Simple Pleasure #2

There is something magical about crawling into a made bed with fresh, clean sheets. As you snuggle up, it just feels like all is right in the world. Sigh...

Simple Pleasure #1

I recently got a letter in the mail from my wonderful friend, Emily. It wasn't a bill. It wasn't an advertisement. It wasn't an envelope stuffed with coupons. It was an actual handwritten note! I was practically giddy with excitement! I have always loved handwritten notes- whether in the mail, in a card, on a post-it, or scribbled on a napkin. They can be written for encouragement, to provoke a laugh, to update you on the life of a loved one, or for pretty much any other reason. They can be multiple pages or single words. There is just something about them that makes my heart smile. Unfortunately, technology has all but eliminated these little gems, although this does make me appreciate them even more! If you ever want to brighten my day, just send me some snail mail or stick a post-it note somewhere. I'll reciprocate, and you can see just how wonderful it is! Oh, Emily, I promise I will be writing you back soon!

When You're Smiling, The Whole World Smiles With You...

Smiles are beautiful. It doesn't matter what your teeth look like, if you have braces, if your cheeks puff out, if your eyes disappear, or any other insecurity you can possibly think of. All smiles are perfect.

Smiles are charming & endearing. They warm the heart and better any bad day.

And we all know that smiles are contagious! So, smile...

and the world will smile right along with you...

Plus, it looks good on you ;)

I've Been Trying Hard To Reach You 'Cause I Don't Know What To Do

I was reading Donald Miller's blog this morning and he was discussing John Chapter 10. Verses 14-16 read:

I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.

I've heard this verse many times before, but this morning, it hit me in a way like never before. He says his sheep will RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE. As a sheep, I have to ask myself "Do I recognize His voice?" I've been feeling like I'm at a stalemate right now in life, so all I can do is sit and wait. I tell myself I would step forward in one direction, if I just knew which direction God wanted me to go. Typically, I'm a good listener. I pray. I meditate on Scripture, though not as much as I should. I ask questions. SO, why isn't God speaking? What's the delay?! Come on, already!

This Scripture gave me a much needed gut-check! Am I REALLY listening? Maybe God is speaking loud and clear, but I'm only paying as much attention as I do to my mom when she lectures me about things I am already aware of on a daily basis (sorry, mom, if you are somehow reading this- love you). Maybe God is speaking and I am over-analyzing it, which usually results in confusing His voice with my own thoughts. I don't know! The point is, GOD IS SPEAKING! Am I listening... REALLY listening... SOLELY to HIM? I wish I could say "YES," but it looks like I better be listening, instead of speaking...