Find Joy in the Everyday #JoyHopeLive {6}

I don’t consider writing my hobby, it’s more my life long passion. It’s that thing I want to still be doing the day before I die, squeaking out every last word possible. It brings me joy. Writing is my calling in life, much like ministry.

I have found myself the most content, the most capable of resiliency and joy when I am vocationally pursuing ministry and writing. It’s the reason I work in a church. It’s the reason I began blogging and the why I love connecting with so many of you — fellow writers.

My husband’s hobbies are clear. He is an active member of the 501st. He loves to dress up as a storm trooper and bring moments of joy to sick kids. He uses his hobbies to bless others and has been an inspiration in my own life. I shied away from telling our St. Jude story or participating in Relay for Life (Join our 2015 Team!). His response was simply, “why not?” I wanted to protect my heart. He saw an opportunity to give back.

Before our daughter ever became a St. Jude patient John was already organizing St. Jude week at the Chili’s in Conway, AR. He was raising funds through the 501st and loving on sick kids. Now he eagerly accepts any opportunity to share our story with donors and recently took our daughter to KHEY Country to help with the St. Jude call-athon.

Soon after our daughter’s diagnosis the two of them became the face for Chilis fundraising campaign to raise funds for the Chilis Care Center. Together they were in a full page ad in USA Today promoting Chili’s donate our profits day. Together they presented a check from Chili’s to St. Jude and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

When it comes to compassion, volunteering, and sharing our story for the purpose of helping others they are our family’s jewels. I put the pen to paper but they are the ones inspiring with their actions. Volunteering has become my hobby because of the man I married and the path our daughter’s life has taken us on.

We were recently awarded the AUSA General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Fort Bliss Family of the Year. To say we were shocked is an understatement. In our world loving on others, pursuing social justice, and raising awareness of St. Jude and cancer research is just what you do. St. Jude saved our baby’s life… is there any other response?

Volunteering is an overflow of my calling to ministry, it provides words for my writing but mostly it’s just who my husband is. He is a soldier: selfless, loving, sacrificial, and willing to stand in the gap for those who can not stand for themselves.

How do you use your hobbies to spread joy?

Featured Post from Last Weeks LinkUp

A Problem Like Maria linked up with us last week with her post Is it really about modesty? She talks about yoga pants (remember that topic?), grace, modesty bloggers, and throws in swimsuits just to make it fun. I love how Maria writes. Her posts are full of energy, fun with a lot of great things to say. Of course anyone with the tag line Embracing Grace… and My Inner Geek already has my full attention. Grace is ever present on my mind here lately. Oh and I did mention I’m married to a stormtrooper, right?

I will be featuring one link from the previous week that I felt captured the essence of finding joy in the everyday. I will also be sharing a a little bit of how I’ve been finding the joy in the past week. I hope you will join us for this midweek share of joy. Grab the button and the #JoyHopeLive. Comment on the ones you love and share at least two posts from other bloggers. Tag me on Facebook or via twitter @HopeNGriffin with your week’s #JoyHopeLive. I can’t wait to read them!

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