SEVEN FOR YOU ◽ TIPS
Joy Jumpers
Our Panel of Women
Joy jumpers - that's what we’re calling it - life's little pleasures that make us want to jump for joy. It could be our favorite beverage on a hot summer day, a place we like to frequently visit, someone special that brings us joy, a treat we love to eat - it can be anything at all. We asked our panel to share three, and they delivered:
1. Going to Port Aransas with my daughter. We take the dogs, stop at Weikel's Bakery in LaGrange for the best kolaches, and head on our way. The last two times we went, we rented a golf cart and drove up and down the beach. We took photos, had great food, and laughed at the seagulls shouting "Mine" (Finding Nemo).
2. Finding a bargain at Goodwill. Growing up low-income, we often had secondhand clothes. Mom would find antique furniture for a few dollars and restore it. I have that bargain gene, too. It's hard for me to pay retail prices when I can find clothes I love for under $12. The image is of a vintage coffee set. It was made by Winart Company in the 60s. One cup was being sold for $10 in an antique shop. I found the entire set with the holder for $9.99 at Goodwill.
3. Seeing the wildlife out my living room window. Deer, squirrels, and the occasional fox or possum are all in the woods right in front of my condo. My neighbors call me Snow White because the animals sometimes will follow me. The squirrels aren't afraid of me and will take peanuts right out of my hand. This is Pickay peeking in to ask for a peanut. Maybe I can get her to say, "Mine" too. – Cathy
The main thing that brings me joy is being with my kids and their kids. I’ll take them separately or all together. Raising my kids was my biggest accomplishment, and the biggest blessing I’ve ever had. And seeing my grown children raising their kids is such a joy! One thing I love to do is cuddle one of my grown kids and play like they’re my baby while I tell the grands that their mommy or daddy is my baby. It’s so fun to see the reactions. The littler they are, the harder time they have comprehending this.
A second thing that brings me joy is every night I have a bowl of frozen yogurt. It’s the last thing I eat of the day and for me it signifies that the day is done. And it’s just so yummy! I always feel like I’ve finished the day well since yogurt is supposed to be better for you than ice cream.
My third thing that gives me joy I don’t do as often as I’d like. And it would be simple to do it more, I just don’t take the time. I love sitting on my outdoor swing in the backyard. It’s so relaxing and peaceful to sit and swing while watching the sunset. We live in the country, so the bunnies come out in the evening in our yard and pasture. I recently counted seven out at one time. They run, and jump, or just sit watching me as I watch them. Sometimes, we see deer. I always think about how God blesses us with joy in so many ways. – Carole
A night at the movies brings me joy. From sitting in a cold dark theater, to having popcorn and Icee in hand, I'm smiling when a movie is on my calendar. It's my time away from chores and life's pressures...where I can escape into another story.
I recently got a day pool pass with a friend, where we hung out at a luxury hotel's pool all day and read and dined. It was a joyful day away, as if we'd gone on a trip! We dipped when we got hot, we read, we chatted, and we ate fun food.
Any time I get to spend with my kids/grandkids is a joy jumper for sure. Maybe that's a given. But their closeness, their conversations, and their innocence all speak joy to my sad soul in this hard season. – Marcy
Here are a few of my joy jumpers:
I love Starbucks Carmel Frappuccino. However, I rarely get it because of the high sugar content. I usually ask for extra Carmel drizzle. That drizzle along with the whipped cream topping is a real joy jumper to me.
Sunday morning church service is a joy jumper for me. Sometimes, I worship at home. I even worship while watching church on TV when church attendance is difficult. But, there is just something about worshiping with a group who has gathered for that particular purpose.
Driving alone and singing along with music turned up loud soothes my heart. I especially love performances that include close harmonies and meaningful lyrics. Sometimes, I want to pull over and get out and dance, but that’s usually an activity I reserve for the privacy of my home. – Gina
Last week I found a young opossum sleeping in my shed. He spent every night there for about a week. That brought me joy because opossums eat rodents, roaches and the nasty things I don't like, plus I really enjoy wildlife in the garden. It brings me joy to hang out with my grandson. He's a walking encyclopedia and has a great sense of humor. He brings joy to my life. It also brings me joy when all my kids get together which isn't too often. Soaking in my stock tank pool brings me joy, especially if a friend is alongside to relax with a nice drink and watch a movie--that's joyous! - Dina
I’m blessed with a variety of “joy jumpers” in my life, things that brighten my day and fill me with joy. My dogs and my cat always give me joy, as well as my beautiful mid-century home, which feels like God handpicked and decorated for me. But I have two recent super joy-jumpers that have been great mood-lifters and continue to put a smile on my face daily.
1. I finished my “Pirates of the Caribbean” themed Privy with picture collages on the walls. I’m a huge Disneyland fan, so having a Pirates bathroom is so fun. At first, I hung some pirate stuff, but something was lacking. Then I realized the walls needed more character. I’m on a tight budget, so I prayed for help with the project. Recently, I found the rest of the supplies I needed (frames, backing paper, hanging strips, etc.) at my local Dollar Tree to hang my pirate-themed pictures. Thank You, Lord!
2. I started collecting vintage Barbies and their stuff a couple of years ago. Recently, A Barbie Townhouse from 1975 came up for auction on eBay. I longed for this Barbie home from the pages of the Sears catalog my whole childhood. Okay, my adulthood too. This townhouse was in excellent condition and still had its box! It was priced much lower than it was worth, so I got a great deal. I assembled it and put it in a place of honor next to my Barbie pool in my office. Huge joy-jumper; I get to see it every day! I’m so grateful. - Angela
One thing that will make me jump for joy, literally, is the RARE occasion that I am home alone. The sad thing is that I cannot make it happen. The other day, I left for an appointment and accidentally left my phone at home and thought, “Oh no! Oh Yessss!” I was alone. Uncontactable. Untrackable. Just me and God, out in the world. It was so, so enjoyable. So I guess alone time is a joy-jumper for me.
Babies are joy-jumpers too. I love them. I love them when they’re happy, I love them when they’re angry, I love them when they’re sad, I love them when they curious and get into trouble. I love them when they’re skinny, and I love them when they’re fat. I love them in every color. Babies are automatic joy-jumpers for me.
And lastly, dirt. Soil/earth has always been a joy jumper for me. I’m happier when I’m dirty than when I’m clean. I’m almost 50 years old and still look longingly at large piles of dirt at construction sites. I’ve played in so many dirt piles….hours of fun. I betcha Jesus gives me mounds and mounds of dirt to play with and grow things in in heaven. He and I will garden together! – Laura
Three things. Things that bring elation, bliss, and glee. What could they be?
It’s creating a delicious dinner from the armload of fresh veggies and herbs picked out of our backyard garden. Whether its tomatoes and lettuce on a BLT, pieces of fried okra on my fork, or a gently tossed cucumber salad, it all just tastes better knowing the main ingredients came from just outside the backdoor.
It’s the wagging wiggly bottoms greeting me when I walk in the door. And the snuggles and kisses while relaxing on the couch. Those tiny paws patting my arm demanding more belly rubs. The unconditional love from our two Chihuahuas is delightful!
And it’s the growing TBR (to be read) stack of books filling the shelf. Knowing all of these stories are waiting for me to discover is pure pleasure. Each of these simple things make me want to jump for joy!-Jennifer