Joyfull Living

Kitchen plaques are so popular because they often express exactly how we feel about the tasks of cooking. No matter what the family looks like, they have to eat...and often! Do any of these resonate with your feelings about cooking? "I only have a kitchen because it came with the house." "If you want breakfast in bed - sleep in the kitchen." "Keep this kitchen clean - Eat Out." "My next house will not have a kitchen, just vending machines." "This kitchen is closed due to illness - I'm sick of cooking." "My dream kitchen has someone else in it cooking and cleaning." "Two choice for dinner tonight 0 take it or leave it." "A clean kitchen is the sign of a wasted life." Like most household chores, some we like, some we dislike, but in the end they all have to be done for a home to run and to meet the needs of the family. Since vital tasks like feeding the crew need to be done, our att...

Spring is in the air! Although our weather down here in the south doesn't reflect a huge change, there is just something special about spring. It's a time of new growth, flowers that come alive with color and vibrancy, a time when things that were dreary wake up to beauty. Our oldest son just purchased his first home. It didn't take long for his father and I to make the few hour journey up to see it!  It is a beautiful home and land but came with a bit of a sad story. The previous owner built his dream home a few years ago. His love for horses and the outdoors is evident throughout the property. Apparently, his failing health took away the ability to care for his passion and his home and he made the decision to sell .  While doing what moms do (examining everything) I was looking in the flower beds, I found this mum plant buried under old, dead debris.  It almost represented the dreams of the previous owner, as he at one time planted something beautiful, but the ...

On a recent Sunday night the Super Bowl was on and in a house full of men, it monopolized the house.  Since I'm not much of a fan, I kept an eye on the score and since mornings come very early, went to bed before the game was over.   The next morning I awoke to the news of a great victory, made even greater by the team coming from behind to eventually win.  Doing a little reading about the victory, I found this quote by a team member regarding the team leader and quarterback: (on the play of Patriots QB Tom Brady) "He's a great leader. We followed his lead. He was motivating us the whole game, even when we were down. He just willed us to another victory." This type of action inspires me....encouraging others, spurring them on to greatness, seeking and speaking on other's gifts.  These are some of the heart rules I try to live by. But the last of that quote 'he willed us to victory' stuck me. Sometimes,even while encouraging others, there ma...

Did you know it was tax season? For years I eagerly awaited tax forms and filed early. That was when our children were young and refunds were bigger!  Doing our family taxes was never a chore but it got more complicated through the years.  When a free tax school was offered in our town, I took advantage of it to gain a little more understanding.  From that class, a part time seasonal job was gained.  It was a perfect fit with another part time job to keep my skills sharp and stay active.  Last year, I added another part time job but still jumped in on tax season. It has been an exciting and demanding few months!  Longer work days, work weeks, juggling home responsibilities etc.finally culminated from guiding customers through the maze of filing into the joy of watching hard working clients receive their refund.     A break came with a weekend trip to see our oldest son, who had recently moved about 4 hours away. It was a weekend of pure ...

I classify myself as a 'fitness loner' since most of my fitness routines are done by myself.  I like to think I"m disciplined enough to keep a fitness routine and although I am consistent, the same routine is done over and over.  This is great to stay healthy and active, but is a  poor plan when additional results are desired. Recently the opportunity to attend a fitness class came.  During class we were using hand weights and our instructor would periodically ask "Does anyone need to go heavier?"  She would often encourage the class if the weight being used felt comfortable, it may be time to go a bit heavier. This is a benefit of group exercise, to be challenged to reach goals and to do a little more than what is comfortable. The instructor knew that if we were comfortable with our weights, we would not achieve the greatest results.  It takes tension and resistance along with more effort for continued progress In fitness, the more tens...

“Friend” has taken on a new meaning in a world influenced by social media. It’s often used to describe someone who you barely know, who follows your life at a safe distance, communicating by clicking a “like” button.  But as busy women in our daily walk, we see lots of other women, we may call friends.  Some walk along side us and cheer us on, some walk behind us and add additional weight and baggage, some may seem to wear us down with negativity, jealousy, comparison, gossip etc.   Cultivating true friendship takes much time and effort, something many of us do not have an abundance of! But for the Christian woman, here is a glimpse of some friendships based on characteristics of Biblical women that are worth seeking out.  An Elizabeth We need an Elizabeth in our lives, someone that will speak into our lives. What does this Elizabeth look like? She is likely an older woman (older than you). She will invest time, energy, wisdom, and will hold you ...

In John Maxwell’s Winning With People , he says good relationships are the foundation for achievement. Relationships are more than just the icing on the cake in life: They are the cake—the very substance we need to live successful and fulfilling lives.  As Christians, we are called to be Christ like in behavior and in Scripture commanded to 'love one another.' Jesus set the example of loving others before us.  Not only did He love us enough to die for us, but we see through the Bible many accounts of Him sharing and loving those around Him.  People miss incredible opportunities to connect with others because they do not make themselves approachable.  This has been a hindrance for me.  Due to insecurity and fear, I hold back and allow the other person to lead.  But, often times the other person is feeling the same way!  Someone has to go first!  Even if we're not ready to instigate fellowship, we can be approachable.   Here a...