"A wise woman sets a joyful mood in her home. Through laughter, music, and happy times, she creates a positive attitude in her children. She knows that a lighthearted home relieves her husband of stress."
-Debi Pearl
Sometimes my kids are really, really naughty. They are selfish and squabble. They try this mama's patience. But overall, they are delightful, funny, sweet, and sensitive. They give us so much joy.
This week I have been thinking about practicing joy in our every day.
Being thankful (even if I have reason to be hurt or discouraged).
Content.
Full of patience and love.
Enjoying my little ones and my husband.
Smiling. Laughing.
A few ways we have kept our home lighthearted this week . . .
MUSIC
We came home from the library with tons of new books. Ori chose books about trucks and Calla said she wanted books about colors. (Calla spoke!! she answered my question appropriately and without any prompting. She amazes me.)
We came home, played some Baby Mozart and all sat and read quietly. It was refreshing for all of us.
The kids also love singing/acting out the "Bear Hunt" song. (We listen to it on CD; this video is a little weird?)
Happy Times
We made moon sand this week. Mix a bag of flour and almost an entire bottle of baby oil together in a plastic tub. The kids LOVED it. It makes your hands feel soft and smells good too. But . . . it is very messy. Do it outside and supervise. (My kids went back to the moon sand late in the day and ended up dumping it all over themselves and the sidewalk when I wasn't looking . . . but we are choosing joy, right?!).
It's pretty easy to fill summer days with happy times . . . nature walks, painting, sensory tubs, swimming, etc.
I hope to continue practicing joy for all my days, good and bad. Some days it will be a sacrifice of worship to God because life is really hard and we are struggling (Psalm 107:22). Some days I might feel anything, but joy. However, God's Word says "in Your presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11). Joy can always be found in the presence of our Father.
"Every day, every right response makes the fingers of your soul find the notes of joy and thanksgiving easier and easier, until it is so natural that people will ask you, 'How can I have joy?'" --Debi Pearl
5 comments on "Joy."
I've been having some similar thoughts lately! It's so much easier to just be naturally grumpy in response to being tired and having fighting children and a wreck of a house, financial struggles, etc. Choosing joy is something that has to be done over and over during the day and it's REALLY hard!! It does make a difference in the tone of the home, though.
We went to the library today and read lots of new books at home this afternoon. Having a new baby who needs to stay inside is making us a little stir crazy already this summer. We need to come to Breezy Acres so S and T can do outdoor stuff with you. :)
Love Calla's cute clothes (hee hee!) and hearing that she is talking more!
My aunt used to do the Bear Hunt song with me when I was little. Such a great memory. As always, your kids are adorable!
Thanks! I needed that.
:-) thank you. Just what I needed this morning. Love you, friend.
Joy is something we are trying to base our lives on over at my house too. We fail miserably somedays, but we are trying. Love you music idea - we all love music, but I never thought of using it as a tool before. On the next miserable fail day - I am going to try this!! Have a great Sunday!
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