Joyfull Living

It all starts in the mind...how often have we heard that phrase?  What we think becomes how we speak, how we act and who we become.  When our thoughts are in line with God's guidelines, we can be filled with God's peace.  Right thinking changes the desires of our hearts and from a pure heart, comes words that reveal the peace of God in us and brings about peace around us.    Since thoughts precede words, the guidelines about pure thoughts found in Philippians 4:8-9 can be instrumental in our thoughts and speech. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.    The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.   Here are some vital questions to ask to align our thoughts b

Have you ever had the same verse from the Bible seem to follow you?  You hear it or read it and then come across it again and again?  I had that happen this week and it blessed me so much, I had to share!!!  Wednesday night church service, our pastor read from Psalms 34, I love this passage and  have read it many times: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord ; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34:1-3 The pastor highlighted the fact that our Lord is worthy of praise...at all times.  We can boast in Him, because He never fails and together, we should sing out and magnify His name.    Saturday morning following, I was running and just began listening to a sermon on my MP3 as I ran.  It began to sprinkle rain and I almost turned back, but decided to keep on a little further...so glad that I did!!   To 'm

Most Christian women have that desire to be a godly wife, one who encourages, blesses, loves and keeps her husband's best interests at heart.  Same principle aligns for being a Proverbs 31 woman.  These examples are clear in the Bible for us to see and read, but it is often in the doing that we fail.    Becoming is the action that follows seeing...we see the passage, want to be what it says, but becoming is a process...perhaps a lifelong process!!  But as we know, even the longest journey begins with the first step...the move towards godliness begins with one step of obedience but, God also  provides HIs grace and strength to keep us on the right path.  His power works to change us from the inside out, little by little, act upon act.    I found this article... How To Be a Godly Wife .   It is one of the best wrote articles I have ever read about being a Christian wife.  While written in letter form, it embraces so many qualities that we as wives need to see, read and

Guess what day it is???  Yep, it's Hump Day.  There have been a few new healthy habits I've picked up and wanted to share...so today is..."Healthy Hump Day'! A new supplement in our home is magnesium.  After hearing about it's benefits of helping relive foot cramps and stress, I did some research on it.   "Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis." National Institute of Health "Magnesium is a mineral that's crucial to the body's function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady.  Experts say that many people in the U.S. aren't eating enough foods with magnesium.

  Last week at church was Vacation Bible School week!  The theme was "Kingdom Chronicles" where our church was transformed into a castle reflecting kings and kingdoms - good and bad.  Our workers did a fantastic job 'dressing the part':   Through the week, the kids caught on and I noticed even our young girls were wearing skirts each day. Of course our 'dress up' area contained outfits designed for a princess:   And at the closing ceremonies, even 'the big girls' enjoyed a night of dressing up as princesses:     I found myself each day loving the look and feel of wearing a skirt!  It was a great reminder of the joy of femininity.  I do understand that wearing skirts is not for everyone, many girls live in their jeans and that is what they love.  Especially in summer, I find skirts cooler, attractive and very feminine!    I came across a series She Wears Skirts , which is a fantastic reference to modesty for Christian w

    Ever since I've heard this illustration of how to make time for things, it has helped me to learn to make time for what is important.  So often it seems our lives and schedules are so full, we can't fit another thing in, this little story puts a lot into perspective. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.    He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with

Last week we took a quick trip to the beach.  We met lots of family we don’t see often there.  Only problem…it rained…every day!!  But we spent time inside just catching up and dashing out for fun bike rides and walks in between rain drops! One evening after a day of rain, the sun appeared at dusk.  As we walked along the beach, the sunset was stunning…almost worth a day spent inside!

  What is a 'woman of God'?   It sure sounds like a tall order and one not to be taken lightly.  Many of us would quickly back away, knowing that often our thoughts, words and actions don't seem to link up with that high reaching description of our life.    I'm linking up today with Women Living Well where we are sharing a little bit about our favorite authors and life changing quotes by them. My all time favorite Christian author is Elizabeth George.   When I was a young mother (over 20 years ago), our church did a Bible Study "A Woman of Excellence" by Elizabeth George that opened my heart and stirred up a desire to become a woman after God's own heart.  This study is in book form in "A Woman After God's Own Heart".   Since that time, I have read many of Elizabeth's books and have been challenged and inspired by each one.  Her gracious manner can bring to light areas that need attention without condemnation, but rathe