Hands Full of Blessings!
Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.
Recent Post
Eyes on the Road
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 27, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
So, we have a new driver in our house… and I have learned that I am really glad my husband is good at teaching and instruction… because you don’t realize all the things a new driver doesn’t know until they get behind a wheel. For example, keep your eyes on where you...
Seasons
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 19, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:6 Fruit grows in season. And look at this Prickly Pear Cactus... the fruit...
If It Were Easy…
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 20, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
“If it were easy, everyone would do it.” I tell my kids this all the time. Especially when they’re learning or perfecting a new skill or hobby- like crocheting, playing music, sewing, running… seriously I cannot count how many times I have said this to all six of them...
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 7, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
I’ve had this thought running through my head. When I read the Armor of God in Ephesians 6, as an evangelist, I really want the Shoes of the Gospel of the Peace to represent going out and sharing the gospel. But every single commentary I read says that is not the...
Creative
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 31, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
Have you ever looked at a sunrise and thought, “Wow, God! You did that. You didn’t have to, but you wanted to!” Our God is truly the Master Artist. The Creator of the universe didn’t stop once the creation was set into motion. He continues to be creative and shows His...
Seek First
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 23, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
“But SEEK first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Matthew 6:33. As I wrote this verse on our whiteboard today, countless games of Hide and Seek went through my head. I remember being a kid and trying to hide in the hardest spot, so the “seeker” would have to...
Fuel Up
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 21, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
You know how there are two people in every relationship? The one who always has a full tank of gas and the one who isn’t even sure if the car will make it to the gas station? Yeah… well… I’m the second one. Today my van's gas light came on… and I thought, well I...
Seek and Save the Lost
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
Every time my kids and I go hiking, we end up talking about “the time mom got us lost” on a trail. Now, sadly, this has happened so often that we have to ask—which time? Well, one time we had just started a really good trail that was supposed to be a moderate,...
Authentic Fan?
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 9, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
As we all prepare to watch the Super Bowl, I was struck with the thought- what would you think of a person decked out in Kansas City Chiefs gear and face paint, but saying “Go Eagles.” That’s not a real fan. Anyone can buy a jersey and put on some paint? Right? Maybe...
So Much STUFF
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
As most of you know, I have six kids. Three girls and three boys. And they’re really close in age- 14, 13, 11, 10, 8, and 6. The three girls are those middle numbers- 11, 10 and 8, and they get to share a room. Just last week my husband came downstairs while I was...
More on the Blog
Book Update!!!
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments
Coming soon! Book 1- Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy Release date: February 25, 2020 You can pre-order on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951620003 Please tell all your friends who have daughters in the age range of 2-8! Also, please leave...
God is Faithful!
by reneejoiner | September 3, 2019 | Books, Growing in Faith, Popular Post | 8 Comments
I’m getting published!!! I’m so excited to share this news. However, it doesn’t seem right to share this news without sharing how AMAZING our God is! So, let me tell you the whole story! The Call In April of 2017, I felt this stir in my heart to write a book. It...
Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 14, 2021 | Books, Faith | 0 Comments
Book 2 is on the way!!!! But before I tell you anymore. You HAVE to hear how God brought it all together. Book #1 was released… literally right before the United States went on lock down for COVID-19. Bye bye book signings. Goodbye read-alouds. All my thoughts on...
It’s Launch Day!!!!
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 25, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments
Today is the day! Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy is now available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also order through the publisher, Grackle Publishing. Please help me spread the word about this book, the series, but most...
A Dream Come True
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments
This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...
It’s Launch Day!!!!
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 25, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments
Today is the day! Daughters of The King: A Princess Problem with Envy is now available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You can also order through the publisher, Grackle Publishing. Please help me spread the word about this book, the series, but most...
The End of the Thomas Phase
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 21, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments
This morning I sat in awe as my boys gave their little sisters all their Thomas the Tank Engine trains saying they do not play with them anymore. While I watched the interaction occur I felt proud. Proud that they realized they do not need those toys in their...
God Report
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 23, 2021 | Popular Post | 2 Comments
As you may have noticed, I have not been posting nearly as often as I have in the past. Our family is going through some big changes in which all the credit goes to God! Let me back up a few years… to right before my husband took a job as a pastor. Previously he...
Join in Creation’s Song
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 17, 2020 | Popular Post, Through the Lens | 0 Comments
Last week I had the opportunity to be a leader on our church’s Youth Group Trip. I went to this trip expecting to hear from God and expecting to see Him move. It did not disappoint. However, the messages I got from this trip were not the messages I expected to hear....
Homeschooling with Littles
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 18, 2020 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 0 Comments
It was suggested that I write a blog about how to homeschool with littles at home. My immediate response was, “I wish I knew.” However, many people have told me I seem to have a good handle on it, so here it goes. If you are on the fence about homeschooling and are...
The Splinter
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments
One of my children recently had a splinter in his foot. Now this child is extremely sensitive to touch and pretty much all sensory inputs. He showed me the splinter. I pushed the skin slightly around it and he started crying, “Owwey Owww.” I took a look at him and...
Intentional
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 6, 2019 | Popular Post | 1 Comment
A few days ago, my husband called for me to come to the computer. He opened up a video from 2010 of our oldest as a baby. The adorable little baby (that looked strikingly similar to our current baby) rolled back and forth on a jungle floor mat happily playing by...
Diet and Exercise
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 24, 2020 | Popular Post | 0 Comments
Diet and exercise. I’ve started this blog many times, but I have never been able to actually complete it. I realize now, that is because it will never be complete. This is a rollercoaster of a journey. If someone would have told me when I was 17, my biggest struggle...
Parents: A Glimpse of God
by reneejoiner | September 23, 2019 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 3 Comments
My kids were playing outside as a storm rolled in. I saw a flash and heard a boom. So, I called them inside. My youngest daughter was apparently really scared when I called them in. I gave her a hug, told her she was safe, and sent her to play with her siblings. About...
Painting with Twigs
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2020 | Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments
Well, I’m not sure if I’m an awesome mom or crazy. While playing outside one of my children was collecting twigs. Another said, “Hey we could paint with these! Mom, can we paint with twigs?” “Sure!” I said pulling out the paints and blank papers. Well, guess what? The...
Jesus Storybook Bible
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 16, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: Jesus Story Book Bible Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones Illustrator: Jago Summary: For over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade,...
Jesus Loves the Little Children Book Review
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: Jesus Loves the Little Children; A Chosen Story Author: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins Illustrator: Kristen Hendricks Summary: Abigail talks a lot. A LOT. So when she meets Jesus for the first time, she talks about him to every kid she can find. Together the...
Like Arrows
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 25, 2021 | Book Reviews, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments
When I started the review section of my blog, I never really intended on doing anything outside of Christian children’s book… but last night I watched a movie on Amazon Prime that I think would benefit parents (young and old alike) to watch- Like Arrows. Movie Title:...
Children Arise Review
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 3, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Book: Children Arise Author: Jenny Johnson Illustrator: Jessie Blasdel Summary: Children Arise is a book empowering children to become all God created them to be by teaching them how to partner with Holy Spirit! Children Arise is a sweet storybook that teaches little...
If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 30, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart Author: Jill Roman Lord Illustrator: Amy Wummer Publisher: Worthy Kids Summary: A new size for this sweet and brightly colored board book that explores the presence of Jesus in our lives. If Jesus lived inside our hearts, would it...
Good Good Father Book Review
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 15, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: Good Good Father Authors: Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett Illustrator: Lorna Hussey Publisher: Tommy Nelson Summary: Grammy Award-winning music artist, Chris Tomlin, and Pat Barrett (Housefires) team up to tell the story of a little bear named Tucker whose life is...
The Pumpkin Patch Parable Review
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: The Pumpkin Patch Parable Author: Liz Curtis Higgs Illustrator: Nancy Munger Disclaimer: I LOVE LIZ CURTIS HIGGS! Moms, if you have not read her Bad Girls of the Bible series, you should… totally not the point of this post though… Summary: Bestselling author...
A New Section: Book Reviews
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 11, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
“You don’t know what you don’t know…” In the Spring of 2017, I felt called to write... specifically, a Christian children’s book series. As I was seeking to fill out my submission forms to various agents and publishers, I found the section: competitive titles....
The Princess Parables Book Review
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 12, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Title: Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten (The Princess Parables) Authors: Jeanna Young, Jacqueline Kinney Johnson Illustrator: Omar Aranda Summary: In Princess Grace and the Little Lost Kitten, Princess Grace promises her father she will care for the...
Veggie Tales Comic Book Reviews
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 30, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments
Book: Veggie Tales Super Comic Volume 3 (contains the stories of Rack, Shack, and Benny, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, and Larry Boy and the Rude Beet.) Author: Rack, Shack, and Benny is adapted from the movie created by Big Idea, adapted by Aaron Linn....
Christian Parallels Post
Pinocchio: Which Character Are You?
by reneejoiner | November 12, 2019 | Christian Parallels, Faith | 0 Comments
The next movie that was put on my heart for Christian Parallels in the movies is "Pinocchio." Now let me start by saying, I had never seen this 1940s Disney classic until this movie was put on my heart. But as I watched it, I quickly saw why God directed me to this...
What if…
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 10, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
Warning: This post does have spoilers for the Disney+ series What If. As I started watching the Disney+ series What If… I had very mixed feelings. The stories I knew but were slightly altered were just alright. It seemed like a reach of a television show. Then episode...
Christian Parallels in a Non-Christian Movie? (Mulan)
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 6, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
Can you find Christian Parallels in Non-Christian movies? Not just a non-Christian movie, but one that is set in a non-Christian community? I want to take a minute to connect the dots on my thoughts pertaining to the Christian Parallel posts. Originally the idea came...
King Triton
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 6, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 2 Comments
Ever notice how King Triton slightly resembles Jesus. No, no, not the controlling father who won't let his daughter go to the surface. (Though as a parent I see he had good reason to make that rule.) How about the father who takes His daughter's punishment that she...
Humpty Dumpty
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 8, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
Up next on Christian Parallels in Nursery Rhymes is Humpty Dumpty. Now before we begin, let’s all say the nursery rhyme together… Ok, maybe not… that’s the teacher in me coming out… But here is the rhyme for those of you who were on board and still reading. Humpty...
Finding Purpose Through the Race
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 27, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
My five year old daughter just asked me to read to her a "Cars" book. As I read the book and reminisced about the movie, I knew the next movie on the blog should be “Cars.” I remember watching this movie years ago… Like before kids. But I didn’t realize we had never...
Underdog Movies and the Gospel
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 4, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
I had this really cool idea to show how a classic underdog/Cinderella story actually shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I was all excited to start. So I went to the first Gospel, Matthew. (Warning the idea didn't quite work out.) Cue the opening scene… Genealogy… you...
The Ants Go Marching
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 12, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 1 Comment
The next Nursery Rhyme on the blog is actually more of a well-known kid’s song- The Ants Go Marching. What’s interesting about ants is that they are small, and alone they seem weak. But they don’t live alone. They live in colonies…with thousands of other ants. In that...
Thoughts on The Little Mermaid
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 26, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
Next up on Christian Parallels in the Movies is The Little Mermaid. Now, I hadn’t seen this movie since I was a kid. My little sister loved this movie, so in good big sister fashion- I did not. I actually promised myself that I would never let my daughters watch this...
Christian Parallels in Disney’s Descendants
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 16, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments
So, with being stuck at home during COVID, my kids and I have had plenty of time to enjoy Disney Plus. Recently we watched The Descendants movies. As we were watching the last one, my oldest looked at me and said, “Mom, this would make a good blog.” Really? How so?...
Asking For What I Need
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 8, 2018 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments
My kids are big readers. They love their books. It’s not uncommon to walk into their rooms and see them all reading for fun. To say reading is one of the favorite hobbies around my house would be spot on. Even though they love to read on their own (even my 1 year...
It’s More Than Dishes
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 14, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments
Recently our dishwasher decided to stop draining water properly. As a result, I needed to start hand-washing all our dishes. I do not love dishes. When I realized this, I may have given a little huff and reluctantly agreed to hand wash the dishes until the dishwasher...
Trust Me
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 3, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments
Me to my first grader, “Always start in the ones place when adding big numbers. I know it doesn’t matter now, but it will.” Two minutes later, “Start in the ones place.” Thirty seconds later, “Trust me, start in the ones place.” Interjection, “Yes, I still have to do...
The Comparison Trap
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 4, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 2 Comments
Last week I was able to take my kids on an outing that had a huge rock climbing wall! My oldest three happily stood in a long line to complete this task. As they reached the front of the line the workers helped each kid into a harness. Then they went onto the wall....
Behind the Glass
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 21, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments
As I walked into the kitchen this morning, I noticed the beautiful sunrise peaking through the trees. Then I glanced at the thermometer and looked down at my dog asking to go out. It’s freezing out there. Let’s make this quick. I thought as I bundled up and put the...
Tearing Down the Awning
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 17, 2018 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments
One of my favorite hobbies is crocheting. I enjoy crocheting for many reasons. First, it’s a creative outlet. I have no idea how to read a pattern, but I love finding ideas on Pinterest and seeing if I can recreate it. Second, it helps me feel productive. As a mom of...
Cleaning Out the Closet
by reneejoiner | September 17, 2019 | Faith in Marriage, Growing in Faith | 0 Comments
So, I’m not exactly a perfectionist. I’m the kind of girl who will purposely hang something up crooked so that I don’t have to worry about it looking level. My husband…Not that way at all. He’s the type of person who will bring out the level and pencils while...
Accepting Advice
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 1, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 1 Comment
The only thing worse than being sick on Christmas, is your kids being sick the days following. My husband came down with an awful sickness the week before Christmas. He explained it as feeling like death. Well, then I also came down with the same sickness. His...
Helpers
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 6, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments
I was washing dishes after dinner when my daughter said to me, “Hey, mom! Do you need any help?” “Sure,” I said handing her a rag. “Wipe off the table.” She gave me a crooked look. “I wanted to sweep the floor.” “Well, honey, you sister is already sweeping. Please go...
How Did I Not See It?
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 22, 2020 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments
At lunch yesterday, I was getting my kids glasses of water. Of course, I couldn’t find any of the baby’s sippy cups… all three of them… couldn’t find one of them. So I asked my kid. “Oh I think he took it outside.” Me- looking outside… NOTHING. “I think he took it in...
The Never-Ending Game
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 24, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments
One of my favorite things to come out of this Quarantine is all the games we have been playing. Yesterday my girls asked me to play a matching game with them. Within about 10 minutes we had most of the pairs matched. But then we were left with nine cards. At first, I...
Embrace Change
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 16, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments
Well, I think it’s officially fall in Missouri! One day it was over 70 degrees, then a cold front came through, and now it’s 40. The cool crisp temperatures have been anticipated, but when they finally arrived it shocked us all. This morning my kids wanted to go...
Authentic Fan?
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 9, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments
As we all prepare to watch the Super Bowl, I was struck with the thought- what would you think of a person decked out in Kansas City Chiefs gear and face paint, but saying “Go Eagles.” That’s not a real fan. Anyone can buy a jersey and put on some paint? Right? Maybe...
“Read”
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 16, 2020 | Faith | 1 Comment
My little guy is 17 months old now. He’s so vocal! His favorite words are “MOM!” and “No!” For the most part, we can make out what he is saying, because he makes sure to get to the point by pulling us or throwing things in our direction. But one of the first words he...
Distracted From the Beauty
by reneejoiner | June 26, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments
My family and I recently went on a road trip for vacation. Our plans concerning vacation changed at least three times. So finally, my husband and I decided to just head to our “Bucket-list” spots. Near the top of that list was Niagara Falls. We started heading north...
Trusting Disney
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 11, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments
I just watched Disney’s Onward with my kids. My husband had already watched it and said it was REALLY good! So, of course I had to too. Well, not even five minutes into the movie, I was crying. And the tears really only slowed down in the middle of the movie. I don’t...
Misplaced Puzzle Piece
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 25, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments
I love dollar stores! Seriously- I refuse to buy some items at regular stores when I can pay ¼ of the price (or less) at the dollar store. Recently I had to go to the dollar store for one of those items with my kids. My kids are aware that the only place we buy...
Abandoned Nest
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 6, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments
My family has become bird watchers. Last month the kids were playing in the back yard, and we heard a very distinct bird call. So, the girls and I followed the sound to a beautiful, red cardinal perched on a tree outside our St. Louis home. When my husband and I told...
Learning to Lose
by reneejoiner | March 25, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments
My kids have started learning how to play Chess at the library. They’ve gotten pretty good at playing too. It’s almost hard to believe that 3 months ago they didn’t know how to play. Their Chess teacher sent them home with a board and pieces about a month ago. My...
Peeling That Orange
by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 19, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments
At dinner a couple nights ago, my kids each had an orange to peel. Peeling an orange- now there’s a task. My aunt has this really cool gadget that she runs around the orange and it makes perfect little creases to begin the peeling. Since I do not have that gadget, I...