Author Archives: Barbara

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… When I first started writing, about a hundred years ago, I learned quickly that the writer’s life was full of rejections. Of course, I was in good company. Zane Gray … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… When Thanksgiving comes around each year, it’s a great reminder to give thanks. Psalm 92:1-4 says, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… When someone says something genuinely nice about me—something they really feel—I glow. It can put me in a good mood for days. By the same token, an unkind word can … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… Okay, I admit it! I talk to myself all the time. I say, “Self, what did you come into this room to get?” I say that a lot. Sometimes I’ll … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… To be honest, I’m not big on “missions” and “mission statements.” To me the word “mission” sounds task oriented. Being a bit lazy, I tend to shy away from anything … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… My mother died when I was in my early twenties but I’ve never forgotten the tidbits of knowledge she passed down to me during my formative years and it fills … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… Our family likes to celebrate. If someone gets a new job, we celebrate. If someone gets a raise, we celebrate. We may not always celebrate a birthday or anniversary on … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… A few years ago my husband and I accompanied our grown children on a tour of Egypt. We spent a couple of days in Cairo where we rode camels to … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… October is designated as Clergy Appreciation Month. I’m not sure who comes up with these months, perhaps Hallmark. But hey, being part of the clergy via marriage, I won’t balk … Continue reading →

A Journal of Joy: Things that make my heart smile… I’ve always enjoyed hanging with the old folks. It’s a good thing, because I am now on a fast track to becoming one of them. In the south, rural areas … Continue reading →