Carnival of Joy -- Week 2

Welcome to the second installment of the Carnival of Joy!  Here at Three Plus Two, we have birthday cake to share... have a slice (it's virtual cake, so take as much as you like!) and a cold glass of milk and settle in for some joyful reading!

Every joy is gain.  And gain is gain, however small.  -- Robert Browning

Last week, winter still held many of us in its grip.  This week, the weather has softened, and at our house joy seems to be popping up everywhere.  And although it's easier to be happy when the weather is warmer, spring is a reminder that joy doesn't always come in large packages.  Sometimes it as simple as a single blossom.  This week, Marjorie encourages us to see the roses of joy strewn along our path.  Christine at The Simple and the Ordinary shares the quiet joy of a beautiful Sunday afternoon at home.  And Elizabeth has learned to sing a new song -- setting aside the busyness of everyday life to make time for old friends.

Often a single word , a friendly smile, is enough to give a depressed or lonely soul fresh life.-- St. Therese of Lisieux

Andy and I have moved quite often in our married life, and sometimes we've ended up in places and situations that have turned out to be difficult for us.  It can be hard trying to find joy during those lonely times.  Elizabeth of Frabjous Days writes this week about how she has found joy in London, although moving there was not something she thought she wanted. 

Charity took possession of my heart, making me forget myself, and I have been happy ever since. -- St. Therese of Lisieux

Amy shares with us this week a good resource for your children's religious bookshelf... and the lessons it can teach grownups about finding true joy.

All who joy would win

Must share it -- happiness was born a twin.

                                         ---Lord Byron

Now there's a quote for me! :-)  Lorri at the Mac and Cheese Chronicles also has a toddler in the house who is bringing lots of joy to her life these days, and Meredith at Sweetness and Light shares her joy at being successful in her quest to find joy every day... one of her little ones has learned to read! 

As the mother of a child with special needs, I found this next post particularly refreshing.  KC at The Cabbage Patch shares the joys -- that's right, the joys  -- of having a child with autism.  So often the temptation is to focus on what is "wrong" with our children, and it does my heart good to read what is right with them.  Thanks, KC!

That's it for this week's carnival... Thanks to everyone who participated, and have a joyful week!

Comments

[Meredith]

Awesome Carnival again this week Angie, I'm so looking forward to reading all these beautiful joy-filled posts at naptime!! Blessings to you!

[Amy]

Thanks for putting it together again, Angela, and great job everyone!

[Marjorie]

I know it must be difficult to organize, but we who search for joy in all its forms TRULY appreciate you putting this together :-)