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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

My Happy Wall


This is picture of my Happy Wall

It’s a wall near the back door, which I can see in my going out, and my coming in.

Whenever I look at it, I feel a sense of calmness in my spirit…a fluttering of nostalgia that soothes my soul.

My Happy Wall is made of memories. It represents special moments, seasons of life, and deep yearnings.



The printer’s drawer, stocked with “treasures” of 23 years;
Old-fashioned globe lamp, reminding me
Of Who has always been the light unto my path.
Below that, the black stone, from my much-loved mother-in-law, with words:
“He that is without sin…let him cast the first stone.”
Cuddly three-in-one cats, nestled perfectly together,
Mama and her ducklings…so much the way I yearn to be remembered.
An apple for teacher,
Sharp pencils, bright red eraser,
Could I have imagined so long ago that we would someday
Educate our children at home?
Papa Bear and Mama Bear, growing old together.
Need I say more?


To the right of the printer’s drawer is my “welcome” sign. Always the same, yet changing each month. Here it shows the May flowers that grow best after the April showers. Such a comforting sight, if one happens to be in the midst of a shower storm.


My Happy Wall has a road that winds upward and leads to a much simpler time, just through and beyond that covered bridge. I’ve dreamed about that place and time, and it is lovely. Flowers bloom everywhere…the air is heady with the scent of perfume…sunlight dazzles, and unspeakable joy fills my heart.


She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.

I could step into the world of this virtuous woman, and feel as though I’d come home. Her world is not fancy; nor is her home spacious or elegant. But every detail of it embodies her strength, from fresh round cheeses curing on the simple shelves, to butter churn full and ready at the waiting, to sweet kittens curled contentedly nearby, while a flaxen-haired child extends helpful young hands to mama.


Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like” home, sweet home.”

A simple terra-cotta plaque, bordered by my daughter’s favorite “morning blue,” sums up my heart. Long ago, after numerous moves had left me frustrated, teary, and longing for stability, the Lord impressed a message on my soul. Make your home in Me, He whispered. And since that day, there’s no place I’d rather be.

I believe every woman needs a Happy Wall. Yours may look different from mine. Maybe it’s a journal…or a scrapbook…or a collection of photos. Perhaps your memories fill a box, or a special shelf, or an entire room. Whatever the form, may our Happy Walls not be a monument to ourselves, but rather a reminder of why we have died to ourselves. For it is only by losing our lives, that we truly find them.

(Posted by Betsy)

8 comments:

  1. I'll have to look for the "Happy Wall" in my life.

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  2. I like your "happy wall", Betsy! What a neat idea. Thank you for sharing it with us! I enjoyed seeing the different items you have on it as well as reading what you shared about them. :)

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  3. Amy, let me point you in the right direction--your Happy Wall is somewhere up north, near Lake Michigan.:-)

    ~ Betsy

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  4. You're welcome, Sarah! I'm glad you enjoyed the post!

    ~ Betsy

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  5. Amy, I think your Happy Wall is located somewhere up north, close to the shores of Lake Michigan!:-)

    ~ Betsy

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  6. Thank you for your comment, Sarah! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. And you're welcome!

    ~ Betsy

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  7. I think you're right about my Happy Wall.

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  8. Amy...it's a great location for one!:-)

    ~ Betsy

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