"For the struggling Christian it may seem that joy is at the bottom of a well. It is never obtrusive, but there it waits, cool and clear, promising to refresh.
We have to practice our faith, to send down the bucket on a reliable rope of faith . . . and draw up joy hand-over-hand."
I've been smiling over this excerpt since my morning reading today. We sometimes bemoan the lack of water when we aren't doing our part to carry the bucket.
Little joys here:
vintage sheets
French vanilla coffee
morning time journaling
beautifully crafted headbands from gifted friends
care packages from afar
daughters who bring home dessert
texts from my daughter-in-law
letters from old friends
long naps
gathering supplies for new projects
All this rushed in together with some challenges and some very discouraging news. There was a choice about where to let the focus rest. I am choosing joy.
I hope you are drawing up hand-over-hand this weekend and I would love to hear what is making you smile right now.
Starry Sky Journal 
Making me smile right now:
I got up early (as usual) and made a luscious mixed berry crisp for my dear husband because he really, really enjoys those. I did not burn it. He caught a whiff of it in the air and smiled.
We have a forecast for a bee-you-tiful day ’round these parts.
My pain level is pretty darned low at the moment.
God loves me despite …
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