Stay Awhile

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 Stay.   This has got to be one of my MOST favorite words...especially when in the company of a dear and favorite friend.  Either, I've said it often to my parents - as a youngster - when we would be the guests in someone's home.  I would literally beg.... "Can't we stay longer?"  Or, I would and sometimes, still find myself imploring a friend... to stay for just awhile longer - if they were over for just a simple cup of coffee and a chat.  Why change the moment and end it so soon?

Some of my favorite memories are when our kiddos were a lot younger and friends (whom we affectionately termed Fremily) would come over for, say, Sunday Lunch - after service - and we'd be having such a grand ole time; the kiddos playing so hard and the adults chatting it up or doing a project together, with several pots of coffee later.  It was like pulling teeth to separate and because this happened more than once I can safely say it was many a late night that the kids would crash out on the couches or on the floor.    

To me, this word Stay equates to a sense of belonging.  When your heart is "at home"...you want to just stay!!

....

Linking up with the Five Minute Friday (FMF) Community!!  This weeks write-up prompt:

You have a friend in me

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When the floodwaters of the cesspool have come up to your very soul, you don't need challenges: you need comfort.  You need a friend to come alongside and say, "I am hurting with you... I am standing with you... I am weeping with you.  I am undergirding you as best as I can.  Link your shield of faith with mine and somehow we will make it together."   ~ Barbara Johnson

The year of 2020 has sure been an interesting ride.  One thing for sure that has come out of this for our family - has been a "reset".   We're stronger.  We're better together.  We've become better friends.

It's been beautiful!

I'm so grateful.

Cup of Talk

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We were at some friends for dinner several years ago now, but I

often think about something my friend mentioned in regards to her family - of while she was a young gal and growing up.

She said that back when they had their dairy farm, AND... this obviously had to happen around

the cows schedule, but that their family would have what they would call:

COFFEE TIME.

This happened everyday at 10:30 am, and again at 4:30 pm in the afternoon.

This what they did. They would all sit down, as a family, around the table
and have a cup of coffee... and talk. Now, that they don't have the dairy farm anymore...one would think this family "ritual" might have changed and gone out with the farm...but, no!
It is a habit that has remained.

I love this!


Quality time; fellowship, talking together, over a good ole cup of hot coffee.
It just might be a good habit to start.

When have you had a good old cup of 'talk', lately??

Let's get together!!

My new mantra - or one, I've been trying to implement - is this:  Phone a friend, at ten!

fmf | A Place to Stay!

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 Some of you may know this already - if you follow me on Facebook - but, my girls and I just came back from a quick, 3 day, over the fourth of July - vacay!!  

My hubby and son were off on a week-long, Scout Camping Trip, since Sunday, and so us gals decided we'd go "glamping" and stay with my sister, where she lives.  It was about a 3 hour drive from me and in the beautiful mountains of Central Pa.   So, today's prompt word, vacation, was perfect...

If you want to see photos and hear/read specifics, on our time away you can go find me there, on Facebook, and catch up, that way.  However, here is more of the backstory... to our time away.

***

My girls were eager to pack their bags and grab their pillows and sleeping bags.   A chance to go see their aunt Gladys and spend some time... doing something different., rather than just hanging out all week - with mom - and no Daddy or brother around.  :(

When I think of vacation and what, at least for me, it is meant to be...I can have a certain expectation.

I KNOW that there are many times - out of ones' control - where a vacation can turn seriously stressful.   That may or may not ever happened before.

I'm so, so grateful that this one - for me - was a balm for my soul!!

What made this one so special?  One, I was proud of myself for getting my "road trip on" and making this happen.  It almost felt spontaneous and that was another success.    The thing is... I really needed this getaway and I don't know that I even realized how much so.  I had a few, pretty stressful days leading up to it and so, to feel all that melt away was pretty amazing.

Here is the thing!!   My sister is over the top AMAZING...in how she makes you feel at home!  Things like...

"Here, you take my bed; you can all three be in my room.  I'll take the couch."

"Here, I got you (3) camping chairs.  You said you didn't have any!"

"Here, lets go here - I have a surprise for you - for lunch!"

"Here... I made this strawberry lemonade... for us to take to the beach -at the park- but you can keep the jars; take them home!"

As she cleans out her fridge and we're packing up - out comes all this food... to bless!!

Homemade cinnamon rolls, Homemade strawberry Jam, leftover pancakes, yogurts and fruit...Chicken salad...

I'm telling you.

 She is AMAZING!!!  Her heart is AMAZING!!

Her HOME is comfortable (not uber fancy!) but AMAZING!!!

We stayed up late, too late... chatting the night away. Drinking coffee and swapping stories and reliving memories. 

Encouraging each other; giving counsel...bearing each other's burdens.

As we parted ways this morning - I had given her a handwritten note and card that said...

That her hospitality and generosity is and was beyond expectation in every way.

This is truly and simply was my kind of vacation.

Where my soul found rest!

Reminds me of a verse from Matthew 11:28-30 - these are Jesus' words.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know she would tell me - not to stay away so long next time.   Come!!! (more often) - for a PLACE to STAY!!!

 ***

Following along and linking up with Five Minute Friday.  

Today's prompt word is: Vacation

Thank you for reading!!

fmf :: stuck

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Stuck.   Not a favorite word of mine - nor one I use very often.  But, I do admit to feeling this way at times.  As thought about how I might use this word... as part of this five minute prompt - so many thoughts came rushing to mind.  I will simply set the timer aside and just write from the heart, today!

If you have been reading along, here at Treasured Up and Pondered, you've seen my straggly posts...here and there.  At least, as of late, these "few and far between posts" have been along the lines of growing and growth, etc.  I truly appreciate your sense of commitment to reading and following along.  Oh, it blesses me - even though I have not been as fluent or as fluid as I'd like to be, for you.

However, in the past, I have written "extensively", and often, on the topic of encouragement and blessing others -using our words of affirmation, hand-written notes or letters; coffee dates and connection one on one.  Simply because it is a subject so dear to me. It is truly something my heart CRAVES. 
My latest mantra - I've said to myself and am "committed" to doing - is to phone a friend at ten.  It's been working.  Whether I follow through, daily, or not.  I have succeeded in, at least, thinking of someone - at that time of day - and, at best, prayed for them. 
Sometimes a phone call gets made.  Sometimes it is a hand written note.

Simple. Simple. Simple. 

Yet.  How does this all tie in to the word stuck?

I am learning something.

And, Scripture is clear.  In order to have friends - you have to show yourself friendly.  I totally paraphrased that...but it is found in Proverbs chapter 18, I believe.  This doesn't come easy for everyone.  And, I am one of those persons.  I have to work on blessing others... it is a true struggle.

However, I believe some really awesome things about people - but they haven't heard it from me - yet.  Its time to change that.

There is a saying that says.  If you've been blessed, be a blessing!!

Well.  I want that to evident, in my life.

I'm going to take the rock that was once stuck in the mud and toss it into the lake.

You watch.  There will be a ripple effect that happens.  You'll see.

 I have yet another experiment brewing in my heart.  I don't know if I want to share out loud, yet, or not.  But, you watch.  If it comes your way... pass it on!!  Okay?  deal!!

Here is where the inspiration comes from.

Proverbs 3:27-28

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.

***

Determine to withhold nothing!!

Praise * Encouragement * Thanks * a Greeting*

Kindness * Good Deeds * Note of appreciation

I believe when we choose to honor others above ourselves.  It produces a spirit of humility.  A spirit of loveliness.  A spirit of generosity.  A spirit of genuine - heart felt - connection.  

I want this!!  Don't you??

~Tagging along on with Five Minute Friday, today.  The prompt word, obviously, is: stuck!  FMF is a great blogging community - to plug into.  I suggest checking it out.

 

Are you feeling stuck, today?  - Pick yourself up and get out there!!

 

phone a friend at ten :: cultivating friendship

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One of the ways I've purposed to grow in, this year, was in and with a heart of contentment.  And, in particular, the area of friendships and relationships.  I have many friends, oh yes! I have many... but I'm not overly impressed with how these friendships are maintained. (This is all on my end, by the way!)
So, in other words.  This idea of wanting to grow in contentment has rather uprooted some feelings in my heart of discouragement... and loneliness.
 Sad, but true!

It's all on me.  I know it matters in how I nurture and care for the friendships I have.  Again, with so many... where do I start?  And, with me being the loyal soul that I am... I'm struggling.
Struggling to keep up...
Please hear my heart... I'm certainly not complaining.  I'm curious, rather, in how to nurture those that are most important and how to nurture that level of influence with those that are mere acquaintance.  I share all of this - because of similar, recent conversations with my two girls.  Friendships are valuable and so important - especially as family.  Yet, these can be the hardest...

Interestingly... by leaps and bounds... many MORE relationships have come into my life, over the past couple of years, which has been phenomenal.  So, when I stop to think about just how many people I daily get to rub shoulders with - beings I'm a stay-at-home, work-from-home mom, at that - I'm amazed!!!  But, truthfully... they're surface friendships.  They're not deep. Yet, these are good, too! (sigh!) 

Recently, an online facebook friend was sharing how she loves to send and receive snail mail.
SO DO I!!
The thing is... she has done something about it.
It's incredible.  We exchanged addresses the other day, and BOOM!  A letter/card showed up in the mail.  And, it truly brought a smile to my face. :)  This is simple. This is one way to build and grow relationships.
 I do this, too.. I regret to say it has been awhile, this whole thing of sending cards. Why have I gotten away from it?   There was a time when I used to send cards and notes more than have recently.   I know this isn't a new topic.  I have shared about this before.  But, I'd venture to say - I am not alone in this.   We're human creatures who crave for longing and connection.  I'm not the only one who feels a sense of "lost and lonely"... and who flits around like a dragonfly atop the pond of friendship never sure where to land and enjoy!!  I appreciate this new friend's initiative to cultivate relationship.  Sending out a thoughtful card is truly one way to do it... especially from one stay-at-home mama, to another.  We all need encouragement.  We all need love and care.  We all need reminders of God's love for us!!

Interestingly, this has been a deep, resounding prayer of mine - since relocating.   Would new friendships come about in this new chapter of my life?  (The answer is: they are!  They have!)
What's that little adage:  Make new friends but keep the old.  Some are silver and the other gold?

Well, here is another thing - to add to my list of intention.  I've come up with an idea...
I don't know what to call it... it's just a thing... to keep my self accountable, but it's this little adage to say..."phone a friend at ten".   Meaning, taking the time - around 10 am, every day or there about - (when I'm most available) during my day, to make a short and courteous phone call... whether the person answers or not... to just simply say "hello" and to let them know I've been thinking about them.

This is a ministry.  Another area of growth for me!

Cultivating Friendship!!
~~~
What is it?  How do you nurture and grow friendships?  Or, raise your hand.  If you're like me and want to grow and nurture the friendships that you've been given... How can I encourage you?

To have a friend is to be blessed!

The Spirit of Loveliness

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It's bedtime.  More often than not, the only time of day - I get to pull out a book to read.  Too many times, the pile of books that I want to read is higher than my arm is long.  I typically never can stay awake long enough to read, let alone retain - anything - that I may have read, in the first place.  Sure, I want to.  It's just that either life is way busier than I think or other conversations take over and take place... but... that really is no excuse.  Personally.  I just don't like reading - not like I'd like to.  I was talking to a dear friend of mine - on Sunday - at church and we were talking about this very thing... and she said ALMOST the exact same thing is true for her... and ya'll... she's an author.  A homeschooling mama... she HAS to read... and yet, she struggles, too!!  I have never felt so supported as to hear my friend admit to this very thing - herself.
Don't get me wrong.  I love books!  I sure do.  In fact, I try to encourage my kiddos' to read, read, read. That books are their "friends".. they need to treat them well, etc.  Honestly, I really do like feeling the pages in between my fingers.  The way they smell,  the way they open, the clever illustrations.... even the font matters a lot!!! I would much, much rather hold a book in my hand than an electronic device - such as a kindle, etc.   And, yet... the "art" of reading; it's novelty, the time it takes itself to read the words and comprehend... is a real struggle.

Why do I share all of this?  And, why the photos of this book - that I share with you today?

Great question.  So, first off, this book was recommended to me by a cousin of mine, some time ago.  My cousin, Carmen, has truly become a dear, dear friend of mine - someone whom I respect quite highly and has become almost, more like a sister to me than some of own immediate sisters.  I clearly remember the day when Carmen truly encouraged me to open this book and take to heart the "teachings" of Emilie Barnes.  A dear saint of the Lord - who has recently gone home to be with her Saviour.  I would say (in my heart and mind) - Emilie has become a pillar post in the foundation of my "home-making"... and home keeping.  I have really admired the things she wrote and shared.  In fact, I have several of her books.  BUT... this one.  The Spirit of Loveliness... has carried me.  I'm forever indebted to my sweet cousin for her persistence that I get myself a copy of this book.

So.  I got to thinking.  There is no better way to get back to who I am than to dust off the cover of this "dear friend" and because it's format is like that of a coffee table book (its easy to read, in bite-sized chucks) ... I can slowly get back into reading (what I would say) has been and always will be one of my first loves.

For me.  The topic of home- keeping, hospitality, and growing in character (to be that godly influence as a wife and mom; a woman of Christ) ... is my deepest passion and desire.

***
In earlier years of blogging - I have alluded to this book before, although I'm not so sure that I actually referenced it.  There is a post about "glowing windows" whose idea came from this book, I'm pretty sure. You've got to go read that one!!!  I even linked it for you - so you can find it easy and go read...
It is simply another but continual prayer of mine.

Simple Thanks!!

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"Some days just call for escape.  When restlessness or loneliness or just the stickiness of life in a fallen world makes the wall of your home feel a bit close, the remedy may be an adventure..." 

- Sally Clarkson | The Life-Giving Home

When you have friends that ask to take your kiddo's for the WHOLE day, for a second play date, with events similar to this one (homemade popsicles and water fun!).... you have kiddos' that wake up super early; eagerly excited, who can hardly eat breakfast, because their anticipation of a fun, fun day is about to begin!!! 

 

 I'm so, so grateful for willing friends.  Friends..who are willing to take time, to take on more, so that I can have less (stress); that I can tend to an agenda that's been awaiting me...

Some days, I don't know what to say!!  But, thank you!!

***

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.  ~ John Muir

Gifts that remain..

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Friends are amazing!

And, sometimes there are those who go above and beyond!!

My sister in law and brother were gifted a Wedding Gift - that I have always admired.  One night, while visiting their home... I snapped a photo... and went to our mutual friend, who made it and asked her what it would be for her to make me one?  I wanted to pay for her time and talent and well, why not? It's so worth every penny...

Oh, NO!!  "Bevy, this is a gift - to you!"... a birthday/housewarming Gift.  Just because".

Ya'll.  I don't think my breath has been caught yet.  :)

I love it.

This is one gift that will always remain... 

"the thoughtfulness of a dear friend".

When the wears and cares of our heart are many...

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What wears you down?  What wears you out?  Is there anything?
What cares of the soul loom large?  Are there some?

Give it to Jesus.

Sounds so simple.

But is it?

When I read the verse in Scripture that says...

Casting all your care (anxiety) on Him; for he careth for you (1Peter 5:7, KJV)

I have to choose to trust him in this.  I can do this.  I can leave it ALL at his feet...and in his hand!
You can, too!!

It's not easy.  And, we need daily and constant encouragement to do so.

I want to share a testimony/story regarding my next door neighbor.  While this is really her story to tell - I want to share it from my perspective - as something to never forget.

My neighbor friend is a strong woman of faith and prayer.. and yet, like many of us (as I have alluded to) she needs constant encouragement to press in and trust!!

She and I (my family and hers) are all in the same boat of "what will happen with the property where we live"... things are continuing to change here but there is not a lot of communication regarding it from the folks (aka: bank) in "trust" of the property.. so it's been a waiting game.

Which that alone allows worry to flood in... or it can!!
Where will we move to?  When should we move?  Location really matters.  What can we possibly afford?  This is ONLY what I can afford - but we need this amount of space and would prefer this or that, etc.

So, I don't know how many times, since our landlord's passing - that my neighbor friend would come over to have a listening ear turned her way.  Talking out her fears, worries and cares...
Shed a few tears and, we'd pray.

One early Sunday afternoon - a knock at our front door interrupted our noon meal prayer!!

It was Mr. Shae--** .... man we had never met before.
He was asking if we knew of anyone who needed an apartment!  He knew our landlord, Mr. A, because Mr. A's older brother had lived in this apartment before heading to the local Nursing home! He also knew Mr. A - always kept good tenants...and so he thought he'd come by!

His greatest concern was that he would find someone - a good tenant - preferably by word-of-mouth where he wouldn't have to advertise or put a sign in the yard.  He was hopeful for someone who was a believer!

Long story short!
My neighbor friend pretty much had her prayers and concerns answered and handed to her straight up on a beautiful silver platter!  She is moving, to this new apartment/home, this coming weekend.  :)

I get the chillbumps every time I think of and share my friend's story!  I'm so happy for my friend... and will miss her here, and our times of sharing and caring for one another.

LISTEN...
When the wears and cares of our heart are many...
Jesus knows; he listens.  He responds!!

It's a reminder of what a wonderful and faithful God we serve!! He has provided!! He has provided for my friend.  He'll do the same for our family... when the time is right.  He cares!!
He will care for our every need!!
Every.  Single.  One.

***
How about you?  Are you walking through a dry field of dreams.  Where things don't look to promising?  This may only be a season.  A season to let go and to trust for his provision.

Look for the beauty there, in that place... and be encouraged.  Jesus holds it ALL in his hand!

Have a Blessed Week!!

a life-changing statement

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Be who you want them to be.

Oh this statement captures me.

It encapsulates so much.  And, demands attention.

It's life-changing...in some aspects.

I KNOW I need this daily reminder.  As an in-my-face classic sort of way.  

Let me tell you... it has stopped me in my tracks more than a couple of times.

This goes beyond Mothering - for sure!

More than toward my children
it's a call for and toward society.

It's also for my team.

My friendships.

My neighbors.

And beyond.

Inspire. Encourage. Influence.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.  The words of Jesus, from Luke 6:13

Have a fabulous week!!

Enjoy this first day of Summer!!!

Extending Forgiveness

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Not long ago - I had a dear friend say some pretty hard and intense words that really hurt me.  Though not truly directed right at me, nor intended for me - they came - because of me and I so badly wanted to own them and harbor her angst, making it mine.  Allowing that to drive a wedge.

Does anyone relate to this?

I don't see this friend as regularly as I'd like to!  And honestly, I was glad there for awhile that I didn't have to face her, too soon.  Because, it would have been - too soon.

Why?

Honestly.  I had to really process my response.  I had to decide to forgive this dear, dear friend. 

She's right - in her mind.  She is completely right... and there is absolutely no changing her.

This could go round and round.  

My wanting so badly to have her see and hear just how very wrong she is...

Because she is.

See why I say this could go round and round??

However.  Here is where humility, grace, love and kindness go a long, long way.  

And, it's hard!!

I love this dear friend to death. 

When I did see her recently... I was a wreck (down deep).  Oh!!  We had a pleasant enough time and visit - but it truly revealed (in my heart of hearts) just how much I have yet to forgive... 

Truth is.  I'm not perfect.  And, I have been forgiven much.  That said,  I must extend forgiveness as an ongoing and outgoing - from my soul...to others whether they ask for it or not.

 My prayer is that I will simply show my friend all these things (of love, humility, grace and kindness) that will one day soften her heart completely...

And, if it's mine that needs to be softened, just as much, then let it be.  

I pray for the both of us in this regard.

***

“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” ― Corrie ten Boom

***Linking with Finding the Grace Within | tuesday @ ten :: forgive

The word is wait!

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What happens when the word is "wait".  Just wait!   And you've already been holding that load for a long enough time?  I think I'd want to change the word to - weight!  Amen?

This isn't easy.  This is heavy stuff.

Weight bears hard on one's soul - especially on one who has literally waited far too long, as it is!

I was just talking with a neighbor friend - the other day.
Her WAIT is weighing her down.
Big time!

She is overwhelmed with being overwhelmed.

Can anyone relate to this?

What do you say in a moment like that?

Oh - we could say all the cliche stuff... but what if that doesn't hold any longer?

The only thing I supposed I could do - really - was to offer a listening ear, sit a little longer than anticipated, and offer her a hug and a prayer - as she went out the door.

I think...I hope...
Her load was a little lighter... even though she still has to wait.

I tried to encourage....

The darker the night.  The brighter the LIGHT shines.
The waiting room may be really dark right now (and you're not sitting there alone - I'm here too) - but soon enough the door will open. Light will come streaming through - as in - it's your turn!!
****

Linking with Finding the Grace Within | tuesday @ ten :: wait

Housecleaning!!

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With the new year now upon us (obviously, here we are in the midst of January!) I took note of a little "update attention" needed with our address book!  It's tired.  It's back is breaking and it needs cleaning it up a bit, if you will.  Got to start cleaning house...somewhere!!

Lord, have mercy -  I say.  This poor book!  A life-treasure, for sure!

However, it seems there are more lines (names and addresses) crossed out; whited out, replacing the old with the new of updated name and addresses filled in and rewritten here and there - throughout this old book of ours; possibly, more than one can even imagine. It's no wonder, really, because the original book is close to 15 years old. :)

A lot of our life has taken a turn...

It's amazing how life's revolving door brings about such a dramatic and relational change, etc. People come and go!  Location and vocation take us here and there.
Unfortunately, we sadly lose touch!

 I don't know if you feel like this... but, it's like if you lose contact with certain folks - you feel almost guilty for taking them out of your address book - because it feels like you've "taken them out" of your life - for good!  Is that right?

I don't know if I like that... feeling!

Honestly, the one thing that the old book has allowed - is a pass down memory lane.   As I would think about so and so and wonder what they're up too; where life has taken them to... I pause to pray.

However, all of this is a literal two-way street - isn't it? - to stay in touch with everyone you know and even once knew?  I reckon, I haven't always done my faithful best.  But - this is how life rolls, doesn't it?

Maybe it's my loyal heart talking - but I wonder why so many silent good-byes...?  Makes me kinda sad... and yet - I think of all the new "hellos" that are out there for today - ones that I am so forever grateful for.  Ones that I KNOW will remain a part of our family and lives for a long, long time.

Nonetheless, it honestly is time to update, while continuing to cherish the family and friends
 that remain a constant in our young family's life.

Here's to 2016!!

:: Have you ever paused to consider just how many people you know? ::

In Loving Memory...

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The reality is...

This is just a memory now!

I'm so grateful for the flood of memories and good times we've had in getting to know our landlord, over the past nearly seven years.   Not just as as landlord, but as a friend.

Many a Saturday morning - my husband would about miss his (hot) breakfast - due to the fact that you'd find him out in one of the barns - chewing the fat with Mr. A.

As a small family; tenants; friends - we had the privilege of attending his funeral service, yesterday afternoon/evening.  We wouldn't miss it for the world!!

What a wonderful celebration service... I mean, we felt as if we were part of the family - almost.

As the stories were shared and the photos were viewed... we felt as though we could have shared the very same words... and we did have a few of our own.

What an honor!

~~~

It's quiet here, now.  The cows have been gone for several weeks.  The barn doors only open if necessary. The gator gets pulled out only every now and then...

However, the sights and sounds of the farm are of a lonely sort.

The above collage-photo is the alphabet in photos of snippets of and around the farm and homestead...

We really don't know what our future holds - or how long we have to continue to enjoy the blessing of living here.

But - until we know that... life does go on!

Back to the so-called-monday-washday and routines of life.

That sounds a bit trite... but it's truly what Mrs. A reminded us... as we "visited" with her in the receiving line last evening.  It's true!

Life does go on.  With no stopping.  It waits for no one.

It's up to us.

To not only count the days but to make each day count.

Probably one of the greatest pieces of advice ever shared, right there!

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Thank you kindly for your continued thoughts and prayers... they are and will be greatly appreciated.

{day 15} Whispers of the Heart! :: laugh

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My next-door neighbor, at the time, was one of my best friends.  I would still consider us to be friends although, sadly, these days, our paths don't cross so much anymore, like they used to.  Nonetheless, the one thing I hold onto is the memory of this dear friend having the best laugh, ever!
 And, she still does.  I'm sure of it!  I know where she comes from! :)  It's in her blood...

 I will never forget it. Especially in how contagious and infectious it was.
I would smile over just hearing her laugh.
 In fact, as I recall, because we were such close neighbors - I could hear her laughter ringing through the walls... and it didn't take much to get her tickled.  Oh, those good ole days!

I miss this!  I miss her!

Unfortunately.  I don't have a laugh like this  Mine is more like a quiet snicker... or, well... I don't know what you'd call it, exactly. Certainly not a laugh that rolls off and out - all natural or anything. One thing I know... no matter what it's called - it (me, genuinely laughing) doesn't happen enough.

I wish I had a laugh that rang true!  Simple as that.

Changing subjects just a tad.  Back when I was a kid...I can remember a song often played on the Christian Radio that we liked to listen to... and it would make our whole family - just get into the giggles.  It's called The Laughing Song - sung by George Younce of the Cathedrals! And, for old times sake, I thought I'd share that with you here today...



What a fun memory - for me!! I hadn't heard this song in a while so I hope you enjoyed this and yes, I had to chuckle aloud as I just watched it a couple of times, myself.
Maybe I'll have to pull this one out and introduce it to my kiddos'.  They'd probably get a good laugh out of it, as well.  If nothing else... perhaps the plaid suit ought get a rise out of somebody!! :)
Oh my.

Oh...Heavenly Father - I do thank you for light-hearted moments and memories... moments that bring us to giggles, snickers, smiles and even deep hearted; rolling-on-the-floor, sort of laughter.  I know you made this - as a gift - for us all to enjoy. Something to be shared. 
 And laughter; it's one of those things - along with tears - that is understood in any language.  I know that out the mouth the heart speaks.  I ask you now... Would you fill me with your JOY?!, along with your presence, so that it would bubble forth and spill out and over to those around me.
I have a hard time... and can be overly serious far too often.   

I thank you for folks in my life -both present and past - who challenge me in this area of laughter... and for the ones that do bring the laughter out in me. I'm so thankful for people in my life - who can laugh easy. Ones close to me like my husband and my kids... 
Help me grow - in this area.  And, I am comforted in the fact your Word says that you will perfect that which concerneth me. It bothers me that I don't think I laugh enough.  I ask you to fill my days with joyous laughter and my heart with continual praise... may it ever be on my lips!!  Amen.

How about you?  Do you laugh easily?  Or, are you kind of like me... and find laughter - true laughter - hard to come by?

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Thank you, for joining with me in my 31 days of Five Minute Friday free writes.  I will be updating this home page daily so that you will not miss an entry.