Reflecting on a year that has past and a new slate opening for 2019, I think of all my blessings and joys and challenges. The more mature my thinking gets, I realize that life is not always joyful. Yes, I used to childishly think life should be like a fairy tale where good always wins. It has challenges that must be dealt with. Being positive remains a strong suit for me and I'm so thankful for that bent in my personality. I refuse to let the joy that comes my way go unnoticed!
There is plenty in this world of mine to get discouraged about! But then Joy comes in unexpected moments.
Like the squirrels that hides nuts and seeds and then joyfully finding them, I'm looking for the joy that surrounds me.
I like to think of Joy as something that must be looked for and pursued daily. Don't let the disappointments of life take it away.
"Beneath the rust and grime which dulls the shine of our weathered hearts, Joy patiently waits to be discovered. "
John Mark Green
Yes, it is so easy to fall into the pits sometimes. Life is not easy; however, God is going with us wherever we go and He will lead us along. And all those joys you find are gifts...the beautiful images you capture of the birds and squirrels, flowers....all from Him. May 2019 be brighter and blessed. You will find joy in so many places.
ReplyDeleteVee, all Joy comes from above. Having the heart and eyes to see is what we need. ♥
DeleteLovely photos Martha Ellen. Being in nature and looking at animals and birds, and even the occasional insect, lifts me up, and looking at pretty photos such as yours. I also love your header shot and your pretty collectibles. Life sends its challenges I know, and it makes one not take anything for granted, especially the older I get. I do hope 2019 is a great year for you and your loved ones. Wishing you a Very Happy and Healthy New Year :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Denise. We are kindred spirits that find joy in nature. How lucky we are to have the eyes to see. Happy New Year to you and yours! ♥
DeleteI was encouraged by your positive words.. thank you. I needed uplifting. Thanks for your kind words on my blog.. I'm glad we found each other's blogs this year!!
ReplyDelete((hugs)), Teresa :-)
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*H*A*P*P*Y* *N*E*W* *Y*E*A*R*!*
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Oh! Teresa, I'm so glad to have found a new friend in you. I appreciate your comments very much. Thinking of you especially during your loss. Take care of yourself. Happy New Year to you and your family! ♥
DeleteExcellent way to look at life. It is easy to let those negatives become all we focus on. I like to look for the “silver lining”! Wishing you a Blessed, Healthy and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, dear Liz. Thank you for being a silver lining in my life! ♥
DeleteI agree. Life is not always full of fairy tales, and it is far healthier to be realistic than it is to perpetually sprinkle glitter; but always, we must seek the good in all situations, for I believe every situation has something positive to teach us.
ReplyDeleteI hope your coming year is full of joy and many blessings! Here's to a Happy, Healthy New Year 2019! {please envision two glasses clinking in a toast as I do not have emoticons to use here!}
~~~Waving~~~From Across the Pond~~~Deb in Wales xoxo
Deb, I'm always learning. May this coming year be one of learning, sprinkled with blessings of joy to you! Happy New Year! xoxo ♥
DeleteI hope the New Year finds you in good health and excellent spirit!
ReplyDeleteRyoma.
Happy New Year! ♥
DeleteLove these photos as nature always soothes and comforts me. 2018 Was sure a rocky year for me... thank you for your kind comments on my blog and for your prayers, it means so very much to me. I hope you have a very happy, healthy, successful New Year!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
Jill, nature is a good place to focus when the world seems to turn upside down. I do pray that 2019 will find you in better health. I will continue to keep you close in my thoughts and prayers as you seek better health. Happy New Year, my friend! ♥
DeleteWhat a wonderful post filled with gratitude, Martha Ellen. I love your sweet bird pictures and that mischievous squirrel looking for his nuts and seeds. Yes, we surely can have difficult times in life, but your positive nature will always help you through them. I really like this quote you've shared.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Martha Ellen, and may your light keep shining for all of us to see.....Grateful, Wonderful, You. : )
~Sheri
Sheri, you always have the kindest words, my friend. I'm wishing Joy finds you when you least expect it! Happy New Year. May it be your sweetest ever! ♥
DeleteBeautiful photos Martha Ellen! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pilar. Happy New Year! ♥
DeleteHappy and Blessed New Year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words.
Beautiful tree. : )
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year, Billie Jo! ♥
DeleteI enjoyed reading your words and seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteSending my good wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2019.
All the bet Jan
Happy New Year to you and your family, Jan! ♥
DeleteFinding the Joy in all things is certainly the best way to live! May you always Take Joy in the adventure called Life. ❤️
ReplyDeleteLife is an adventure for sure and joy is around every corner. Happy New Year, dear Cathy! ♥
DeleteSO eloquently written ... Such a lovely post... Happy New Year to you and your family too...xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteZaa, it's so nice to have you here. Thank you for visiting! Happy New Year! xoxoxo ♥
DeleteI am nodding my head with you. Yes, life is challenging and sometimes very hard. And also yes, there is joy. If we are His, we are blessed beyond imagination!
ReplyDeleteA blessed New Year to you and yours and may you find much joy in it!
Happy New Year to you and your family as well, dear Cheryl! ♥
DeleteWise words, I suppose we appreciate joy all the more because it is difficult to come by. Happy 2019, dear Martha Ellen.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Sending you, Amalia, many wishes for a joyous Happy New Year! xo ♥
DeleteHappy New Year Martha Ellen. I enjoyed your photos and your new header is wonderful--as is the photo peeking in at your tree. I hope you see much joy in the year ahead!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dotsie! I wish you Joy in the new year as well! ♥
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