My soul mate!

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IA Norwegian Love Story

From Autumn Leaves to a High-Seas Honeymoon

When I first moved to Norway, I was full of wonder — the crisp air, the changing seasons, the beauty of autumn. It was my first time experiencing this season in such a vivid, magical way. And little did I know, that same autumn would bring more than just golden leaves. It would bring me love.

One ordinary day, I noticed a man in the neighborhood gathering dry leaves and branches. Something about him caught my attention. I can’t explain why, but a quiet thought came into my heart: This man is going to be my soul mate.

Now, after 21 years of marriage, I can say with all my heart — he truly is.

A Gift from Above

He is the kind of man who makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world — even though I know I’m not. (Hehe!) He has stood by me through all of life’s ups and downs. He’s patient, supportive, and kind. He respects me, takes care of me, and loves me so deeply that sometimes I wonder, Do I even deserve someone this good?

But when I look at him, smiling and content as my husband, I think maybe I do.

My Fairytale Moment

When we got married, I felt like Cinderella — a simple woman who captured the heart of her prince. And to me, he truly is one. We said our vows, filled with hope, laughter, and a little disbelief that love like this could be real.

And yes, we’re living our happily ever after. Or at least, we’re trying — with a lot of love and a little humor. 😊

A Honeymoon Like No Other

Now, here’s a twist to the fairytale. Our honeymoon wasn’t in Paris, Rome, or on a beach in Bali. It was on a ship — the one where my husband worked! Yep, I went onboard with him and visited places like Scotland and England, docking in charming port towns I never imagined I’d see.

It was also where I had to try on an emergency suit — one so huge I almost drowned in it before even touching water! Luckily, we had smooth sailing and never needed it. Good thing, too, because I wasn’t exactly “cruise-ready.”

Love, Vomit, and Very High Waves

Here’s the not-so-glamorous part: I was seasick all the time. Every time the ship moved, I felt like my stomach moved the opposite way. And don’t get me started on the high waves. Watching them crash and roll made me feel like we might sink any moment. It wasn’t exactly the romantic honeymoon I imagined… more like a rollercoaster at sea.

Would I do it again? Absolutely not. But was it memorable? Definitely. And scary. But even in that chaos, I was with the man I love — and that made it all worth it.

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So yes, my life in Norway gave me autumn leaves, terrifying sea waves, and one very oversized emergency suit. But most of all, it gave me my soulmate.
And for that, I will always be grateful. ❤️

My journey in Norway!

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My Journey in Norway: A New Life in a Snowy Land

A New Beginning – August 1989

I don’t know exactly why, but I feel that I must share the highlights of my life—and what better place to begin than here in Norway, where so much of my journey unfolded.

I arrived in Norway in August 1989. It was still summer when I landed, and I remember being very thin back then—I weighed just 43 kilos. I came as an au pair to help take care of my young nieces. They were absolutely adorable, and together we created a tapestry of joyful and sometimes sad memories.

That year marked my first Christmas away from my family in the Philippines. It would be the first of many spent far from loved ones, and it was heartbreaking. Life sometimes presents us with choices that are difficult, even painful, no matter what path we take. But life goes on...

The Magic (and Reality) of Snow

Then one day, the snow came. I had never seen snow before—it was like something out of a dream! I ran outside, lay down in the soft white powder, laughed, and felt pure joy. It was magical.

But as the years passed, I learned that snow isn’t always so charming. When it piles up too high, you have to shovel it just to get out the door. Driving becomes risky, and the roads are slippery and dangerous. That’s when I realized that while snow is beautiful, it also comes with responsibilities.

Struggles and New Opportunities

Unfortunately, my sister’s marriage didn’t work out. I found myself caught in the middle, which made life complicated and emotionally exhausting. But in the midst of those difficult days, I was blessed with a stroke of kindness.

A kindhearted lady—the landlady of the house my sister moved into after separating from her husband—offered me a job in her flower shop. She didn’t mind that I couldn’t speak Norwegian very well at the time. She trusted me, supported me, and gave me a chance.

Gratitude for the Angels Along the Way

Looking back, I can only thank God for sending angels into my life at the right moments. That woman’s kindness gave me more than just a job—it gave me hope, purpose, and the strength to keep going in a foreign land.

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This is just the beginning of my story in Norway. There’s so much more to tell, and I look forward to sharing the rest of my journey with you—filled with lessons, laughter, love, and resilience.

My colorful clowns!

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Since it's winter and it is dark and gloomy,  I try to make my day a little brighter. So I am still making clowns. Hope I can make others smile with these colorful clowns. I did :)

and a few cards that I made lately:)

for small girls

for the young at heart

for small boys

and hoping that spring will be here soon:)

 

JOY

Word power!

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Word Power: A Game, A Journey, A Revelation

It’s never too late to begin something new.

At over half a hundred years old, I’ve discovered a new passion—or perhaps rediscovered an old one—with a twist. The game? Scrabble. Or Wordfeud, depending on the app.

The difference now? I play it on my iPhone, and my opponents are from all over the world. Some are Norwegian, some are English-speaking. And they all challenge me to think harder and dig deeper into my vocabulary.

Reigniting an Old Flame

Scrabble isn’t actually new to me. I played it when I was younger—occasionally with my daughter, sometimes with my mother-in-law.

But this digital version? It’s a whole new level. A fresh thrill. A challenge that’s as much mental as it is personal. For someone getting older, this isn’t just a game—it’s brain food. It’s mental gymnastics. It’s that exciting little adrenaline kick when I land a high-scoring word.

Who knew that words could be so powerful?

Words Can Build—or Break

They say that as we age, our brain cells slowly die if we don’t keep them stimulated. Well, thank God for word games that keep me thinking, strategizing, learning.

And it makes me reflect on something deeper: words themselves.

Words can inspire, heal, and uplift.
But they can also hurt, destroy, and tear down.

They are powerful tools—capable of building up or breaking down. Which makes me think: what about the most powerful words of all?

The Power of God's Word

Let me remind you of this beautiful truth:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16–17

God’s Word is not just ancient wisdom—it’s living, active, and enough. We don’t need to search far and wide for truth or meaning.

It’s all in His Word.

And here’s another promise that fills me with peace:

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
— Isaiah 55:11

His Word is effective. It never fails. It accomplishes what He wants.

Every verse, every command, every promise carries eternal weight.

A Little Joke... With a Big Truth

Sometimes I joke and say, “Maybe I should pray for God to give me the perfect Scrabble word to win the game!” 😄

But in all seriousness, I know that in everything I do—whether it's playing a game, talking to others, or walking through trials—I need God’s Word.

It gives me perspective.
It fills me with life.
It reminds me that no matter my age, I am still growing—still being equipped.

Use the Right Words

So here's to Word Power.
Not just the power of language in a game, but the life-giving power of God’s Word.

Be wise.
Use the words that build, that heal, that encourage.
Use the powerful words of God, and you’ll be able to stand firm, no matter what comes your way.

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Words... words... words...

May we always choose the ones that give life.
And may we never forget the eternal power of God’s Word.

Why I changed?

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From Reluctance to Love: How a Cat Changed My Heart

Childhood Disinterest

I used to be someone who didn’t like animals—at all. Touching them made me uncomfortable, and the idea of having a pet at home was the last thing on my mind. As a child, I simply wasn’t fond of animals.

But people do change.

A Tiny Kitten in the Philippines

I vividly remember one early morning back in the Philippines. My family and I discovered a tiny kitten at our doorstep. It was so small and frail, clearly only a few days old. We never figured out how it got there, but its helpless cries melted the hearts of my children. And surprisingly, mine too.

Though I was hesitant at first, something inside me shifted. I found the old baby bottles my children used, and I began feeding the kitten like it was my own. It longed for a mother, and so I decided—I would be that mother. Against the odds, the kitten survived and grew into a cat we all loved deeply.

But life had other plans. A fire consumed the house we were living in, and we never saw our beloved cat again.

Life in Norway: A New Chapter

Here in Norway, having a pet is almost second nature. Dogs or cats are common companions in many homes. Yet, even with this norm around me, I remained firm in my old mindset.

When my youngest daughter was a little girl, she often begged me for a cat. But I turned a deaf ear. I didn’t want to deal with fur, messes, and certainly not the cat’s po-po on the floor. So she grew up without a pet.

A Familiar Twist of Fate

But history has a funny way of repeating itself.

When our elderly neighbor moved into a nursing home, her cat was left behind. She had no one to care for her. And typical me—I felt sorry for the cat. Despite my reservations, I said yes to adopting her.

And just like that, my daughter’s 17-year-old dream finally came true. She's turning 19 this year, and the cat is still with us—loved and cherished.

The Unexpected Bond

This cat truly changed me.

Now it’s me who plays with her. Me, who once couldn't even stand touching animals. I find joy in our interactions, and yes—I talk to her too. I believe we understand each other. I no longer mind the mess or the added responsibility. Her food is now part of my monthly budget.

Most of all, she makes me feel less alone, especially when everyone else is away.

A Lesson in Love

I’ve come to see animals in a new light. They are part of God’s creation too. So in caring for this cat, I believe I’m also honoring Him. I'm showing love—not in grand gestures, but in small, everyday acts of kindness.

And maybe, just maybe, this is love shown… in my own way. 🐾

Life as a foreigner!

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Home, But Not Home: A Foreigner’s Journey of Belonging

The Struggle of Two Worlds

There’s a common saying: “There’s no place like home.” But what if you live between two homes—never fully belonging to either? What if your heart is rooted in two soils, yet your feet can only stand on one?

I’ve been living in Norway for 22 years now. This country, with its breathtaking fjords and quiet strength, has given me a new life, new opportunities, and yes—many beautiful moments that I now call home. But at times, I still feel like a foreigner. Not because I’m not welcome—quite the opposite. But because I will never look Norwegian. My skin is brown, my eyes are brown, and although my hair was once black, it's slowly turning grey.

Sure, I can dye it blond. But let's be honest—I’d look a little wild, a little off. It just doesn’t fit the rest of me. And that’s part of the deeper truth: there are parts of me that will never blend in, no matter how hard I try.

The Language Barrier and the Desire to Belong

I’ve learned to speak and write Norwegian. But not like a native. There’s always a gap—a hesitation, a grammar rule I forget, a word that doesn’t quite land. And though I love languages and speak English too, it can be frustrating. Language is power. It connects people. And sometimes, not speaking like the locals makes you feel like you're always just a little bit outside the circle.

Still, I keep learning. I’m turning fifty soon, and I’m the type of person who wants to learn everything. A little here, a little there. I know I’ll never be an expert in one thing—but I celebrate every small step, every word learned, every sentence I get right.

Grateful for the Journey

Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly grateful. Norway welcomed me when I needed a place to grow. It gave me a new start, new experiences, and new dreams. It may not be the country of my birth, but it adopted me. It let me plant roots.

And yet, when I return to my country of origin, something feels different there too. I speak the same language. I look like everyone else. I eat the same food. But it no longer feels like home—because home now has another address. My bed, my things, my life... they’re in Norway.

A Foreigner Everywhere—But Not Alone

So what does that make me? A foreigner in Norway. A foreigner in my home country. Living between worlds. And that can feel lonely sometimes.

But I’ve learned something important: No one has everything. Life isn’t always tidy. But we make the best of the place where we’re planted. We grow where we can. And we trust that our journey has a purpose—even if it’s not always clear.

The Hope Beyond All Borders

There’s one truth that gives me peace, no matter where I am: I will never be a foreigner in heaven.

One day, I will go to the place Jesus promised in John 14:1-2:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

What a promise. A home beyond homes. A place prepared not by governments or languages, but by the One who sees us fully and loves us completely.

Wherever You Are, You Are Seen

To anyone else out there who feels like they don’t quite belong—whether in a new country, a new culture, or even in a familiar place that no longer feels the same—I want to say: You are not alone.

You are learning, growing, adapting, surviving—and thriving in your own way. And that is something to be proud of.

So live your life fully, wherever God places you. Because He is already there, preparing your forever home.

Garbage of our lives!

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Garbage of our lives!

It always tickles me whenever I come across articles, blogs, or photos showcasing the incredible crafts of creative people. I’m a huge fan of those talented individuals who turn what many would call “trash” into treasures. I’m constantly amazed by how God made each of us unique, gifting us with different ideas and the ability to inspire one another.

One of my own passions is cardmaking. I love cutting paper and cardboard into different shapes and sizes to decorate the cards I make. It’s a joyful, calming process for me. But as a result, my trash can is always overflowing with colorful paper strips and scraps. Garbage?

Well... not exactly.

I often burn these paper leftovers in our fireplace to help warm our home during the freezing winter months. So yes, even my crafting “trash” has a purpose. It brings warmth—not just in the form of heat, but in the joy of creating and sharing handmade cards with others.

Every day, we throw away so many things. In many underdeveloped countries, however, these discarded materials are reused, recycled, and even serve as a source of livelihood. For some, garbage is literally a source of life—transformed, valuable, and sustaining.

But it’s not just material things we throw away. Words, too, can become garbage.

Words have power.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21

What we say each day can either bring life or slowly destroy someone’s spirit. Spoken words can’t be unsaid. They leave marks—some uplifting, others wounding. And just like physical garbage, careless words often need to be "recycled"—cleaned up, rephrased, or apologized for—before they can be useful again.

So let’s be intentional. Let's speak life. Let’s create warmth not just with our hands, but with our hearts and voices.

Make it a habit to make at least three people smile each day with your words.

Who knows? Your kind word might be the exact warmth someone needs to get through a cold moment in their life.

The cross to bear

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The Cross We Bear

Different people. Different crosses to bear.

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As human beings, we all carry burdens—some visible, others unseen.

These “crosses” can take many forms:

• A spouse who is unfaithful

• The death of someone dear

• Children who lose their way

• Financial hardship

• Unemployment

• Persecution

• Physical disabilities

• Chronic illness

• An unhappy marriage

• Loneliness

The list could go on. Everyone you meet is carrying something.

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But the deeper question is not what burdens we bear—
It’s how we carry them.

Do we carry them alone?
Do we allow them to make us bitter or better?
Do we try to hide our pain, or do we reach for help and hope?

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✝️ What Did Jesus Feel?

Sometimes I wonder what Jesus felt as He carried His cross.
Was He lonely? Did the pain overwhelm Him?

None of us could ever fully understand the weight He carried—
And yet, even in that unimaginable suffering, He said:

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34

Even in pain, He offered forgiveness.
Even in agony, He loved us.

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💬 He Understands. He Cares.

Whatever cross you're carrying today—grief, disappointment, pain, regret—
you don't have to carry it alone.

Jesus already carried the heaviest burden of all—our sin.
And He invites you to come to Him.

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Matthew 11:28–30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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🌿 Come to Him. Find Rest.

Whatever you’re going through—however heavy your cross feels today—
you don’t have to walk alone.

Jesus offers rest. Peace. A lightened burden.
Not just for your body, but for your soul.

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I came to Him, and I found rest.
You can too. 🙏

 

The powerful name!

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✨ The Powerful Name ✨
Finding Joy in Who We Are—and Whose We Are

This year, I’m turning 50.

Half a century. A milestone. Honestly, I don’t feel old—until I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The wrinkles are settling in, and more and more gray hairs peek through. Every month, I dye my hair—just to look a little younger. Just to feel like time hasn’t completely caught up with me.

And yet, when I hear the younger ones say, “I’m getting old,” I can’t help but chuckle. You have no idea, I think. But deep down, I smile—because aging is a gift, not a curse.

As I look ahead to my little celebration—just close family and dear friends—I’ve already started preparing. That’s typical me. If something special is going to happen, I want to make it meaningful. Today, I began creating table cards with the names of my guests. As I wrote each name, a wave of emotions came over me.

Every name carries a personality. A history. A presence. And I thought, Maybe I’ll write a few words on each card—how I see them, what they mean to me. It’s just an idea. But even the thought made me realize how deeply connected names are to our identity.

And then, I thought of my own name.

My name is Ligaya, which means joy.

Simple, right? And yet so profound. I am a joyful person. But joy doesn’t always come easy. My worst enemy? Loneliness. I do everything I can to keep it at bay. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what drives my creativity. My desire to connect. To celebrate. To laugh.

Now I’m curious about the names of my loved ones—what they mean, and whether those meanings match who they are. One day, I’ll go on a little “name discovery” journey.

But today, something even more beautiful happened.

In my quiet devotion time, God reminded me just how powerful a name can be—not just mine, or yours—but His. I opened my Bible to:

John 16:24 – “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

What a promise.

When we pray in Jesus’ name, we are not just speaking into the air. We are speaking into eternity. His name carries power, authority, healing, hope, and yes—joy. Complete joy.

How beautiful that my name means joy. And how wonderful that Jesus, the one I know and love, promises that through Him, my joy will be complete. Not because of what I have. Not because of how I look. But because of who He is.

So as I turn 50, I’ll celebrate not just the years, but the meaning behind every moment—and every name. Especially the one name that gives life to all: Jesus.

Because with Him, I can do all things. That’s His promise.

And I believe it with all my heart.

The roasted goose!

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The Roasted Goose and the Greatest Sacrifice

An unexpected reminder of love, loss, and redemption.

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🕊️ A Moment in the Sky

It was last autumn.
A pair of geese soared across the horizon, wings stretched wide against the golden sky. Peaceful. Free. Together.

But far below, a hunter stood still—waiting, watching.
Then suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the air.

"Pang!"

One goose was struck.
The other watched as its lifelong partner spiraled to the earth—gone.
The hunter smiled, proud of his long-awaited catch.

But in that sky, one goose flew on—alone.

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🍂 A Holiday Feast, A Quiet Realization

That same goose was later roasted and served on our Christmas table.
We gathered around, grateful for the meal:
Crisp skin, tender meat, baked potatoes in creamy sauce, a fresh salad.

Delicious, yes.
But as I tasted each bite, something stirred in me.

This life—this bird—had to be taken so we could be nourished.

It was more than a meal. It was a moment of reflection.

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✝️ The Sacrifice That Saved Us All

My thoughts turned to another sacrifice—far greater, far more sacred.
To a hill called Calvary. To a cross.
To Jesus.

He, too, gave up His life.
Not because He had to.
But because He loved us that much.

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
—Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Jesus, the Son of God, bore pain we deserved.
He was beaten. Crucified. Forsaken.
So that we could be saved.

And just like the goose’s sacrifice filled our bodies—His fills our souls.

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💭 Do We Stop to Remember?

We eat. We celebrate. We move on.
But do we stop to think?

Do we remember what Jesus did?
Do we still feel the weight of His love—the kind of love that lays down its life?

After that meal, I began to.
All because of a roasted goose.

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🕊️ The Lonely One Left Behind

I still think of the goose left behind.
Alone. Searching. Brokenhearted.

It’s easy to dismiss. “It’s just an animal,” we say.
But aren’t we all like that sometimes?
Wounded. Wandering. Waiting to be found.

How many people are flying through life, missing someone they loved?
And yet, in that loss, I was reminded of hope.

Because Jesus did not leave us alone.
He came to find us.

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🙏 A Love Like No Other

So here’s what I’ve learned—
from a goose, a hunter, a meal, and a memory:

Jesus loves us with a love that gives everything.
Not just once a year. Not only when we deserve it.
Always. Unconditionally. Eternally.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
—John 15:13 (NIV)

Just one!

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Just One

Unknown

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start a forest,

One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship,

One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room

One candle wipes out darkness,

One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey.

One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom,

One heart can know what's true,

One life can make a difference,

You see, it's up to you!

I got this poem from a friend and I believe it is worth sharing. It reminds us that no matter what we do small or big,  can make a difference in this world.  And everything that God has created has a purpose.

So we must  keep on trying, learning, loving , sharing  or giving, creating,  writing and speaking. Because everything we do and say counts! And every small and little things that God had made counts.

Remember it takes only YOU and God. 

JOY

A clown!

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 The Clown in Me: On Masks, Laughter, and Hidden Joy

One day, I made a clown—and unexpectedly, I fell in love with it.

He’s colorful, cheerful, and just looking at him makes me feel... alive. It’s strange how something so simple can spark deep joy.

It brought back memories.

There were two clowns at that party, making everyone laugh. Their energy lit up the room, but still I wondered—what if behind their painted faces they weren’t smiling?

That thought stayed with me.

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Why Do We Wear Masks?

3. An image of a person holding a smiling mask in front of a sad face—illustrating how we hide inner emotions behind hidden expressions.

• To hide what’s inside ourselves?

• To be accepted, admired, or seen as strong?

• To protect from hurt?

• To pretend we’re okay—even when we’re not?

Yet no mask can hide us from God. And that truth brings me peace.

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What God Sees

He knows when I’m weary, in pain, pretending to be fine. He invites me:

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28

There’s freedom in knowing I don’t have to perform to be loved.

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My Job: Being a Clown with a Purpose

At the activity center where I work, I’m often asked to wear an invisible mask—energetic and joyful no matter what I feel inside. Even during tough days, I show up. And here’s the surprising truth:

When I lift others up, I lift myself too.

Laughter heals—better than any medicine I've known.

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A Laugh a Day...

You’ve heard the sayings:

“A laugh a day keeps the doctor away.”
“Laughter is the best medicine.”

I believe them.

So go ahead—be a clown. Share joy. Smile, even on heavy days. Express the light that still lives within you.

You don’t need a mask to be loved. Just be… you. And you'll find that’s more than enough.