Joyfull Living

Some of the best advice I ever received from my father was to practice and perfect the skill of relating to people of all walks of life. He encouraged me to be able to find common ground with those I come in contact with and to extend kindness and treat everyone the same.  He told me if I practiced that quality, I would be a respected person and be comfortable in all social situations. That sounded wonderful as a child, but as an adult it seems so easy to relate to those who we have much in common with.  Young wives flock together, mothers gravitate towards other mothers to share similar stories and seek solutions to everyday issues. Church family bonds together beautifully, sharing love, fellowship, compassion and joy.  Adding to those comfortable relationships is the time crunch of our culture.  It takes time to develop close relationships.  A saying I learned growing up was "the best things take a little more effort".  Easy is within reach...

Like so many things in life that we do automatically, dishing our meal plates up usually has its own routine, which we probably never think about.  Most meals consist of a meat or protein, a starch or carbohydrate (potatoes, rice etc.) and are finished out with some vegetables.  My regular routine is meat first, starch and then vegetables. If we are health conscious and work toward making healthy food choices, we learn to adapt some.  We may look for leaner meats, whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables,  But as we are trying to improve our eating, one little habit may be holding us back. By arranging food without thought or out of habit, it may cause you to accidentally pack on too much of some foods and too little of others.  When you plate your carbohydrate and protein first, by the time you get to the veggies, there’s little room left on the plate. In a well-rounded meal,  veggies should be the main focus. So you don’t want to plop t...

How is it that some weeks go by smoothly with a balanced schedule and other weeks are crammed to overflowing?   We are still adjusting to the school routine which now includes school pick up, driving son to golf practice, home for a few minutes, the pick up from golf practice.  This week we added an evening event at work, a leadership conference, a church meeting and a ladies fellowship night.  I've grown used to loving a few evenings at home, this week there were very few! In fact, "Friday Faves" are coming through on Tuesday! This week is slower and gives some time to breathe.  But here are my 'last Friday' faves! Sweet hubby. ...one of the hardest working men ever.  Up and out very early, long, demanding days at work and this week, he jumped in and did the running around while I was tied up.  He took son to golf practices, FFA meetings, he made sure golf clubs got transferred from one car to another and takes the trash off while he leaves...

    When we think of marriage, 'growth' usually isn't one thing that comes to mind. Love, patience, passion etc. seem to fit a little better.     For those who have been married a long time, growth may not seem necessary. You would think we know everything about our spouse that we need to!  But in marriage as in life, change is always in effect.  Seasons of life change, desires and goals change and as we grow older, we change and grow.    Growth in a marriage means growing closer.  We may think we are as close to them as we want to be (!!!), but growth means newness, excitement, discovery and freshness  What marriage could not use a dose of that? May we be diligent to grow in our marriage, to know them better, to love them more, to connect with their heart.   Here is a beautiful prayer from "Today's Marriage Prayer" that fits perfectly in this area: Dear Heavenly Father, We pray for a deeper understanding of...

By nature, I am a very peaceful, calm and passive person. Those are good traits to have and can be a good balance to others who have those traits in a smaller quantity!  But  a key to everything is balance, every trait has its strengths and also tendency for a weakness.   Sometimes those quiet traits keep our faith quiet..too quiet to stop the voices of fear, timidity and the overwhelming vulnerability when we face trials and hardships. There are times in life and in our faith when we need to rise up and stand bold.  The great news is that we don't have to rely on our personality, but our strength and boldness comes from God.  His Word is filled with verses to equip us to be bold and courageous. To remind us that in our weakness, His strength can come through us.  I'm joining in a 31 day challenge to read a verse a day for braver living.  These reminders from the Bible are perfect to put God's promises in our minds and hearts. ...

Last week I picked up an old book.  An old, but timeless book by Evelyn Christenson who writes, "I have discovered through the years that surprising things happen when I pray, 'Lord, change me--don't change my husband, don't change my children, don't change my pastor, change me!, . . . More and more the fact comes into focus that they, and not I, are responsible before God for their actions. But I am responsible for the changes that need to be made in me."  Since beginning the book and praying the heartfelt prayer of Lord, Change ME, I've been drawn to reality of love.  Love must be genuine if it is to last.  God's love is timeless and perfect and is the equipping I need to truly love.  A recent devotion resonated with that true love I'm looking to receive and to give: The only way we walk in love – God’s love – is to look to Him to fill us with His love, the kind of love … … that is an act of the will, … that takes actio...

When the information about essential oils started coming out, my interest was perked due to the aromatherapy aspect.  I LOVE to surround myself with wonderful smells. From soaps, to detergent, to candles and air fresheners, I want everything to smell good!  I purchased my first kit mainly because it had a diffuser in it along with an assortment of oils.  Diffusing oils in my home gave it a fresh, clean scent and purified the air. As I read the information about the assorted oils, many of them could be used for healing.  As the oil journey deepened, I did more research and began using oils on scrapes, burns, sore throats, sinus infections and when our immune system needed a boost.  Essential oils, containing potent medicinal and cosmetic properties, are a versatile part of a natural medicine cabinet. They work to support the body’s own healing system, and when used correctly, may be able to take the place of conventional over-the-counter remedies. ...

This sweet photo popped up in my Facebook memories.  I smiled as I thought back to the day and moment.  It was the day of my firstborn son's wedding and all of the girls gathered around the beautiful bride to say a prayer.  That day the prayer was one of rejoicing and thankfulness.  God had answered the prayer of both sets of parents when they asked for the perfect mate for their child.  We thanked God for this couple and prayed for a beautiful ceremony and a blessed marriage. This photo was taken 2 years ago and every day I still pray.  Early every morning with a cup of coffee and the Bible close by, I ask God to bless their marriage, to keep their hearts towards Him and to love one another.  This is done while I daily pray for my own 27 year old marriage.  Why keep on praying?  Because after the glitter and glow of love and the years of newness, those two lives merge into one, but it does not happen overnight.  D...

    There's just something about Sundays! After the activity of a week, Sunday offers a time to slow down, to breathe and to regroup.  It's a day that God set aside to rest and graciously commanded us to follow His example. It's a sacred day, a special day that whispers in our souls the goodness of God.   For the Christian, there is a longing to be in the house of God. To spend some time of this special day acknowledging God and worshipping Him with other Christians. There is freedom in singing praises to Him, praying and hearing the Word of God which bring renewal to our souls and prepares us for a new week.    Often we have weeks that leave us weary and worn.  We may face situations that seem hard, even hopeless.  It seems that even after this 'breather', an obstacle or trial will still be waiting for us and we get tired even thinking about it.  Sometimes life just brings us crumpled to the feet of Jesus.    Whe...

It's finally Friday and we have made the transition from summer to back to school successfully! It's been a good week and was full of special moments to share!  This spring I began a new job at a local ministry. The opportunity to be a part of helping lives in desperate situations come to realize God has a glorious plan for them is what drew me to be a part of the ministry. The added bonus was my new co-workers! These wonderful ladies welcomed me and made me feel like a part of their family. This week we celebrated some birthdays! Some of our 'selfies'!   Cheesecake always brings some smiles! First day of 10th Grade! One of the sights that blessed me this week.  Mid August is HOT here!  Afternoons are hot, humid and miserable.  Upon arriving home, this sight was the first I saw, the neighbor's cows all huddled under a tree!  But is was such a moment to stop and breath in a moment of peace and a smile! ...

As we go along the journey of life, we encounter many different people who are distinctly different and filled with a variety of attitudes that define them.  One of the purposes of this blog Joyfull Living is to share the joys of everyday life.  But, sometimes it is important to identify and change the direction of traits that do not line up with a life lived with the purpose of pleasing the Lord.  This may seem like an unusual post to encourage parents, but oftentimes, it pays to be proactive in identifying and dislodging traits that may be harmful in the lives of our children.  As a parent with the youngest entering the teenage years, attitudes can change in a heartbeat and oftentimes one flairs up and we wonder "where did that come from?"  Those attitudes left unchecked can become habits and ultimately define our character.  Have you ever noticed that there is usually one in every crowd who: Is critical Is discontent Is lazy These ...

We live in a tough world.  In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, being loving is often the furthest thing from my mind.  But, in reality, I want to be a better person.  After reading several lessons from Love As a Way of Life,   there were some truths presented that I want to hold on to.  The study focused on seven characteristics of a loving person:  kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity and honesty.   Although each of these traits sound good, they are not feelings which come and go, but can be established as habits to be practiced when we purpose to become an authentic, loving person.  By putting into practice and gaining good habits in these areas, together they form a loving person from the inside out.  We all have multiple relationships.  From family, to co-workers, to the store clerk or hairdresser, we have relationships with each person we come in contact with.  Most people want go...

There is something special about Sundays.  If you are a Christian, it is a day to stop and worship the Lord. To acknowledge Him and His greatness and His blessings.  A time to breathe and to gather with others to share the joy of the Lord.  Here is a beautiful proclamation of God's goodness to help make your Sunday great! You are holy, God. You are good. You have good plans for my life. You have good plans for my children. You’re good and so I don’t have to understand everything … You say that the whole earth is full of your glory and though I don’t understand how that works, I agree with it because You speak the truth. You’re a truth-teller, God. You’re a tear-gatherer, God. And I don’t even get it all God but You’re good and I believe You and I trust You and I’m a child … so help me trust You more. Amen.

Every year this week always seems to be one of varying emotions.  It is the last week of summer, just before the first day of school.  Part of me wants to hold on to summer with its slower pace, long evenings, easy mornings while another part looks forward to structure, routine, regular bedtimes and yes, a bit more freedom for mom! But, ready or not, summer is ending and a new school year is here.  Our family has one student left who is in high school.  As we count down his school days with the end being within a couple years, he is growing up, learning to drive, craving freedom as most teenagers do, and working on finding his own way in life. We're getting prepared for a new school year.  School supplies are purchased, he is excited to try an additional sport this year - golf, so equipment is ready for that.  Plans to instill good study habits and a routine to allow time to work on being and doing the best we can are in place. The best beginni...

There is power in the words we say, even the words we say to ourselves when no one hears.  The mind is the beginning of our words and then our actions. Destructive or Dynamic things can come from the first things that come into our mind.  It is our choice what to do when a thought comes into our mind, we can follow it and ponder it if it is good or we can replace it if it is bad.  Biblically replacing thoughts of failure can renew our faith, our thoughts and our perception.  God loves us, He created us and we are highly valued by Him.  If you have ever heard any of these thoughts before, flip the switch and turn on the light of God's Word to drown out the darkness of lifeless words.  1. Instead of saying: I'm such a failure!  say this - I'm made to overcome this. *2 Corinthians 10:3-5   "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have d...

I love the sound of those outrageously healthy words such as 'superfoods'.  If you've ever looked over the list of 'superfoods' and liked some of them, you feel like a pro! I recently found some health tips called "Secrets of the Very Fit". Sounds like a total lifestyle transformation, but these are small doable changes which over time are established into great habits which in turn create a healthy lifestyle.  Implementing these changes bit by bit isn't hard and the benefits are wonderful!!  Pick a few to begin and before long, you will be one of the 'very fit'! Secrets of the Very Fit  Limit caffeine and exposure to even secondhand smoke. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink from it often. Water should always be your drink of choice. To kick things up every once in a while, try adding lemon, lime, cucumber, or a few berries to liven up the flavor without adding significant calories. Stick with eating plans you ca...

I found this post that was written a few years ago. It was designed to be the beginning post of a series of our journey to healthier living.  Lots of changes have occurred since then, But, here is the beginning and more up to date happenings will follow! Over 10 years ago a friend invited me to a woman's seminar.  It turned out the Above Rubies  founder was making a special visit to our small town for a one day seminar.  Nancy Campbell was very inspiring and encouraging, but talked about things which were foreign to me.  She shared things like truly loving our families and making them a priority serving our family with joy watching what we fed them - talked about junk food in the grocery cart teaching them and implanting God's Word into their heart walking through the garden to 'pick' her lunch making bread from fresh ground wheat loving the home and delighting to be there natural living - using homemade and natural products for all aspects of li...

Every now and then I come across something much older, but timeless.  "Which Faith Is Yours?" is a quote I found a long time ago, but outlines the difference in passive and active faith and which one we will choose. May this Lord's Day, our faith be awakened and our trust reach out to the Living God who will never fail us! Passive faith accepts the word as true but never moves.  Active faith begins the work to do, and thereby proves. Passive faith says, "I believe it! every word of God is true.  Well I know He hath not spoken what He cannot, will not, do.  He hath bidden me, 'Go forward!' but a closed-up way I see,  When the waters are divided, soon in Canaan's land I'll be.  Lo! I hear His voice commanding, 'Rise and walk: take up thy bed'; and,  'Stretch forth thy withered member!' which for so long has been dead.  When I am a little stronger, then, I know I'll surely stand: when there comes a...

Here is a free printable I found that shares 11 everyday cleaning recipes using vinegar.  This was found over at Clean Mama and is a handy sheet to keep in front of you for some natural ideas. You can print you a copy of either color or black and white .

Wednesdays are always busy days. But it's ok, I like busy!   After work, every minute was rationed out.  Laundry, supper, food preparation for an event the next day.  I was sitting down working on our church bulletin and checking my email - because I love to multi-task!  In a few moments, it would be time for  a church meeting, one where willing workers were connected to available ministry opportunities. A bulletin announcement I was typing referred to having a servant's heart, ready to jump in and work.  An email titled "How to Face the Challenge Facing All Women and; How to Support Women to Be All They're Called to Be." drew me in.  Women, ministry and encouragement, all areas I want to be a part of.  Most woman face the same challenges, just in different ways.  There is so much to do and not enough time to do it in.  Some powerful reminders came through that short devotion that changed my heart and mind a bit: Invitations...

Our family had been a home school family for a few years up until last August.  And, we truly enjoyed the time together educating our family and especially enjoyed the benefits of being home much of the time with a flexible schedule.  "Flexible" extended to our time and also our appearance.  If there was nowhere to be, getting dressed up or made up wasn't really a necessity!  Yoga pants and a t-shirt became my regular wardrobe!  On days when a town trip was to be made, I upped it a little bit, make up, hair and better clothes.  I once overheard the neighbor who had come to visit my son ask - "Where is your mom going?" since simply due to my change of clothes she knew I was headed out!!   In August, my son went back to school and our home and routine did a vast makeover!!  Up and out became our morning goal. Our morning routine went from one of leisure to one where every minute was accounted for and utilized.  We now have a deadline...

Routines...everyone has them.  They may look different in each life and family.  There are quiet rhythms that bring peace to our souls and there are routines that change day by day that bring life and excitement to each day.   My routines are not set in stone and change often, but when I find one that works, I stick with it.  There is some comfort in familiarity, knowing what is coming up next and being alert to when things fall out of sync.   One place routines can cause a bit of trouble is in our marriages.  As women, we love to feel secure, loved, provided for and cared for.  That may encompass regular routines such as mealtimes, bedtimes, activities etc.  But..marriage is a dynamic thing,  not an achievement, nor an attainment to be put in a trophy cabinet.  Marriage is alive and must be fed and watered. Marriage like faith, are muscles that must be exercised.  They either grow stronger or they ultimately...