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Joy Can Come in the Quiet Moments

I think as Americans, we are trained to believe that anything that we want in life is ours if we just go out and take it. For those of us who have been through a divorce, death or separation, or are just struggling to build a life as a single parent, we can get into the trap of trying to build, shape, make and force things to go the way we wish them to. The thing is, it really is not about achievement and finances and externally-approved success. Once we realize that pure joy can come in the most mundane … Continue reading →

Helping Your Child Find Joy

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

Three Thieves of Joy

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

Top Ten Cities With the Most Vehicle Thefts

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How safe is the city you live in? The NICB has identified the top ten cities in the United States that have the highest vehicle theft rates. Many of the cities at the top of the list are located in California, but this doesn’t mean that cities located in other states do not experience high vehicle theft rates. No matter what you drive, your vehicle is very important to you and your family. You, and your spouse, need it in order to get to your workplace, where you earn your income. You use your vehicle to bring your children to … Continue reading →

Frugal At Home: Lancaster Trip

I have to say that I am enjoying a frugal day today after last week’s shopping spree. Yes, we do spend money just like everyone else, even though we try to be careful. Last weekend, we headed to Lancaster County, which is just a short drive from our home. We had dinner at our favorite family style Amish all-you-can eat restaurant (expensive) and balanced that with bringing lunch with us. We also played some miniature golf, a favorite of my eldest son. Normally, it might have cost us $25, but we got away with only spending $5. That is because … Continue reading →

An Attitude of Gratitude 2

I’ve been talking about how an attitude of gratitude is important when living frugally. if you missed the first part of this topic, please click here: An Attitude of Gratitude. I really appreciate all of the great comments on that post! Here are two instances in the same day just this week that illustrate how good things may happen when you are grateful. The first was on a trip to the library to pick up some books and a movie. The person ahead of me had a large stack of books to check out, so I decided to browse around. … Continue reading →

Practical Lessons from Hezekiah

If you want practical lessons about life, look at the example of Hezekiah.One of the first facts we learn about Hezekiah is that, ‘He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,’ 2 Chronicles 29:2. At the beginning of his reign, he re-opened the temple and restored worship of the Lord. He recognized that the unfaithfulness of Israel and the way they had turned their backs on the Lord, had caused evil to come to them, 2 Chronicles 29:6-9. Hezekiah decreed that he intended making a covenant with God. He called the people to consecrate themselves. Hezekiah then … Continue reading →

The Ape Who Guards the Balance – Elizabeth Peters

Our next installment in the Amelia Peabody series takes us to Chalfont House, the home in London where the Emerson family lives during the summer when not at their Kent estate. Amelia has caught wind of a women’s rights protest march and is determined to join in, bringing along some chains. You see, the last demonstration saw women hauled away by the constables, but as Amelia reasons, if she chains herself to a fence, they can’t very well haul her away, now, can they? Refusing Emerson’s offer to drive her to the demonstration in their new motor car, she bustles … Continue reading →