Joyfull Living

This week sweet hubby and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. The days leading up to the date were filled with the demands and rhythms of life and we held off any celebrations for a few days.  One of those life scenarios dealt with our vehicle. Since my knowledge of my car consists only of driving and putting gas in, sweet hubby has always urged me to pay attention if something is not right and let him know. I noticed a different sound while driving and mentioned it to him. Together we went to the car and determined the sound came from the fan of the air conditioner control knob.  Anniversary day came and as he went to work, I was to take the vehicle to the repair shop and tell them what was wrong. The technician came to the car and listened. "The blower fan is stopped up" was the quick diagnosis. A series of questions were asked such as did I park under trees, were pine trees near the car etc. Usually leaves can fall and get trapped in this area and hinder th...

With Father's Day coming up quickly, our thoughts naturally turn to our fathers, it is extra special if you are a girl who have or had a dad that loved and supported her.  My father is no longer with us, but he left a healthy dose of memories - along with instructions on how to use them! As a girl growing up, my father often spoke of his father who passed away before I was born. My father was greatly influenced by his father and his passing deeply affected him and he freely shared from his grief. He shared memories from his childhood and the love that was passed between them which was very special.  My favorite memory of my father was when we were on vacation at the beach. The day was cloudless as Dad and I went into the ocean to swim and were standing with the waves gently washing over us. We were truly making memories and he wanted to make sure this one was planted deep into my heart. He spoke of his father and the pain he felt when he passed away. He shared how mem...

"If you give a little more then you're asking for your love will turn the key." If you grew up in the 70s era, you can probably sing the words right along with the Bee Gees. On my morning runs, I fill my heart with doses of preaching or inspirational encouragement. Usually on the last mile, I let Pandora music bring me home.  Winding down from a run, I sang along with this song. Just days from coming home for a romantic mini vacation, the song flowed from the heart and brought a smile to my face as I realized the truth of the words.  Sweet hubby and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage next month. Along with that wonderful milestone we are looking at the empty nest as the youngest of our sons is graduating with college plans in the fall. The transition to the empty nest is upon us as we spend most evenings alone. The years of ball games, travel ball tournaments, jam packed schedules have faded away. The kids are busy with school and work but no longer 'ne...

Easter is one of my favorite holidays.  The joy begins with the truth of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus and what it means for us today. It is also a weekend full of celebrating with church and family.  There is much preparation and planning that goes into Easter weekend for my family. Those weeks ahead help us prepare for a whirlwind of activity the weekend brings. There is a children's Easter activity we take part in each year at our church as well as being involved in Easter Sunrise Service. Following church service, we gather with our family for a special lunch and time of fellowship. This weekend contains back to back events that keep us busy and enjoying each event. I love and thrive on being an active part with such special times.  But then, Monday comes and it's all over. Nothing new on the horizon to plan out, no details to be constantly going through my mind, no food to prepare, no house to clean, just some extra time to be still.   ...

This is Easter weekend, which in our home begins with a day off from work/school and a full weekend ahead which will include church and family celebrations. The Easter weekend begins with Good Friday. As a Christian, Good Friday is a significant day of the year because it celebrates probably the most profound weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation.  On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith.  Beginning with Good Friday and why it is called 'good', lies the basis of our faith. Our sinful nature, God's redeeming plan...

Beginning a  committed time to pray may take some adjustments and sacrifice. But, once the habit is established we position ourselves to seek and hear from God much deeper. This will become a precious time to begin each day, but will also equip us to face any challenges through the day we may face. Prayer will become your immediate reflex rather than your last resort. Here are a few ideas in life that can become prompts to pray: Newness:  Take time to pray whenever you begin something new. Pray at the start of each day, dedicate it to God asking for His cleansing, protection and guidance. Begin each new year, job or relationship seeking God's wisdom, help and direction. Needs: God is able to meet any need. When we face physical, emotional or spiritual needs, may these prompt us to pray. Blessings:   What has God done for you today? Daily He loads us with benefits and blessings. He protects us, forgives us and guides us. May we be ready to thank Him for a...

There are many times in our life we are extremely motivated to pray. A crisis, hope, all consuming fear will drive us quickly to our knees. It is almost an instant reflex - a cry for help to the God who can. But prayer and God is much more than a relief system, it is about a relationship - and they take time and effort. As we grow in the area of prayer, a daily time set aside to pray is a valuable and powerful tool in our walk with the Lord.  I Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to 'pray without ceasing'.  Although the constant action of prayer continually is not feasible, our attitudes can be in tune to talking or listening to God all through the day. It should become a natural part of our thinking, not only in our scheduled prayer time but through the chaos each day may bring.  God desires that prayer become an ongoing opportunity we engage in by quietly praising, thanking and leaning on Him at any moment. But along with this constant attitude of prayer, th...