or earbuds or the radio or television or . . . we don't know how
to deal with the 'within' part of us.

Sept. 4. 2012:  my friends, J & D have had a year filled with bumps.  D's mom died this
Spring; his dad has cancer; J's dad died yesterday; her mom is awaiting biopsy results;
J just had brain surgery in August to combat dystonia, a form of parkin. disease.  That's
a lot of sadness.  but if you look closer, deeper, you'll also see God's favour.  The 2 deaths
and surgery were covered in and with peace.  Noticeably so.  They have been showered
with meals, visits, flowers, prayers.  The fact that J was even eligible for surgery was a
blessing.  There is a 95% success rate.

Often, [mostly] we tend to focus on the 'lists' of what's gone wrong instead of celebrating
the seemingly hidden droves of joy-spots.  I'm wondering if: do we voice 'the lists' in
order to draw attention to ourselves?  intentionally or inadvertently that's what happens.
Or do we not voice the favour because people just aren't interested . . . hmmm,
a conflict of sorts . . . no conclusion, just wondering.

Sept 20. 2012: Stuff that robs us of joy . . . comparing us, our strengths, our blessings with
anyone else's.  looking at the what if's rather than loving the right here and now.

June 30. 2013.  7 months of teaching kindergarten and I am left tired but oh so enriched.  20 children I didn't know a year ago have changed me.  I have learned deeper to love from the inside out.  If you'd ask me what their last names were, I wouldn't be able to tell you, but ask me their favorite color, what makes them happy, who their favorite friend is . . . :).  I've learned deeper to be gracious - so much easier to do with children than you-should-know-better adults.  I learned deeper to teach to meet not only the academic workings of their mind but their physical / psychological needs as well.  Wiggle times, walking breaks, snacks and drinks of water . . . I teach differently because of them.  I teach differently because I know that I was there by God's divine direction, His strength, His creativity, His purpose.  In that, because of that. I have peace.

August 8. 2013.  Today has been a re-direction of all-sorts.  randomly listened to a post on fb - a song by India Arie (Break the Shell) "child it's time, to break the shell - life's gonna hurt but it's meant to be felt.  you can not touch the sky, from inside yourself.  you can not fly, until you break the shell" which led me to opening up an interview with Will and Jada Smith (Smith Family on Oprah Winfrey 360) "how come you smilin' all the time? - 'cause I know what I'm here to do baby - what's that? - I'm gonna make everything I touch better" -Will talking with his grandmother. . . "in the face of destruction you pounded on your chest and put your arms up and said: 'I'm still standing.  bring it!' (38:45 into recording) . . . which led me to 'Your words and your thoughts have physical power' (youtube - Will Smith) "there's a redemptive power that having a choice has". . . then from another fb friend, a posting a song by again, India Arie & Pink - "I am not my hair.  I am not this skin.  I am not your expectations, no. I am the soul that lives within. . . hair grows no matter what you do, don't you wish that people did too?"

August 12. 2013.  so thankful I have 'inside-out' friends.  ones who can 'read' you even when they're not with you - they just 'know'.

sometimes I feel I could explode! with words that aren’t spoken.  with tears that aren’t shed.  with deep guttural cries that stay silent.  is the strength that it is taking to not explode the same thing that is actually holding me together?  keeping me intact for one more day.   Victory is joy is life and testimony and beauty . . .

Joy-spot ideas

Joy-spot idea #1: what if we specifically placed something in each room in our homes,
in our workplaces that made us smile, remind us of something that brings us 'life'?
A picture (I have a picture that my friend took of me laughing as a tanned, toned,
man in a speedo walked past.  I didn't know it at the time but this man had a tattoo of
Jesus on his back.  This picture reminds me of English Bay on a warm sunny Sunday
afternoon with friends.  It is a good memory.  It is a joy-spot for me).
A note.  (my neighbor left a bag of zucchini on my doorstep one summer day.
the note said 'left here by the zucchini fairy').  Sticky notes (my husband went through
a stage of leaving an array of very sappy endearments in my jewelry box, on my
bathroom mirror, in my bedside drawer)

Joy-spot idea #2: I would love to have an entire wall in one of my rooms devoted to 

pictures of my friends and family laughing, quotes about laughing, handmade drawings 

from my children or 'love notes' from students. This is an idea in the making. . . still 

collecting the pieces at this point.

Joy-spot idea #3: Along with the 'joy-spot' in
every room idea, I thought it would be fun to
decorate light-switch and outlet plates.  I've
modge-podged 3 already.  One is from a piece
of a t-shirt that I loved; one is a piece of scrap-
booking paper that I fed through and printed
a favorite quote on; another is a sheet of music
with words that I thought would bring comfort
to my mom.  She is acting as wife and care-giver
to my housebound father.  The title of the song
is 'under His wings'.  Switch plate covers 

cost pennies; modge-podge, foamie brushes
and something fun to decorate with 

(fabric, comics, sheet music, photocopied
photos, . . . ) is all you need.  This is a 'curly-girl
napkin I modge-podged on a switch-plate - loved
how it turned out.  Shhhh ... it's a gift for a friend. :)
This second one is from a christmas card.  A little
harder to make because of the stiff paper.

Joy-spot idea #4  In the midst of chaos, clean / organize one area (or even just a spot) in
each room that is ALWAYS in order.  As a teacher I know the importance of a de-cluttered,
soft lighted room especially to the eyes of children with special needs (autism, ADD, FAS).
It brings peace, and a place for their (your) mind to 'rest'.  As an added note, colours also
play a huge part in this.  I knew a woman that would hold a picture of a happy face to her
baby's face when she (the baby) first woke up from sleeping.  I thought it was a bit odd at
the time, but I like the concept.

Joy-spot idea #5  Keep a journal of only the things in your day that you are thankful for.
Makes for a great reference when you can't think of a single thing in your life that is going
your way.  I did this for my daughter when she was young.  It's a great cure for the
'poor-me-nothing-ever-good-happens-to me' blues.

Joy-spot idea #6 A few years ago I put together blessing boxes (small, clear, snap-case
for index cards from Staples) tabbed with favorite quotes; reminders (a drink umbrella
to remind you to stay under the covering of God, a tea bag to remind you to take time to
rest, a candy to remind you to keep your words sweet, a balloon to remind you to celebrate
the small stuff. . .);  specific scriptures to encourage the person; gift cards (Starbucks or
Tim Hortons or Chapters . . .)

Joy-spot idea #7 Spend time with people who make you laugh.  I ALWAYS laugh when
I am with my drama friends.  Just sitting together processing an idea will inevitably create
an opportunity for someone (usually everyone by the end of the meeting) to embellish with
voice, expansive arms, gestures, impersonations . . .) Laughter is so life-giving!

Joy-spot idea #8  Write an 'I'm thinking of you' note and pop it into your child's lunch bag
(even if they are in high school or university

Joy-spot idea *9  Often someone will say, 'will you pray for me?'.  Of course we say 'yes',
but do we really?  Is it just something we say?  Here's a way that has helped me stay
accountable to my commitment: write out a prayer and send it as an immediate, in the
moment response.  Praying more later is always good but at least in writing and sending
it gives our commitment 'legs'.

Joy-spot idea #10  Have a reverse birthday.  In my sister's neighbourhood many years
ago, there was a family that would invite their children's birthday guests the day of their
birthday.  Gifts were never required or even expected; in fact it was the guests that went
home with presents.  You could even do this for a farewell party - intentionally telling
each guest why/how they were an important part of your life.

Joy-spot idea #11  Give your students (child) paints and paper and let them 'explore'.
When they are done, ask them one thing they learned and would like to do again and
one thing they learned and would not do again.  Experiencing the joy of trial and
error.

Joy-spot idea #12
check out www.sunscholors.blogspot.com for an Easter idea called 'egged'.

Joy-spot idea #13
I received a face book message the other day from a friend.  All it said was: 'I'm
thinking of you.'  It surprised me how touched I felt at this simple comment.
It made me smile.  Definitely something to remember to do for someone else.

Joy-spot idea #14
 Walk in the opposite spirit.  where there is sadness, show joy.  where there is
anger, be peaceful.  where there is frustration, show patience.

Resources from other sites . . .

check out these other sites for resources to encourage you in your day . . .

www.aholyexperience.com (blogger Ann Voskamp)

www.keterah.blogspot.ca (blogger Keterah Kampen - who also happens to be my daughter)

www.janabailey.blogspot.ca