Laughter is like a holy detonation happening on the inside of a human heart, blasting it open so joy can flow out and life can flow in. This year, my word for the year is going to be laughter.
Wonderful post, I laughed several times silently in my office to avoid waking my sleeping children. I love your word choice for the year.
Side note, my wife (named Kelly) and I both gave each other your book "Loveable" for Christmas this year (along with white sneakers). It was a hilarious moment that we commemorated with a photograph that we'll have to share with you at some point.
As I sit here and think, my word for 2024 may be "Unhiding". I've finally begun to discover the value of relationships as I enter my 40s and Elijah Campbell was a real awakening for me about how my marriage should function. I didn't realize it when we received our books in San Diego, but that was a true gift on your part. Thank you
You laughing at this. The image of the Loveable/white sneakers exchange. "Unhiding" as your word for the year. These are each a gift to me. I'm so glad our paths crossed in San Diego!
I love your blog. I find it very difficult to laugh. My work family laugh all the time but I usually do not hear what was said or done to get them giggling. I also worked at another health care facility for 17 yrs that we were reprimanded if we laughed or were too loud. If I am watching something I can hear better and I am able to laugh. Most of the time I sit in silence which goes along with being mostly deaf.
Rae, thank you for sharing. I can imagine it must be difficult to be hard of hearing and miss out on much of what's being said around you. I notice that the longer I go without laughing, the harder it is to laugh, almost like it's a muscle that needs to be worked out. I've been watching lots of comedy (situational TV, movies, stand-up) to make sure I get plenty of "exercise." 😊Here's to finding something with captions that tickles your funny bone!
There is purity in all of this. It reflects a calm in the storm that was the hallmark character trait of the Savior, so pure it was His power in nature as well. Being able to have the confidence to smile in the midst of adversity. The kind of humility to actually be yourself and we all know that the true self is found in a free spirited moment of a joyous expression. Sure, our "self" is comprised of many parts and has a broad range of emotion and expression, but I doubt the purest version of ourselves is anything less than a bright and confident figure with a lot to be grateful for and smiles to go around no matter what the scenario they face.
"So did you hear the one about..." (ba-dum). I love this so much. Laughter has been one of THE main defining qualities in my marriage, and throughout all its phases, I have literally thanked God for the GIFT of laughter. We connect, grow, heal and hope with laughter. I wish it for you many, many times over this year!
I chuckled over the family bonding moments in church. One of my favorite books is _Surprised by Laughter_ (by Terry Lindvall) about the use of humor in C.S. Lewis's work, and in his life. It inspired me to give a baby shower devotion centered on the importance of humor in parenting. I don't know how anyone survives parenthood without a sense of humor!
I just purchased True Companions after reading your post today. Thank you for writing your blog and your books.
You're welcome, Mary, and I hope you enjoy the book!
Wonderful post, I laughed several times silently in my office to avoid waking my sleeping children. I love your word choice for the year.
Side note, my wife (named Kelly) and I both gave each other your book "Loveable" for Christmas this year (along with white sneakers). It was a hilarious moment that we commemorated with a photograph that we'll have to share with you at some point.
As I sit here and think, my word for 2024 may be "Unhiding". I've finally begun to discover the value of relationships as I enter my 40s and Elijah Campbell was a real awakening for me about how my marriage should function. I didn't realize it when we received our books in San Diego, but that was a true gift on your part. Thank you
You laughing at this. The image of the Loveable/white sneakers exchange. "Unhiding" as your word for the year. These are each a gift to me. I'm so glad our paths crossed in San Diego!
I love your blog. I find it very difficult to laugh. My work family laugh all the time but I usually do not hear what was said or done to get them giggling. I also worked at another health care facility for 17 yrs that we were reprimanded if we laughed or were too loud. If I am watching something I can hear better and I am able to laugh. Most of the time I sit in silence which goes along with being mostly deaf.
Rae, thank you for sharing. I can imagine it must be difficult to be hard of hearing and miss out on much of what's being said around you. I notice that the longer I go without laughing, the harder it is to laugh, almost like it's a muscle that needs to be worked out. I've been watching lots of comedy (situational TV, movies, stand-up) to make sure I get plenty of "exercise." 😊Here's to finding something with captions that tickles your funny bone!
I laughed until I cried leaving work 2 days ago with something a work person did
That makes me so happy to hear!
There is purity in all of this. It reflects a calm in the storm that was the hallmark character trait of the Savior, so pure it was His power in nature as well. Being able to have the confidence to smile in the midst of adversity. The kind of humility to actually be yourself and we all know that the true self is found in a free spirited moment of a joyous expression. Sure, our "self" is comprised of many parts and has a broad range of emotion and expression, but I doubt the purest version of ourselves is anything less than a bright and confident figure with a lot to be grateful for and smiles to go around no matter what the scenario they face.
Thanks for this, JC. I share the hunch that our true self genuinely smiles more than any other part of us. It's closest to our deepest joy, after all!
"So did you hear the one about..." (ba-dum). I love this so much. Laughter has been one of THE main defining qualities in my marriage, and throughout all its phases, I have literally thanked God for the GIFT of laughter. We connect, grow, heal and hope with laughter. I wish it for you many, many times over this year!
Can't wait until the next time we're together so we can laugh with the two of you!
Here, here! (Hear, hear❣️❣️❣️)
Love this! Laughter can be a fabulous medicine. Really liked your good grief!!!
I chuckled over the family bonding moments in church. One of my favorite books is _Surprised by Laughter_ (by Terry Lindvall) about the use of humor in C.S. Lewis's work, and in his life. It inspired me to give a baby shower devotion centered on the importance of humor in parenting. I don't know how anyone survives parenthood without a sense of humor!
And nice last name ;).
Glad to meet another Flana/igan out here. 😊 And thank you for the book recommendation. I'd not heard of it, but I'm sure I'd love it!