Happiness Is...

• Doing what I love. We are counting down to the show's opening on Thursday (a big thank you to those of you who bought tickets!!), and I am so excited to see it all put together. I have no idea what the set or costumes look like, but I've heard they are AMAZING. I am really, REALLY tired lately, but in a happy, fulfilled way. I have been doing musical theatre my whole life, either on the stage or as a director, and It's always been a very rewarding experience. I especially love this theatre company because they are Christian-based, and so it is a ministry opportunity as well as a wonderful way to practice my craft. I've truly got the best of both worlds.
• The dozen pink and red roses from my hubby that are sitting on my desk looking goregous. But most importantly, his support and love even though he's seen little of me lately.
• The gift of my children and the joy it is to be home with them. We are having such a blast this year. I thank God for all the blessings that have come about because of our decision to homeschool this year. It continues to be such a joy, even on the hard days.
• A warm home, good health, and the constant provision of the Lord. He has amazed us this year with little miracles and the way we've been able to "keep going" regardless of what the bank account says. He is so good. All the time.
• Wonderful friends and family and neighbors who bless us so richly.
• The promises in God's word and the Truth contained within its pages.
• And last, but absolutely NOT least, my Savior, who still has me amazed.

This...yes, this is happiness.

I could get used to this!

I woke up to a beautiful morning and went and sat out on the patio, read the paper, and had a nice chat with our neighbors (who as I mentioned previously were safe and sound!). Dinner tonight was enjoyed outside once again, and afterwards, we decided to go fishing. It was so relaxing...quiet and serene...(we even caught a couple of fish!) and I thought this is definitely something I'd love to do on a regular basis.

I go back to teaching tomorrow (it's been a really nice break), and to kick it off, I attended the senior recital of one of my students this afternoon. She is so talented, playing piano, violin, and being an accomplished vocalist. She honored all of us, her teachers, by introducing us, acknowledging us in the program and giving us flowers afterward. I will miss her so much next year, but it's been very rewarding working with her these last four years and watching her grow.

Do you ever have days when you put your head on your pillow at night and honestly think, wow! This was a really nice day? So often, I'm too tired to even really notice...but I was reminded afresh today that I am so blessed with a great family, good friends and neighbors, a home I love, a job that's rewarding, and a God who loves and watches out for me. Truly, it doesn't get much better than that.