{"id":842,"date":"2017-09-02T11:07:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-02T16:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/a-journal-of-joy-laughter\/"},"modified":"2019-02-18T10:10:44","modified_gmt":"2019-02-18T16:10:44","slug":"a-journal-of-joy-laughter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/?p=842","title":{"rendered":"A Journal of Joy &#038; Laughter"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-VAAr39G9Utc\/WaoguAJaDiI\/AAAAAAAAZos\/qzdE-2k5eDMPuqpFqAU2_NWwYN1g9YAJQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/She%2Blaughs.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Shelaughs.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" data-original-width=\"720\" data-original-height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>I was in Tulsa for the last couple of days to check in on Mom and my other besties. So my \u201csugar and spice and everything nice\u201d awaited me.<\/p>\n<p>When I arrived at Mom\u2019s, Karen (my sis-in-law) and her home health nurse were with her and Mom was cringing as the nurse tended to some tender areas of pain.  When the nurse finished, Mom\u2019s wit and sense of humor kicked in.  \u201cDonna, I went to my podiatrist and he had to remove my big toe nail because of the infection under it.  First, he deadened my toe, then he put a rubber ring on it to work on it, and  I said, \u201cDoc, are we engaged now?\u201d  LOL\u201d  We laughed at each other with our \u201ctoe\u201d issues (my two broken toes, still on the mend) and her toe. <\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-tA1LDw81ZvM\/Waog1FxOEtI\/AAAAAAAAZow\/M9HPqtqZOm4cZPVk2F9ncEOsYmqi2kO7QCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Anna%2BDonna%2BGranny2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/AnnaDonnaGranny2.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" data-original-width=\"960\" data-original-height=\"720\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>There is nothing like laughter that lifts the spirits and invites in joy. In the afternoon, Mom\u2019s 4-year old great granddaughter came by. The minute she walked in the door, joy came in with that little cutie pie, making us laugh without even trying.   <\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-pahtVaj5y8E\/WaohD_LsXjI\/AAAAAAAAZo0\/8uswf0R3PQoyKQLNKWFJqCBrNlX-F43wgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Anna%2BDonna%2BPlay%2BDough.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/AnnaDonnaPlayDough.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" data-original-width=\"960\" data-original-height=\"720\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>We made hairy play dough snakes with bows on!  She has brought so much joy into Mom&#8217;s world, who will celebrate her 95th birthday next month.<\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-KjVR0lg6gRk\/WaohIiJ8NJI\/AAAAAAAAZo4\/d1bBK5euGNkephqg3QsqimseEGZeG6CWgCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Donna%2B%2526%2BBenjamin%2BCandle.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Donna26BenjaminCandle.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" data-original-width=\"720\" data-original-height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Then I made a quick stop-over to my BFF\u2019s Mick &#038; Sheila, whose 2 year old grandson was at their home \u2013 even more laughter and joy as that very talkative, energized and hilarious little guy stole the show.  <\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/3.bp.blogspot.com\/-LKzGPIfuQqI\/Waoh9F83pSI\/AAAAAAAAZpE\/vPWQWu2llOsbEyo3Xx8Sv02OUmcx7U5MwCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Donna%2B%2526%2BBenjamin.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Donna26Benjamin.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" data-original-width=\"720\" data-original-height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>AND, he loved helping me open my birthday gift and blow out my birthday cake!    <\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/4.bp.blogspot.com\/-rJwZaAopvM4\/WaoiDnSoNqI\/AAAAAAAAZpI\/i8MwF-M4TFgB3FRFgpsk6nZuwk3tLHJ9gCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Anderson%2BKids%2B%2526%2BDonna%2Bin%2BAugust2.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/AndersonKids26DonnainAugust2.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" data-original-width=\"720\" data-original-height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>To top my day off, I had precious time (and a yummy roast beef dinner) with my godson and his family.   The day lit up for me when I heard incredible stories about my sweet godson and the health strides he is making.  I gave them all treasures from my Holy Lands trip, and, with my Sea of Galiliee map, showed them where Jesus walked and performed so many miracles.  <\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/1.bp.blogspot.com\/-djK70X4g9LA\/WaoiLcNsg5I\/AAAAAAAAZpM\/Op5cOYnwhhwfA5Y2tn4q9Wv7jqVDWRlGACLcBGAs\/s1600\/Andersons%2BDinner%2BAugust.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/AndersonsDinnerAugust.jpg\" width=\"320\" height=\"240\" data-original-width=\"640\" data-original-height=\"480\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Nothing can give more joy than talking about our Lord.<\/p>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/2.bp.blogspot.com\/-ZO6mqcnffC0\/WaoiR1pjacI\/AAAAAAAAZpQ\/OIrLl2KwYhgQTDXicFYr7R8GS2zpd9siQCLcBGAs\/s1600\/Karen%2B%2526%2BDonna%2Bin%2BAugust.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Karen26DonnainAugust.jpg\" width=\"240\" height=\"320\" data-original-width=\"720\" data-original-height=\"960\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Yesterday, Karen and I had some \u201csister\u201d alone time for lunch.  I know of no one that can compare with this gal who serves others so selflessly.  Not only does she see after Mom on a daily basis, but she serves others with a heart of servitude that inspires me so much.  We laughed.  We cried. We both know the love of God so much that we just can\u2019t help ourselves in returning that love in loving and serving others.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve just read my joy-filled journal for the last two days. There was so much joy wrapped up in all of those little visits that I couldn\u2019t help but share them with you. <\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what I\u2019ve come to know and appreciate so much: \u201cGood humor, laughter, kindness, and hearts of gratitude and thanksgiving are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.\u201d  That\u2019s why I love making my little visits to those people who bring the heart of God into my life.  <\/p>\n<p>But, life isn&#8217;t always \u201csugar and spice\u201d.  I found that out when I arrived back in Frisco.  I needed to fill my car up when I made it back home because I\u2019m headed to Austin. After trying 8 gas stations that were out of gas, I finally saw a 7-11 with a long line of cars at one entrance and just a few cars at the entrance that I was driving by.  I pulled in and in a matter of 10 minutes, I was filling my car up.  I think some of that \u201csugar and spice favor\u201d was still on me.  But while I was there, I witnessed frustrated drivers yelling at each other.  A woman cut in line ahead of another car and a screaming match ensued that I could hardly believe.  As I understand it, there really isn\u2019t a shortage of gas, simply a delay getting the fuel to the stations, but fear and panic are gripping people\u2019s lives who don\u2019t know God&#8217;s loving heart. <\/p>\n<p>Proverbs 31:25 says about the virtuous woman, \u201cShe is clothed in strength and dignity, and SHE LAUGHS without fear of the future.\u201d  I sure want to be this woman.  There is no need to fear when God is our Father. I love that \u201cSHE LAUGHS\u201d. And, in a day when there is so much doom and gloom all around, we can LAUGH and rejoice away the darkness as we let our little lights shine with the loving and tender heart of God!  Maybe it would be a good idea to go hang out with some jolly, merry and happy souls that will fill up our joy tank today or maybe we could be THAT joy tank that fills others up with the joy of the Lord.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I was in Tulsa for the last couple of days to check in on Mom and my other besties. So my \u201csugar and spice and everything nice\u201d awaited me. When I arrived at Mom\u2019s, Karen (my sis-in-law) and her home health nurse were with her and Mom was cringing as the nurse tended to some&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[4954,4986,4987,4229,1077,4988,4989,3060,4990,3480,4991,4992,4993,4994],"class_list":["post-842","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-gas-shortage","tag-joy-and-laughter","tag-joy-of-the-lord","tag-joy-filled","tag-laughter","tag-lifts-the-spirits","tag-podiatrist","tag-proverbs-3125","tag-rubber-ring","tag-sense-of-humor","tag-she-laughed","tag-sugar-and-spice","tag-virtuous","tag-wit"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/842","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=842"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/842\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7259,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/842\/revisions\/7259"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=842"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=842"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypeacezone.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=842"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}