Joy Comes In Unexpected Places

Rewind.  Over 10 years ago I walked through the gun aisle of a sporting goods store and started crying as Hubby looked at guns.  I did not grow up with guns around.  Since I was a teacher, my connection with guns was hearing about school shootings and gun accidents.  Fear dictated my view of guns.

Fast forwarded to today.  I still don't feel real comfortable with guns, but I support my hubby's hobby and collection.  I have even attended a gun safety class and shot handguns several times.  Well, the other day I shot Hubby's new AR build and you know what?  I actually enjoyed myself by the second shot.  And I checked another thing off my Bucket List; I hit the target!

Joy comes in unexpected places.

We have had a lot of loss with the adoption process.  10 babies, not ours.  Still waiting, much longer than we expected.  Grief knocks throughout the days; but joy does too.  Joy came while I was doing something I feared.

Joy found in the three, right here, collected the bullet shells, once fired, a treasure hunt.  Find casings, memorials of the power displayed.  Keep counting...

#2081  Done with school for the year- quite the milestone.  We learned, we cried, we grew, we finished; joy.

#2082  Darling daughter started a Horse Blog and stopped crying about writing, when she got to use the keyboard to write.  She loves to use exclamation points!!!!!!!!!  Quite fitting for a girl who approaches life with such enthusiasm!

#2084  After big break from phonics and tears of frustration (from student and teacher) we found a reading program that works for sunshine-head.  He is one who can honestly say, "Hooked on Phonics worked for me!":)  So proud of you son.

#2085  For the flexibility of youngest while the others do school.  So ready to learn...chiming in with answers.  Your turn will come this fall buddy.

Today, let's bring joy to unexpected places...like a dentist office, a stressful work environment,  a lonely neighbor, a spouse who could use a helping hand, a prayer offered for a difficult situation.


Jeremiah 31:13-14  
"Then (she) will rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together, for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow.  And I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness', declares the LORD."