We are a movie quote family. Meaning....most of the time, we speak to each other through movie (or t.v.) quotes. My husband's family did this growing up, and he has kindly passed this "language" on to our kids.
"I just like to smile, smiling's my favorite." Our favorite quote from "Elf". It's one of our favorite Christmas movies, but we will watch it any time of the year because it's just a fun, good feeling movie, and yes, it makes us smile. I've been conducting a little experiment lately. Smiling. I've simply been trying to smile more. This year, one of my personal goals is to be more joyful. I have been so guilty of letting the stress of everyday life and the troubles of the world, bog me down . It's exhausting, has stolen my joy, and I just don't want to live that way. So, in working towards this goal, I started with something easy, yet profound: smiling. It's amazing what a smile can do. It can change a room, a mood, and even a person. Sometimes, a simple smile can make an awkward moment easier to navigate. It can bring a chaotic atmosphere a little peace. It can bring on laughter in an embarrassing situation. It can help the lonely feel surrounded, the misunderstood feel accepted, and it can give the broken-hearted a glimpse of hope. A smile can completely change a moment for the good. What a difference a smile can make in our day to day interactions with our own families. It certainly has changed the demeanor of our home. I've heard it from childhood, and it's true: smiling is contagious. As I greet my husband each morning with a warm smile (and a cup of coffee) he can't help but smile back at me. As I talk to my children throughout the day and interact with them, I smile, and they usually smile back and our moments together become fun, joyful and sometimes silly. When my rebellious teen begins to disrespect me, I give him a genuine smile before responding to him, and usually it brings the tension down. My smile has also helped me. After getting up several times through the night with my baby, when I remember to smile at her, it reminds me these tough times are just a season and it makes me grateful for the moments I have to snuggle her. I tend to get overwhelmed when many things get loud and piled on me at once, so I have began to take a deep breath, smile, and reset my thinking when that occurs....and it has truly helped. And of course, on bad days, on hard days, on sorrowful days (and we all have those) when I am the one receiving the smile....it makes a difference. It gives me hope, shows me I'm loved, and helps me to seek the joy of the Lord. Remember to smile often, today. It can change things. "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health." ~ Proverbs 15:30 Keep reading God's Word. It is a treasure for our souls. Joyfully His, Andrea
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
October 2021
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