Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Happiness Is...


I don't usually struggle with my blog posts. But yesterday was a sad day for me. One of my very best friends found out that her cancer has returned. This made me very, very sad. I know that Susan is a strong woman with a strong faith, and she will handle this with the help of God, her family and friends. As her friend, I feel so helpless. I want to take this away from her--but I cannot. I will pray hard --and I am asking you to do so also please. Because of my sadness, I decided to do a blog post that would make me (and hopefully Susan) smile. I hope you smile also! Pictured above is one of my favorite roses, Veterans Honor. Happiness is seeing a gorgeous rose in our yard (as well as having it AND smelling it on our dining room table).







Happiness is seeing this little Chickadee (and all of my birds) come to my feeders.







Happiness is my GRANDCHILDREN..... (Yes-Yes-Yes!!!)







Happiness is being taken to a romantic cabin in the mountains for a surprise birthday trip--and allowing me to take a snooze!!!







Happiness is going to our favorite place (Mt. Nebo, Arkansas) and seeing a gorgeous sunset. (We're going back there next week to celebrate George's birthday! Yeah!)







Happiness is getting out in nature to do some hiking --and search for more waterfalls.







Happiness is seeing a new waterfall.. (This one is DeSota Falls near Fort Payne, Alabama.)







And my very BEST Happiness is my wonderful husband, George. "You are my life, Sweetheart. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder yesterday."


There are so many things in this life that make us happy. Today I just needed to share some of mine with you. Love you, Susan.
Hugs,

48 comments:

Kim said...

Wonderful photos Betsy. Yes all of that makes me happy too. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

Jayne said...

So sorry to hear about your friend's sad news Betsy. Hugs to you and to her.

Anonymous said...

We will remember Susan in prayer. A big hug to both you and Susan.

CountryDreaming said...

With prayers for Susan and her loved ones.

Jane said...

Hi Betsy,

I am so sorry to hear about your friend and will keep her in my prayers for a healthy recovery. I enjoyed your pictures!

Jane

Shelley said...

I will say prayers for your dear friend Betsy and her family. There have been so many advances in cancer care. I have a friend with breast cancer who has amazed her doctors 6 years after her diagnosis. I enjoyed all your photos - so much happiness - that sunset and the waterfall photo especially took my breath away.

Peggy said...

My heart and prayers are with your friend. I hate cancer. Having lost my mother, dad, sister,FIL,uncles, aunts, grandparents from that awful diease and now my brother is dealing with it. What a blessing to have a wonderful friend in you and you in her. Hugs my friend

Cedar ... said...

So sorry to hear of your friend's new challenge. I'm sending strong thoughts and good light her way,... and to you,..

Tina said...

Betsy, You are the best medicine for your friend and your family..very positive and upbeat!! A tough road to walk but you walk it well! I know Susan will knock this cancer back and with your prayers and mine she will win this battle!
Love your post today..great memory pics and such a nice variety!

Judy said...

I am so sorry about your friend. I have her in my thoughts and prayers. Those pictures are wonderful..I just love the one at the top of your blog, too. I like coming here and looking at all your great pictures.

Unknown said...

Prayers for your friend.....and positive thoughts. Happy things, that's a good start!!

Susie said...

I'll have to put Susan on my prayer list. I enjoyed your happiness pictures much Betsy. They definitely made me smile!

I Am Woody said...

{{{HUGS}}}

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: Sorry to hear about your friend and the cancer. This was truly a beautiful post showing all you love. Have a great trip.

Mary said...

I'm sad for you and your friend...I lost a very close friend to cancer. I know the frustration you feel. But I also applaud your choice to look at the good things, even in times of sadness,and enjoy life while you have it. You and George have a great time in all that you do and it shows. Which day is his birthday? Keep smiling and keep giving us smiles like that beautiful rose and your waterfalls!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Betsy that was a great way to help get over sadness.Too often I focus on the negative and that only brings more sadness.I will add Susan to my prayer list as well.
Happiness is a host of blogging friends like you.Thanks. Blessings,Ruth

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I loved looking at your friends in the older pictures! What fun, what memories!
I'll pray hard too so you can have more happy memories together. Cancer battles are no fun.

Karin said...

Your beautiful, heart-warming post reminded me of the song Happiness Is (I just googled it - it's still out there!). We used to sing that everywhere when I was a teen. May your friend find comfort knowing that so many of us are praying for her to get well again. I'm so glad she has you! Your pictures are an inspiration!

Rose said...

Betsy, I had just been to my email to see if you said when Susan would find out anything...so sorry to hear this. I will keep praying for her.

This is a beautiful post, and I am sure it made her smile.

Diane AZ said...

So sorry about your friend. Susan is so fortunate to have you as her friend because you can find beauty and things to be grateful for despite your sadness. Surely your post will make her and the rest of us smile.

Pat - Arkansas said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Betsy. I'll add my prayers to those which are already lifting her up.

Loved your Mt. Nebo photo. What a nice place to spend George's birthday!

Becky said...

Prayers for your friend.

Heading up your way for the weekend, hope to get some nice pics. this weekend.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that your friend is ill again. I wish her all the best. You are so right about how being positive can be helpful. I think she is very lucky to have you for a friend.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Betsy, this brought tears to my eyes. I think the hardest thing in life is seeing someone we love suffer. It is almost easier for US to suffer instead. But we can't do this. Susan is in my daily prayers and with a friend like you, she has lot of love behind her.
I did love the pictures though...smiles and tears. :)
Suz

Natalie said...

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I know how you are feeling. Mom has her surgery next week and I am not sure when we will know the results. What scares me is I am so far away from her I can't be there to help her and take care of her like I want to be. I will keep your friend in my prayers and wish her the best of luck.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful post on joy and sadness and beauty. Blessings to your family and your friend, also.

Mandy said...

I will be praying for your friend. Thanks for sharing your "happiness" with us. I bet Susan appreciated it too!

Blessings,
Mandy

SmilingSally said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend Susan. I just heard today about a Susan's ovarian cancer returning. Our happiness might be dimenished, but our joy in the Lord can always be full.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about this, but if all her friends are anything like you Betsy, she is very, very lucky. I will keep her in my thoughts.. Michelle

Janie said...

I'm so sorry your friend's sad news.
You've done a wonderful thing in reminding all of us about the things we should rejoice in every day.

Leedra said...

I am sorry about your friend, sorry the news came at this time.

The full waterfall photo is beautiful.

Like this post, hope you are feeling some better.

Leedra’s Photos For Fun

Leedra’s Greeting Cards

Photography By Leedra

Jen said...

I'll pray for your friend too.
Although difficult It's good to try and stay focused on the happines.

T said...

Prayers are being sent!

I love the photo of the waterfall (or is it 3?). Beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Betsy, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Susan. It's times like that we most need to be reminded that there's joy in life as well. God be with you both.

Anonymous said...

Betsy,
Thank you for a walk along with you. I am so sorry about Susan. With God's graces she will be fine. That awful disease is what took my DH.
Prayers will be made for all of you, especially Susan.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Betsy, I hate to admit it, but I needed a lift too. My daughter's cancer has returned also. What a horrible disease. It seems we are all helpless in these situations. I will also be praying for your friend Susan.

Thank you for making me smile. I also have 5 grand children. :-)

I hope you and George have a wonderful trip next week.

Anonymous said...

It's always good to celebrate happiness and what we are grateful for. I wish your friend well and that she feels your love for her and for life.

Unknown said...

Happiness is good memories, whether from the day that just past, or going back even deeper in time ... and usually it's just the moments and the little things. And good friends: of which it sounds you are. Seeing someone else smile is contagious (scientists proved it so it must be true!)

Patty said...

I am glad that you have so mnay things to be happy about in the mist of sadness for your friend. Life is so fragile. I will say a prayer for her

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks to ALL of you for stopping by. Your comments brought tears to my eyes--but they were tears of LOVE, love from each of you.

Susan emailed me and said to tell you all THANKS for remembering her in your prayers and thoughts. She is a strong person with alot of faith and determination. IF anyone can beat this horrible disease, Susan WILL.

Hugs to all,
Betsy

Diane said...

Delightful post, Betsy. It sure made me smile especially the little chickadee. I love your rose, too.

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Betsy,

I'm so sorry about your friend. I will most definitely be praying for her!

All of the things that make you happy are great! I love the pic of you sleeping and the one with you sitting with your hands under your chin! You look so cute!

Tammy

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh Betsy, you have such a wonderful attitude! When sad news arrives, you think of other things that make you happy. We all need to look at life that way.

I'll be keeping your friend in prayers and you as well.

NCmountainwoman said...

Oh Betsy, you have such a wonderful attitude! When sad news arrives, you think of other things that make you happy. We all need to look at life that way.

I'll be keeping your friend in prayers and you as well.

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear about your friend.

Anonymous said...

I will definitely pray for your friend, she needs all the prayers she can get now to help her through this time!!!
That rose is absolutely beautiful - great shot!
And look at those faces on your grand children - Don't you love it!!!
Thank you very much for stopping by & seeing my lil Jilly - I'm so happy I got to see her!!! Today was a really really good day - I got to see Jilly & then my friend from grade school stopped in to see me too that I haven't seen in a couple of years AND the weather was sooo nice on top of it all!!! Great Day!

Connie said...

Prayers going up for you and your friend, Betsy. So sorry to hear the sad news. I enjoyed all your happiness photos. Made me smile. :)

Unknown said...

It's so hard to see a friend in pain. She's lucky to have you for a friend. Prayers for her, and hugs for you.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos.