avatar
Karen Farris
avatarKaren Farris1 min read  

Cheers for Joyce


    You know how it goes… You’re thumbing through an old photo album, searching for a certain picture, and then another one stops you.

    This photo dates back to 2011, taken at a gathering in our amazing Joyce community.

    At first, it was just a simple idea—a kid’s party to celebrate the end of the school year.

    But then we decided to invite the whole community.

    We asked musicians to entertain, grilled burgers and hot dogs, and packed huge ice chests full of pop.

    Everyone brought something to share—salads and scrumptious desserts.

    Even the sunshine showed up—which, around here, can be iffy.

    As busy as we all were back then (and still are), we took an afternoon to set up, enjoy, and clean up. Everyone pitched in.

    It was worth it—for this photo and a heart full of memories.

    As I look at these familiar, younger faces, I smile back—because this is what community looks like.

    We may be older now, but the heart of who we are is still the same.

        Give

        Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

        Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.

        More from Karen Farris

        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          Border Invasion

          I’d seen the invasion, but decided it didn’t matter. My forest manager set me straight. If left unchecked, the invading plant would eventually cover the entire forest floor and climb every tree. It had already killed the natural plant habitat, and as the manager said, the wildlife would soon suffer.This...

          2 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          What I Wish She Knew

          Many know what it’s like to lose a mother. When she’s gone, it feels as if a piece of us is missing—the piece that brought us into the world.And so, we look for ways to hold on to all that we shared with her.Mom was courageous and bold. Two things...

          2 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          Learning takes Time

          As you can see, I was horrible at telling time. My elementary school peers figured out those clock hands, but it took me longer.Much longer.So, every August, when I see all the back-to-school signs, I get that familiar pit in my stomach.That pit is for all the kids like me,...

          1 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          In a Child's Eyes

          Typically, the church choir would file in from the entrance behind the pipe organ, along the side of the sanctuary.But today, they were marching in two by two down the front aisle. Their voices were raised in bold song as they began the morning service with a joyous flair.We all...

          2 min read
        See all from Karen Farris

        Editor's Picks

        avatar

        Karen Farris

        A Pacific Northwest born and bred woman of faith. Wife, mother, grandmother, hiker, writer, and blogger since 2011. Friday Tidings is a place to share stories of the journey through our time here.

        More from Karen Farris

        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          Border Invasion

          I’d seen the invasion, but decided it didn’t matter. My forest manager set me straight. If left unchecked, the invading plant would eventually cover the entire forest floor and climb every tree. It had already killed the natural plant habitat, and as the manager said, the wildlife would soon suffer.This...

          2 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          What I Wish She Knew

          Many know what it’s like to lose a mother. When she’s gone, it feels as if a piece of us is missing—the piece that brought us into the world.And so, we look for ways to hold on to all that we shared with her.Mom was courageous and bold. Two things...

          2 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          Learning takes Time

          As you can see, I was horrible at telling time. My elementary school peers figured out those clock hands, but it took me longer.Much longer.So, every August, when I see all the back-to-school signs, I get that familiar pit in my stomach.That pit is for all the kids like me,...

          1 min read
        • avatarKaren Farris
          featureImage

          In a Child's Eyes

          Typically, the church choir would file in from the entrance behind the pipe organ, along the side of the sanctuary.But today, they were marching in two by two down the front aisle. Their voices were raised in bold song as they began the morning service with a joyous flair.We all...

          2 min read
        See all from Karen Farris