Joyfull Living

Flowers on the front porch are things that bring joy into my life! There is always something blooming, new varieties and new experiments are always being done to add color and beauty to porch sitting times. Somehow, some petunia seeds fell to the ground below the porch.  Tiny, little blooms were popping up all around! Their colorful heads looked so tiny popping up in the large grassy area. Although they were blooming, I knew with a little extra nurturing, they could do more than survive amidst the lawn, but that they could thrive. During the 'stay safe at home' season, I have been doing a lot of reading. One of the books I am reading is "The Power of a Woman's Words." This is one of my favorite topics, words and how they can be used to bless others. This book brought out a different view.. ."Words become the mirror in which others see themselves". Let me detour you to a scene I recently came across in a parking lot. As I was walking to ...

This post is a supplement to a ladies Sunday School lesson based on "Alone With God". This week's session allowed us to explore a portion of the Model Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. "Hallowed Be Thy Name".   We toss the word 'prayer' around rather loosely. It is something we know as Christians we should do. Believing in God, we know He hears and answers prayer. If we are not careful, it can become a check list - one of the 'good things' we have done. It can also become a wish list - what we want for God to do for us. But.. ."Prayer is first and foremost a recognition of God's majestic glory and our submission to it."  Our first petition is not for our benefit, but His. "Hallowed be Thy Name" completely encompasses God's nature and our response to it.  Hallowing God's name begins in the heart. When we sanctify (set apart as holy) Christ in our hearts, we will also sanctify Him in our lives. Some practica...

The current COVID 19 Crisis has often been described as 'unprecedented'. Whether at church, work, home or in our communities we see the reality that we have never navigated a situation like this.  Phrases that once were never heard of are unsettling familiar to us now - social distancing, flattening the curve, stay safe at home, 6 feet apart is the magic number. But as a country, it is encouraging to see the resilient spirit of Americans. Following the guidelines, protecting our selves, families and being courteous of others will help us as we navigate through this trying time.  Although currently we are in the midst of this crisis and each day brings heartbreaking news of loss,  now is a time to pray and support one another. But we can also lift our hearts and eyes to the future - and be assured this will pass. We will without a doubt suffer and be forever changed be changed by this time in our lives, but life will eventually move on. What will we be like when '...

You don't have to correct me, but I still feel pretty young! It is a blessing to have good health which I am extremely thankful for as I also do my part with exercise and nutrition. The age number may be in the 50s, but my mind feels like the 30s!  Until the reminders of truth hit.... This week I was out on a run and decided to take a different route. My eyes drifted to the different sights and my foot hit a gap in the pavement. My ankle turned and gravity propelled me downward...ouch! Here I was sprawled out on the ground, hardly believing what just happened!  Upon rising, the ankle indeed turned and was hurting. It was 2 miles to my house on a country road as I reviewed my options.   No one was at home and pride kept me from calling anyone else, so I tentatively began hobbling homeward. "Old" people fall, not lively, energetic ones like me! (Reality check!).  Setting my mind on making it home, step by step I kept going. The pain lessened the more step...

While being 'safe at home' I've had to come up with some things to occupy my time! Years ago, I was blessed to be a stay at home mom when our children were young. Those were treasured moments and considered to be such a blessed season of life.  That said,  being 'safe at home' with no children or anyone else is a whole different story!!  Lots of time, freedom and space needed to be filled! So, in between deep cleaning the house, organizing drawers, closets, washing walls, windows and baseboards, I found time to write on this blog again!  Sheltering at home is definitely the right thing to do for the safety of our families and community. Social distancing is necessary, but for one who thrives on connection and relationship, it is quite hard. At my church, I teach a ladies Sunday School class where beautiful conversations, prayer and social connections flow. In an effort to continue our studies and find a bit of connection, I'm going to be sharing some po...

You may could call me a 'fitness loner'. I'm a little different than most in my fitness journey in that I prefer to exercise alone. For years I have walked several times a week, later on, took up running, added at home workouts for strength and am blessed with discipline and endurance that is needed to keep up with a healthy lifestyle. Exercise for me is that 'me time' we all crave and try to squeeze in. Therefore it is not a drudgery, but something I love to do! The last few years, I have added an exercise class to my fitness routine. There is a sense of accountability and community  working out with others. For the last several months, my routine had a beautiful fitness balance between home and the gym. Until, the COVID 19 crisis. Gyms were closed first. Still needing that accountability, I found a small group class. Then, restrictions came and shut that down. Although I have never hired a personal trainer, I decided to give it a try.  My trainer is...

One month ago Easter planning was in high speed. The house was decorated, church schedule set, family celebration plans being worked on, it was going to be a glorious day, filled from early morning with celebrations of our faith and family.  I love to pack Easter Sunday completely full!  Our traditions include attending a Sunrise Service, followed by breakfast at church, morning worship service, then home for a special lunch with a houseful of family.  The excitement of planning for this special day invigorates me.  This year, things changed quickly. There would be no traditional church service, no large gathering, nothing special to plan for, no huge crowd to feed. When we stand still and face the reality of our country's crisis, even the best laid plans and routines fade in comparison of what is truly important.  With distractions gone and still mind and hands, the timeless truth is that Easter is about hope. Church pews may be empty. The chairs a...

TRIUMPHAL ENTRY — THERE WAS AND THERE WILL BE There was a time when Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem in a most unusual way. John 12 There will be a time when Jesus returns to this earth in a most unusual way. 1 Thes. 4:16 There was a time when He rode upon a young donkey. John 12:14 There will be a time when He rides upon a white horse. Revelation 19:11 There was a time when He came as the Sacrificial Lamb. John 1:36 There will be a time when He comes as the Righteous Judge. Revelation 19:11 There was a time when He came humbly and lowly. Zechariah 9:9 There will be a time when He comes to conquer and make war. Revelation 19:11 There was a time when palm branches were cast before Him. John 12:13 There will be a time when crowns will be cast before His throne. Revelation 4:10 There was a time when people proclaimed, “Hosanna.” John 12:13 There will be a time when people proclaim, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him.” Revelation 5:13 ...

Some call it boring, but to me, the rhythm of routine is comforting.  Not strict, unyielding rules, but a comfortable system of doing things in a similar manner.  Seasons of life change up our routines and but we usually can quickly re-adjust to another flow. Until something shakes us up and moves us out of our natural rhythm...like the COVID 19 crisis. Before this crisis hit, I didn't realize how smooth my routine was! Many activities and ministries kept me busy, but a good, continual moving routine brought a sense of accomplishment to each day.  Now....looking back at 'the old routine', I didn't realize how much time I spent on certain tasks, how much I loved the freedom of coming and going as I please. Didn't think we ate out that much! Took for granted the beautiful connection of relationships.  In my house, the main window shines and fills our home with natural light.  Each day, the morning light shines clearly through this window, right about ...

Happy April! One of my favorite things to do at the beginning of each new month is to turn the page of my wall calendar. I intentionally purchased a calendar filled with beauty and Scripture that we can gaze at daily. With my first glance at the new month, I usually skim the already written notes and appointments. Nothing inspires me like an upcoming event to prepare for! This season of life allows for more time in the schedule and freedom. As I unveiled April this morning, I was met with a lot of blank space. For someone who thrives on activity, this was a bit disappointing. As we join the national effort to combat the corona virus by social distancing and staying home, the calendar must stay empty and schedule free. For many, their schedules and homes are turned upside down, their days are full to the limit with children at home, homeschooling, eating at home etc.  As our nest empties, those tasks are not needed. Which leaves a lot of free time. Wonderful h...