This last week I have been in over my head in boxes. We are getting ready for a move. We’ve been anticipating a move for some time now. This time last year we thought Germany was in our near future, then by Thanksgiving we were thinking Japan, but by February it had changed to Fort Hood. Now I’m deciding what can go in a box and what can just be thrown in the back seat for our one mile trek down the road. While Germany and Japan offered adventure and Fort Hood offered familiarity and nearby friends I am thankful to stay put for just a little while longer.

Once again I’m realizing how much I don’t like change. We are moving to a house with an extra bedroom and a larger kitchen (the two top items on my wish list) and I’m struggling with giving up my backyard view. My favorite place to write is on our back porch with a beautiful view of a park and the mountains on one side and overlooking El Paso with a clear site of Mexico on the other. I can see for miles.

If a chicken sandwich can stress me out then of course a move will. I’m willing myself to look for the adventure. No it’s not Japan or even a new town but it is a new community, new neighbors (three whom I will be sharing a fence with which is an adventure all it’s own, one I’ve never had) and it’s more space for the kids to play. Plus it’s a much shorter walk to the pool. I’m embracing it and thankful that though the view may change my favorite writing location is portable, a patio chair beside a fire pit.

Right now I have one giveaway you can enter to win $100 giveaway and the book Heart Sisters courtesy of #LitFusePublications. This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. Come back Friday when I will be reviewing Runaway Radical and giving away 3 copies thanks to Family Christian.

Featured Post from Last Week’s LinkUp

We just passed Mother’s Day so naturally there were quite a few links added about wonderful mothers. The one that really stood out was by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Dear Mom (Part 1). Mother’s Day is not always a joyful holiday. Relationships can get messy, even mother daughter ones. There is loss that is felt by so many on this day. I love how Dr. Bengtson doesn’t sit in that loss. She acknowledges it and gives comfort. She provides steps to move forward, find healing, and joy. I hope you read her post and wether you have the perfect relationship with your mother or not I pray it speaks to some aspect of your life. Relationships are difficult. Life hurts. But joy is still achievable.

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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