Joyfull Living

Don't groan if you are not one of these types, but I love mornings!  They are my most productive time of the day.  Today was our coldest morning of the year so far, and after thanking the Lord for somewhere to stay warm, I embraced the day - got in a cup of coffee, Bible study, a quick workout, load of laundry done, supper planned then headed out the door. A local Christian radio station is hosted by a couple who bring a positive and encouraging word on the drive to town. This morning the conversation revolved around trees and some differences in trees. All year long, we see evergreen trees, they remain the same, they continue to be steadfast living, growing and keeping the same color. The type of tree we notice most during this time of the year are Deciduous Trees. These are the trees that produce the gorgeous, breathtaking color in their leaves before the die back for the winter.  Trees are all living and serve a valuable purpose.  One of the n...

Every year around the time the first cold snap comes, usually someone in the family comes home with that dreaded comment..."my throat is getting a little sore".  Which usually means some sort of sickness is beginning and 'the yuckies" have come into our home.  In my early years as a mom, these comments would come and I would just sit back and wait for the inevitable to come...more sickness, sleepless nights, usually a doctor visit and a week worth of sickness misery.  Through the years I've learned a few things that help out when the yuckies come.  Rest, fluids and comfort.  Recently I've become interested in learning and applying natural remedies when the yuckies come.  Through some research, I've learned that many household items can boost immunity and help ward off sickness as they assist the body to fight and work toward healing. One of our favourite remedies to get the yuckies to move on out it garlic.   Garlic is a triple thr...

The month of November is a perfect time to stop and reflect on our blessings.  Every year, when November rolls around, I get geared up to make a 'thankful list', deliberately choose to count my  blessings, make a gratitude journal etc.   Then....December comes and slowly the rush of Christmas preparations can push aside that attitude of gratitude.  This year, my focus is not just to 'do gratitude', but to 'live out gratitude'.   Gratitude isn't simply being thankful, it goes beyond the blessings, to recognize the hope that we have in the Lord. It is what give us hope and help in the hard times.  It is a steadfast heart that looks to God who alone brings all things together for our good.  One of many people's richest blessings is family.  Once marriage occurs, we gain family, grow, stretch and learn to love differently.  Family love stretches our hearts and lives.  I've been blessed with an incredible and loving famil...

Have you ever listened to the noises that come from your home?  When our home had 3 sons living in it, things could get pretty noisy!  Wrestling, bouncing balls, video games, television sports and the occasional competitive 'discussion' were what was heard most of all day, every day! Now that 2 of the sons have left the nest, things are much quieter.  I was recently outside watering flowers and heard a humming sound.  Realizing it was the sound of the dryer, I smiled, never paying much attention to quiet hums of the home before! There is something comforting about some of the hums of home.  The washer and dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, mixer etc.  All these sounds represent a method of 'making a home'.  Most are tools we use to care for the family.  Every home 'hums', whether it is a house full, an empty nest couple or a single living alone.  Home-hums bring comfort and warmth and can be carried with us where we go.  A...