Sunday, December 15, 2019

Joy...

What is JOY?

In a google search the first definition that popped up was 
"a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."


Joy is finding a heart shaped rock on the beach.


Personally, I find Joy in many things...
maybe its easier because I am content with life's little pleasures.

Things that are mostly free...

"Attitude of gratitude" 
is my mantra.


Joy is sunshine and scenery.

Maybe it's a smile from a stranger that was unexpected.

A random kind gesture 
a surprise letter or card in the mail
when your grandchildren tell you they love you
if you are stuck in traffic and another driver lets you merge

finding a handful of sea glass on the beach
a beautiful moonlit evening
fresh salty sea air


a rose blooming in winter

there are so many places to look for JOY

it might be a pop of colour on a gloomy day
a phone call from a friend you haven't heard from in ages
a rainbow after the storm


It might even be a whimsical indulgence that makes you smile...


this festive wee tree lights up in many colours
while it might border on "tacky" I knew I had to have it.
It brings me Joy.

Sometimes you just need to take a chance...


Joy in the sunset


Joy is found in giving...
like these Lions international volunteers
who bring Mr. and Mrs. Claus to the Gulf Islands.


There was Joy on the faces of the children and parents in the crowd.


There were elves...


a choir


and pirates wielding balloon swords 
with a few local pirates ready for a battle.

These dedicated volunteers give 800 gifts to children on the various islands.
Each child leaves with a bag of treats and gifts.

Bringing JOY to these children and their families
 Hope Bay on Pender Island...
a generous gift 
that will be remembered for years to come.


“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” 
~ Khalil Gibran ~


“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.” 
~ Ben Carson ~

Wishing you Peace, Joy and Contentment.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

12 comments:

Susan said...

What a lovely post. I believe that happiness comes from gratitude.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

A lovely post. Thank you for reminding me of all of the things that bring us so much pleasure in each day.

Jen Lawrence said...

What a lovely post! I wish you much joy this holiday season.

Lorrie said...

Lots of joyfulness in your post! Have a wonderful week!

Sandra Sallin said...

Right on Leslie. You're absolutely right. And if this comment posts you will be right about why I haven't been able to leave comments. Fingers crossed.

Madame Là-bas said...

In some churches, a candle is lit each Sunday of Advent. They symbolize Hope, Joy, Faith and Peace. These are qualities that we should cultivate all year long whatever our circumstances. Your blog is a reminder that joy can be found anywhere. I just refilled the bird feeders in our desert retreat. I am joyful that doves, quail, wrens and hummingbirds will entertain us throughout the day as they feed. Enjoy the day!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I totally agree with you Susan...the attitude of gratitude is powerful.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Taking notice of the little things really contribute to our happiness.
Your home looks so festive Adrienne...Miss Twiggly must love the sparkly accents!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Jen, sending warm wishes to you for the festive season.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You must be counting down the days at school.
Time soon to enjoy Christmas time with your family and friends.
Your recent blog post of your home is lovely.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes you did it! Hooray!
Happy Holidays Spitfire Sandra!!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I try to culitivate all those qualities that you mention throughout the year...I saw that large animal on the patio nibbling bird seed in Arizona and thought it was a boar! I think I would be intimidated by a wild creature that size!