Thursday, April 29, 2010

To Choose Joy

Ah, joy.

joy -noun

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation
I choose, to choose joy. There are always things in this sin fallen world that could bring us down. There are disappointments, failings, and sadnesses that abound. Tucked very quietly in those dissappointments JOY is hidden for you to find. It is there for you to choose, if you so choose, to choose joy. A tiny smirk that will flame to a full belly laugh with just the right amount of attention. Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. I'm not talking making lemonade with lemons. No, don't change a thing. No adding sugar ... just looking. Looking for the joy in the sadness. A raindrop that can be felt on the nose of a toddler as she spins in the glorious rain. A chance to hold hands and slosh in puddles. Listening for that sizzling sound as fat raindrops assault the hot grill. Taking time to stop and smell the ... chicken? A smile on the man's face that holds the key to your heart. I choose joy.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Canning Jars- Reposted

I love canning jars! We use them for everything! We use them to drink out of and place the lid on if we have any left overs (especially milk!) to save in the fridge for later!



Every morning my Ian was saying "I'm hungry." before his eyes were even open. So, I started to make fruit and yogurt parfaits to keep in the fridge to be grabbed by hungry kiddos as needed. We make a four days worth at a time.



I store bulk herbs in them as well as mix many batches of taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and Italian dressing mix to always have on hand ... all stored in the canning jars! (Miss Katherine is nursing, and I don't already have a picture of the seasonings. Hopefully I'll add it in later.)

Their worth is endless! What else do you use canning jars for, babycakes?