Joy In Our Journey
  • Home
    • Disclosure Policy
    • About Me
  • What's New! (Blog)
  • Low-Carb Lifestyle!
    • Trim Healthy Mama-inspired Grocery Lists
    • THM-style Beverages >
      • Mock Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos
    • Family Favorite Recipes (Not Low Carb) >
      • Snacks >
        • Delicious Homemade Gooey Granola Bars!
        • Healthy Peanut Buttery Treats
      • Soups and Stews >
        • Jamaican Seafood Chowder
        • Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
      • Salads >
        • Red Cabbage Coleslaw
      • Main Dishes >
        • Beef >
          • Beef Stroganoff
        • Chicken >
          • Chicken Fiesta
          • Chicken Nachos
          • Marinated Zucchini and Chicken Sandwiches
          • Chicken or Turkey Enchiladas
          • Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
          • Green Chili Chicken Lasagna
        • Lamb >
          • Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder
        • Seafood >
          • Chilled Quinoa and Salmon Salad (E)
          • Shrimp and Zucchini Tostadas
        • Pasta Recipes >
          • Baked Lemon Pasta
          • Paccheri (Pasta) with Cauliflower and Tomatoes
      • Desserts >
        • Cookies >
          • Free Christmas Cookie cookbook download!
          • Healthier Gingerbread Man Cookies
          • Healthier Holiday Cut-Out Cookes
          • Maple Leaf Cookies - YUMMM!
        • Donuts
        • Frozen Desserts >
          • Lemonade Ice Cream Pie
    • Recommended Ingredients and Foods >
      • Inspiration Mixes - Gluten/Dairy/Caseine/Wheat Free and delicious!
      • Organic Maple Syrup
  • Homeschooling
    • Homeschool Curriculum & Product Reviews >
      • Homeschool Curriculum Reviews >
        • Art >
          • ARTistic Pursuits
          • Simply Draw!
        • Grammar >
          • All About Homophones - (Marie Rippel)
          • Time 4 Learning
          • Daily Grams
        • Handwriting >
          • Cursive Handwriting - New American Cursive
        • History >
          • The Mystery of History >
            • MOH vol. 3 Audio MP3's
          • Tapestry of Grace History
          • U.S. History >
            • America, The Last Best Hope (William Bennett)
          • Winter Promise
        • Latin >
          • Latina Christiana, by Memoria Press
          • Visual Latin
        • Literature-based Unit Studies >
          • Beyond Five in a Row
          • Further Up and Further In by Diane Pendergraft
        • Logic and Reasoning >
          • Building Thinking Skills (Critical Thinking Skills Co.)
        • Math >
          • Math Mammoth
          • Math Tutor DVD.com
          • MathRider: Horselovers' Math Facts Software Game!
        • Music and Composers
        • Online Educational Courses >
          • Aleks Online Courses
        • Science >
          • Apologia Science >
            • Apologia Science's Notebooking Journals
            • Zoology 1 - Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day
          • Science Weekly newsletters
        • Spelling >
          • Phonetic Zoo (by IEW)
        • Writing >
          • The Write Foundation: Level 2 - Paragraphs
          • WriteShop's StoryBuilders
      • Homeschool Product Reviews >
        • eBooks >
          • College Success Begins at Home (TOS eBook)
          • Dreams and Designs—Homemade Supplies to Complement Your Homeschool
          • Help, Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler!
          • The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner
        • Online Educational Website Memberships >
          • KB Teacher
        • Science >
          • Polymer Crystals
    • Driver's Education for Homeschoolers
    • Foreign Language >
      • Latin >
        • Christmas Songs in Latin
        • Latina Christiana (Level 1) >
          • Latina Christiana Level 1 Lesson Links >
            • Charts and Helps
            • Year One Sayings
            • LC1 Intro and Lesson 1
      • Latina Christiana (Level II) >
        • Latina Christiana Level 2
        • LC2 Intro and Lesson 1
    • Forms and Charts >
      • "Week At A Glance" Planner
      • 2012-2013 Homeschool Attendance Form
      • 2012-2013 Homeschool Attendance Form
    • Free Audio Books to Download
    • Free Homeschool I.D. Cards!
    • Government and Civics
    • Handwriting
    • History: Classical / Chronological >
      • The Mystery of History, by Linda Lacour Hobar
      • The Middle Ages (MOH vol. 2)
      • Ancient History (MOH vol. 1) >
        • Ancient Rome >
          • Roman Architecture
          • Roman Houses
          • Roman Town (software game by Dig-It)
          • Roman Trade and Commerce
    • Language Arts
    • Science
  • Free Printables
    • Holidays >
      • Christmas
  • Book/DVD/Audio Reviews
    • Children's Movie/DVD Reviews
    • Other Product/Company Reviews
  • Home & Family
    • Frugal Living
    • Gardening and Herbs
    • Marriage - God's Way
    • Life at Home
    • Godly Kids & Teens >
      • Godly Womanhood
      • Sharing God With Your Children
      • Training Our Daughters to be Keepers at Home >
        • Keepers At Home - "Beginning of Club Year" Helps
        • Keepers At Home - "End of Club Year" Helps
        • KAH Skills >
          • Bible Memory >
            • Memorizing New Testament Books and Their Meanings
            • Proverbs 31:10-31
          • Cake Decorating
          • Card Making >
            • Stitched Cards
          • Computers
          • Character Studies >
            • Contentment and "I'm Bored" phrases
            • Willingness
          • Decoupage
          • Hospitality
          • Library Skills and Literature Pins
          • Sewing >
            • Beauty and the Pig - Goldie Doll
            • Edwardian-Style Aprons
            • Paper Piecing
      • Children >
        • Bible Study Bookmarks
        • The Church History ABCs (for kids!!!)
        • The Lord's Prayer - copywork
        • Some Thoughts...Family Bible Time
        • Running Away...with permission
      • Young Adults (Teens) >
        • Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss
        • Deeper Roots: Discovering Our Amazing God
  • Frugal Family Trips to Washington, D.C.
  • Home
    • Disclosure Policy
    • About Me
  • What's New! (Blog)
  • Low-Carb Lifestyle!
    • Trim Healthy Mama-inspired Grocery Lists
    • THM-style Beverages >
      • Mock Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos
    • Family Favorite Recipes (Not Low Carb) >
      • Snacks >
        • Delicious Homemade Gooey Granola Bars!
        • Healthy Peanut Buttery Treats
      • Soups and Stews >
        • Jamaican Seafood Chowder
        • Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
      • Salads >
        • Red Cabbage Coleslaw
      • Main Dishes >
        • Beef >
          • Beef Stroganoff
        • Chicken >
          • Chicken Fiesta
          • Chicken Nachos
          • Marinated Zucchini and Chicken Sandwiches
          • Chicken or Turkey Enchiladas
          • Hungarian Chicken Paprikash
          • Green Chili Chicken Lasagna
        • Lamb >
          • Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder
        • Seafood >
          • Chilled Quinoa and Salmon Salad (E)
          • Shrimp and Zucchini Tostadas
        • Pasta Recipes >
          • Baked Lemon Pasta
          • Paccheri (Pasta) with Cauliflower and Tomatoes
      • Desserts >
        • Cookies >
          • Free Christmas Cookie cookbook download!
          • Healthier Gingerbread Man Cookies
          • Healthier Holiday Cut-Out Cookes
          • Maple Leaf Cookies - YUMMM!
        • Donuts
        • Frozen Desserts >
          • Lemonade Ice Cream Pie
    • Recommended Ingredients and Foods >
      • Inspiration Mixes - Gluten/Dairy/Caseine/Wheat Free and delicious!
      • Organic Maple Syrup
  • Homeschooling
    • Homeschool Curriculum & Product Reviews >
      • Homeschool Curriculum Reviews >
        • Art >
          • ARTistic Pursuits
          • Simply Draw!
        • Grammar >
          • All About Homophones - (Marie Rippel)
          • Time 4 Learning
          • Daily Grams
        • Handwriting >
          • Cursive Handwriting - New American Cursive
        • History >
          • The Mystery of History >
            • MOH vol. 3 Audio MP3's
          • Tapestry of Grace History
          • U.S. History >
            • America, The Last Best Hope (William Bennett)
          • Winter Promise
        • Latin >
          • Latina Christiana, by Memoria Press
          • Visual Latin
        • Literature-based Unit Studies >
          • Beyond Five in a Row
          • Further Up and Further In by Diane Pendergraft
        • Logic and Reasoning >
          • Building Thinking Skills (Critical Thinking Skills Co.)
        • Math >
          • Math Mammoth
          • Math Tutor DVD.com
          • MathRider: Horselovers' Math Facts Software Game!
        • Music and Composers
        • Online Educational Courses >
          • Aleks Online Courses
        • Science >
          • Apologia Science >
            • Apologia Science's Notebooking Journals
            • Zoology 1 - Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day
          • Science Weekly newsletters
        • Spelling >
          • Phonetic Zoo (by IEW)
        • Writing >
          • The Write Foundation: Level 2 - Paragraphs
          • WriteShop's StoryBuilders
      • Homeschool Product Reviews >
        • eBooks >
          • College Success Begins at Home (TOS eBook)
          • Dreams and Designs—Homemade Supplies to Complement Your Homeschool
          • Help, Lord, I'm Getting Ready to Start Homeschooling My High Schooler!
          • The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner
        • Online Educational Website Memberships >
          • KB Teacher
        • Science >
          • Polymer Crystals
    • Driver's Education for Homeschoolers
    • Foreign Language >
      • Latin >
        • Christmas Songs in Latin
        • Latina Christiana (Level 1) >
          • Latina Christiana Level 1 Lesson Links >
            • Charts and Helps
            • Year One Sayings
            • LC1 Intro and Lesson 1
      • Latina Christiana (Level II) >
        • Latina Christiana Level 2
        • LC2 Intro and Lesson 1
    • Forms and Charts >
      • "Week At A Glance" Planner
      • 2012-2013 Homeschool Attendance Form
      • 2012-2013 Homeschool Attendance Form
    • Free Audio Books to Download
    • Free Homeschool I.D. Cards!
    • Government and Civics
    • Handwriting
    • History: Classical / Chronological >
      • The Mystery of History, by Linda Lacour Hobar
      • The Middle Ages (MOH vol. 2)
      • Ancient History (MOH vol. 1) >
        • Ancient Rome >
          • Roman Architecture
          • Roman Houses
          • Roman Town (software game by Dig-It)
          • Roman Trade and Commerce
    • Language Arts
    • Science
  • Free Printables
    • Holidays >
      • Christmas
  • Book/DVD/Audio Reviews
    • Children's Movie/DVD Reviews
    • Other Product/Company Reviews
  • Home & Family
    • Frugal Living
    • Gardening and Herbs
    • Marriage - God's Way
    • Life at Home
    • Godly Kids & Teens >
      • Godly Womanhood
      • Sharing God With Your Children
      • Training Our Daughters to be Keepers at Home >
        • Keepers At Home - "Beginning of Club Year" Helps
        • Keepers At Home - "End of Club Year" Helps
        • KAH Skills >
          • Bible Memory >
            • Memorizing New Testament Books and Their Meanings
            • Proverbs 31:10-31
          • Cake Decorating
          • Card Making >
            • Stitched Cards
          • Computers
          • Character Studies >
            • Contentment and "I'm Bored" phrases
            • Willingness
          • Decoupage
          • Hospitality
          • Library Skills and Literature Pins
          • Sewing >
            • Beauty and the Pig - Goldie Doll
            • Edwardian-Style Aprons
            • Paper Piecing
      • Children >
        • Bible Study Bookmarks
        • The Church History ABCs (for kids!!!)
        • The Lord's Prayer - copywork
        • Some Thoughts...Family Bible Time
        • Running Away...with permission
      • Young Adults (Teens) >
        • Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss
        • Deeper Roots: Discovering Our Amazing God
  • Frugal Family Trips to Washington, D.C.
Picture

Blowing Bubbles and Encouraging Moments

2/20/2011

18 Comments

 
Picture

During the last few weeks,
I've felt rushed. 

     Rushing to take the girls to their various music lessons and social get-togethers with their friends. 

     Trying some new techniques out with our family budgeting.

     Sharing reviews about some neat homeschooling products we've been using.

     Trying to figure out what Latin curriculum to use next year with my groups of homeschooled students who take classes at my home.

     Having a bunch of emails sitting in my email box that I've read, but need sorted and something "done with them."

     And I'm tired.     Not depressed, just tired.

     I think about spring coming, and that stirs my emotions  a bit.

     It takes me back to thoughts of my children's younger years, when having a little, plastic, slimy, slippery bottle of bubbles and an el-cheapo plastic bubble wand would be the highlight of their day.

Picture

     Thinking about blowing bubbles takes me farther back to my own childhood, when I used to love to blow bubbles and see them drift to and fro with the gentle breeze.


Picture
     It brings me back to a time in my life when I...

. . . wasn't rushed

. . . didn't feel stressed out

. . . and curling up with a good

book in a quiet room was almost a daily event.

Picture

     ...but then I'm jolted back to reality with a daughter who needs help with laying out a pattern for some doll clothes...


...and I'm realizing that I haven't planned ahead for dinner tonight - and it's already 4:30...


...and I still have a bunch of unread email I need to go through...


...as well as 365 other things I need to do around the house.


     I decide to glance at the emails, to see if there is anything that I need to be aware of right away.  There isn't.  But there's a new weekly email newsletter from TEACH Magazine that catches my eye:

Picture
     I usually skim over newsletters like this.  They're usually just trying to sell a bunch of stuff, or promote their products.  I don't have time to read through a bunch of articles promoting someone's products.  I can hit the "delete" key pretty quickly with those types of "newsletters."


But this looks different than the rest.
Hmmm. . .


     I read about marriage and how the attitude we bring into our marriage every day helps determine how happy our marriage is.  I agree!


Maybe I can sit here just a few more minutes...


...and then I suddenly feel like this sweet newsletter has been written just for me - I know it must be! - to remind me to pray for my husband each and every day.  I do pray for him, but some days I forget.  And other days, I forget to ask him how I can best be praying for him.


     I realize that as I "click" to read the rest of the article, it includes a beautiful monthly prayer calendar for wives to use as a reminder of how they can be praying for their husbands.  Well, that gets printed off and placed on the wall right by the computer, so my prayers for my husband will be more frequent...and more effective.


It's almost time to prepare dinner. . .

     but I feel the Lord whispering to my soul...take a few more minutes...go back to the place of peace and rest that I have for you...and read a little bit more...

     so I do.  This time, I'm convicted.  Deeply.  Instead of escaping my stresses and responsibilities by taking a bubble bath or going outside to blow soap bubbles, I'm convicted by these words...

Take a Bible bath daily.

     I'm reminded in a gentle, yet firm way that the spiritual weapon which will continue to keep me from feeling discouraged is found in Ephesians 6:17 ~

Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

     I'm reminded once again that though I lovingly spend time with my girls having Bible devotionals with them almost every morning, and with our family having evening Bible fellowship together right before bed, I still need to be having that private, quiet, time of rest with my Lord, on my own, where I can go back to the carefree days of childhood and rest on my heavenly Daddy's lap and hear words of encouragement and promise from the Holy Scriptures.


     After dinner and tucking the girls into bed, I relax at the computer, more at ease than I was at 4:30, and read through the remainder of this issue of Encouraging Moments that was written just for me. 


     I realize that I can watch the author of TEACH Magazine share short video vignettes for women about tips for moms, marriage, homemaking, parenting, and being a godly woman.  They are so good that I watch all of them - in one evening!  And I can see that if I have a question that I'd like Lorrie to answer on her little Chick Flicks videos, I can submit a question to her, as well!
Picture

I feel encouraged and strengthened.


     I haven't gone outside and blown bubbles with the girls.

     I haven't just arrived back home from a three-week vacation in New Zealand.

     I haven't taken a nap.


     All I've done is allow my spirit to be refreshed by words of wisdom and godliness. 

     I'm ready for a new day, tomorrow.  Willing to serve my family and my Lord.  And considering buying a subscription to TEACH/Eternal Encouragement Magazine, which I know is filled with many godly articles written just for women like me.  And not filled with a million splashy ads promoting everything else in the world except what I truly need for my soul. 

     Now I can look forward to reading bubbly yet convicting words every week in Encouraging Moments via email,


and I can find resources to guide me and my family at www.HomemakingWithTEACH.com .


I'm ready for my daily Bible bath.

Come read with me!

 

    I'm thankful to have learned about the Encouraging Moments weekly newsletters.


     If you'd like to find rest and encouragement from reading the weekly
Encouraging Moments newsletter,
you may go to Homemaking With TEACH. 


You'll find their email newsletter signup on the top right hand side of the page.

Prepare to be blessed and encouraged.

And then, go blow some bubbles with your kids!

Picture
© 2011 by Julieanne Miller

I am reviewing Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine.  I did not receive compensation for this post, and all opinions are solely my own.

18 Comments
Tiffany link
2/20/2011 10:27:40 pm

I love your review...you are very gifted for blogging..I am workin on it lol..have a blessed day! I am off for a bible bath myself :)
Tiffany
aka "Live4God"
which I am working at doing more and more everyday!

Reply
Jenny link
2/21/2011 02:24:47 am

Beautifully done. The phrase "Bible bath" jumped out at me, too!
Jenny in MI
another Gabby Mom

Reply
Jada link
2/21/2011 07:18:07 am

Love this article. Loved the description you carried over from the newsletter of a 'bible bath'. Nice word picture, which just makes me feel relaxed and refreshed.

Jada

Reply
Leah Courtney link
2/21/2011 10:10:55 am

Nice review! :-)

Reply
Heidi... link
2/21/2011 10:46:07 am

GREAT review! I agree... you have a gift for blogging!!

Following along as another Gabby Mom...

Reply
Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads link
2/21/2011 03:47:09 pm

Very cute review. :)

Reply
Michelle Padrelanan link
2/22/2011 01:06:46 am

This is such a beautiful and creative review.

Reply
MacKenzie link
2/22/2011 01:25:30 am

Nice job Julieanne!! So real and very nice to look at! Just what we're looking for- heartfelt!

MacKenzie
Head Mama

Reply
Victoria link
2/23/2011 05:25:10 am

Very nice review! I also printed out the "Praying for our husbands" 31 day plan. It looks great.

Reply
Lorrie link
2/23/2011 07:52:41 am

Hi,

What a sweet, gentle, and encouraging post. I am so glad that the Lord used the work that goes into Encouraging Moments to build you up and help you be a better wife and mother.

Love,
Lorrie

Reply
Amanda link
2/23/2011 12:20:31 pm

So beautiful and colorful and glad to hear you are as encouraged by Lorrie as I!

God bless!

Reply
Carie Shinn link
2/24/2011 01:20:47 am

Wonderful review! I've loved Lorrie's newsletter for months :)

Reply
Cindy link
2/24/2011 04:41:05 am

Love the blowing bubbles pics! Fun days for sure :)
I felt relaxed after reading this review...very nice
Fellow Gabby Mom

Reply
Julieanne
2/25/2011 05:08:49 am

Thank you, everyone, for your sweet and thoughtful comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this newsletter, and it will be something I'll look forward to perusing every week from now on!

Julieanne

Reply
Beth Yenca link
2/25/2011 11:39:31 am

Julianne, this is a beautiful review and blog. Something I am still working on achieving. You have a way of capturing the reader. Great job!

Reply
Katie Barrett link
2/26/2011 12:47:19 am

Great review!! I love that God speaks to us when we least expect it, yet we most need it!! :O)

Reply
Mrs. Q link
2/27/2011 01:16:44 am

I love taking time to slow down and not be rushed. Very challenging some times with 6 little ones and homeschooling. I love your review and your website is nice too!

Reply
SisterTipster link
2/27/2011 04:44:09 am

I'm loving your layout and your review is very pretty and sweet~WHAT a transformation you have going here!~YOU GO girl! HUGS!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    ​​Hi!  I'm Julieanne!
    You'll find me in the kitchen
    ​trying new 
    Trim Healthy Mama recipes, loving God, and carrying out that love as I bless my husband and teen daughters. ​


    Find
    Joy In Our Journey on:


    Sign up to receive
    Joy In Our Journey's
    latest blog posts, freebies, and more!

    You won't want to miss my FREE "Trim Healthy Mama-inspired" recipes, tutorials, giveaways, and deals - get them delivered fresh to your inbox!

      
    Picture
    Picture
        I'd love to share your product with my readers.  If you would like me to do a review and giveaway, just contact me via email and let me know how I can help.


        Disclosure: Some content includes links to sponsors or affiliates, which give me a small percentage of the sale without costing you anything extra. You are not obligated to use these links when you make a purchase, but when you do so, it helps to support this site, so thank you!
     

     

    Search
    Joy In Our Journey

    Loading
     

    Archives

    December 2016
    August 2015
    July 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010

Search Joy In Our Journey.com:

Loading

You won't want to miss my FREE "Trim Healthy Mama-inspired" recipes, tutorials, giveaways, and deals - get them delivered fresh to your inbox!

Most Viewed on Joy In Our Journey:

  • Free Printables
  • Mock Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino
  • FREE customized Homeschool I.D. Cards
  • Trim Healthy Mama Visual Shopping List
  • Planning a Frugal Family Trip to Washington, D.C.


More about Julieanne:

  • About Julieanne
  • Contact Julieanne
  • Julieanne's BLOG

Please note that there are affiliate and referral links on this website.  If you click on them and make a purchase, I might make a tiny commission.  I only recommend products I use personally. Your support is very much appreciated and helps keep this free resource up and running!






  
Copyright © 2017       l       Joy In Our Journey.com      l