Author: Journeys of My Heart

I am a gal who wants to live my best life, and celebrate each "grace moment" that I'm given daily. I am married to a good guy who let's me indulge in the things that make me happy and encourages my growth. I enjoy being an encouragement to others, reading, photography, music, singing, playing instruments, being by the water, cozy times with my hubby, family time, drives with my camera in hand, and traveling to see different places. This blog is about walking the journey of life together. I usually post 1 to 2 times a month; at least that is my goal. Sign up with your email so you don't miss out on the next post! Thanks for stopping by!

He Cares About The Little Things

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

This morning I was reminded again of how much God cares about the little things in our lives. I was getting ready for a two-day adventure with the hubby where we get away and do some of the things we enjoy while having an appointment he has to go to.

It started last night with me being all cozy in bed for the night and all of a sudden I was reminded of where a receipt I needed might be. So up I went to go look. But it wasn’t there. So I just prayed that God would work it out so I could find that for a return, or work something out and went back to bed.

This morning I get up and I couldn’t find an item I needed. I knew I had seen it somewhere and but couldn’t find it anywhere. I prayed and told God I knew I had seen it somewhere but He needed to show me again. I opened a draw, the very drawer I had already looked in maybe a couple of times. But I had prayed so I thought I would open the drawer and look again. There it was!

Then I misplaced my comb as I was trying to do my hair this morning. I just had it in my hand a few minutes ago. Now where did I set it? Ok, JoAnn. Get with it. Yes, I was in a hurry to get out of the house on time, and sometimes I am not thinking as I lay something down. So now I had last night miss, and then this morning. I asked God if He could give me my thoughts back to get things these taken care of.

Response? He told me one more time to look in an unlikely place and there was my comb! AND then later as I got to the store without a receipt, I gave her my card and she looked it up that way. I got credit back on my card. Praise the Lord!! He did it again!

Why do I share these things with YOU? Because if God cares about these little things on my heart, He will surely care about the big things in my life just as much and more. I felt like I should share that with you. It may seem inconsequential but it isn’t. Don’t think the small things are not a big deal. They are just as important to Him where you are concerned.

The exciting and peace giving part of this message is this: He hears; He listens. We don’t want to miss seeing the little things He does for us that builds the trust to leave the big things with Him also. He if cares about the little stuff, we can trust Him with our biggest life challenges too. Don’t miss it!

Just a fun thing today… He did something fun and showed me a place I don’t usually look in a thrift store and there was this purse! I mean a new red leather purse (I’m a red kind of gal) and it was only $6.99!!! See? I never think these little nods are just chance. I believe God cares for things that I care for and He leads me to find great finds because He knows I KNOW it’s Him reminding me He cares and loves me. I believe, He leads to me see what brings joy to my heart. It is what makes my days more exciting and joyful to see Him lean toward my heart and say, “JoAnn…did you see this??”

Look for His leading. He loves to shower you with His love. And if it is in hard times you are going through, than He leans closer and whispers,

“Don’t give up or give in my child. I hear prayer for your circumstance and I will guide you through on this journey. You may not see the good in this now, but trust me to lead you through.”

Remember all things work together for those who love Him. That is in everything. If I cry through it, that’s ok. If I feel angry sometimes, that is ok. He says to remember that He is a prayer away and wants to bring joy, peace, comfort each day IF you will leave it His hands and not take it back.

So I keep looking for the joyful moments in the little things that God does in my life because it is part of my lesson to remember if He cares for the little things that bring me joy, He will definitely be there for the big difficult experiences I go through.

Find your joy today. Be a Noticer! You don’t want to miss out on seeing His love shining in those little and big things in your life. What will He show you today?

Until next time…

~JoAnn

Embrace Your Year: Creating Ripples of Change

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Greetings! I’m sorry to be so long in posting! I have been having some trouble with my blog settings and posting updates. Not sure of the issues, but I am finally able to post here again, and I hope you will let me know if you actually get to read this either on Facebook or through email. Thank you.

There is so much to tell you about but I wanted to get this out there, because if you remember, I like to pray over a word for the year and I also make a list of goals for the year. I have a big God and He tells me to trust in Him in all things. So I do.

My word for the year goes back about six months ago while reading a book called Blue Mind. It is a very interesting book with some technical reading in places but very mind opening in the way water in particular, and the color blue works in and through our brain and body. I believe I even made a post here where I talked about that. As I was reading that book, I had a drop download in my heart that I was to make an email using that word and the vision that came with it. So I will explain the word in some detail and why I believe God put that in my heart for 2025.

Word for 2025

It is both interesting and exciting to me that once I wrote this word down, and also the started my goals list, I felt that little tingle of excitement and expectation come back. Here is the premise. If we throw a stone into a pond, the ripples will immediately go out from the point of entry in the water. Here are a few Bible verses I would like to share:

Ps 147:15 His command ripples across the earth. II Tim 1:5 The Rock that makes the Ripple. Romans 5:8 …the ripple effect of God’s grace and holy character. Read those again. Think about what that means. Ripples give us a visual of something that happens as we throw the rock, and as we do, the water is no longer the same. So a stone dropped in the water disturbs the still water and disrupts it. So I have felt that the beginning of the year will be like that for me.

I want to be more like the rock that leaves a ripple in life. I might drop in softly or maybe plop in with a splash, as I encounter others to lift them up. lt may be just to listen. I want to let them know I care for them because they are important to me. It may be that I am the only one who speaks kindly to them that day. Let me stone throw ripple out into their day. It may be that I splash around for a while and them God guides and directs me as to what is needed. Don’t be afraid in your own life to share what your needs may be. It is always beneficial to be able to share with someone who is willing to be there with you.

Ripples represents the influence I can have to love and to care. It will affect my heart and mind, as well as, the hearts and minds of others. We never know how a kind word or gesture will speak to the hearts of those we share that with. Positive actions radiate out to others like a ripple in a pond. It can have great impact. So… I am disrupting the status quo of my life this next year. There have been many reasons for the previous status quo, and I may post some about that later this next year. For now, I have been challenged. I accept the challenge.

I think with all that is going on in the world around us, most are seeking some quiet, both outside themselves and especially on the inside of themselves. I am one of those. I have realized that my gifting has not been used as in the past years and I don’t see that as negative…it is just me dealing with the changes in life. But I know that when I put my efforts and time forward, and drop a stone in the water, the ripples WILL go out. No doubt. How? It may be something they remember, or experienced, or that touches the deep part of their hearts because of your interaction. I can make a difference if I am open to what I am sensing I should do. It’s kind of like when we stand on the ferry decks or sit in a boat and we enjoy looking at the wake of the boat as we go through the water. It draws us in. Just like those waves, our actions and interactions will go out way further than the immediate place we see right at that moment. The ripples can be gentle and even nurturing to us, but they can be more turbulent; even destructive at times. Why? Because our actions have consequences that can extend beyond where we currently are and can influence the present for generations to come. Read that again. I personally want to leave a legacy that encourages generations to come. I want my children and grandchildren to remember the ripples I have created in my life and let it resonate in their lives. I have dropped countless prayers, and to me that is the very best stone I can throw. I know those ripples of prayers go out further than my life time. Our prayers are never lost. Now that is a great throw!

With social media being as crazy as it is, let’s use it to reach out and touch a life. Don’t say you are so busy. We should never be THAT busy that we can’t take a moment. If you are that busy, it’s maybe more than that. It is could be something you are not dealing with that is bringing YOU down. You don’t feel qualified to look out to encourage others. However, you know what lifts YOUR spirits, do that. It can then reverberate way beyond your current feelings, comment or picture or your post. However, sometimes we do that and we won’t see the results or know about the results. Never give up in well-doing, as God says. We need it. Today in our world as we see less of moral and spiritual qualities of leadership and upbringing, it is plain to see. Don’t let satan convince you that you have nothing to offer because you do. Kick that thought to the curb! Throw the stone of love into the water and pray for the shores that the ripples will reach!

I hope this has encouraged you for your 2025 year. I know I hope to leave behind as many ripples as I can. I also want my ripples of action and commitment to flow upwards to God. That is why I love looking over my goals for last year and see all that God has done. You see, when something gets accomplished on my list, I highlight it. At the end of the year I can clearly see what God has been doing and accomplishing in my life. I am ready to hit the road with my list come January 1, 2025! No they are not resolutions. I write down anything and everything no matter or big or small. At my age, I am coming to appreciate that more than ever! Some have become hard, but I want to see them through. I know God can orchestrate miracles to make things happen, so my gratitude jar will be full this year!

Let me leave you with this…where will you drop your stones this year? I urge you to go to the water some time soon, and drop a stone in, quiet yourself and watch the ripples spread out. Then, think of an area where you want to be that stone that causes ripples to go out in the lives of those around you. It may be in some area of your own life that will radiate out to others, or it might be in a person, family, or whoever comes to mind. But what ever comes to mind, reach down and throw your stone, and then take the next stone home to remind you of your commitment to be a ripple in the water of life to those around you. Remember, even big things that are in the way of the ripples can’t stop the ripples from going outward!

I would love to hear from you and your response to ripples. Please use this email address: js.ripplesonthewater@gmail.com because I would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences as you consider this post. You can also post comments by scrolling down below this post using the journeysofmyheart@gmail.com.

This post is my first ripple toward the new year. Have fun throwing it out there!

Your “Ripples On The Water” Guide…

~JoAnn

Preserving Generational Memories And Their Significance

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

I have been searching for a while for something that was not only part of my life with my grandparents, but also a part of my parental household growing up. It is something that I have never forgotten and it still brings a sense of belonging and joy to me.

Picture this memory in your mind’s eye…you walk into your grandparents home and there it is sitting in its special place…that something special that you were allowed to have when you came to visit. What was it? I bet it comes to you right away. I hope it does. Let me share a little about mine with you.

In my grandparent’s home, there was one special dish in their home; a candy dish. That special round dish with some goodies in it. The downside of these candy dishes were the alarm set off by lifting the lid of the dish. It was a very heavy lid and usually hard to sneak into without giving yourself away. What was it? It was what we today call a vintage candy dish; pressed glass. So I have been on the hunt to find a candy dish like my grandparents and parents; one that is still in good shape. I know you probably know the one. Here is my little memory of the candy dish…

The candy dish had lemon drops in it. We so loved being able, with permission, to have a lemon drop out of grandma’s candy dish. And then at Christmas time, we would get to have Christmas candy…you know the ones…variety of candy and ribbon candy which was my favorite. Such a treat. So imagine my excitement when I found one just like the one my grandparents had! It now sits on my coffee table at home and I love looking at it and how the light reflects off of it. It brings a smile and joy to see it everyday and I remember those days now like a special treat.

I am a grandma myself now for the last 19 years and I made a lot of those kind of memories for my grandson. But something this dish reminded me about was the importance of the legacy of some traditions. If at my age I can still remember the feeling of getting into that candy dish for a lemon drop or Christmas candy, I think it is an important legacy that was carried on for us kids. Maybe your memory isn’t of candy in a candy dish, but something totally different. I have many other memories of snacks she would give me when I went there after school. But this dish rings true for me. I also have dishes and glassware that my grandma used and that is something I love to use every day also. Many of these things were passed down to my mom and then to me. It’s part of the story of our lives and I think it is good to share our stories. It is a part of us. If your parents or grandparents are still with you, ask them questions about their lives. Don’t be sorry for never asking about them as I have experienced with my grandparents. Even though they didn’t want to share, I wish I had continued to try a little at a time. I am now on the hunt for some lemon drops to put in it. They are not as easy to find anymore. But I will. I think it will look good in my new kitchen at some point. But for now, it will continue to grace my coffee table. My mom used the same candy dish for us with goodies when we could afford them, and for sure, Christmas candy was one of them.

To the left is a picture of a tradition that I have started with the adult kids…going to Not Doug’s Country Kitchen and Espresso for their great food each time they come over. It is a great time and a nice drive. Worth the effort for the trip to have wonderful food and milkshakes!

What are some important memories that may have popped into your mind as you read this? I believe that God gave us each an amazing brain that could recall these memories, and even in some cases the smells, that bring us comfort today. These are hard times for all of us and having those traditions to share can have lasting effects on future family memories, and friendships as well. I thank God each and every day that I can remember those times, their faces, and their love for us. It God’s purpose to comfort us in those hard times with grateful memories that can bring us to a place of joy and gratitude. I can’t begin to tell you how many times coffee from one of their cups, or ice tea from her special glass that I still have, makes me smile and brings comfort and joy to my heart. My house is full of those kind of mementos.

I would love to hear what memories came to mind as you read this. Let me hear from you in the comments here on the blog. You can leave your comment by scrolling down to the comment section. I hope it inspires you to know you can and will make a difference someday to those you love when you are no longer with them. They will need those fun times and loving traditions to remember.

Until next time… ~JoAnn

p.s. If you didn’t have these kinds of memories, that doesn’t mean you can begin to make them now with your family or friends.

Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Strength in Trust

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

It has been a while, and I’m sorry about my absence. As many of you know, there are seasons in our lives that are just harder to navigate and can pop up anytime. I have had a few of those in the last several months. Even though they haven’t been all my trials, they have become trails for me because I care about others that are having hard times. So here I am, and my question for you is in the title. Would you really want to know what is ahead? You think you would feel more comfortable with that? Maybe you think you could prepare for it? Hmmm…I for one am comfortable not knowing and trusting instead, asking Him to navigate it with me.

What helps me is this thought that God placed on my heart a few months ago. Be a ripple on the water. When I throw a rock into a lake, pond or creek, the rock will push the water out of the way as it goes into the water, and it will then cause ripples to go out from its point of entry in a circle. Then the water will back in to fill the empty space where the rock fell and often make a splash, which makes more ripples. Can you imagine that being your life…being a ripple on the water in your daily life?

I know where my strength comes from, and I am not sure at times what I would do if I didn’t have that. You see, no matter how rough things get, I know God is in ultimate control of it and its outcome. I can trust that promise because I know that is what He has said. It’s truth. Doesn’t make my life a breeze by ANY means but I trust the process. So… as we see in the world today with things being the craziest that I have ever experienced, I pray God gives me the strength and the fortitude to walk it out with Him. Is it easy? A BIG no to that! But if I cast all my cares on Him, my frustrations, and tears, He has promised to care for me through it all. (I Peter 5:7).

I have had decades of experience “rolling with life”, and I also know what I have to do to keep my attitude in check. Do you know that about yourself? Have you taken the time to ask yourself that question? “What do you need to do to keep your spirits up and stay the course?” However, just to be transparent, I also have to watch because if I am pushed too far, I WILL push back or just go silent (and watch for silence of this Norwegian). However I want to share with you a day I had yesterday. God knows when we need encouragement and our spirits uplifted.

Looking for the story…

Yesterday we had errands to run. One was to an elderly lady that wanted to purchase a vintage light that I had for sale. I had to work a little with her to make it happen, but it did. She was 87 and wanting to decorate her studio room at a local senior housing. I love this! She is still creating! She had tears when I took the light out, and put it together for her to see how it would look when it gets hung up. She had a great life story too! Then lunch to celebrate my hubby’s birthday and we ended up going through DQ for a shake and hot fudge sundae. Another sweet moment was pulling up to the window to pay and finding the person in front of us had paid for our order. What a sweet thing to do. I haven’t done that in a while myself, and it reminded me of the need to pay it forward and do that for someone else. Next, we went to Home Depot to look at wall ovens and microwaves and found a great sale, plus… and extra bonus off! So we have ordered ours for the new kitchen and ready to rock and roll with that! So that was a wonderful day of God winks!

The moral of this post is: we can be a ripple in the water that spreads out for a long distance; sharing encouragement and caring. Or, we can keep it to ourselves and never see where God wants us to take action and be encouraged. I spent a fair amount of time with the buyer of my light listening to her story, and she had a good one. I am preaching to myself today because it has been a hard one. But as I said in the beginning of the post, I know what I need to do when that happens. I am in The Loft in the quiet of the day, writing to you as I drink my cup of coffee at my desk, and hoping that this little post will encourage you today! May you begin to think where you might be able to be the ripple in someone else’s pond. God always watches and looks for ways to let you know He is with you and listening. He is a gracious God and the lifter of our heads.

He has lifted mine again in these last few moments. Until next time…

~JoAnn

Do you have something you want to share about being a ripple on the water? I have an email address just for that purpose. It is

js.ripplesonthewater@gmail.com

Look forward to hearing from you!

New Year, New Chapter In My Story

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Hello my friends! It has been a long while since I have written, but I got a previous post out and wanted to get my New Year post out also. So let’s go!

Hard year last year…anyone else? Lots of great things happened, which my Gratitude Jar shows, but it was a hard one emotionally and in many cases, physically for me. My mind was a bit scattered and my emotions were rather all over the place, and I found it difficult to concentrate to do the things I would normally do to pull myself out of those places. I wasn’t too forgiving of myself as I struggled to admit there might be a bit of depression going on. So…I thought I would hop on here and chat a while about what I have learned, and where it might take me in this New Year of 2024. Also to tell you that re-reading my previous post, helped me to get in the groove to get this post out to you!

Because of the above circumstances, I hadn’t prayed about my word for the year as I usually do starting in November, which is my birthday month. So here I am days before the new year started (and now late in sharing it but that is ok) and I had to admit in my prayer time that I hadn’t asked the Lord for my word this year. I then asked Him if he would show me what it should be. Well when we ask, there is an answer. It may be what you are looking for, it may be something He wants you to work on, or it may take some time to answer. In my case, the next day I felt the answer…it was not what I really was wanting to acknowledge… PEACE. Yep. That was my word. Oh boy! I knew I had been having issues through the year because deep down there were many areas I was NOT in peace about. Oh… I can make a peaceful environment around me, in fact, I love doing that for myself or others who enter our home. But God was talking about MY peace; my INNER peace. And…I knew He was right. I wasn’t so peaceful inside. I was having a hard time walking that out, which of course, had been my problem in sharing the real stuff with God anyway. Funny part about that??? Like He didn’t know that already, and patiently waited until I would come to Him about it.

So once I had that word, I asked myself the usual question that helps me learn what is going on inside my head and heart: What is taking or stealing your peace? We have to be willing to be honest with ourselves. In my case, I recognized I am letting not just my life challenges grab a hold, but also those that are in the lives of my friends and family. The kicker for me was that I wasn’t turning them over and letting God work it out. I get involved; I get upset about their challenges, I go into recovery mode for them, I want to fix it… and I can’t. There are times I can help, but there are times and reasons that I might need to just listen. Satan will use any circumstance to lead us away from what helps us most…staying in close relationship with Jesus, pray and let Him take it on. Leave it with Him. Trust it with Him. Because I know that if I do that, I won’t be kept from the very special time and regime that I need to continue down the path God has for me. You see, my Bible reading and study was NOT what it should be. I would try and read and get nothing out of it, which is not like me. I love to read and learn and apply it to my life. I have also had to admit to a very short fuse…that is my inner self not doing well. I felt isolated which is the first sign that satan is playing with my head and heart, because, he wants me to feel this way; like there is no hope to feel better or get back to what I love to do.

I also learned that what I listened to in my home is important. So I have to spend more time in The Loft. Eyes off the world, and on what brings joy and peace to my heart and mind. That is where great things happen. It is ok set aside alone time if that is what it takes. I need to do that and use that time alone, not as isolation, but a time to listen and really hear anew what God has to say to me. Listen to the whisper. We have this idea that we need to go, go, go, and always be busy/sucessful. We are trying to accomplish everything and look successful and we are literally tearing down our bodies; and maybe our family and relationships with us. I don’t mind being alone because I know that is where I learn the most. So this whole way of feeling was very foreign to me. But by asking these hard questions, I can get more honest about the deep things that have changed in me.

I also remembered there was a natural product I was using that I had used for many years and I didn’t think I needed anymore. Well…to the ladies that follow this blog, if you have had a have had hormone difficulties, going through or gone through menopause, or you have had a hysterectomy as I have had, you may know that just because you get to a certain age, does not mean you might not need hormone support. Maybe too much information here, but I want to be transparent in sharing so you might recognize something that may help you. So my next step was to order it and start that this year. This decision also included consistency with vitamin regime. Do what you know to do. In my case, I believe these steps were answers to the question I asked myself. I felt better once I recognized them and took steps to change it.

So peace is my word for the year. I have made a logo for it (as you see as the cover) to use at various times through this year. I have made a scrabble tile with the word on it and it’s on my desk. I have that logo on my phone and watch. I am a visual person. The circle reminds me of life moving on. The heart is about me having the peace in my inner being…the heart reminds me that from the heart the mouth speaks. And the cross in a reminder to leave my problems and challenges at the cross. I loved finding the cross that looks a little like hardanger; a nod to my Norwegian heritage.

I have a list of goals for the new year as I always write. They are not resolutions, but just goals I have asked God to oversee. I love watching how God works them out in my life. I am never disappointed in the results and I love to see what He accomplishes from that list when I turn it all over back to him. I had almost 3/4 of my list to celebrate last New Year’s Eve when I read them, and that happened even amongst the hardship of the year. But sometimes we are more focused on what we think we don’t have rather than what we DO have. My daily prayers will be written in a little Prayer Journal given to me by a long time friend to pray over. I will also put my gratitude hearts in my Gratitude Jar. This year I expect to have more than last year because my heart is more at peace.

So it is my hope that you all will have the same kind of revelation in your hearts and minds as you walk out your 2024. May you have the courage to ask the same question that I asked and see what God lays on your hearts. Should that happen, or you have a word for YOUR year, I would love to hear from you about it. Leave a message on the blog by scrolling down a bit after the sign off and leave it there. I will respond and certainly pray for those that do, so that, you too may experience God’s divine purpose in your daily walk this year.

From The Loft…

~ JoAnn

Who Are You…Really

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

I came across an interview online that made an impression on me. Oh… not because I didn’t know the message, but because it validated the message for me. There is a difference inside of us that we often cannot separate from the other. Let’s talk about this.

There is a difference between who you are and what you do if you are in the work force, v.s. who you are and what you do and are as a person. So often we get the idea that we are who we are no matter what we do, and that leaves us without direction when, let’s say, we aren’t working anymore, or our kids leave our home, or we have moved, or our lifestyle has changed. We have a tendency to lose direction and purpose. We have maybe given so much of ourselves to those things, that now we stand at an open door and not sure which way to go once we enter through it. Does that resonate with you?

I have always been a bit different in that way and I think God has given me that gift to assimilate into the next thing fairly well. I pray about the change and I ask for His direction and lean in to listen. I believe that is one gift He gave me early on in my life. You see, we might have to ask some questions when we are about to walk through that door. Who am I now? What do I have to offer? What are my gifts and talents that God may want me to use that I haven’t been able to accomplish while working, or raising small children, giving to others in my required position, or establishing myself in a different location? God isn’t done with me, so what would He have me to do to still be His hands and feet? I might want to get a book or tablet out and just pray and ask Him to give me that direction. What do I have to offer now? What is it that I can offer now that is just me and what comes naturally to me? Ask yourself, “Who am I now?” “What would you have me to do?”

God spoke to me many years ago while living in Aberdeen, WA. I was up in my sweet upper room/office, when I asked what He would have to me to do now that I am alone here and starting in a new area. He gave me direction for personal growth and study, but also that I had the means to do what He wanted me to do. That was something that comes naturally to me…I was to use my computer and my time that was available to encourage others when I saw the need. Let them know someone is listening. There was one other thing God gave me to do and that was to take a picture a day and post it and share why I took that picture. It was another way to encourage others to slow down and take in nature and life. Well…it all changed ME. Isn’t that great how that works?

We re-invent ourselves is what I like to call it. I had given many skills and hours in my working life in order to do my job with excellence. But now, I am in a different place and season. Who IS JoAnn now in this season of my life? I get to live each day and keep myself busy encouraging others, giving an ear to someone and praying for the needs of others. But, what do I do to continue to fulfill my need for close relationship with God in this new place? I believe God gives all those opportunities to enjoy life. I’m in the golden years and I haven’t stopped doing what I love in this new season. It looks different for me than it did many years ago. Our world around us has made some of that happen. However, we can be faithful to serve in whatever way God places on our hearts. We don’t have to be perfect. Better that we aren’t. We can be real. Authentic. That is a calling in this day and age of social media and what we feel we have to put out there for acceptance. My life isn’t perfect, that is for sure. But I am a grateful lady for all that God has taught me. It has brought me to the place of contentment no matter what life brings.

So maybe this is where you are today. I don’t know. But I have been there. Don’t lose your direction because what you do now may be retirement, or look different now. There is a difference between what we do and who we are. I think back and realize that encouraging others has always been a big part of who I am. It doesn’t stop with this season of my life now either. Sometimes we are caught in having to do what our life or job requires to make it happen, but it isn’t all of who we are. We also have to examine our motives for what we do. I don’t do what I do so others see it and think what a great life she has and it’s good. That is me. I do it because I believe that is what God wants me to do. Slow down, live in gratitude, enjoy what is around me every day because nothing is promised. He tells me to be an encouragement to others and help them to see how they can continue live with purpose.

I haven’t had a lot of change in my purpose, although sometimes I lost my way in the requirements of life. But He is faithful to bring me back. How about you? Who are you today, and what do you feel your calling may be in this New Year? It changes sometimes as our seasons change. I would love to hear from you.

~ JoAnn

Extra Thankful Day

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Today I woke up feeling very thankful; more so than normal. I think it was the Holy Spirit encouraging me in times that are a little more difficult. I think we all have days where we say, “This wasn’t what I expected my life to look like.” I feel that through all the struggles and adventures I haven’t chosen, that I have learned an inner determination to never ever give up. There is always something to be thankful for. So today is one of those reminders to enjoy the moment I’m in. I might not have it again tomorrow.

I am very thankful for the age I currently am. I may have some troubles in my body, but I can still go and do, and I have the energy to do it. I have been retired for years and loving it. I have the desire to keep learning in various areas of interest. I love trying to new ways of doing things in my home and kitchen cooking/baking and life in general. I love to BBQ and enjoy the fruits of a great outcome. My life style is a chosen one. I choose to do things beyond the “must do” list. I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to. I have the ability to say no. I know someone of you reading this saying, “Well I don’t have a family and a job, so of course you have time.” No… it can be more of a choice for you also. The answer might need to be bringing NO in your vocabulary more often. I love playing in so many different areas, that I can become a bit ADD, but that is ok. I enjoy the direction that I can go in my life right now. The choices I make today will affect my tomorrow. Culture wants us to think we have to go and busy to have a good life. That is not so. Everyone needs to slow down. Life isn’t a race. It is a gift for as long as we are on earth. I live with very few regrets. I have fun.

I just finished another project for my window that has been on my desk for weeks. I now have curtain pull backs that are my Grandma’s lace my mom had, and two of her red buttons from her jar. I like the whimsical look in The Loft.

I got a couple of decor items on my deck. My grandparent’s clock is now in place. House painted. Gutters up. ( I didn’t do those) Re-arranged some cupboards to better accommodate kitchen items. It is the little things that we keep doing that can bring relaxation and joy back to the space where we relax and spend time.

Here are a few of my thanks:

  • I have a wonderful creative place in The Loft
  • I love the deck outside to sit and enjoy when I can have no mosquitoes
  • I have opportunities at a great price (and free also) to study any subjects I want
  • A fun car for a drive with windows down and wind blowing through my hair
  • AC in my house and car to keep this gal cool in hot weather she doesn’t enjoy
  • Friends in my life
  • I am surrounded by things I really love and tell a story
  • I can do anything that I choose to do within reason
  • My eye sight
  • My ability to move and walk
  • My stubbornness that keeps me driven to keep living to the fullest
  • The legacy that lives within the walls of my home
  • An upcoming road trip
  • The Word to read and be encouraged and ability to study it
  • A large umbrella going up on the back deck to enjoy and has slights
  • Groceries in the freezer and pantry
  • Provision for what we have
  • A hubby that is ok with most of my endeavors.
  • Candle light
  • Bread Baking
  • Mochas and Ice Tea
  • My health
  • That I DESIRE to LIVE between the dash

Those is just a few! I love where I am in my life and that I have learned what is important and will last. In spite of the hardships, I can always learn something from them. It isn’t always easy, but if I am willing to ask, I will receive some direction and learn some lessons. The kicker? Sometimes I don’t get the reasons. Sometimes I just have to trust the process and ask God to keep me on the right track. But age helps me realize that it is ok to feel that the uncertainty, and even welcome those times, because if I trust Him, I know what is best is what will come about.

You see, I once was on the busy track in my younger years as a wife and mom. I took on what was not really all of my responsibility. However, I was afraid that if I didn’t, the outcome was not going to be good. I worked a lot. I didn’t have the time I wanted as a mom. I really didn’t want to work once I had kids. But circumstances made me feel like I needed to and I was expected to in my situation at the time. I look back on that and now tell to the younger JoAnn, that I should have listen to my heart. That is where God speaks. But…no condemation here for me, because I did what I thought was best at the time. However, when we don’t listen, we going on letting our lives dictate what our life will look like. My advice to younger families is to work to live, and live to work. You need time together, and phones off maybe. What will you have and what will your life and family look like if you don’t? Who will suffer? I have learned that slowing down, taking care of myself, and finding the joy in what tickles my heart and soul, is what makes my life move forward with contentment.

So here is some advice for free…pick up a book, learn an instrument, BBQ and cook with family more, live outside more, finish projects so you don’t have to think about doing them anymore. Make something you thought about making but didn’t. Look at that cake! It was delightful! Stay active however that looks for you. Keep learning for the rest of your life. All of these experiences I mentioned are what can make you thankful everyday. There are always things to be thankful for! I love that at this age, I have so much available to me, that I want to take advantage of it! I am typing this on one of them. Your computer or phone gives you all the ability to listen to a book, take a class, write a memoir, share encouragement, and yes, read a blog.

I love that you have stuck with me through the years of writing here. Some of you are new and I want to welcome you. I always enjoy reading your comments!

May you find insight and encouragement in the above post. Stay strong, stay the course, stand strong, and be thankful! There is so much we can do, and we are never too old to start! Be someone’s inspiration. Leave your legacy.

I’m going to play my guitar for a while.

Until next time…

~JoAnn

Waiting…Are You Good At It?

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Do you ever get sick of waiting? Waiting for something important to be completed, a task to get done, or circumstances to change? I think you would agree we could make a LONG list of things we have had to wait on. It’s not fun. We are walking the floor and tapping our feet so to speak for something to happen, change or come to fruition.

Let me give you an example in my own life that shows what this struggle is for me. I am a type of person that if something needs to be done, I do it and get it behind me and off my list. I rarely procrastinate on anything. I know this is what needs to be done so I do it. If it is a big job, I will break it down in pieces to work on it over a few days if needed. I might not like the job, but I work til it’s done. I might even be known to make a list of the tasks so I have direction to get them done and cross off my list. I make decisions the same way. I don’t go off half-cocked and just run head long into it, but if there is something I want to have done, then I want to complete it and get it done. Not months later, but now. If I need to make phone calls, I make them. I follow up. I talk to the people I need to talk to get information for my decision so the next step can be taken. Getting the picture a bit clearer? Well…keep reading.

Ok here is the kicker. I live with someone who in the last six years, has become completely the opposite. Here are a few comments I will get when it is taking forever:

  • I will get to it.
  • I said I would get to it.
  • What is your problem?
  • I will do it tomorrow.
  • What is your big hurry? I’ll get to it.

Do you any of you recognize that scenario? Have you ever been the one to give those responses? The more I want it to be done, the longer it seems to take for its completion. It’s hard when you are coming for two different places. One is saying I will get it done when I get it done, and the other is working more on this year’s schedule than current time frame. I just got a window blind up that we have had for over a year and it just got put up. Yes…waiting is not my strong suit. I would rather get it done and enjoy the fruits of the labor. Which one are you?

So back to waiting. Here are some thoughts I am reminded of in regards to waiting. I know that God can teach a lot of things in the waiting room. It’s not fun, or even pleasant at times, but He uses it all to teach us. We can sometimes learn some of life’s greatest lessons in the waiting room. We are so used to getting everything quickly and we get impatient if we have to wait at all. But when we are better at waiting, we often can look back and see His hand in the circumstances. We might then be able to hear His voice and and get direction, if we aren’t kicking up dust and talking to ourselves about long we have waited. We don’t know what He is doing while we wait. He may be directing right person to help, or the right doctor to see, the best price on something, just a lesson we need to learn, or others are watching us to see how we handle it. In my case, how is JoAnn going to handle this?

Sometimes, it’s finding out we aren’t so good at it and God wants us to improve our time in the waiting room. There are things we can do to aid in the process, when we give up on pushing through. We may need to ask him for strength or the ability not to grow weary, or just be mad. You see, when you get impatient with the waiting, it can cause undue stress and weariness, as well as, loss of energy yourself. So when we learn to turn the waiting over, then it makes it easier on us. The people that may cause our waiting, most likely don’t care. If they did, they would do something different. They don’t. It’s like forgiveness. We don’t forgive because the person who hurt us needs or wants it, because they likely don’t care. We forgive because it is the best for us. Same goes here. We can’t hold on to the anger of impatience or it only hurts us. And I’m saying this to myself today as well. This is lesson is a reminder to me also.

Waiting isn’t wasted. We have time to sift through our feelings, our circumstances, even our motives. Are we trusting or are we complaining. Is it strengthening our faith or testing our faith? Don’t give up. Keep seeking the answers for you in waiting periods. It isn’t easy if you are the check it off the list person. I know. But…you just might find that one day the door opens and the waiting is over, and you walk though the door for the answer you have been waiting for.

Today maybe I will get my Mother’s Day gift light up in my kitchen. There is hope! And I am waiting. There is Someone who truly knows my heart and He will take care of me however it goes.

Here is to waiting with the right attitude. He did get the light up today, bless his heart!! Might even get my moon light up today for the entry also! God is good. Waiting well is key.

Until next time…

~JoAnn

Changes Or Cover-ups

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

The last several days have been quite the adventure! I have watched our home be scraped and sanded, and scraped and sanded some more. You know, a house takes pretty good care of us if we take good care of it. Show it a little love. But when we don’t, things happen to it like the weather along with the way it hits and batters our home. How easy it can be for leaves and twigs to gather in our gutters and down spouts. Heat can cause our home’s glory to fade and/or blister over time. So even as the previous owners may not have wanted to, or just couldn’t take care of this home, and any repairs were less than stellar, it is still standing and hopefully, we will bring some beauty back to its outside cedar walls. So… what has that got to do with changes and cover-ups? Let me share a few thoughts with you about what came to mind as I did a walk-around and took a picture of the pre-finished prep and painting.

First came the bath. Power washing an older home with cedar wood siding can bring surprises. BIG surprises…such as wood needing replacement. Then after house drying, came the listening to the drone of a scraper going across our walls and the sander sanding down the rough spots. It was rather painful to me. There were some warped areas even that need to be straightened out by extra support. However, it made me think of how my life has had many rough patches, splinters and chips that have needed to be taken off by the Carpenter Himself. When our contractor did this for the house, it was for the better and longer life of the home. He was cleaning it, smoothing out the wood as much as possible for the age of the cedar, and preparing it for the next step. The next step was to fill anything that might need filling, priming spots that needed it to accept the paint that was coming. But what if you had to change the color scheme completely? Roll baby roll with it. We had to just that, from blues to green with off white trim.

But…let’s pause and think about that. What would happen if he just would have come here and just started painting? The paint would have looked ok for a while maybe, but in a not too distant future, the paint would have shed off the old cedar and we would have a multi-colored home with bleeding of old paint. The paint would not have adhered to the wood given how dusty it was and the problem areas of the siding. All the work and money would be for not.

So… do you ever carry your bad experiences or anger, and have a few chips and splinters and rough patches that you refuse to allow to be cared for? You know you need it, but may not willing to deal with it or do the work required, along with God’s help, to see where it may need some extra attention for you to let it all go? Oh we can try to cover it up with a life style we show everyone in person or on social media, or by the clothes we wear, or the house or car have, or purse we carry. We can even hide the sadness on my face with makeup so we look good for others. However, we could be crying inside, or be lonely even among many people. We could purchase “things” so that we feel better, or have a glass of wine thinking that will do the trick. But it won’t. We still have to live with ourselves. We know what we think and feel like…like an old house needing attention. That is why God tells us to know Him more and more, and He will guide and direct us. He helps us shed what needs to be shed.

I believe God was reminding me today that it isn’t about all that. It is about what I am willing to let go of, and how much excavating I am willing to do to smooth out the rough areas. That IS my responsibility. God will help me if I am willing. However, I have to be willing to do the work. It is work to do what the contractor did for the house prep. He knows the value of getting that all accomplished before painting. And even though all that work is done, it will still carry some of those rough spots…the scars of living. I have plenty of those and they show and give testimony to how I have made it through with God’s help. I don’t like them, but they remind me of what God has brought me through. Ask God to be your sandpaper and rub off the things He needs to work on, or chip off what needs to be chipped off. It is a process that will sting a little, but He is faithful to help us. And.. IF you think you don’t have areas to work on, you are in some kind of denial. Why?? Because we all have them. We just have gotten good at hiding them from ourselves and others. It will come out at some point. Better to do the work before that happens. It is my hope at some point to add a little Norwegian flair to the peaks of the home. But that it a day from my oldest son to add to our personal touches.

This house was a legacy to someone before us. Mark Batterson says, “Legacy is not what you accomplish. Legacy is what others accomplish because of you.” God has given us a house…it is our desire to make it a home where others feel something different in its presence. So as I walk around it today with the front of it being done without the trim painting, I can see progress to loving on a home with all its issues as a way to give back to God the joy of caring for what He has graciously given us. We will continue to be faithful to that end. Even when there will be areas that continue to remind us of the value you a few scars…it means we have lived.

Doesn’t your life scream for that also? Mine does. I want to leave a legacy to those around me, and who love and care for me. Don’t you see how God cares for you each day you wake up to breathe the fresh air? Because, if you have taken that for granted and just think you deserve to live here and do what you do, then I hope you see the value of this lesson about life differently after reading this. You were given a life, and many haven’t had that privilege of a long life. You have the opportunity to build a legacy with your freedom; to make it what you would you desire and leave that legacy behind. Start where you can, with what you have, and keep stepping forward. He is faithful to guide us if we don’t think we are so smart that we don’t need Him. We do now more than ever. I know I do and I’m sure if you are honest with yourselves, you could admit there are areas of your life you need do something about. Are you covering it up to try and hide it, or letting God work with you to prepare you for what is next? That’s the rub, isn’t it? Letting Him in to do the work. It might take some time and hurt for a while. However, the end result is pretty amazing. Lessons are not always easy or fun, but you can feel grateful for the grace given for the journey you are on.

Let Him do a little remodeling in your heart and in your thinking. We will have a home to remind us of just that. We still have to do the maintenance on the house to keep it in good condition. We have to do the same thing in our daily lives. Our home is still not done, but we will have a better version of our home when it is complete. And…I did get my red door still!

Remember the seeing the picture of the Jesus knocking at the door? We have heard that verse about Jesus standing at the door of your heart, but WE must open the door. Do you know why that says that? Because if you look at the picture of the original, you will find there is no handle on the outside of the door. That is because we have to open it from the inside to allow Him entry.

Until next time…

~JoAnn

P.S. I have decided through prayer, that my weekly posts may have been more me than Him, so I chosen not to continue that part of this blog. Given my blog is what this site is for, I will stay with that. Thank you so much for being faithful in your readership. I appreciate all of you! Enjoy the sunshine.

Maintaining in Life

by Journeys of My Heart, posted in Life Foundations

Sometimes we struggle to keep our spirits up and focused on the right things. It is a struggle for everyone at times. And…it can go sideways quickly. I find there are things I can do however, to get back on track. What about you??

I would love to hear your thoughts or ideas about you keep your spirits up. If you have a moment, please leave your ideas in the comments. Until next time…

~JoAnn