Carnival of Joy: Week 1

Sometimes joy doesn't just "happen" unless we look for it.  If you feel like you need a little help finding the joy in your own life, take a few moments to read these thoughtful, joyful posts.  Have a cup of tea (or two) and settle in for a good dose of optimism! :-)

Meredith, whose blog Sweetness and Light absolutely radiates joy, shares her desire to find joy every day this Easter season (and some strategies for making it happen.)  And Elizabeth at Frabjous Days will have you singing along with her excellent post, "I Whistle a Happy Tune".

Sometimes making a list or snapping a few photos is the best way to find out how much joy lies right under our noses. Click on over to A Lee in the Woudes to see the bright smiles that bear MaryAn's joy.  (What a cutie!)  And then find out why Jenn of Family in Feast and Feria is rejoicing this Easter season.

Next we're off to visit Amy, with her new blog Between Daydreams (and its very peaceful banner!) Amy shares a list of things that have made her joyful this week. She links to an article about Mother Theresa which really helps to put "joy" and "sorrow" into perspective; don't miss it.  After contemplating the life of Mother Theresa for a while, we'll journey on to Assisi, the home of St. Francis, and Mary Theresa's poetic post about the blessings she discovered there three years ago. (The photo that illustrates her post certainly brought its own joy into my life as well.)

Next comes a subject I can certainly identify with... Donna Marie of A Garden of Roses and Lilies posts about the joys of parenting a large family... even when no one else seems to understand.  Her thoughtful essay is wonderful encouragement to those of us walking a road less traveled!

And a few more additions to round out our fare today... Marjorie of Lettres de Mon Moulin gives us a different spin on the joy of cooking, and Melanie shares her joy in thirty minutes of quiet in a busy household (she has 3+2, too, so I can relate!).  Michaela, at the appropriately named Filled With Joy, savors a perfect day, and --last but not least -- Dawn leaves us with a whole alphabet of joy!

Thanks to everyone who participated this week! (You've certainly made my life more joyful.)  And remember, next week's Carnival of Joy will run on Wednesday, April 25, so be sure to send me your posts by Tuesday night, April 24.

Wishing you all many joyful days!

Comments

[Margaret in Minnesota]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful idea for a carnival! I am so looking forward to reading these, and thank you, Angel, for hosting!

[Karen E.]

I'm looking forward to all these great links, Angela. Thank you!

[Amy]

Great job, Angela! I'm off to read and be joyful! :)

[Marjorie]

Angela, Here is a link to a late - but joyful post on cooking. Could you add it in? http://marjorielettres.typepad.com/lettres/2007/04/the_joy_of_cook.html

[Dawn]

Angela, this is beautiful! I wrote a "joy" post this morning:

http://dawnathome.typepad.com/by_sun_and_candlelight/2007/04/joy_is_a_net_of.html

Sorry so late - I will try to be on time next week! :)

[Angel]

Marjorie and Dawn -- you're added! :-) (I've been out all day, so I apologize for it taking me a little while to get to it!)

[Melanie]

Yikes, I forgot!!

here's my contribution angela, and i"ll be back soon to read all of the others :-)
http://catholicmom.blogspot.com/2007/04/joy.html

[Angel]

Melanie -- added it; thanks! (I'm glad you could take advantage of that 30 minutes, too! :-)

[Jenn Miller]

Thanks so much Angela for putting this together. I look forward to all the posts into the weeks to come.

[Elizabeth H]

Great carnival. Thanks so much for hosting!