J.R. Martinez Inspires Military Friends

Top photo: Pictured, left to right: Mattie Reynolds, Courtney Kramer, J.R. Martinez and Katie Reynolds.

Second photo: Pictured, left to right: Katie Reynolds, Courtney Kramer and Mattie Reynolds.
Photos by Phyllis Wheeler

 Shirley Endres and Phyllis Wheeler. Photo by Phyllis Wheeler

Not only did I get to hear Army Hero and Dancing with the Stars Champion J.R. Martinez' amazing story today but I got to meet him in person! Thanks to J.R. Martinez I not only have some inspiring words to remember and a wonderful experience to treasure but I made three new friends and strengthened an existing friendship. What a fantastic day filled with blessings!

It was wonderful to meet Katie, Courtney and Mattie, three fun young ladies who kindly shared some great blogging tips. It was also great spending time with my friend Shirley who was kind enough to drive us both today.

If you're interested in learning more about J.R.'s talk you can check out this article on my local news/community events blog. If you'd like me to type up the notes I took of his story (in addition to what is in the aforementioned article) please email me or comment below and I'll be glad to do that for you.

Practice Compassion for Happiness

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion."

This wonderful quote by the Dalai Lama reminds me that practicing compassion is good for everyone. It's good for the giver and the receiver. My kind model for this photo wished to remain anonymous but she was volunteering to make valentines for hospitalized veterans when I snapped it. Volunteering for a cause you love can offer many opportunities to practice compassion. Of course, the first place to start is in our own homes. Sometimes we're most critical of those closest to us. Let's give them a compassionate break.

It's said that when you want to learn to practice compassion you should start with someone you already love. Then once it comes easier to you, practice compassion for someone you like, then for someone you moderately dislike, and eventually for someone you hate. Wherever you are in your journey of practicing compassion, I urge you to take a step forward now. What act of compassion can you do today?

Strive for Excellence

What a great reminder for all of us with a tendency to seek perfection. Unless you're a brain surgeon or someone who really does need perfection in their work, you can let this compulsion go. You are human and the only person probably expecting you to be perfect is you. Excellence, on the other hand, is more attainable and realistic.

This was today's Real Simple quote of the day (they have a free email newsletter with a daily quote and no, I'm not affiliated with them in any way except that I am a subscriber). I felt like it spoke to me so I made a Paint image out of it and decided to share it with you. I'd love to hear about how you deal with a desire for perfectionism. May God bless you and help you wherever you struggle.

PS For anyone who might not be able to see the quote in the image, here it is: "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing." - Harriet Braiker.

Blooming Hellebores

Today I noticed that our hellebores were blooming so of course I had to take a few photographs. Only two of our six or so hellebore plants are in bloom at the moment but it was a nice sight for January in Maryland. Normally when I first notice flowers on the hellebores there's snow on the ground but today we had spring like temperatures and blue skies that melted away this weekend's snow.

Hopefully some of my white bloomed hellebores will flower soon. Comment below or email me at lovejoypeas@gmail.com if you'd like photographs of the white hellebore flowers. I think hellebores are also called Christmas roses and Lenten roses so you may know them by another name. Hope you enjoy my photographs. May God bless you!

Teen Inspires Minimalist Spending

Photo by Chase Miller Photographers

 "I have more money to spend on important items or experiences because I am not constantly buying unneeded things." Chase Miller

Just finished a great article by teen minimalist, photographer and "Surfboard Man" Chase Miller. While I have yet to personally embrace minimalism as a lifestyle I certainly see the wisdom in it, especially as it pertains to unnecessary spending. So many people are drowning in debt because they're buying things they don't really need or love. More of us need to think before we spend. 


I'm a very frugal person but I still go overboard on "good deals" sometimes. Just last week I bought 49 items at Michaels. 49! And I have a whole craft room of things already waiting to be made. These 49 items were only 20 cents each but the fact is that I didn't really need them. We're still repairing the damage to our house caused by November's flood and logically I know I oughtn't be bringing more stuff into the house. So I'm going to adapt Chase's minimalist spending attitude. If I don't need it and it doesn't contribute to a major life goal, I'm not buying it. Prayers and positive thoughts appreciated! May God bless you in your finances and give you wisdom to discern between wants and needs!

Andean Bear Cubs' Birthday Bash

Earlier this month the National Zoo's Andean bear cubs celebrated their birthday. The zoo keepers placed some of their enrichment gifts out in the open and some up in trees. The twin bears appeared to have a great time tearing into their gifts (which included a giant phone book to peruse and shred) and it was a joy to watch them. My husband and I took these photos but we aren't sure who took which as we were passing the camera back and forth while enjoying the brother and sister bear cubs' birthday celebration. I hope these photos make you smile. May God bless you!


Note: According to signs at the zoo, the Andean bear cubs (also called spectacled bears)  are only on view on weekends so if you want to see them I'd recommend visiting on Saturday or Sunday.

Creating A Loving Atmosphere Tips

 Photograph by AnitaPatterson

 "A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life." The Dalai Lama

Here are a few tips to create a loving atmosphere in your home.

• Pray and worship God together.
• Make kindness the norm and treat each other with respect at all times.
• Hug each other more often. Small acts of affection build a loving atmosphere.
• Smile more often. I especially aim to always greet and leave my husband with a smile (and a kiss) - even when I'm just departing for another part of our own home.
• Make time to have fun together. Those happy memories enhance a loving atmosphere.
• Create a family bond boosting motto and have fun using it regularly (it can be as simple as "Team [Your Last Name]."
• Ensure that each member of your family is represented in the decor.
• Celebrate each others' successes and uniqueness.

I hope you are inspired to boost the loving atmosphere in your home. May God bless you!