the year of the happy blog.

At the beginning of february, actually the weekend of my birthday, I spent a weekend with high school students who come to our youth group. We spent the weekend talking about love, the kind of love we experience,  and the kind of love that we are meant to experience. I constantly learn from my friends in the youth group. And this weekend with this particular group of gals was no different.

I realize I have not blogged since last year. How did that happen? Easily. Well, I've pondered no longer blogging but am inspired by a quotation from one of the girls from that weekend: "We need more happy blogs." I first giggled when I heard it. But at the heart of it is so much truth. I agree that we need reminders of the joys of life. We need to be reminded of things to be thankful for.  So here's my attempt at just one happy blog.  My attempt at sharing things I'm thankful for, amidst the hard stuff.

I leave you with something to think about. It's Lent. The season often associated with fasting and preparing for Easter. This was presented to a group of us women this past weekend. May it challenge you the way it challenged me. Notice the words chosen.

Fast from judgment, Feast on compassion
Fast from greed, Feast on sharing
Fast from scarcity, Feast on abundance
Fast from fear, Feast on peace
Fast from lies, Feast on truth
Fast from gossip, Feast on praise
Fast from anxiety, Feast on patience
Fast from evil, Feast on kindness
Fast from apathy, Feast on engagement
Fast from discontent, Feast on gratitude
Fast from noise, Feast on silence
Fast from discouragement, Feast on hope
Fast from hatred, Feast on love
 
What will be your fast? What will be your feast?