Joyfull Living

What does your husband want for Christmas? I used to envy those who could answer that question right off the bat. For years I agonized over the right gift. Some of the things I love about my sweet hubby is that he is strong, has a determined mind, loves to do things right, loves quality and is mainly a perfectionist. *For those wives who love to surprise their hubbies with gifts, it doesn't work for a perfectionist! He is almost a complete opposite of me in the gift department. After many gift giving failures, clothes, hobbies, tools, we came to an agreement to purchase things for ourselves if there is an item we really want and spend some special time together over a dinner out. We're both happy and get exactly what we want!   A recent article shared some gifts for the husband who answers the question "What do you want for Christmas?" with "Nothing" . For the man who has everything, here are a few ideas to bless him this Christmas.  Your u...

During this time of year it is very easy to look at what needs to be done, to turn our focus to the shiny, attractive and business of the Christmas season.  Parties, gifts, food all take time and effort. But our motive is the most important thing. Christmas is all about love - God's love to us in sending His Son.  This beautiful reminder came through my email and is the perfect tool to refocus my Christmas activities. 1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits m...

December is usually a busy month as we attempt to squeeze an extra dose of Christmas fellowship in our schedules. This weekend found our family enjoying a weekend slap full of blessings. Family, Ministry and Work gatherings came back to back and filled our hearts and lives with so much joy!   A ministry dear to our hearts is our Pregnancy Care Center. A beautiful banquet was held for the clients to spread some Christmas cheer. It was a sit down dinner complete with beautiful decorations, a photo background, fellowship and of course Santa and his gifts for the children. Severl sweet babies will celebrate their first Christmas this year. What a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful evening.    Following the banquet, it was home to celebrate with the family and friends: My children with their aunt: Our boys with their traditional pose: Lots of laughter and food! A very precious time together. Th...

Several years ago when my children were younger, a few days before Christmas I was shopping for items for Christmas dinner. The store was packed, my toddler in the cart was fussy, I forgot the Christmas ribbon which was clear across the store and I was a frantic wreck.  Later a friend told one of my family members they had seen me at the store, but didn't speak because I looked frazzled.  Have you ever been there?  Unfortunately, that was probably not the only time that happened, but I'm not going to look back too hard!  But, that statement, that feeling, those words and attitudes bothered me. Especially at Christmas!  A frazzled mom is not the image I want to project! Since that day and especially since the children are older, I shop a little wiser. On frantic shopping days, I refuse to be in a rush. I anticipate the crowds and work hard to put on a patient and cheerful face. Try this....in the packed store, give another frazzled shopper a smile....