Joyfull Living

“Friend” has taken on a new meaning in a world influenced by social media. It’s often used to describe someone who you barely know, who follows your life at a safe distance, communicating by clicking a “like” button.  But as busy women in our daily walk, we see lots of other women, we may call friends.  Some walk along side us and cheer us on, some walk behind us and add additional weight and baggage, some may seem to wear us down with negativity, jealousy, comparison, gossip etc.   Cultivating true friendship takes much time and effort, something many of us do not have an abundance of! But for the Christian woman, here is a glimpse of some friendships based on characteristics of Biblical women that are worth seeking out.  An Elizabeth We need an Elizabeth in our lives, someone that will speak into our lives. What does this Elizabeth look like? She is likely an older woman (older than you). She will invest time, energy, wisdom, and will hold you accountable for mat

In John Maxwell’s Winning With People , he says good relationships are the foundation for achievement. Relationships are more than just the icing on the cake in life: They are the cake—the very substance we need to live successful and fulfilling lives.  As Christians, we are called to be Christ like in behavior and in Scripture commanded to 'love one another.' Jesus set the example of loving others before us.  Not only did He love us enough to die for us, but we see through the Bible many accounts of Him sharing and loving those around Him.  People miss incredible opportunities to connect with others because they do not make themselves approachable.  This has been a hindrance for me.  Due to insecurity and fear, I hold back and allow the other person to lead.  But, often times the other person is feeling the same way!  Someone has to go first!  Even if we're not ready to instigate fellowship, we can be approachable.   Here are seven characteristics of an approa

Christmas....once it's past it is easy to not even think about until next fall!  But, I found a few pictures I didn't post and even though Christmas is past, decided to share them and relive the sweet memories. Christmas Eve at my husband's parents house.  Big family, lot of food, family and celebration! Sweet hubby and I by the tree! Then home to spend with our oldest who travels on Christmas Day.  Convinced hubby to take another pic in front of our tree! All the girls take an annual photo! My boy's signature photo...this year, they let the youngest son in on it!

Grace.. .it's been said that grace is not simply a prayer we say before our meals, it is a lifestyle that receives the grace of God and in turn transfers that grace into the lives of others.  Day in, day out and in a multitude of ways. Definition of God's Grace – How do theologians define it? "What is grace? In the New Testament grace means God’s love in action towards men who merited the opposite of love. Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save themselves." This post is about an area I'm learning to grow in grace.  Unintended pregnancy.  In our culture, it is very common,and hardly receives any attention.  In our churches it certainly attracts attention along with confusion on how to respond.    God's Word tells us we all have sinned,(Romans 3:23)  but He offers forgiveness when we confess our sin.  Grace means God moving heaven and earth to save sinners who could not lift a finger to save

January is a good time to begin great habits!  Newness is contagious and we are often inspired to make some changes that are needed in our lives.  For the Christian woman, reading God's Word should always hold a priority in our hearts.  There are many wonderful devotion plans and books out there, but God's Word is the authority and foundation.  Many Christians like to read the Bible through and use the New Year to get a good start. Even if that is not your plan, be encouraged to read a book of the Bible through.  Here is a great resource to help keep track of the books read.  This is a huge undertaking that will entail lots of time (life changing time!).  Here’s how it works: Print the record keeper and tape it on the inside cover of your favorite Bible. Fold or trim the paper so the edges don’t stick out. Fill in the date when you begin reading a book of the Bible. Write the new date when you complete that book. Click on the   Free Printable  to ge

In case you haven't noticed, essential oils are everywhere!  Their uses are broad and are easily incorporated into daily life and home routines.  They can be used for aroma, purification of the air, comfort, healing and for food grade oils, cooking or flavoring.  Of course if you use them throughout the year, there will be oils that flow with the season.  Some are light, floral, fruity and warm.  This is the season we look for warmth and comfort.  The chilly days make us long for cozy homes, cozy food and the things to surround our homes with that feeling of warmth.  These days also bring along cold and flu season.  Especially when those invade our home, we seek out a healing warmth.   This time of year,  I tend to use oils that have a warming effect such as Clove, Cinnamon, Oregano, Peppermint and Eucalyptus. When applying these oils topically, it's very important to dilute these oils with a carrier oil like sweet Almond or Jojoba. Just add a few drops of the ca

What you do in the morning contributes greatly to the rhythme of your day. Mornings can be a gift that keeps unwrapping all through the day (says the morning person!!).  Even if you are not a morning person, a few tweaks can help the rest of the day go smoother.  Every morning offers the opportunity to get the day started well and in order, or fall into a rut that can let the day control you. Here are some easy things to do to get the day started off right: Make your bed Sounds pretty simple, but there’s a reason making your bed in the morning sets you up for success. This simple act of organizing—sheet, sheet, cover, pillows—and leaving your bedroom in a presentable condition reinforces to your highly impressionable, half-asleep brain that order and calmness abound. More calmness equals less stress, and less stress equals better mood, more productivity and (hopefully) a better day. Hydrate Your cells have been without water for several hours, so reintroducing wate

I thought I made good cream of broccoli soup, but recently came upon a recipe that was a copycat Panera Bread Co. Broccoli Cheese Soup .  Since I had all the ingredients one Sunday night, decided to give it a try. Oh my, this was the best broccoli soup ever!  Sweet hubby and I had bowls and I was looking forward to taking some of the leftovers for lunch the following day.  On the stove was the pot of broccoli soup remains along with a pan of gravy left over from lunch.  I asked our son to take the scraps out to the dogs, then walked away. (don't do that to a teenager!).  When I walked back in, he was returning the EMPTY soup pot, he gave the soup leftovers to the dogs!  Trying to make a motherly point, I asked..."There is a dish of leftover gravy and a pot of freshly made soup, which one looks like it should go to the dogs?"  He answered typically of a teenage boy, 'both".   One day surely he will appreciate a great pot of soup! But just to h

Several years back, my husband had surgery on his back that entailed a long recovery time.  To assist with the healing he was encouraged to walk daily.  Diligently we got up and out early for a morning walk most every day.  Since then, a walk together is something we enjoy doing together. Of course we have to have different preferences for walking.  I like the city sidewalks and to begin and end with a point of reference.  He prefers country walks along the river and exploring different trails. Trying to be a good sport, I go along with the country walk, with one stipulation...I don't like to walk in the sand!  Keep me on a hard path and not huffing and puffing through branches and underbrush and I'll be fine. Recently there was a trail to the river we had not been to in years.  I knew it would be those conditions I didn't care for, but determined to go and make the best of it!  Here is the sand we got into! Dirt trails, sand, leaves...he loved it!

In the middle of two weeks of school Christmas break linked to a week of vacation for sweet hubby and I, with lots of family time spent together, someone came down with a cold!  As in any generous family, it was shared.  Thankfully it wasn't the flu and didn't put us down and out, but complaints about sore throats and congestion were sounded.   A dose of over the counter medication cleared up our son's nose, but totally knocked him out. It was ok at bedtime, but would greatly interfere with daily activities.  As soon as hubby started having symptoms, natural mama here jumped in with some proactive natural remedies! Essential oils rubbed on throat - Thieves and Breathe blends to fight germs and clear nose, then a batch of elderberry syrup to build up the immune system to help it do it's job.  Elderberries naturally contain A, B, and C and stimulate the immune system.  Click HERE to read about some of the powerful benefits of elderberries.   Here

One evening this week, make it a point to ride by your local gym. I'l bet it is packed with people! Getting in better shape is one of the more popular New Year's Resolutions. It begins with good intentions, a new gym membership, a few weeks diligently hitting the gym, eating better, feeling better until the day comes you don't 'want to' go work out.  Those 'don't want to' days come more frequently, the meals slip back to the old familiar foods which bring comfort and before long any progress made has disappeared...until next January.  Instead of radical resolutions, taking fun smaller steps keeps us moving in the direction of our big goal.  Here are a few fitness resolutions to keep us headed in the right direction: 1. BE A GAINER Instead of focusing on what you want to lose from your workout, focus on what you want to gain. For example, “I want to lose 30 pounds” is less motivating than “I want to gain strength.”  Turning the focus to ho

Unless you are a Martha Stewart type, the subject of hospitality may be one that causes a bit of an internal struggle.   When we prepare our homes for visitors and find ourselves stressing out over the details, we are "entertaining" which is vastly different from 'hospitality'. Here is the difference: Entertain: To hold the attention of with something amusing or diverting. Hospitality: Cordial and generous reception of or disposition toward guests. "Entertaining can be stressful; it feels like everything has to be perfect before your guests arrive—and the perfection must continue throughout the visit with the food, décor, conversation, and games. Hospitality is not about perfection or appearances... In fact, hospitality says I’m not perfect and neither is my home, but please come over anyway and fellowship. Hospitality has an open door / open life policy; whereas, entertaining says wait until I have everything perfect then come over. Entertaining is exh

One of the most important and powerful things a couple can do is to pray for one another.  When things are going well, what a blessing to thank the Lord for.  When challenges come, praying for one another keeps bitterness at bay and restores the love first in the heart, then loving actions flow out. When we want to change them, and nothing works(!), God can do a work in marriages and hearts. This is a powerful investment to pray for our spouse and a New Year is the perfect time to begin.  Here are some sample prayers.  A Prayer for My Husband Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for this wonderful gift of a husband, companion and friend. Remind me to celebrate his achievements, and to turn my focus away from his faults. Equip me to be the help meet you have called me to be, and the friend my husband needs me to be. Help me to recognize his efforts, his courage, his strength, and to sing his praises in a way that brings honor to him and to our marriage. Le