Joyfull Living

In my early years of parenting, I read some advice that I put into practice.  It went along the lines of when young children were being disciplined for disobedience that the children must understand what they did wrong and a thorough discussion must be given for them to understand what they did wrong and to avoid the same mistakes in the future.  I found out that this one area was one I could do well!!  Talk and explain so they could understand what they did wrong?? Yep!  I nailed it!  And I continued this tradition for many years.  Through toddlers, pre-school, school age we talked things over. I found pre-teens and teenagers seemed to need a little more attention  and the issues got a bit more complicated, so I explained in detail....even more!  And to make sure they understood, it would be sit down, look eye to eye and they were expected to graciously receive my wisdom.  Now, this technique worked well for smaller children, but quic...

Congratultions to Miss Debbie for winning the brownie pack!  Thanks to all who entered!

PineCone Research is a paid survey opportunity that now has openngs for new applicants.  Here is a ltitle bit of information about them :" PineCone Research is at the forefront of "online research", today's sophisticated and leading-edge approach to gathering consumer opinions. Consumer input is vital to the development of new and improved products. Traditional survey methods, although effective, can be inconvenient and time consuming. Online research helps solve this dilemma. With online research, you can answer surveys from the comfort and convenience of your own PC and at a time that is convenient for you." Here is a some information about how it works from the PineCone website: We will notify you by email of upcoming product surveys. •You will be provided with a password which will enable you to access the survey at a designated website. •We will pay for completed product evaluation surveys. •Occasionally we may ship you a product to test. •Project e...

Today’s Texture Tuesday’s theme is free choice!  My first thoughts gravitated to a fall mountain picture from last year’s vacation or some kind of floral shot.  But creativity thinks beyond what is comfortable!! So today’s picture is based on what is going on in our home – FOOTBALL!  With our youngest son playing little league football and our older sons spending every evening (it seems!) in front of the tv watching the game, football seems to rule at our home right now! Textures added were:  November, Magic Scratches and Thursday.

Are you an organizer?  Does everything have it's place in your home?  This is one of my aspirations and I have been relentless in finding a technique that works for me!!  Probable every woman would answer that order is important in the home, but how do we find order out of chaos?  In my quest for order, I have tried everything from a book that schedules every hour of the day to home management binders, to meal planners, tons of printables for notes and to dos.  Still, perfect order eludes me.  Do you know about " Principle and Methods"?   A principle is "a basic truth, general law or doctrine used as a basis of reasoning or a guide to actions and behavior".   A method is "a procedure or way of doing something".   Among the Christian community, especially women, we share many principles, but the methods will vary widely.  God's Word instructs us to be the keeper of our homes, which is a principle we hold, but there are inn...

On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy through our citizenship. I found a  great site to share as we celebrate U.S. Constitution Day 2011, the 224th anniversary of our nation's founding document. First, here are some fascinating facts about the Constitution:  Did you know? · The U.S. Constitution has 4,400 words. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. · Of the spelling errors in the Constitution, “Pensylvania” above the signers’ names is probably the most glaring. · Thomas Jefferson did not sign the Constitution. He was in France during the Convention, where he served as the U.S. minister. John Adams was serving as the U.S. minister to Great Britain during the Constitutional Convention and did not attend either. · The Constitution was “penned” by Jacob Shallus, A Pennsyl...

It has been said that sons hold your hand for a short time, but will hold your heart forever.  As a mom to three sons, this surely rings true! For years I have prayed for my sons.  The tools of prayer calendars, biblical prayers, qualities to pray for children and others found a place in a notebook and are refereed to often.  Of course the greatest 'mommy prayer' is for their safety and protection.  Any mom will understand that one! This year, another prayer need for sons has been brought to light in my heart, but it is not so pleasant.  The need for COURAGE.   All boys and men need courage.  But courage is not taught in words, but gained through action - tough action that only that little boy can do.  Mom can't hold his hand and walk him through it, but she must sit on the sidelines as courage develops in the heart and mind and a battle is fought and conquered - on his own. Courage grows as fears are faced and overcome....