It is said that it only takes one person to set an atmosphere. Because the woman is one of moodiness, most of the time an unpleasant atmosphere is set by you and me, whether at home or elsewhere. The atmosphere we set extends through our family into the lives of friends, acquaintances and co-workers.

40 years ago I married my high school sweetheart. The event took place on a hot Friday evening at 7:30 PM in the small country church where I was raised. After the pictures finally ended we were off to our honeymoon. The official week of honeymoon took place in Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding area. I particularly remember having our picture taken in a stationery chair-lift set up for a picture spot. A stranger walked up to us and asked us if we would like him to take our picture. As we sat in that chair-lift that night I remember the feelings that caused me to have goosebumps. I asked my new husband a question, “Will it be like this in 20 years?” He promised me that it would be and I was satisfied, but only until I felt the need to ask the question again.

For years my husband and I slept on a waterbed. It was the most awesome thing. We absolutely loved the full wave and we slept so well with the bed literally molding to our form. I remember the night we got in to bed and realized that the covers were wet. We had no idea who spilled the whole pitcher of water on our bed. It was then that we realized our bed had sprung a leak. The repair kit was needed. Where is that thing? How do we use it? It was a lot of work repairing a very small hole on a queen size mattress, but it was necessary if we were going to continue its use.

What am I going to do about this situation? Where do I turn? Is there anyone who can help me? What is going to happen to me? Situations arise daily. We often don’t know what to do or where to turn. We seek counseling, we think about it nonstop, and we worry. We worry about how we were treated and what they deserve. We spend time telling a friend instead of telling our one Friend, Jesus.

I absolutely love the desert. God made it just for me. I don’t mind the heat and I enjoy the view. Several times we have driven through the desert in Phoenix and in other parts of the country, starring out the window of the vehicle at the most beautiful view! 

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart. I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (Where?) Down in my heart to stay.” I have the joy of the Lord in my heart, but do I enjoy what I have?