This year, I am part of the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle! Discipleship & Discipline eCourse is included!

Mark your calendars! The Ultimate Homemaking  Bundle is going to be available on April 23rd.

This is an 80+ eBook resource library that you are not going to want to miss. Make sure to come back here on the 23rd so you can see all of the wonderful resources that will be offered, including the Discipleship & Discipline eCourse.

You can subscribe to itakejoy.com so you don't miss when I post about it. See over there on my sidebar where it says "Get ITJ Posts in Your Inbox"? Just put your email there.

(If you're reading this in your email, you're already subscribed.)

Just wanted to let you know!

Who and What Defines Your Vision?

 In Lucy Maud Montgomery’s book, Rilla of Ingleside, the heroine, who has spent two years of her young life living through the hardships of war, is asked whether she’d like to change those difficult years.

 “’No,’ Rilla said slowly, ‘I wouldn’t. It’s strange, isn’t it? They have been two terrible years, and yet I have a queer feeling of thankfulness for them–as if they had brought me something precious with all their pain … I suppose I had a soul then, but I didn’t know it. I know it now and that is worth a great deal–worth two years of suffering. And still, now, I find that I don’t want to suffer any more–not even for the sake of more soul growth–even though at the end of two years, I would probably look back and be thankful again for what they would have brought me, but I don’t want it now.’

‘We never do want difficulty,’ said her friend, ‘That is why we are not left to choose our own means and measure of development, I suppose. No matter how much we value the lessons we have been taught, we don’t want to go on with the bitter schooling.’”

This passage put a finger on my heart today. I feel validated when I see that others share some of the feelings of my heart, as in this story. Though we sometimes in our hearts find a feeling of dread at having to face difficulties, we can still be spiritual and godly. We were made for rejoicing and happiness. If we rightly understand that trials cause us to suffer and we find that we don’t want to suffer, we are only feeling what Jesus felt … “Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).

It helped me so much to realize that Jesus despised the shame, but because He knew He would redeem mankind and be seated with the Father, He went to the cross anyway. Feelings are natural–they are God-given. However, what we do with our feelings will determine our obedience and show our faith. We can acknowledge feelings of sadness, dread, or anger. But then we must give those emotions into His hands and say, “You know what is best. I will trust You in whatever You do.”

Some time ago when my family was going through a difficult, troubled time, I was driving home with the girls. I had time to have some discussion with the Lord, and decided what I needed was to make some resolutions specifically for that season. A resolution is a determined commitment, an act of my will to decide in advance how I will behave and obey the Lord. That resolve doesn’t mean that my intentions won’t be tested, but it does give me a plan for how I will live and helps me to address, ahead of time, those areas that could be problematic. It also helps me fight against Satan’s desire to tempt me to despair or not to believe in God’s goodness.

I resolved that I would not allow my heart or mind to go down the road of fear–that I would reject any fearful thoughts by choosing to worship and focus on God’s wonderful faithfulness and trustworthy character.

I resolved that I would be a strong pillar of faith for Clay in the midst of all he has to hold together. I will not whine, complain, or falter unnecessarily in the midst of his hard work and commitment to figure out how to keep supporting our family. He needs me to “smile at the future,” like the woman in Proverbs 31, because of Who is in control of my future.

I resolved that I would make this time a blessed season of great memories—warm soups, candlelight, inspiring stories of heroes in other times, cards of encouragement to friends who need them, phone calls and phone prayers with my boys who need support and encouragement in the midst of their financial difficulties, Bible studies and life-giving words sent to all whom the Lord brings to mind--simple efforts spent in eternal areas that will minister to the hearts of my precious family and friends.

I resolved to think of new ways that Sarah and Joy and I may serve others during these days. As we plan to be God’s hands and voice and words, it gives us a way to be about God’s business and to perceive the strategic role Christians can play in the lives of others.

By allowing God to define my vision for the trials ahead, I have a roadmap to follow; to guide my steps, guard my attitudes, and inform my will. As I walk in the power of His Spirit, invest in the Word, and make time to pray, I have been energized and excited to know that there really are things I can do to help during difficult days. I have ways to give hope and opportunities to bring life. The Lord has renewed my heart and made me excited to start living according to some of my plans. I already know that these years will be an opportunity to show what my heart is really like–that I really do love and believe that God will hold my hand and show me His ways. May He grant each of you grace in the midst of your own journeys!

To take your study deeper today, take a few moments to complete the reflection and application below.

• “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven ...” Ecc. 3:1 Are you facing a particularly difficult season right now? Remember that God has appointed every season of our lives. He is able to help you and prepare you for what’s next.

• “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 What resolutions can you make in advance that would help you be prepared to make good decisions regarding your emotions, actions and intentions when the pressing times come?

• How will you intentionally find and create beauty in your life during this season?

Life! Weddings, funerals, deadlines, and a thankful heart

A little cafe in the car rental hall at the DFW airport.

(I have never seen any cafe or store that was Sally's, except the make-up, hair products store before the last few months! A friend just had to take the picture! Fun in the midst of sadness, the moments of life go on.)

Just barely week ago, I had arrived home from a 10 day ministry trip to the East Coast, sighing in weariness but happy to be home. Then a week ago today, we found out that my sweet mother-in-law, Nana, had taken a turn for the worst after a stroke a few days before. Clay, Sarah and I arranged a plane trip to Dallas for Monday and journeyed one more time. We were joined by Joel and Joy and Rachael and Nathan were not able to come same day, but kept in touch.

God's grace followed us in amazing ways. We had a two hour drive from the airport to Walnut Springs, where we had lived for 4 years. Nana was resting peacefully and breathing regularly. How blessed we were to be able to kiss her and stroke her hair and tell her how much we loved her. At 11:30 pm, we went upstairs to put on our pajamas. Just as we had fallen asleep, we were awakened at 12:30 am and found out that she had passed away, peacefully with only two short breaths. How amazing that we had the opportunity to say goodbye to her before she left us. Nana was 92. (My sweet sister-in-law had been watching over her meds, and breathing with the hospice team faithfully. Wiley, Clay's brother has had her living in his home for the past while. We were so very thankful for their constant care of Nana in her last months.)

The next couple of days was a whirlwind of arranging for the funeral, seeing old friends who came to honor Nana, and to be with precious family. A wedding a month ago, and a funeral a month later, were both major family events. One marked the beginning of a new family history and the other was closing of a family's history. How precious to be able to ponder where we are headed and where we have been. Both events made me so grateful for my loved ones and increased my commitment to being intentional to make time to be with them. Family is so very important throughout all of life, but life does indeed pass like a breath. Making plans for some changes ahead just to refine goals God has put on my heart as a result of these two significant events.

Now, a book deadline looms ahead, as I missed it for traveling to the funeral. So working and thinking and writing like a crazy girl will fill the next days. Life never slows down, but God has a way of intervening in our plans to slow us down in our tracks. My only real deadlines that matter are keeping my commitments to Him. The other responsibilities will always come and go and then come again.

I would appreciate your prayers for this book and that I might be able to write clearly and in a way that will inspire and encourage women who will read this a year from now.

Just thought I would check in in person. Onward, one day at a time, faith steps each day.

Nana, at her wedding.

Good Morning, God. What's For Breakfast?

The house is still, my bed so cozy, and all of a sudden this song stuck in my head. God’s way of greeting me to a new day. This is my wake up call, and before I even realize it, I am quietly exiting my pillowtop bed to start my morning routine. You could say I am a morning person.

Like clockwork, I slide on my slippers, feel my way through the darkness to the hallway and shuffle quietly to the kitchen, headed straight for the tea kettle. Even the tea pot is slow to boil in this early morning hour, so I reach for a glass in the cupboard, squeeze the juice of one lemon into my oversized glass,  and have already chugged my first glass of water before I have my first cup of tea...sleeping makes me thirsty!

Tiptoeing to the library, I flip on the light and slip on my lap blanket in the cold morning hours of winter, to carefully select several findings from my book basket sitting at the side of my overstuffed chair.  Already five minutes have passed and the tea pot exhales the last drop of caffeinated courage I will partake in to start my day off right.

As I take that first warm sip of strong English tea, pre-dawn conversations, petitions, prayers, and reflections are all awaiting me this morning. Did I mention how much of a morning person I am? Not everyone is. In fact, I am not sure anyone else in under this roof is! God blesses me with mornings to get my attitude aligned with His because I need it and He knows it.

Now more than ever I listen, I prepare, and then I decide what kind of Mama I want to be, over and over, each and every day.

Time flies by...I hear the shuffling of feet into the kitchen and down the hallway.

This is about the time the growls from deep within interrupt the preparation of a new day, and breakfast suddenly comes to mind.

One thing I love more than oatmeal is quinoa! It is one of my go-to breakfast when the temperature drops and I want a healthy and delicious breakfast. If you make your quinoa ahead of time, you can store it in a quart size ziplock bag and take a cup at a time. This is a real time saver, and you will only spend 2 minutes cooking up breakfast instead of 20 minutes waiting for your quinoa to cook! Add a tablespoon of chia seed or ground flax and you will have your omega 3’s without even knowing!

 Quinoa, Spinach and Eggs

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (cooked) 1 cup fresh spinach (or your favorite greens/veggies) 1 egg, poached or over easy - sunny side up! Salt/pepper to taste 1 tbsp chia seed or ground flax (optional)

 Directions: In a small bowl, reheat quinoa for 30 seconds in microwave or on the stove top. Add spinach on top and set aside. The heat from quinoa will steam your spinach (nothing like a meal that cooks itself)! Cook your egg according to your liking. While waiting 2 minutes on your egg, sprinkle in your chia or flax for good measure!  Place your egg in bowl, break egg yolk and mix through quinoa. Enjoy, it’s amazing!

Make this morning a good morning. Spend time with God, take the time to pray, ponder what kind of mother you aspire to be, and enjoy a healthy, delicious breakfast. Give yourself the spiritual and physical fuel that motherhood requires!

Teaching children to think by Raising Children Who Read!

Statistics have shown that in a class of 20 students, few, if any, teachers can find even 5 minutes of time in a day to devote to reading with each student. These studies have also come to find that the majority of children in our generation will stop reading as soon as they no longer have to. This absolutely breaks my heart for a number of reasons. Children are no longer delighting in reading, getting swept away in a captivating story, or enjoying the wonder and fun that comes from learning.

As parents, God has trusted us with a very important job. We are here to not only be mothers, but to be teachers and instructors in all that is good and lovely in the world. In my sweet Sarah's book, Read for the Heart, she quotes:

"The first thing that a young heart needs is an education in all that is good."

The main reason behind why children won't find joy and excitement in reading is the fact that they are not being exposed to great books. We don't live in a culture that is filled with very much excellence. While we may not be able to control the media of our generation, we must take on the responsibility of exposing our children to excellent books that will encourage, inspire, and help them flourish into adults who have a love of literature.

In our home, each child has his or her own book shelf. Every Christmas everyone gets their own books!

Book baskets are all over the house--with picture books, magazines, art books, and piled with all sorts of genre's of interesting tales.

In our library, we have overstuffed recliners so anyone can go read in comfort at any time.

At bedtime we kept baskets of short stories and picture books and chapter books to keep going one more chapter each night. (and of course we always followed with cd's of favorite music that placed beauty in their little heads as they drifted off.)

Mediocrity is natural. There are a lot of time wasters out there. However, as mothers, God has called us to the supernatural--the above and beyond of ideals that Jesus wants us to understand. We must rise above what our culture views as normal  activity and cultivate minds and hearts in our children that are excellent, joyous, and full of wonder. What we feed our children's minds will in many ways determine what they will have in their soul to respond to when they are adults.

3 Excellent Picture Books to Introduce to Your Family This Month:

1- Tuesday by David Weisner 2- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey 3- Song And Dance Man by Karen Ackerman

You must live in the Present, launch yourself on Every Wave

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” ― Henry David Thoreau

This morning as 6:37, we received a phone call from Clay's brother that his sweet mama  seems to have turned a corner for the worse and may pass away in the next 48 hours. Having heard a few days ago that she had a stroke prepared us for this call. And even now it is a touch and go--should we leave now? Will it be 10 days? When do we arrange the kids' flights?

God has His ways in our lives of reminding us that we are not in control, we think our issues are more important than they really are. Today, as we packed and waited for more information,  I was reflecting all afternoon about the deaths and funerals of our other 3 parents who have already passed away, as well as the life Clay's mom lived.

Ecclesiastes 7:2 reminds us:

It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes it to heart. 

So true, death cause us to think about eternity, what really matters, how we have lived, what we can change.

And the living take it to heart--that is what I have been doing all afternoon, taking the issues of death and legacy to heart.

I have been thinking about my own life. What legacy do I want to leave in the minds and hearts of my children while I still have the time?

If I were to die suddenly, what do I want to do right now while I have a chance, to be sure I take action now instead of waiting until it is too late? What would I want them to say about me at my funeral?

I want to leave my children with a verbal blessing,  to speak words over their lives that whisper to them them of their intrinsic value every day,  the rest of their earthy life, that they were loved, cherished, a gift to me. I want them to know that in the heart of their mama, they were my light, love and most prized possessions.

I want them to know that no matter what they do, they cannot ever be separated from the Love or presence of God.

I would want them to remember that every day, I chose to believe God,

to bring light into darkness,

that I lived like a child in innocence and happiness because I let God handle all of my problems, and asked Him to fight my battles

 that I had compassion for the lost and reached out to them in humble love.

I hope they would remember that my greatest wish was that they would love God every day, no matter what, until they see Him face to face.

I want to remember that  every day, I stopped to recognize the fingerprints of God amidst my moments--

that I greatly enjoyed beauty,

that music and  singing filled my day,  

that I loved to laugh often,

to give honor daily to the value of life,

that I stopped to talk to people and validate their significance, because of their worth to God

That I worshipped Him in front of them every day--as I will never have this day to enjoy and celebrate again.

and that I  invested in eternity, placing my future treasures in the kingdom of heaven,  where we will one day meet to speak of all the ways we saw Him work in and through our lives.

In last moments, I would not mention the messes, or be angry or frustrated, or carry any bitterness--I would just bless them and cover them with love.

What would you like to leave as a legacy to your children? What would you want them to remember because of how you are living today?

Heroic Women: Fact or Fantasy?

{Today's article is from the heart of my daughter-in-law, Rachael Lee Clarkson.}

"Who can find a virtuous and capable woman?     She is more precious than rubies." -Proverbs 31:10

Praying for many years, that God would bless my children with equal soul-mates, those who would love God with all of their hearts, but also, those who would desire to live a purposeful life for His kingdom and His purposes. The last place on earth I ever thought my son would find such a woman--one whose passion for Christ matched his, was in Hollywood. But God is so much bigger than our own perspectives and ideas.

You can't imagine how deeply grateful I am and standing in awe, that He gave me such a daughter-in-law as lovely Rachael. Her passion to redeem the darkness of her world for Him inspires me to be faithful. The zest with which she reads the Word of God, books that inspire, and gives out of a rich soul is such an example to me. So, her life encourages me to keep praying, keep trusting, keep sowing seeds of faithfulness and faith, because she is a picture to me of his willingness to do above and beyond all I could ask! Here is an article that has been bubbling up in her heart. Rachael has an active ministry to young women to call them to their true roles as beloved women because they are His!

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Rachael Clarkson

Just the other night, as my husband of one week and I were scrolling through Netflix, searching for the perfect show to watch, we entered into a long discussion that distracted us from our show-decision-making. As I looked at all of these fun, entertaining shows that entertain us, we began to realize that almost none of the shows revolved around a main character with heroic qualities--a noble character, a "good guy", someone who was capable of doing the right thing in the face of trials and difficulty.

Even more unsettling, I struggled to come up with any strong female lead actresses I had seen recently who were heroic, brave, and made the tough choices. Women who are excellent role models, courageous, and lovely all at the same time. Those are the kinds of women I want to see, I strive to be, and frankly don't see enough of on the big screen or small screen these days.

Many of the strong female leads I see nowadays gain much of their status and power through sexuality, lies, and manipulation. Young women need to understand that their meaning and worth is not found in sex. We are not more valued by sex,  (in fact, it creates the opposite effect). Culture tells us that sex makes women more free, but the more we focus on creating our identities in our sex lives, the more we become slaves to exactly what this culture is trying to do: put you in a box. 

As women, we should feel powerful, strong, and worth enough on our own so that we wouldn't need our leading ladies to take off their clothing in order to grab our attention. I live and work in Hollywood, and I fully understand how ratings work, but I'm speaking woman to woman here. How can we become heroic? How can we fulfill our God given purpose? What does it look like when women are brave?

This question made me wonder, and when I googled "heroic women", the only images I saw where super heroes and completely fictional characters. I came to realize that being a heroic woman in today's culture seemed like an absolute myth and fairytale to most.

You don't need super powers, super strength, or a cape to become a heroic woman. Being a woman of influence does not mean being perfect. It simply requires faith, courage, honesty, confidence, and a pure heart. Young women need to understand that there is value in what is lovely, classy, beautiful, and pure.

{Books} One of my favorite books of all time is "A Wrinkle In Time", where Meg is a relatable young girl who struggles with insecurities. When I was younger, I loved reading and connecting to her character as she was so authentic--Meg felt ugly sometimes, strange, and like she didn't quite fit in with her family. She goes on to do amazing things filled with bravery, courage, and even finds her own self respect.

{Film} Many of my readers know I adore Audrey Hepburn. She was a true leading lady who defined true beauty (through laughter, smiles, composure and class) and carried herself with strength and dignity. After her acting career ended in the mid 1960s, Audrey used her platform and influence by devoting the remaining period of her life to humanitarian work with UNICEF.

{Scripture} Esther is one of my very favorite women of influence. Her courage to fight for what she believed in preserved her nation and changed countless lives. She risked her life to listen to and serve God. This woman is such a beautiful picture of faithfulness.

As women of influence, we must never stop seeking to know heroic women who can inspire us. Who are you watching? Perhaps the even better question is: who is your daughter watching? Who is inspiring your daughter? And who are these people encouraging your little girl to grow up to become?

Every girl always has her eyes peeled and ears listening for the role models who may impact her life. Make sure that you are filling you and your children's minds, hearts, and souls with stories of heroic men and women. Whether it is through literature, film, television, scripture, or stories in history, start a discussion in your home today about how your children can have influence in their generation. Ask questions like:

What story will you tell? What nation will you preserve? What will you overcome? What quest will you conquer? What hero will you become?

Rachael's book Identity Girls is a resource for girls who are hoping to overcome obstacles and insecurities in order to become women of influence. Click here to snag your copy of this 30 day devotional (and consider going through it with your daughter with a cup of tea once a week!).

{You can find more from Rachael Lee Clarkson by clicking here to view her blog for young women.}

Until we acknowledge the raging battle, we are subject to become victims

Fra Angelico  a fresco from the 1400's

"I don't know why God allowed this to happen to me!" I hear this so often from so many.

I, too, have questioned God and life on many occasions. And yet, he has suffered my fist shaking at Him well, because I believe, that such a Holy God who is so far above me, understands that I am a mere toddler and have, at times, so little understanding of the reality of this world.

The voices of our world often promise an easy fix, a happy ending, that in this life a person can have it all.

Yet, as we observe the landscape of many who have "had it all" in this world, fame, money, power, prestige, and yet in the pursuit of glory in this world, they became so full of despair in finding that this world does not satisfy, they have taken their lives.

I recently read an article somewhere on the web, where a man who was a drug addict said, "Drugs are not my problem. I go to drugs because I feel such despair in this world."

Imagine with me, if you will, a family in Europe in the beginning of World War II. What if they had read newspaper accounts of Hitler invading Poland or another country, heard that he was coming into their land next, had been warned by the local police, and yet denied that there was a war beginning to rage. What if they went on as normal, did not prepare their children, did not seek to find a place of refuge. Then imagine if their town was bombed, their house destroyed, and some of their loved ones in their community were killed. Because of their refusal to see the reality of the battle raging, their horror and disappointment would be more pronounced.

Similarly, we must recognize that we are in a battle in our generation--a battle between 2 kingdoms--the world where Satan is called the ruler and our Lord who is redeeming this world and taking us to His kingdom forever.

Recognizing that this is the "fallen place," is one of the most important pieces of wisdom to arm us to handle what the world will bring to our lives. And, we must also arm our children as warriors--to learn their foundations, to understand their defense, to know they will never be alone--but God will always be with them every minute to answer, to give wisdom.

Yet, we must also recognize that we have greater potential to become stronger, more able to cope with the difficulties, more organized for life, more able to endure--because God is us has created us with a great capacity to overcome, to succeed.

Perhaps the battles that are most difficult are against our own weak character--but practice and perseverance helps with this. Practicing strength training one day at a time.

Or the illness, death or catastrophe that life can bring our ways. Or the unloving rejection of others. God is with you--He will help you through. Cultivate love with one or two that can understand. Talking with someone who truly relates to your pain but will help you walk through it, is a pursuit for finding in a friend.

Or maybe just the mundane, relentlessness of chores, duties, work and loneliness--learn to light a candle in the darkness. Create beauty, pleasure, joy in your realm.

Regardless the battle, we must arm ourselves to be strong in the battle so that we do not become victims in defeat.

Our children must learn to own their lives--to take responsibility for their faith--to have as a goal to be faithful to God no matter what happens--to live valiantly through many temptations and end courageously strong in the end.

And, they must learn this from our own courage. Our own choice to believe God through the storms life brings and through the love we choose to give in spite of injustice and pain from the hands of others.

But, our courage will come from the hope that is real in our hearts.

No matter what our status in this world, we are royalty in the next.

No matter what grief or injustice comes our way now, God has taken account of every tear and has promised that in the Kingdom of God we shall be comforted.

Jesus said, "My Kingdom is not of this world."

It was in this world that He was crucified, rejected, spit upon, beaten, and had countless profanities hurled at Him.

He who created the light of the dawn, the smell of roses, the swirl of dark clouds, suffered the worst at the hands of the very men He created.

My talented husband, Clay, is a songwriter. One of his songs is called "Rusted Nails." A verse from it says,

"They drove the nails through to the wood,

How could they understand, that He who made the universe, had made the nails that pierced His hands."

And yet, He is coming again--to bring us to His banquet, to have us in His kingdom forever more.

It is as we accept these realities, these battle lines, the future that is sure, that we will be able to live more courageously, more valiantly today. We are in a battlefield for allegiance to our God, a fight for righteousness, and we are the ones God has chosen to be His warriors. But we know who will win in the end. And this is our confidence.

Preparing your children to be warriors in their world, for the glory of God:

Your child will eventually grow up, I promise!

Joy feeding a duck she named Hildegard!

Today, I was out on a walk, (a regular habit of mine for many, many years.), and Joy called. I have a habit of always taking the phone calls of my children, no matter when they call, even though I almost don't answer for anyone else! "Mama, I just took my car out for a drive so I could get away from other friends so we could just talk and talk."

Over the next half hour, she bubbled up and spilled out the amazing things she has been thinking, what she has been thinking about her life, about God, about our pending summer together, classes and all that is in her heart. At this point, I stand amazed.

I learn from her every time she calls me. I want to love God more each time I talk to her, because she has such a vibrant walk with Him. I want to read the books that are inspiring her, and stay sharpened so that when she comes home, I will have something to enrich her life.

It is pretty much the same way with all of my children. I am inspired to keep growing and becoming more excellent because they follow hard on the heels of God.

Yet, it was not always that way.

"He touched my toe! Make him stop!" as we are reading a great story on the couch together, and the pettiness interrupted the magnanimous moment.

"Why do I always get in trouble and have to have higher standards than anyone else." (Teen years.)

Pouty eyes as I ask that someone set the table. "I always have to do all the work."

Screaming and throwing a fit before falling asleep because I let them get too exhausted while we were out.

So many times wondering, "Did it all matter? Were they listening? Was I accomplishing anything? Does all this work matter, Lord?

Yet, as I have lived through 4 children and seen them into adulthood, I see that God has made them to mature, to grow and to become stronger, almost in spite of you. Our part is to trust Him, love them, be faithful and patient and kind. And then He has access to their hearts and minds and somehow makes my work of love and faithfulness bear fruit, eventually, because He has set maturity in their hearts and given me the desire to be their guide, for His sake.

It is all a miracle. I sow, daily in faith, and it does grow and bear fruit--miraculously.

Now, during this season,  I am looking at each day as one to savor and remember and choosing to love a little more generously, be more patient, and end my days with grace, and choosing joy.

I ran into this picture and this post from 5 years ago, and remember how young she was and how delightful. Wish I could curl her up on my lap, but she is gone and grown up--and though I love her sooo much and enjoy her so much now, I do still wish I could turn back the clock on occasion. But now this season has come to an end. So I also share with you these thoughts from that time with you and hope that the sentiment which I wrote years ago, and still even encouraged me today as I was looking back and reflecting, will encourage you.

My advice, yet again, friends, is to  live life joyfully today, and take notice of the beauty along the way. It is a great way to invest in a Saturday.

Off to make make dinner--but this time without my sweet Joy.

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I am sitting in my little quiet time chair with a cup of strong Austrian coffee in hand, (there are advantages to travel—I brought home 4 packages of the great tasting stuff along with a small box of chocolates!). From my second story window, I look out on the tops of countless pine trees with the Rocky Mountains peeking through the tree tops in the distance, and a sky full of wispy clouds slowing moving by. A reflection of God’s creative artistry is something I seek in every house we live in. I choose windows that look out on the most beautiful natural scene, so that I can have some of His life-stuff to bring peace and quiet to my soul each morning as I meet with him.

In front of me is a pile of books scattered over a coffee table, a couch pillow thrown onto the floor, a couple of pairs of shoes where they were shaken off and a potted plant that holds 3 wilting flowers in desperate need of water, some child’s abandoned sweat shirt, and a half-eaten candy bar. And this is only the picture of the eight feet in front of my chair. The rest of the house is much the same—meticulously decorated for this season—potted ivy with candles on my dining table, containers of flowers at the front door—blooming, but waiting to be potted, yet other life messes in the midst of the order and beauty. As the proverb says, “Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean.” I comfort myself daily with the fact that I have 6 oxen living in my home, and thus my stalls are not always clean. My world is always a mixture of beauty and mess, order and piles of things not yet subdued. (Did I mention that Joy has interrupted me three times since I started writing this article? “Have you seen my brush? Will you practice my play lines with me for the play this afternoon? Do you think this shirt is too short to wear?)

Yet there is a significant little wooden plaque within my eye range. It reminds me daily, “Live Life Joyfully!” Choosing to live life joyfully is a choice that I have learned over a period of many years. Choosing to enjoy the moment is an inner discipline I have had to learn. It is not necessarily natural, but has become more so with the choosing of it as my practiced heart attitude.

I often love to watch toddlers. They move through their worlds with delight. We were waiting in a park on our mission trip for a friend to meet us. A toe-headed little boy was squealing with delight as he chased an illusive butterfly around a planting of bright red tulips and yellow daffodils. He was caught up in the joy of the moment, delighting in the toy figures that God had placed in his world for his pleasure. The little one was unaware that he had a milk-mustache, a shoe untied and a soiled stain on the knee of his jeans.

I hope that I am like this little boy to God—choosing to enjoy the beauty of the treasures he has place in my path. Noticing the toys he has given me for delight—Joy dancing through my room—beginning to look more like a young woman than a little girl—truly a beautiful sight to behold. One that will pass quickly. I am enjoying the tulips on my next door neighbors driveway—closest to ours, the green grass that has been so long hidden under piles of snow.

Many years ago in the midst of another possible miscarriage, I was sitting by a window near some mountains in Austria. I had begun to bleed and was asking God from the bottom of my heart to please let me carry this child to completion. Just then, a little sparrow hopped up on my window sill and began to chirp. It stayed there for several minutes and hopped closer and closer to the edge where I was looking out. What a sweet, amazing creature—singing its heart out with no one to applause. It was as though God was saying to me, “I am listening. I see the birds on a thousand hills. I see you. I love you and am with you!” I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew that God, who is love, was with me and would be with me in whatever happened. The pregnancy turned out to be Sarah.

From then on, I decided to take notice of birds who sing—to believe that they are especially praising God. I see them also as a personal reminder from God that He is present. Often on my walks when I am pouring out my dark heart to God, a bird hops or sings along my trail and I am reminded that God is there—present with me!

May He bring the reality of His joy to you today in the midst of your order and mess.

Turning Your Home Into an Italian Restaurant: Spaghetti Pie!

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”  -Julia Child, My Life In France

It smells like a fine Italian restaurant in our home tonight, and it is all due to a beautiful recipe Sally introduced me to - Spaghetti Pie! (And she says it is Nathan's favorite, so she makes it every time he comes home! A definite comfort food for everyone! And it is easier than Lasagna--but just as pleasing!)

My family is up in the kitchen, watching the clock run out of time so that they can dig in to this foreign creation they have never before had! In our home, lasagna & manicotti are our go-to heavy Italian meals, which are labor intensive and time consuming when you cook from scratch.

This recipe begs to be doubled or even tripled! It is a quick and easy way to make a dinner that tastes like mom’s homemade lasagna, although it only takes a fraction of the time to assemble and cook! I love to make lunch - size spaghetti pies by using a muffin tin. This gives you 12 go-to after school snacks or a great addition to your salad at lunch! Cook, cool, wrap up in plastic and place them all in a gallon size ziplock bag and place in the refrigerator.

Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil 1/2 cup onion - diced 8 oz baby portabella mushrooms - diced 1 pound ground beef (or 1/2 pound Italian sausage 1/2 pound ground beef) 1/2 tsp garlic salt (or 1 clove fresh minced garlic) 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning) 1 tsp dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 6 - 8 oz. spaghetti noodles (depending on your pie dish) 2 Tbsp butter (optional) 3/4 cup parmesan cheese 2 eggs - well beaten 1 cup cottage cheese - blended 1 8 oz can of diced tomatoes 1 6 oz can of tomato paste OR 1 small can of tomato sauce 1 tsp sugar 1 - 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese - grated *Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning to finish on top of mozzarella

 Directions: In your skillet, over medium high heat, saute onions in olive oil until translucent. Add the mushrooms and saute until cooked through. If using fresh garlic, add garlic and stir into the onion and mushroom mixture for 1 minute. Add ground beef to the skillet and stir until completely cooked. Add dried herbs, salt & pepper to taste. In a colander, carefully drain off any excess oil. Return the meat mixture to the skillet and return to a medium heat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and garlic salt if not using fresh garlic. Turn off heat and set aside. You can also use immersion blender for sauce if your kids are not fond of a more rustic style sauce with diced tomatoes. This will make your sauce a smoother spaghetti meat sauce.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook spaghetti per instructions on package. Drain. Then stir in butter, parmesan, and eggs into the warm spaghetti. Pour spaghetti mixture into a 10 inch pie dish and press in to form a spaghetti crust. Spread the cottage cheese on top of the crust. Add meat sauce mixture. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes then remove from oven and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and return to oven to bake for 5 minutes longer to melt cheese.

Cultivating a delicious meal that "wows" your family doesn't have to be time consuming and filled with extreme difficulty. Turn your home into your favorite Italian restaurant tonight. Light candles, put down your favorite red tablecloth, and you can even grab the "Little Italy 1930 Radio" station from Pandora for free (it is so much fun and really creates the Italian ambiance)!

Enjoy Little Italy tonight!