Things That Make Me Smile

I feel like so many of my recent posts have been "doom and gloom", or at least that's what it feels like to me walking through this painful grief journey. For my own sanity, I spent some time just writing down a list of things that make me smile. I needed to be reminded of those things...especially now. Maybe you have your own list, or maybe this list will prompt you to create your own or to bless somebody else with a smile today.

40 things that make me smile (in no particular order):

1. My blog readers and commenters
2. Flowers
3. Being used by God
4. Seaside sunrises
5. Getting hand-written cards or notes in the mail
6. Water – not the drinking kind – the relaxing beside or within kind (lakes, oceans, rivers, etc.)
7. The name of Jesus
8. Peanut and/or Almond M&Ms
9. Africa
10. The color pink
11. A friend that can know or figure out my needs and meet them w/out me having to ask
12. Babies
13. Authentic worship (makes me cry too – but those are joy-filled tears)
14. Surprises!!
15. Encouraging words from friends
16. Going to NFL games (ANY – but especially those of my Carolina Panthers)
17. Connecting with women that love Jesus & with women yet to know Jesus
18. The beach
19. Spontaneity
20. Being able to meet a need even in my lack
21. Studying God’s Word
22. Hugs
23. A clear night with a sky full of stars
24. Really good Mexican food
25. Hazelnut coffee w/ hazelnut creamer
26. Orphan smiles
27. Listening to my daughter pray
28. Serving on a mission trip
29. Milk Duds
30. Chonda Pierce
31. Hiking to waterfalls
32. The beauty of autumn colors
33. Seafood
34. Seeing the facial expressions of people after experiencing a biblical “ah-ha moment”
35. Adventurous activities
36. Decorated Christmas trees
37. Learning that people are earnestly praying for me
38. Moonlit walks on the beach
39. Seeing/experiencing a miracle!
40. Butterflies