List five things you do for fun.

My number one fun thing to do, is read my bible. I became a Christian at 19 years old. It has literally been the best decision I have ever made in my life. 35 years later, and the Bible still gives me new perspective, renewed hope, inspiration and wisdom beyond my experiences.

My second fun thing that I do is cook for my family, guests and potluck functions. If I want to get real crazy I make something I’ve never made before. There’s just something about meal preparations that lifts my spirits when I’m down. Then when I sit back and watch everyone enjoy the meal, I prepared, ask me for the recipe or tell me to make sure that recipe is in the “holy grail, cookbook”. That is my personal cookbook with all of our favorite recipes.

My third is connected to my first two. Sharing my faith and food with my husband, kids and grandkids. I can’t have a bad moment when I have them all together, under one roof. Our, before meal, prayer that the kids sing, and their voices sound like an angelic choir, the giggles, laughter, board games and memories made, fill my heart with joy.

Fourth is writing. Writing/journaling saved my life. The freedom to verbally dump all that is weighing heavy on my heart or write an inspirational piece that someone else related to, makes me feel complete. I’m a bit of an introvert. Writing helps me reach out without actually being center of attention. I thank God every day for this gift of writing. It has been a life-long journey that I can’t imagine my life without it.

Lastly, the ocean. I could sit and listen to children splashing, laughing and jumping waves for hours. The smell of the salt water, the sound of a rushing wave is an out of body experience for me. I close my eyes and take it all in. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the feeling of warm sand between my toes, must be a glimpse of heaven, in my opinion. Just leave me there at sunrise, with a cooler of water, fresh cut fruit, my notebook and a comfy beach chair. Forget about me until the sunsets so that sky painted ever so delicately but simultaneously, absolutely brilliant, can lead me to a moonlit walk on the water. While that picture perfect day is forever imprinted in my mind.

These blessings on blessings, I do not deserve but I’m so glad that the good lord thought enough of me to lend them to me while I’m here. I cherish these beautiful things that are not things but a lifetime of experiences that fill every part of my being. These are the top five fun things for me.