How Mary Is My Role Model

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, many of us moms find ourselves teaching our kids about the birth of Jesus Christ. We find ourselves talking about young Mary and her poor economic state, and Joseph’s kindheartedness, not wanting to expose Mary to ridicule by 

How to Holiday-Proof Your Mind and Heart

God’s Word warns us not to love the world or the things of the world, yet I find that during the Christmas season, it is hardest for me to not become entrapped by the worlds philosophy and focus (worldliness). It is tempting to allow my 

What Others are Saying about Merry Christmas, Meager Budget {Review Line-up!}

Here are a few reviews of our new ebook Merry Christmas, Meager Budget from around the web. Thankful for these women who have taken the time to read and comment on our new ebook. It is on sale for $4.99 and there is still plenty of 

Family Photos of our Thanksgiving Break

  You all know that I took a blogging break while Rebekah was home for Thanksgiving. We **loved** every minute of her time at home. It went so fast. AND, as you might imagine, I took a lot of pics while the five kids were 

Merry Christmas, Meager Budget **Promotion**(Update: this has ended)

From RIGHT NOW until midnight tonight (EST)(Update: Extending to 1A.M. EST!! WOOT) you can get Merry Christmas, Meager Budget FREE   by tweeting about it using the hashtag #meagerbudget, my user name @joyfilleddays and linking to https://joyfilleddays.com/ebooks/ or by sharing this link with your friends on 

Peace in the Midst of Hurricane Sandy

As many of you know, this week Hurricane Sandy came up the east coast. Many of you have expressed your well wishes for our family and told us that you were praying for us. I want to thank you all right now for that. Our 

Trusting God Enough To Hand Over the Reins

Have you ever struggled with the doctrine of God’s sovereignty? Do you wrestle with worry and fear about the outcomes of life? I did, and sometimes still do. Today, I am guest posting at the Triple Braided Life, and I am talking about working through 

Guest Post: Where The Lord Meets Me

  Do you have one special place where the Lord has most of His dealings with you? A special chair, a prayer closet or on your daily walk? I do, and I am writing about it over at Christy’s blog today. Have you met One 

How I Use My iPod Touch In Everyday Life

I have an iPod touch that I love,love,love and use for EVERYTHING except for making calls…because it can’t do that. (that would be the iPhone for you non-techy types) Someday when money is no object and college bills are nonexistent, we’ll talk iPhones. But for 

DIY Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

I tried a delish pumpkin spice ice cream this weekend and found myself dreaming about another one. So, being the DIY New Englander that I am, I decided to try to make it myself. It is SO good. Did I say that already? Ask my