“So when Erik and I purchased our home we live in now..we had the awesome privilege of living next door to one of the most incredible ladies ever..I always said she was my sweet little Myrtle..and boy oh boy did I love her ever so much..a few years back in 2015 she had passed away and went home to be with the Lord..she was 95 almost 96..and she would tell me I was the bright spot in her life..but the one thing I remember more so than anything else about her was her joy..Amen..she could go through things in her life..and she would just overcome them..she prevailed..amazing I tell ya..she always had laughter in and on her face..always a sparkle in her eyes..Amen..she would get up on Sunday mornings and go to church faithfully..not ever to miss..and regardless of how she was feeling she laughed..she watched funny programs on tv..and told me that in her younger years she went through a battle with depression..and she learned how to laugh..how to let things go..how to live in her moment..and how to always be joyful..Praise the Lord!”

“So I would tell her when I grow up I wanna be just like you..Amen..because to be free and to be happy..and to keep going is the most beautiful act of love and following the Lord that you will ever see in life..Amen..because she let nothing stop her..she volunteered at the missions..crisis control ministry..Amen..she would go to nursing homes and sing to the elderdy..lol..Amen..but she was a fighter of life..she lived daily..she would go out in her yard and weed and trim her bushes..Amen..unreal honestly..she would bake homemade chocolate pies..she would dance with me in her kitchen..Amen..and her mind was sharp..she remembered everything..told me stories about her being raised up when she was younger..Amen..so for me I know that joy is one thing in our lives that nothing or no one can take from us..even if we are wherever in the world we are..we can still abound in much joy..for the scripture says that the joy of the Lord is our strength..Nehemiah 8:10..Amen..so today find your joy..find your inner peace..find your freedom that Christ and only Christ Jesus gives..Amen..for in Him is where we live and breathe..and have our being..and in Him there is all fullness of everything we need..so watch the funny shows..laugh until it hurts..and live everyday as if that day was your last day..Amen..for it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen and Amen..Be blessed today my dear sweet friends and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi ❤