It's another glorious day here in southwestern Pennsylvania.  The sun is shining, humidity is low and a warm breeze is blowing through my windows.  The nights are starting to cool down and that makes for really great sleeping!  In fact, in these days before my substitute teaching days start multiplying, I've found it' terribly hard to crawl out of the bed before daylight breaks through....boy, am I in for a shock when the clock rings at 5:30 a.m.!

As I began reading my devotional material for today, the subject dealt with being joyful.  Even when our circumstances dictate otherwise, our Christian life and hope in our magnificient God should cause us to be incredibly joyful, finding pleasure in the simple blessings of life.  So, I'm choosing to be thankful and joyful today.  Of course, the weather is great and I have a day off, but I want the remembrance of today to permeate my thoughts in the middle of January when the weather in southwestern Pennsylvania isn't what it is on September 15th! 

My prayer for all of you today is a lovely, JOY FILLED day!  "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."  Psalm 5:11-12