joy – Sarah Bebes Blog

He travels for work. A lot. The first thing he does when he knows his next travel destination is seek out the closest donut shop. My husband, Mike, is a donut connoisseur.

After sampling donuts literally all over the world, Mike says the best ones are right here in Pennsylvania. He calls it a tie between Beiler’s Donuts in Lancaster, PA https://www.beilersdoughnuts.com and Shady Maple donuts in East Earl, PA https://www.shady-maple.com . Don’t worry, my friends in healthcare. He doesn’t eat donuts every single day, and he walks a lot of miles every day.

I always say that Mike (aka G-dad) adds life to life, meaning he makes it so fun and enjoyable! Our granddaughters know what I mean, because he can make a game out of anything. I love hearing the laughter when they visit.

Joy is possible. Jesus invites us into relationship with Him, and that is true life and joy. He said, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:9-11) Did you catch that? “Your joy may be complete.”

Be sure to take time to enjoy bites of donuts and bites of life! As for me, in a couple of weeks Mike and I are heading to Texas together, and I’m sure my Mike has already located the Shipley’s Donuts nearest our hotel.

“God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)

Take time to savor bites of donuts and bites of life!

It was a surprise, so Mike insisted that I put on a blindfold. Then he started the truck, and 0ff we went. To where, I had no idea. Of course, I tried to figure out this secret location by noting the turns and such, but soon I was hopelessly confused. When we arrived, Mike stopped the truck, had me wait (still blindfolded) and then he gently led me out of the truck and walked with me, holding me steady. Now I could take the blindfold off. My eyes opened to see a picnic table right next to a beautiful pasture with cows grazing alongside a creek and a pond, an incredibly peaceful spot. On the table there was a cheery, red tablecloth, and sitting on top of it were delicious looking hoagies, potato chips from the Herrs Factory right down the road, and ice-cold drinks. Aaaaaaaaahhhh. It was just the break I needed.

That’s my Mike. He reminds me to have fun, to stop and take a breather, to slow down and enjoy little things, like a picnic with some cows. I’m so glad for Mike. He adds life to life! Are you allowing joy in your life? Are doing something or some things that you really enjoy?

One thing that I really enjoy is writing and taking pictures. I put together a little book for my granddaughters called “God is with Me When…”. It includes pictures of them having a variety of fun. My hope is that they will always know God is present with them and wants them to enjoy life. I’ve included the PDF file so you may have a look, if you like. I hope it will inspire you to invite more joy into your life. Feel free to share what brings you joy.

GodiswithMeWhen Download