Think of someone you love smiling at you, feel the sweet embrace of a warm hug. Smiling at others is so uplifting! Hugs warm the heart. Hugs and smiles bless and connect us to those we love. A simple smile can change someone’s day.  Smiles are free to give. Uplifting the giver & the receiver. A smile blesses even when you don’t know the other person.  Smiling and looking up, hugging those sweet people in our lives can really bless the relationships around us bringing encouragement and joy in life.

The daily grind can become a habitual routine that distracts from the love and joy all around.  In my day to day life just getting all my children to the car in the morning with their things is an event. This time of day had become more about the task instead of lovingly teaching them & helping them. When I pick my children up from school I have always made a point to smile at them, but other times of the day I let joy flee.  Bedtime could often bring me to drill sergeant mode…definitely not smiling.  It made me think about what my face must look like to my children when I was ordering them to brush their teeth- pretty much the opposite of a smiling mom. When I recognized the lack of joy in our home I began asking God for help. The phrase “pray about everything” came to mind from “Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs don’t forget to thank him for his answers.” TLB

I asked God to change my attitudes and to give me a gentle spirit, in the midst of the chaos. I also asked God to show me how to do things his way, trusting him with daily task & concerns, with joy in my heart. God tells us to pray about everything with thanksgiving- to REALLY pray about everything. Since I have prayed about this God has been so faithful and opened my eyes to stop and “see” moments to slow down and smile at my children, hug them, and use a gentler tone to instruct them in daily activities.  I am so thankful for doing things a new way, there is a new joy in my heart. There are definitely still times I am more task focused than love focused, but now I feel God gently reminding me to slow down and smile.  Becoming aware of this is transforming my heart and I pray bringing blessing to my children, family and others.  I am so thankful to God we can ask him for help in any part of life. He truly hears our every prayer.

There is so much news in our world that is tough to take, it really blesses others when we smile and let the joy of the Lord direct our day.  We truly have the greatest gift ever in Jesus to smile about and be thankful for.  We are endlessly loved all day, all the time by Jesus! Let those words bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart! God wraps us in hugs of his love, grace and mercy. Smile! 🙂 I pray you are encouraged to let the joy of the Lord fill your heart, bring a smile and shine your light for Christ.

Hugs & Smiles,

Priscilla

 

Ask God: Is there somewhere you need to share the joy of a smile or a hug in your daily routine?

Ask God: to fill you with the joy of Him 🙂

 

Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 TLB

The Lord bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26