Well, friends! It’s officially spring, and our weather seems to have gotten the memo! I am feeling hopeful and anticipating all good things.
My mom had a lot of sayings that I heard over and over when I was growing up, and they tend to come back to me at the oddest times. One of those is, “You move in the direction of your most dominant thought…”
That one just popped into my head as I wrote about feeling hopeful and anticipating good things this spring.
I tend to be a glass half empty sort, and I wasn’t very confident as a child. My mom always reminded me that while I can’t necessarily control everything that happens, I can control my own attitude about it, and my attitude can have a profound impact on how I feel about myself and my circumstances.
Over the years, I’ve seen the truth of that play out time and time again.
When I woke up this morning, I opened my email and read a news article that kind of brought me down — in fact, I’m convinced it was intended to do exactly that.
I’ve learned over the past year that there’s a certain cycle to the news. They can’t keep you feeling hopeful for long, it just doesn’t sell. But I read a lot of news sources, and I’m learning to cut through the noise and see the bigger picture.
So this morning, despite the news, or maybe even because of it, I choose to feel hopeful. I choose joy.
Yet, as I say that, I want to make it clear that my hope and joy is not in myself or my own ability to make a good choice today. My ultimate hope is in my Lord and Savior, but today I’m also choosing to feel hopeful in our current circumstances, and I’m praising Him for this beautiful spring day.
In fact, I believe God gives us days like this to give us a renewed sense of hope and joy, despite whatever might be happening in our lives, or the world.
Suffice it to say, I am embracing hope and joy today, and so grateful for this beautiful spring weather! And I hope you can do the same.
In other news, D started a new job this week. It’s nice to see him up and out of the house during the day. It’s not an exciting job, just a part-time retail position, but I hope it gives him a sense of purpose — in addition to his schoolwork, of course.
I can’t believe he will be a senior in college this year. I’m really excited to see what the future holds for him after college. It’s strange to be the parent of a bonafide adult, but I’m also beginning to see how much fun it can be.
C is still working at the trampoline park, and she got a small promotion this week, so I’m really proud of her. Hopefully she can continue to work there during summers and holidays when she’s home from college.
In her “free time” she is teaching herself to sew. She’s already sewn a skirt, and now she’s working on a dress. The kid never ceases to amaze me. Just last fall, she taught herself to knit, and has made herself a cardigan, as well as a few blankets and things.
And R is really happy to be back in school 4 days a week. She says she feels like she’s doing better academically, and she likes having a “normal” routine after an entire year of disruption and uncertainty.
She’ll be a sophomore next year, and I’m hoping she gets to enjoy a typical experience for the remainder of her high school career. I can’t wait to see her perform in the marching band when they can do a full routine without masks and social distancing.
So that should get you caught up on the goings-on around here!
I’m headed out for a run — after going on about our spring weather, I just looked at my weather app, and it’s only 34 right now. Yoiks! (It will be 62 by afternoon.) So I guess I will be bundling up once again. I can’t wait until I can go out in a tank top and shorts, but I’m sure those days aren’t too far away.
Have a blessed and relaxing Sunday!
65 Responses
Oh, Jo-Lynne, I loved this post so much! I really like one of your moms sayings that you shared. It sounds like things are starting to move in a more positive direction for your young adults (calling them kids just doesn’t feel right), due to their ages. Like I, because of my faith and belief in my Lord and Savior, I too have hope and joy. Knowing that the chemo Larry has been on since 2017 is no longer working on the multiple myeloma, and that he has to start on a stronger chemo regimen, I am not scared or depressed. I know that God has got this, and as lone as we continue to trust and rely on Him, He will take every step of this journey with us. Larry and I still have so very much to be thankful for! It’s in the 40’s here again this morning, but will get into the 60’s later, with the 70’s and some rain returning later in the week. April showers bring May flowers, even though it’s still March. Have a blessed day!
Ginger, I always enjoy your comments and your attitude. My prayers are going up for you and Larry.
So sorry to hear that Larry has to start a stronger chemo. I hope he handles it well. I know you’ll take good care of him, and that you have your faith to sustain you on the hard days. Thanks for always being an encouragement.
I’m really glad I read this today. Thanks for the lift!
Thanks, Lori, so happy to hear that.
It truly is about how we choose to react and view life. last night, I was not feeling great about a current relationship. After a talk with that person, i found out i had misunderstood something that was said. Today I feel more confident that that relationship can slowly be restored and to an even better state. I feel that god brought us together and will give us the wisdom to work past our issues. may god bless you and your family this spring.
I’m so glad you’re on your way to reconciliation. That’s encouraging to hear!
Thank you Jo-Lynne-loved this on so many levels!
I’m so glad. Thank you.
Such an encouraging post this morning! Indeed our attitude is a choice! I too am so thankful to have a God who’s in control so I can stop fretting about all the things I don’t control! Have a blessed Sunday:)
Thanks, Karen.
Wonderful post, JoLynne! I love the words of wisdom from you Mom. I’m so glad things are looking up for David, Caroline, and Becca. What a time this has been. Spring truly is a joyous renewal. xo
Yes, indeed!
Loved this on too, Jo-Lynne! Brought a smile and a sense of God’s peace. Thank you.
So glad to hear that.
Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing. I also believe God gives us those blessings here and there to help us to feel hope! Have a great day.
Thanks, Lori.
Good morning! I’ve never posted on your site before, though I am a daily follower! Your Coffee Talk this morning is so inspiring and uplifting! Something we all need to hear and embrace. Thank you Jolynn! Have a beautiful day!
Thanks, Kim. I appreciate that.
Great post and message! One of my favorite quotes is:
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Dr.Wayne Dryer
It is so true. Attitude makes such a difference. Congratulations on your kids achievements. It does a Mama’s heart good to see their kids happy and excelling.
I haven’t heard that one before. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jo-Lynne! I read just enough news to get by. So much negativity! We are so blessed to have a Savior who has taken care of everything! I choose JOY!
I have to step away sometimes, for sure. And yes, we are!
Thank you for sharing The Truth
“Cast all your cares upon Him, because He cares for us”
One of my favorite verses.
May God bless you and your family in all things, Jo-Lynne. That was a beautiful post to read this morning.
Thanks, Sandra.
I love this newsy Coffee Talk and a little peek at you as a whole person. I don’t comment often but you are a part of my daily life that I look forward to. Through a very rough past year (is it just me? Ha!)
purposefully dressing for the day has helped to keep a sense of normalcy and maybe even hope. Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. Bless you!
Thanks, Deb. I appreciate that.
Jo-Lynne,
Such a heartwarming post. Even though we aren’t friends in the true sense of the word, it’s posts like this that make me wish we were closer. California is emptying like rats from a sinking ship and all my close friends have left the area. It’s connections like this to you that give me hope for the future. My neighbor across the street who is mid 70s told me that now is a good time to be old. So sad to have that feeling that for us of this aging segment of the population that life as we knew it will likely never be the same. Never before have I felt grateful that both my parents were spared this by being safely at home with the Lord. Thanks for sharing and it’s so encouraging that your kids are doing so well. Some California schools are finally opening again and soon I’ll be seeing them trekking up and down the street on their way to school. When my granddaughter was born, we planted a river birch in the yard. It was the diameter of a pencil and a foot tall. Today, it’s a good 10 inches in diameter, 20 feet tall and full of sweet little finches flitting about the newly emerged leaves. It’s is truly the epitome of hope.
I’m also in Cali. Planning to stay in the sunshine state. 🌞 yes some of my friends too have departed the state. I’m building new friendships and feeling positive. Have a wonderful day!
That’s very cool. I hope you can bring that tree with you when you move.
I’ve learned to look back on the covid year and focus on good things that have come out of it and yes there are many.
Yes, the blessings are there if we choose to look for them. I’ve definitely seen my kids grow closer, and that has been beautiful to see.
Jo-Lynne, It. really. does feel like we are coming out of a really long winter. Your message is one that we all need right now. It’s true that sometimes we have to work to choose joy, and how fortunate we have Jesus to help us with that. You’re so right about the media. I have to step back from it to stay positive sometimes. Happy Spring and thanks for all the work you do to help keep us up to date with our fashion!
Thanks, Amy.
Thank you for sharing your faith! That encouraged me today. We are in agreement . 😇. Choosing joy is the way to go!!
I’m so glad to hear that.
Hello Jo-Lynne, thank you for sharing your mother’s saying and the wonderful news about your children. My area of Canada went back into lockdown a week ago and cases of the virus continue upward. Hearing about life in other places and wonderful spring weather bring me hope for a brighter future. God does indeed bless us.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Bev. It must be very discouraging. Keep the faith!
Our joy isn’t in things or this world but in Christ alone. In fact we can have joy even when we aren’t necessarily happy. Praise God!
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
Have a blessed day! 😊
Words of truth. 🙂
I love your post. It’s hopeful!! I’d love to read more of your mom’s sayings, like for Mothers Day. Not everyone had this growing up, and so its great to receive that Godly wisdom at any age. Have a sweet day. Really appreciate your thoughts.
Here you go! https://jolynneshane.com/10-life-lessons-i-learned-from-my-mother.html
Thanks for choosing to do your Coffee Talk again on Sunday and your transparency. Looks like many of us enjoy it and seek it out as a community of kind hearted women. I look forward to hearing from you and some of your other regulars like Ginger or Liane or Gina. Praying for Ginger and her husband’s Larry well being. I tune out most of the news nowadays. It is so fear-mongering and divisive and just fuels our anxiety. I choose joy and kindness. I love Henry Ford’s quote:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right”. I helps me to focus on the glass half full. I admire those from other generations who endured the Great Depression, WWI and WWII. This too shall pass. I echo Nancy’s comment about hearing about your Mom’s other sayings. Not all of us had that growing up. It is great to hear these pearls of wisdom at any age or time. Maybe for Mother’s Day? Thank you for your blog. It is a respite from the craziness out there.
How about this? 🙂
https://jolynneshane.com/10-life-lessons-i-learned-from-my-mother.html
I really enjoyed this post today! God is definitely in control and He has a purpose for everything. I’ve finally been able to “let go and let God” concerning a family matter. Definitely have renewed hope and joy! Thank you for sharing!
That is wonderful. So happy to hear that.
I’m so grateful for your message today. I follow you for your excellent fashion advice, but I am encouraged time and time again when you share your faith on this blog. Despite these tough times, our hope is to be in Christ alone. Thank you for being outspoken about your belief!
Glad to hear it’s an encouragement to so many.
What a nice update. Words of wisdom that we can all remind ourselves of when we start going down the negative path. Your two oldest line up with my two kids so it’s nice to read what they’re up to. Every time you mention your son, he reminds me of my own. I kind of wish mine would get a PT job and get out of the house for a short while each week. He’s been home too long – doing remote college classes from home. So, anyway, I hear what you’re saying about being happy about a PT job.
Here is to sunshine in the sky and warmer temperatures. It’s coming! We have a lovely day here in MA and we’ve been doing a tiny bit of yard clean up even though it’s still pretty wet and there is some snow here and there.
Enjoy this week. I think it looks very springlike!
It’s so hard on the kids his age. And not easy to get a job. He applied to a bunch, had 3 interviews, and only one offer.
Thank you for your lovely, uplifting post this morning. I’ve been a funk for a couple days and I decided last night that I was feeling too old and cranky to ski with my grandchildren today. But when I told my daughter this morning that I wasn’t going, she looked so disappointed that I rallied, pul on my clothes and went with them to the mountain. I’m so glad I did— sunshine, brisk air, and time with my family was just what I needed to lift my mood. I’ve been a skier for nearly 50 years of my 65 years, spending nearly every weekend on the slopes during my children’s growing up years, and it’s been wonderful to share this special winter day outside with my family today. Im hopeful that spring adventures are right around the corner.
Some days it’s just hard to make the effort. So glad you did, sounds like it worked out for the best. I’m sure your daughter appreciated it too.
Love your posts, Jo-Lynne, especially this one for today! So uplifting and love that you share from your heart! We have hope in that this, too, shall pass. We all have hopefully gained new insights into ourselves and others and perhaps found new purpose and/or hobbies we may have otherwise missed. I know, like you and so many others, that our hope is in Jesus, in Christ alone! He knows all and is sovereign over all! So glad your family is doing well! Love that Caroline, not only taught herself to knit but made herself a cardigan! Great that David has a new job and that Becca will soon be able to participate in band again with hopefully normal circumstances! Keep trusting and praying!
Thanks, Joanne.
thank you, Jo-Lynne! This was such a good reminder to choose hope. I am also more of a glass half-empty person and have to make more conscious choices towards joy and hope. Your Mum’s saying is so true… or as my pastor often says, ‘What you feed is what will grow in your life.’ Having Jesus in our lives gives us so much more reason to be people of hope.
That’s a good quote too!
I actually thought about youwhen I went out for a run this morning! If Jo-Lynne can do it, so can I. 🙂 It was such a pleasant morning. Thanks for your inspiration!
That’s great to hear! It was actually nicer than it looked b/c there was no wind.
This! Thank you JLS…
Thank you for your uplifting post!
Wow – JoLynn, you really hit the nail on the head today. So many of us get down and forget the blessings and grace that our Lord has for us. You and Tania shared such a great testimony today and I am very thankful that I was led to follow your blog. God bless David in his job, it’s a job and if you have one, be very thankful. Caroline seems like such a little spark of creativity, and love the fact that Becca will get a real high school experience. Looking forward tp to this week with Cyndi.
“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”
~God (Genesis 8:22)
As a fellow believer, I appreciate you sharing that your hope comes only from Jesus, your Lord and Savior.