#choosejoy
I couldn’t have known that this “burst of the heart” -this “flippant declaration post” of my first Starbucks Christmas drink of the year tied to a very difficult period of my life would connect with hearts all over the world.
I couldn’t have known that over the next 12 months we would choose together, joy, in our struggle and authenticity.
I couldn’t have known that what began as a private determination would become a community of encouragement during some of the greatest physically challenging days of my life.
I couldn’t have known that choosing joy together would become a bedrock of stabililty for so many of us.
This is our story…
A quiet meander through a bookstore with a friend this afternoon reminded me how important it is to live with an open heart. You never know what friendship might be just around the corner. #choosejoy #jinglesbells
I’m absentmindedly washing dishes while the kids write their Christmas letters to Santa for our new, totally amazing letter box.
Z: Mom, how do you spell “consideration”?
Me: c-o-n-s-i-d-e-r-a-t-i-o-n
E: Mom, how do you spell “Claus”?
Me: c-l-a-u-s
N: Mom, how do you spell “beer”
Me: b-e-e-r
Z: Mom… I think he might be a little too young to ask for that just yet…
#choosejoy
These girls… when friendship means long heart-to-hearts sprawled out in all the confidence of love and acceptance #choosejoy
one more tonight #choosejoy
When all chaos ensues in the girls bedroom after tuck in (let’s say coffee crisp, pinched nipples, screaming and sputtering chocolate wafer and wailing) but then you come into your sick son’s room to find this.
#choosejoy
First Candycane donut of the season #choosejoy
A beautiful reminder on my desk this morning #choosejoy
So many of you have sent me personal message thanking me for my #choosejoy posts because they’ve inspired you to choose joy too. Many of you have told me why you’re struggling to choose joy and asked for me to pray for you, and I do. Several of you have asked why I am personally, deliberatly, daily making the choice.
Life is hard, overwhelming at best sometimes and what we see on each other’s faces isn’t always true of what we are facing. I have no desire to fake joy through hard times but I do know that when I stop myself to pause and see wha tis before me, quiet myself to hear His voice, well it has made all the difference in my life.
So I will pour a cup of hot milky tea tonight and steal a moment.
I will sit in front of the twinkling Christmas lights as my little house sleeps quiet.
And I will wait for the gentle whisper to my heart; oh how I’ve learned to cherish it more than it all.
And I will #choosejoy
Romans 15:13 (NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
When this year’s planner is going to serve as a reminder
There was an abduction in the Billington household today.
Last night Marco was gallivanting under the tree with Barbie, driving her car and not being overly responsible.
It seems Shiloh thought Marco might be fun to play with because E just found her chewing on him at the front door.
Oh, there were tears, of course, and a mad dash for cinnamon sugar to make things right after gently scooping Marco up with some cardboard.
And so we wait…
We wait to see if Marco will move again…
We wait to see if Santa will understand…
We wait to see if Shiloh is on the naughty list and consequently in the Christmas dog house…
We wait…
I promise you I’ve taught none of this elf foolishness to my children, but this abduction has been the most fun today and I can’t wait to see how, or IF Marco responds tomorrow!!
#choosejoy
I received the most perfect secret Santa gift last night… now to find the perfect place for it. #choosejoy
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe and supper at Montana’s
#choosejoy
Carolling with the neighbourhood stepped up a notch this year with Reid Watson as the kids’s Chauffeur!
Lisa Monteith was the hostess with the mostest again this year- what a spread of treats!
The neighbourhood won’t be the only ones talking about this night for years to come. #choosejoy
#choosejoy and maybe a tall cup of hot coffee to enjoy these electable treats from Tammy Avery to the staff
As I launch the last year of my 30’s my heart has been so full I’ve struggled to put words to it all.
I’ve been gifted time with some of my dearest, which is my greatest gift.
Rolled over for an extra 2 hours of sleep on a storm-day/birthday.
Awoke to 4 children so overcome with excitement to present me with their homemade creations, one was in tears.
I listened to them whisper and giggle as they made me breafast in bed after their Dad went to work’ coffee and a slice of birthday cheesecake, oh and an apple “for the healthy”.
I had 4 kids, so excited I got the book I wanted, sit in my bed and insist on watching me attempt to read it, for their sake.
I read and listened to over a hundred Birthday wishes from friends from so many phases of my life, and two surprise dropby’s before I was even showered or dressed.
I got to go to the DMB to pay $100 and renew my license.
We watched “Mary Poppins Returns”- which MUST happen again.
And after the kids all fell asleep, and my husband came home, I snuggled up against my love and watched the first half of “The Family Man” before I gave in and said I couldn’t possibly stay awake any longer.
I didn’t have to #choosejoy, it was all around me, in all the simplest things I cherish so deeply. Thanks for the birthday love.
…brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things #choosejoy
#choosejoy
When your husband tracks down the lost VHS of your wedding an has it covered for Christmas. #choosejoy #marriageisworthcelebrating #13years
Is it normal to be completely infatuated with a piece of furniture? My husband made me this beautiful entertainment unit for my Christmas present and it keeps me weak in the knees. #choosejoy
lovin’ this little touch of Spring #choosejoy
Thing is, if you look hard enough, even the rainiest day’s can hide a blue sky. #choosejoy
