Joyfull Living

Have you ever heard some really bad news?  A friend going through a devastating situation, hearing of an illness or death, loss, grief or sadness. Often our first response may be 'you are in our prayers' or ' I'm praying for you '.  These words may be simple but can be used in ways that carry very different meanings.   Offers of prayer may often be the only thing to say when situations are devastating. But, when followed up by the promise of prayer, the most powerful source of relief is sought after.  It comes down to the action part... do we simply say we pray or do we take it to the Lord in prayer.  Similar to prayer, our words can be a blessing or a distraction to our Christian walk.  Words of blessing and encouragement without actions that match are not very effective. Purposefully using our words can bring great blessing.  The Bible has a lot to say about the ways we should use our words. To ENCOURAGE – “Do not let any un...

Can you believe we are already half way through January?  How are the New Year resolutions coming?  I've noticed the gym parking lot is less full, hear that many who have determined to eat better are slowly falling backwards. The excitement of what we want to see in our lives seems to dim when it requires more effort than we expected. When our weakness is exposed, we can focus on what we want to see in our lives and understand it will take some work. That is one of the reasons I"ve been choosing to have a word for the year instead of many 'want to' things in my life. I love that a word can be dropped into your heart like a banner over your life. Prayer is the first action, to seek God for a particular word. Perhaps it will be something He wants to develop in your life or wants you to focus/work on. This year, the Lord dropped a word in my heart and I am embracing it, because it is a quality I want to see developed. The characteristics I long for have been re...

"Save the drama for your Mama" was the mantra at a high school assembly. The principal said he didn't want any drama in his school.  I totally get that, I don't want any drama in my life either!  In fact with three sons I often rejoice at the lack of drama in our home. Girls seem to carry more drama in their lives than boys, so I considered our home 'drama free'. That was until recently when a little mishap hurt my feelings. I began plotting what I would say in response, in my mind going over and over the offense until I could feel bitterness building up. As a Christian, I knew this was one of those times to do as the Bible says and 'take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ'.  I also knew if I responded as I wanted to, it would cause hard feelings and put a strain on relationships. So, after an inward struggle, I made up my mind to simply wait. Not say or do anything and when the thoughts of unfairness and manipulative emotions ca...

One of my Christmas gifts came a bit early. In fact, it was a 'regifting' in a way. A friend had a gift certificate for a manicure in another town and she was unable to get there to redeem it. The day it expired, I had to go to that town to pick up a Christmas gift and was able to use it. Manicures are a real treat for me and this one was one of the best ever. I usually do my nails myself and then tend to be a bit rough on them, limiting that fresh new manicured look. Since I want this look to last, this time, these nails are getting treated very gently. They get moisturized, avoid activities that would chip them and do all I can to keep that beautiful look. While striving to keep the nail appearance, a devotion reminded me that as a Christian, I reflect the Father. Do I take the time and effort needed to keep His image clear and beautiful?   We don't know physically what Jesus looked like, but His actions paint a portrait of His love as He fed the hungry...

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...