How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.
Psalm 36:7-9 (ESV)
Did you know that the DelHousaye household has a theme? It is the French phrase “joie de vivre” and it is spelled out in a large 12×60 inch metal sign that hangs in the entrance to our apartment at Westminster Village.
Joie de vivre or “joy of living” is a French phrase often used in English to express a cheerful enjoyment of life, an exultation of spirit. It can be a joy of conversation, joy of eating, joy of anything one might do, a joy of everything, a comprehensive joy—a philosophy of life that involves one’s whole being.
Many of you know that my husband, Darryl, descends from a line of French ancestors who lived in Paris several centuries ago and who migrated to Canada and then to Louisiana. General Armand Lebrun de la Houssaye led a cavalry division during the First French Empire of Napoleon and the name Lahoussaye is one of the names inscribed under the Arc of Triomphe on Column 6.
Darryl’s dad, John, was born in Louisiana and had an amazing Cajun sense of humor—developed in a vibrant culture of music, cuisine, jokes, and teasing. He was a very popular butcher at The Original Farmer’s Market on 3rd Street and Fairfax in Los Angeles for many years. As Darryl watched his father in action he saw the magic of his personality play out in wonderful ways as people responded and connected with his joyful spirit. This is where Darryl’s “wooing” manner came into existence which has greatly benefited him throughout his entire life!
Our home is permeated by a rich joy of living as Darryl carries on the spirit passed down through the history of his family of origin. However, his joyful temperament has an even deeper source. When Darryl was 16 years old he became a believer in Jesus Christ at Forrest Home Conference Center. He immediately began teaching fifth graders at his church, then moved on to junior high students, then high schoolers and then has been teaching adults as a senior pastor and Bible teacher for over 50 years!