Tag Archives: joy

Missing Teeth

I’ve heard of things ending up in strange places, but never as bizarre as this story which appeared in our local paper on Wednesday April 2. While swimming at Culburra Beach a woman took her false teeth, which were a little loose, out. She slipped them into the top of her swimming costume. This was fine, till a large wave crashed into her. Unfortunately she didn’t notice the false teeth had gone until much later. Without her teeth, she was restricted to eating soft food. But then a week later, someone found her false teeth and handed them in to … Continue reading →

Single Parenting Can be Pleasant

I tend to focus on the struggles, the trials, and the stressful tribulations of single parenting. I don’t mean to, especially since my experience as a single parent is generally an incredibly positive one. But, I do relate to how challenging it can be just to keep all the balls in the air. It is nice to remind ourselves; however, that single parent can also be an incredibly pleasant experience as well… We have talked about the joys of single parenting, and parenting in general in this blog and others—but I do think that single parenting can get a bad … Continue reading →

Enjoy Joy

Stop and smell the roses. That old expression is still meaningful today — take the time to appreciate the little things around you. When you open yourself up to the good little things in life, you can be a happier, healthier person. According to a study from Yale University, people who have a cheerful outlook live an average of seven and a half years longer than the doom-and-gloom crowd. A positive attitude can help you recover more quickly after an illness, too! Be proud of yourself. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating your successes — whether you finished a big project … Continue reading →

J is For

We’ve looked at what TLC is and the changes that need to happen in our lives if we are to get our priorities right this year. But what about another important letter – J. Yes, it could stand for Jesus. It could also stand for joy. In John 15, Jesus talked to His disciples and He talks to us today too, about abiding in His Word and letting His Word abide in us, verse 7. Jesus talks about prayer, verse 7 and bearing fruit, verse 8. He talks of his great love for his disciples and us, verse 9. Then … Continue reading →

No Counterfeit for Peace

The other night, I sat working with my daughter on her Faith in God requirements, one of which is to read several scriptures pertaining to the Holy Ghost and then discuss the role of the Holy Ghost in our lives. She underlined the passages, and then next to one of them wrote in the margin, “The Holy Ghost never lies.” I’ve been thinking about that perceptive comment ever since. The Holy Ghost works hand in hand with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As the third member of the Godhead, He is one with them in unity and purpose, all … Continue reading →

Balancing Business and Pleasure

So, you have started a home-based business and it is taking up so much of your energy, focus, and creativity, it seems like there is very little left over for your family—let alone yourself. It can be so easy to let things get skewed and out of balance when you are the one starting and running your own business. It takes some direction and determination to find a way to balance business and pleasure. I’ve found that finding a way to inject a fair amount of pleasure into the business day can help. It does not all have to be … Continue reading →

Helping Your Child Find Joy

There is a myth that childhood is an entirely carefree and happy time. While some children do seem to be more in tune with the pleasures of life, there are plenty of worries and stressors that affect the every day life of the average child. Our children do feel the pressures to perform well, be popular, and do the right thing. We may also be encouraging additional pressure for them to figure out what they want to be and get the good grades and accolades to ensure a successful future. But, our jobs as parents isn’t just to help them … Continue reading →

What I LIKE About Being a Single Parent

Like many aspects of life (work, friends, church, etc.), it tends to be easier to focus on the challenges and the unpleasant things that are wrapped up in being a single parent than it is to celebrate some of the positives. And, it has been my experience that there are definitely positives. There are some things about being a single parent and heading a single parent family that I really and truly LIKE… I like being able to focus on my kids when we are home—I don’t have the distraction of a spouse or partner to attend to and can … Continue reading →

Three Thieves of Joy

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God wants His children to have joy and peace in their lives. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” In God we find an inner strength and peace that surpasses anything we could ever find elsewhere. The joy that the world gives is fleshly, superficial and fleeting at best. Only the joy that comes from God can sustain and inspire the believer to be more and do more for God. It is this same joy which flows from the heart that shows those around you that you have something they need: A relationship with Jesus … Continue reading →

Witnessing without a Word

We know we are supposed to witness to others and share the message of salvation. It is imperative for Christians to reach out to others and do our best to help show them to the Lord. However, sometimes how we go about witnessing may not be effective. Preaching will not work with most people. Many don’t want to hear the message of God, and they certainly don’t want to feel guilt for their sins. Preaching will likely drive people with this mindset further away from the Father, instead of leading them to salvation. Frequently, the most challenging people to witness … Continue reading →