Go! Go! Kick it in the goal!

My little 8-year-old niece plays soccer, and her team made it to second place, so they got to play in a tournament this past weekend. That was a first for her and she was so excited.

I went to several games and heard the parents joyfully cheering the girls on. (Well, most of the parents were joyful.)

Happy wedding anniversary!

My older brother and his wife celebrated their wedding anniversary this past weekend and as people arrived to celebrate, they’d joyfully greet them.

With the decision to stop keeping up on the news and shift my focus on the present moment I have been blessed to recognize all the simple joy around me.

Family, friends, even strangers at the store – there are joyful moments everywhere to experience.

I am grateful for the awakened awareness in me of the presence of simple, pure joy.

As we head towards the Third Sunday of Advent, my prayer for all of us is the words of Saint Paul in the Second Reading:

Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Advent reminds us to be aware of Christ’s presence with us now, each day.

Rejoice!

Be kind to each other.

Give Christ your worries and tell Him your needs.

Thank Him for your blessings.

Being in the present moment with Christ brings a joy and peace that endures. Rejoice!

Blessings of Joy!