Choose Joy in 2011 - Happy New Year!

I made this framed 'Choose Joy' sign based on phrases that I hear from my daughter. Phrases such as ...

'Choose Joy' 'Scatter Kindness' 'Plant Love' 'Live Life'

These all tend to revolve around the theme to love one another. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34 - 35 (NIV). When I read this verse I can't help but to think of the lyrics from a song that the Carpenters used to sing:

What the world needs now is love sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no not just for some but for everyone.

I am making a conscious effort this year to Choose Joy, Scatter Kindness, Plant Love, and Live Life. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. " James 1:2-6 (NIV)

Won't you join me and we'll all sing ...

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on. (DC lyrics)

Valentine's - Show the Love

Love is patient,

Love is kind.
It does not envy,
It does not boast,
It is not proud.
It is not rude,
It is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

I just love that verse ... I can still hear those words being read on my wedding day. That was almost 25 years ago and our love is stronger now than ever.

I believe that love grows with every little thing you do. You can express your love this Valentine's Day by doing little things for the ones you love such as making a special Valentine's Day card. I've found some cool websites to help you get started...

Disney's Family Fun site has a lot of cool Valentine cards for kids (even some cool ones for teens).

Martha Stewart has some really cool Valentine's Day cards to make for your special sweetie.






Stroll over to the Paper Crafts Magazine gallery for some ideas as well as Online Bonuses.