I was inspired today as I visited All the Mus, where Angel challenges us to count it all joy. Piles of Smiles definitely needs to be part of this joy today because the Lord is repeatedly reminding me to rejoice at all times. It doesn’t matter what circumstances look like, we are making a decision to rejoice today. We face some challenges, but the joy of the Lord is our strength. Here’s my joyful contribution:
I am so glad Loren told me about Pandora. I am enjoying it on my computer at home and even at work. I get to praise the Lord at the office. Hallelujah!
Am I happy that a new beauty salon opened up in my town! My now new hairdresser works mostly in the upscale salons of Sedona but she lives locally here in Dodge so we benefit from her investment in this little salon and she works here three days a week. I had such a great time with her exchanging photos and stories of our granddaughters that when my hair was done, I was shocked that my new style turned out so good. I forgot she was cutting it! It is short and sassy and perfect for these triple digit temperatures we are now getting.
Seriously, it got up to 108 last week! But I am joyful and not complaining because I don’t have to sweat in an expensive sauna at the spa spending all that money. You just go outside and breathe in that hot air in your lungs! And forget driving in the middle of the day! The steering wheel is too hot to hold!
I had a wonderful afternoon date with my husband a few days ago that I have to tell you about. I took him to Jerome, AZ., which is an old mining town way up in the mountains where it’s at least a few degrees cooler! Jerome is about 150 years old. The old hospital has been renovated and is now a hotel featuring a posh restaurant called The Asylum! The food is wonderful and the restaurant is decorated in the late 20’s, early 30’s dĂ©cor. The music in the background was a hoot. When was the last time you ate lunch to the tune of “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else but Me?” We laughed so hard when the Bunny Hop came on! I knew Tom would love the artifacts; I caught him off guard sitting in the hotel lobby studying everything and I took his picture.
However, when his Calamari Salad arrived along with my fancy BLT, he took my picture because he said he likes my new hairdo! But, I posed for him! It turned out good.
I am filled with joy to have had my mom in my life so long. Last week she turned 95! The family in Chicago gathered for her birthday. Wish I could have been there! She exemplifies strength to me with her determination and strong will!
Angel asked her family what gives them joy today so I asked Tom before he drove off to the office. He said: “I’m joyful because my garden is doing so well this year.” It’s true! We eat salads every day picking our own lettuce and veggies right in our backyard.
Make sure this day doesn’t end until you think of some things that you can list and say: “I count it all joy!”
Great pictures of you both! The restaurant sounds amazing and your garden, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post!
This is so wonderful, I love Pandora, you can even select nature sounds for that sound machine effect too while your working and take a virtual vacation.
ReplyDeletePraying for cooler temps but I don't think we'll see them til October.
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Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Wow! I am so glad your garden is doing well...mine not so much! YOur date looked so nice with your hubby...I love date nights. So good for us!! Thanks for stopping by & saying hello! Love meeting new friends out there!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your joyful post! Oh my, 108 degrees...we've been getting up to the 100's, but not that hot! I hope you will have some cooler temps soon.
ReplyDeleteI like your new haircut..the pictures of you and your husband came out great! It sounds like you had a fun time at the old mining town.
It's nice that your garden is doing so well. It would be lovely to eat a salad from your own garden every day!
Enjoy the rest of your week! :)
I count it joy having you as my sis. I love all of your joy that you shared. Your hair looks very nice, I love you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pick-me-up you've chosen, Mary ... I feel better, already :)
ReplyDeleteMy GRANDdaughters are coming next week from Alabama and we'd planned a Sedona/Jerome outing ... so glad to learn about the Asylum!!!
Thanks for stopping by my spot... but I'm certainly NOT a smartie :)
Love ya!
Myra
PS - LOVE your new hairdo!
Love your JOY list and I am so glad you are excited about it and linking up with me every week!! Your date looked so fun and I love the new do!! A tad jealous of the garden though, LOL
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings
I like your new hairdo...very sassy, indeed!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a great time with your hubby. The restaurant sounds wonderful.
We're having very hot, humid weather here, too, though we have not hit the triple digits. Like Kat, I'm ready for cooler temps, too!
Awesome hair cut!! WOW!!
ReplyDeleteI am not use to these sauna like conditions...sitka and I are storming the heavens for some beautiful snow....cool...cold, colder, temps!
I am filled with joy to find you back here in the blog world. I have been absent a lot lately. Life and it's curve balls....I am thankful GOD is an awesome catcher, first baseman, and umpire. He has my back and will continue to see me through.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
hugs,
andrea
Oh Mary ~ Your JOY is just wonderful!! I am sooo glad you can listen to Pandora now! It is wonderful for sure!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your Hair!! IT IS SOOO YOU :) You look BEAUTIMOUS !!!!!!! Being a hairdresser myself I have NO DOUBT that you bless her just as much as she blesses you and that you bring her much JOY!!!
Love you Mary!
Hey Happy Lady! I love the hairdo too...and your man is a hunk. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for spreading your joy to all of us...i needed it.
xoxoo
What a handsome couple and a great place for a date!
ReplyDeleteFirst, Happy 95th Birthday to your precious Mom!!! Second, you are beautiful and your hubby handsome!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your heart sharing here. I love you and I'm PRAYING...
You look great[both of you!]!!! It's always nice to go out and eat. To see wonderful places. And remain joyful no matter what we face. God bless you sister Mary and may you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteHey Mary!
ReplyDeleteLove your new do, love Pandora and love Jerome, too!!
What a great date ya'll had!!
Luv, Hugs and Sweet Blessings!
Jackie