10 things that make me happy

When I got invited to do this post, I realized it actually fits pretty nicely with my blog’s current theme of seeking to walk in joy despite life’s challenges. Meditating on the things that bring us joy is actually a great exercise that helps to stop the habit of complaining. I need to do this more often!

On that note, I’d like to thank Inez Bayardo from fortheloveofmom.org for tagging me in this challenge and without further ado, here’s my list! 

1. Dates with my husband

I never get tired of hanging out with this guy! Seriously, I would rather go out with him than have alone time because things are just better with your best friend. Of course, there’s not always opportunity, but last week we went to a Brazilian steakhouse together which was awesome!

2. Singing/playing music with my husband

We met at church and have been on the worship team together pretty much ever since. We both write songs and sing and play. In our current church we don’t do a lot of duets, but even if it’s just practicing at home it makes my heart smile. 

3. Bike rides/being outside in nice weather

I’m not very athletic, but before I had kids I used to enjoy long bike rides in the summer. I love feeling the breeze and seeing all the sites from a fresh perspective. It’s exhilarating to me! I did get a kid seat for my bike, I just got to get back into it. And wake up earlier. 

4. Making homemade greeting cards with my daughter

I’m also not super-crafty, but for some reason I’m crazy about making cards. I even wrote a how-to post here. I love making cards because I get to be creative, enjoy the pretty paper, AND I don’t have to buy birthday cards. It’s the hobby that pays for itself. 

5. A clean house

My house is not clean often. I am not an organized person. But when it IS clean, it makes me happy. 

6. Sweets

I have a major sweet tooth. I love almost all things sugary. Ice cream, candy, cookies, cake … I have my favorites, but really, they’re all good. 

7. Family dates with my kids

My husband currently has Fridays off, so we’ll usually go somewhere fun with the kids like the beach or the children’s museum, or almost everything on this list. I love watching my kids experience new things!

8. Reading fiction 

It’s funny because I’m terrible at writing fiction, I hate reading non-fiction, and I only write non-fiction. Oh well. My favorites are sci fi and fantasy fiction, an early influence from my childhood best friend, Jennie. 

9. Writing/blogging

I’ve always written, but in the past eight years or so it’s been for my job, and the last year for my blog. Blogging is really at the top of my favorite things to do ever. It’s not just writing; it’s creating, promoting, growing an audience, setting and meeting goals. It’s hearing from others how your words have impacted their life. It’s making a small amount of money for my family from doing something that I started all by myself. I love it. 

10. That Aha! moment when God shows me something

This probably brings me the most joy. When I’m sitting in silence or worshiping with music or riding my bike or listening to someone else speak, and then suddenly a little whisper in my heart makes things completely clear. For that moment, I have divine perspective: perspective from the Eternal Being who knows all of the past and sees all of my future. The clarity and peace from His presence and His Words are priceless. 

There are a lot more things that make me happy, liking going new places, seeing new things, dates with friends, baking … I could go on! I listed my top ten, but I’m so blessed that there are tons of things that brighten my day. What is the top thing that makes YOU happy?

I nominate Jasmine Hewitt from http://lovelifelaughmotherhood.com/ to write about ten things that make her happy also!