community, spiritual life

Loving others — lavishly!

"I wanna live like there's no tomorrow, love like I'm borrowed time. It's good to be alive." Jason Gray, American contemporary-Christian songwriter/singer If the love of Jesus is in your heart, it can "bearly" be contained. Put a bear in your car, your window, your doorway or on your porch. That's one of the newest… Continue reading Loving others — lavishly!

family life, spiritual life

7 things I’ve learned in a week without running water

"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2 It started before dawn one day last week. Three of us were already up and having breakfast when a low rumble began in the backyard and morphed into a trembling that could be felt through the house. Our… Continue reading 7 things I’ve learned in a week without running water

spiritual life

Inside or outside context

β€œJust because you don't understand it doesn't mean it isn't so.” Lemony Snicket, The Blank Book The giggling coming from behind the magazine drew my husband's attention. "What are you reading?" he finally asked. "The headline says 'fight your cough,' " I said between laughs. "I though it said, 'fight your couch.' Wouldn't that be a… Continue reading Inside or outside context

family life, romance

I married a Boy Scout

Hey, JOY Journal friends! Bringing back some of my favorite romance-related posts from 2018 in honor of Valentine's Day. πŸ™‚ β€œBy failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin, American founding father One recent afternoon, I not-so-innocently remarked that our crock pot lid was not long for this world. My husband slowed, glanced… Continue reading I married a Boy Scout