Packing My Bags Before I Get to the Airport!

So I am starting to pack for our Egypt and Kenya trip that we fly off to a week from tomorrow. I am not waiting to buy luggage at the airport….duh! But this is certainly a process. Why? I act like there won’t be a store anywhere that I am going. The truth is we are going with an archeology group we have gone on trips with before. So I know we will be staying at upscale hotels and I can imagine there will be shops with anything I might have forgotten. But here I am with everything laid out in our spare room that I am calling my staging room. There are multiple notebooks that contain copious lists of what to take and what needs to be accomplished before I go. 

In the midst of all this. I am trying to be mindful of wearing appropriate clothes for the weather as well as the culture. Somehow I don’t think my usual leggings will be conservative enough over there. Who knew I was such a provocative dresser in my everyday life. But here I am having a fashion show so Lissa can reassure me that my monk like clothing will be acceptable and not sweltering. I did buy a scarf to cover my hair when we go in the Mosuque. 

Now the trick is to get all this into one carryon bag and one backpack. I refuse to take more than that. Ronnie B has converted me to being a minimalist on trips. Usually I also take half a suitcase of books to give away. This time I am only taking a handful. My kindle needs to be loaded with books I may or may not have time to read. We still need to get Cora to Mike and Deb’s in Flagstaff and share phone numbers with Thomas who is staying at our home. Just in case there is an emergency or if he needs to borrow a cup of sugar. Wait! I have plenty of sugar. The good news is I don’t have to pack all the lists I have created. Hopefully, there will be time to put away all I decide not to take so the spare room is uncluttered in case someone needs to spend a night or two while we are gone. 

It is time to get excited with knowing all we will see and learn along the way. That I get to do this adventure with my Ronnie B and some good friends is the best part. When we are in Kenya visiting the orphanage that Tom Abungu runs, I will have the opportunity to do a workshop for the teachers there. All the little tricks that I used over decades of teaching need to be shared. I am grateful for the opportunity to give while we are there. This trip has layers of wonderful and I can’t wait for the adventure to begin. Thank you my Ronnie B for encouraging me to experience more than I ever would on my own. Africa here we come!

In Him,

Joyful

10-14-26

 

Share Your Light and Stand in the Light of Others

Let their warmth and joy spread over you like a blanket of love. Be the one who gives light and life to others. We all want to crowd around that person who makes us feel seen and cherished. Be a better listener since each of us longs to be heard.                                                                              Don’t shy away from the gloomy people. Rather bring your sunshine to them. When we are in a dark moment, we long for a break in the clouds. We can be that light for one another.  It is okay not to speak about every ache, pain, or fear. Be mindful about who you share your woes with. Are they a person who can guide you toward a solutions or are they going to just wallow with you in the gloom? I know I can get caught up on repeat when I am hurting but it doesn’t help the ache go away to verbalize it continuously. Rather it focuses me on that one thorn in my side rather than letting all the light that is present to shine. 

So today, rather than sharing my rather annoying earache with you I am choosing to tell you what my day will look like with a clogged ear. I am going down to Santa Fe on the sunny day in my FancyPants convertible with the top down and the music on blast. Evelyn is going to cut my hair to perfection for my upcoming trip. Then I am going to go try on pants that are appropriate for Egypt. I mostly wear leggings that are a bit to form fitting for their culture. I am taking a sunshiny person with me so laughter will out loud the music. It should be a fun day filled with light.

Recently Jenn told me I was should ping all over her about something.. Well today I am going to should all over you. You should find someone to get close to that brings joy to your day. You should spill your own joy onto others rather than being the dark cloud. Even in a drought when we are praying for rain the moment the sun comes out we smile. Let the sun shine on you with the top down in your convertible. Fell the warmth on your face and when there is a drizzle be the light with the top up. Don’t forget your sunscreen and enjoy your day and each other. 

In Him,

Joyful

10-13-26

 

A Gentle Nudge and a Warm Connection

 A gentle nudge to move me in the right direction. A soft hand on my back to remind me of the way I should go. A tender voice letting me know that I am loved and enough. This is my Father’s touch. Over the years I have not heard the audible voice of God but felt his presence and direction clearly. 

The relationship between us is built when I spend time in silence, in His word, or in conversation through prayer and worship. Relationships need presence and the time to stay connected. That is my goal……..to know Him and to make Him known. Too often when I was younger I got caught up in the busyness of life and let my time with Him be a task that I never got to. At the end of the day or early in the morning He waits. But He was also there in the carpool line when picking up kids or the grocery store waiting to check out. It is not complicated but it needs to be intentional. Just utter a three word prayer to check in. Think of it as a quick call to let a loved one know you are thinking of them. You don’t need to speak for an hour or share every detail of the past week, just reach out. Letting others know they are in our thoughts matters enough to shift a lonely day into one of connection. God is there to listen and be present in my life anytime, anywhere not just by my bed on my knees. 

So I listen for the gentle nudge to move me down my path. But I also am intentional to say Good Morning Lord as my keurig fills my cup each morning. I give a quick I’m here as I make my bed. There is a moment spent with Jesus as I brush my teeth and fix my bed head hair. Being intentional to connect helps me live out life the way I choose. 

I try my best to feel and respond to the gentle nudge of God and those He has placed in my life to guide me. A perfect example is when I share the book that was created out of a decade navigating the loss of my son. When God prompts me to gift a book to someone I meet in my day it is never to be ignored. The stories I have heard from those I have said yes to are powerful. The last book I shared with a waiter at a restaurant shared that he had lost his own father to suicide in 2022. He told Jenn and me of the journey he had been on absorbing this part of his own story. I am so glad I didn’t ignore God’s hand on the small of my back leading me to walk out to the car and get a book to share with this young man. 

Please listen to the small voice and connect with God and with others throughout your day. Please be intentional about prioritizing during the mundane tasks of your day to speak to others and to your Heavenly Father. Your life will be enriched, your direction will be a bit clearer and you will encourage others knowing they are in your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate each of you who read my heart on this page. Please consider following to see when I write. 

In Him,

Joyful

10-9-26

Caleb is Definitely in the Cool Kids Club

 This little guy is so adorable. Yesterday, we had a date day and did some Khan Academy. Our letters were c and p. So this hat was perfect. Caleb is officially in the cool kids club. We also went to the store and bought pizza, pickles and pumpkins. This photo was taken at Nambe pharmacy. He sat on my lap and held my hand while I got my covid and flu shots so I wouldn’t be scared. This little bundle of energy can be a lot for his Noni to handle but he can also be the most tender, giving kiddo around. What a gift it is for me to have him living close enough that I can pick him up in my convertible, Fancy Pants, and spend time with him. 

By the way, my shots didn’t even hurt and i owe it all to the comfort this sweet four year old provided. 

In Him,

Joyful

                                                       10-6-26

Into-Me-See, Yes, That is the Intimacy I Long for

What a gift to have those in our lives that we can share everything that is in our hearts and they still love us and offer acceptance. This is our greatest treasure. Those who walk beside us and choose to show up time and time again. Don’t take them for granted. Reach out and let them know what it means to you to have their support and encouragement in your life. It doesn’t take much for others to feel appreciated. A kind word, a cup of coffee, or a quick text is sometimes just the touch our people need. 

A couple days ago I commented on Nicole’s facebook page and she responded that I have always been there for her. It makes me recognize how few and far between my reaching out to this strong young woman is. Yet, in her mind I am one of her supports. Oh how little I have given yet even those small gestures impact her days. Her words were the encouragement I needed to reach out to another friend who has been in my thoughts but she needs to know it. So I texted and invited and we are going to get together. 

How many people am I praying for and thinking of without reaching out? Too many to count. What if I made a commitment to myself to let them know when they cross my mind? How different their day may unfold if I take the time to send a quick text or better yet an invite to meet up for a quick phone call or coffee date. My daughter always says I am a selfless person. I hope to live without selfishness but to be selfless means I can’t isolate in my own little world. God calls me to show up for others and be present never to judge and condemn but to encourage and support. His pressing me to not cancel those that feel like a one way relationship. Who am I to judge someone for not being the first to reach out when I am often guilty of the same thing. 

Bottom line is that you and I need to be intentional about stepping into intimacy and sharing our days with others. And according to this we will have a more positive outlook, live longer and maybe even improve our health. Now that is something we should all sign up for. 

In Him,

Joyful

10-1-26

 

Much Needed Good Food, Good Friends and Playing Dress Up

 We all need to take time to just play, have fun and be with girlfriends. This Dolly party at our house on 9-25 was such a joy filled time. Nancy was right when she said planning, thrifting, and getting ready for the party were such a good time pre party. The food and company were special and I am thankful for the photos that show just how everyone were up for a good time. The fact that I won for my Dolly boobs was icing on the cake. Speaking of icing on the cake……Jenn’s cake went from disaster to delicious with four cans of frosting. Southern foods that everyone cooled up were delicious and it was a great cheat date for all of

I love that I have a group of friends, couples, and ladies that enjoy spending time together. My life has always been filled with close friendships but never before have I been apart of a group of friends that love when I show up but put no pressure on when I can’t be present. This group always welcomes whoever can make it but never judges those who are missing. I love that!

Let me strongly encourage you to find a group to enjoy life with. We added Sandy to our group when she spoke up and said she loves living in Los Alamos but wanted to find other senior ladies to share a beer with now and again. Well, she told me that and I knew she was supposed to be part of our Monday night fun. She quickly was embraced by all and became a lovely addition to our family of friends. 

Our Dolly night was much smaller than we anticipated and we will be eating leftovers for the foreseeable future. But the fun was not diminished by the smaller number. In fact, it felt like just the right people showed up. If more had come I would have had even more difficulty not bumping into everyone with my much endowed bosom. How did Dolly keep from toppling over with her permanent bustling? I am glad mine were lightweight rubber balls and easily removable. Here’s to you Dolly for your generous, inclusive spirit that we can all strive for. 

In Him,

Joyful

9-28-26

Our Job is to Give Ourselves Grace Day by Day

 This is my job. Actually, it is all of our jobs as we age. To recognize that our energy level has changed and we must budget not only our money and time but our energy. The trick is to manage our output while not limiting what we can do to increase our stamina. Exercise and eating right along with getting enough sleep is going to go along way to increase our ability to do all we want to accomplish. What a balance it is to rest enough and allow ourselves to have off days while maintaining that healthy lifestyle that boosts our energy. 

Ronnie B is so good about going for multiple walks a day. He loves heading out with our Cora dog to move. I need to join him more even when I have to turn back part way in since these two go for strenuous walks that are beyond my capabilities. Will that improve? Yes. But I also have to give myself grace for the times when long covid deprives me of my get up and go. Thankfully, these bouts are not a new normal but periods of rest that are necessary to get back to my more normal lifestyle. 

The truth is everything in life s learning to find that right balance. Whether it is parenting, job related or our health finding what works is difficult. Then when we get it figured out to a degree something shifts and wee must start detective work all over again. I have a bad tendency to shame myself thinking that I am just being lazy and making up the exhaustion that I feel with long covid. It does not help me to blame myself for what I am not able to do. I want to be able to support others like I did before this season of life. What I need to be is grateful that there are times I can step up and offer my help to those I love. 

The past six weeks or so have been a period of exhaustion and then last week a switch seemed to flip and I was more energetic. I am being cautious to not put the pedal to the metal and overdue. But I am thankful that this last bout seems to be behind me. Jenn had a good way to look at it. Rather than worrying about what is to come just live today with the energy I have and let tomorrow be what it will be. So I am now thinking that I will be able to go on our trip to Egypt and Kenya with my Ronnie B in October. Will I do all that he does? No. But I will enjoy what I can and be willing to sit at a cafe and people watch when an activity is beyond me. This trip is a test of managing energy levels since it is not one busy day but a string of days full of activity. 

I hope you are kind to yourself while being healthy as life moves along with challenges along the way. Yesterday, my twenty-two year old grandgirl was under the weather. With two littles she couldn’t just curl up and sleep. But I hope she allowed herself to forego bath time and other tasks. Kids won’t melt if they eat leftover pizza or don’t get their hair washed nightly. Even young ones need to allow for days where less is the right answer. Here is to you giving yourself what you need day by day.

In Him,

Joyful

8-24-26