Hands Full of Blessings!

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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My Testimony

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 11, 2026 | Faith | 0 Comments

I grew up Catholic. Attended Catholic school kindergarten through 12th grade. All my family and friends were Catholic. Catholic was just part of who I was. Part of my identity, if you will. I attended Mass every Sunday and on all those Holy Days, and I actually...

End in Sight

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 25, 2026 | Faith | 0 Comments

My husband and I started training for a Spartan... and as we looked for training plans, the obvious became a reality- I had to start running again. When my husband would be like- let's just run, I would get all in my head... I can't do this.... I'm too out of shape......

Nobodies Chosen By God- The Shepherds

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 18, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

I recently heard a Christmas message focused on how God uses the unexpected and the overlooked to accomplish His work for His glory. The message centered on the shepherds, who were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. In biblical times, shepherds were considered...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Love Song from China

by reneejoiner | September 9, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

Every morning at 5 am, I wake up to teach kids in China online. I love my job! I really do! It honestly amazes me the relationships you can build with kids across the world using a pre-planned 25-minute lesson. That’s not the point of this post, though. Yesterday...

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....

It’s Launch Day!!!!

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 25, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Offended

by reneejoiner | April 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

Well, on Good Friday I found myself in need of a shopping trip to Target. It was a for-real need. The baby only had a handful of diapers left. (And Target’s Up and Up diapers are the best value.) So, my six children and I walked into a busy Target. I was able to...

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...

Book Update!!!

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

A Dream Come True

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Always a Princess

by reneejoiner | January 9, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments

Growing up I was (and still am) the biggest Tom-Boy. I can seriously count the number of times I have painted my nails. You will NOT find me wearing a dress or skirt (unless I am at a formal occasion that calls for it.) And heels? - You can just forget about that~...

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...

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...

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...

Three Gifts for Abigail Review

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 26, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Three Gifts for Abigail Author: Allison Romero Illustrator: Gloria Elliott Summary: Excited to spend a special day with family, Abigail hurries downstairs where she finds a surprise waiting for her on the living room table. As she uncovers each of the three...

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:...

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,...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

Christian Parallels Post

Signing Away Your Freedom

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 7, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

This image right here... Ariel is signing away her freedom for a chance at romantic love. She was the daughter of the King. The King had the power to grant her request. Yet, she made a deal with Sea Witch. In Ariel’s defense, she was hurt. She had this...

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...

Identity

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

I just recently watched The Incredibles with my children. We love this movie. It never gets old. If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It is about a family of Supers trying to get along in a world where they have to try to pretend to be something they are not...

Into the Unknown

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 15, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

You know your son has three older sisters when he is happily belting out the words, “Let it Go…” or “Into the UNKOWN!” Picture it with me: My three girls and their 2-year-old brother riding in the back seats of my van. They all have their hands outstretched, perfect...

Jingle All The Way

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 20, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Next up on Christian Parallels in the Movies is “Jingle All the Way!” Every 90s child knows this movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a workaholic dad who forgets to get his son, Jamie, a Turbo-Man doll. Let’s be honest, watching this movie as an adult was very different...

Snow White

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 2, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My kids and I just watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And once again, I’m thinking, “How have I never seen this movie before?” I knew the story line. I knew most of the details. I even knew the Hi-Ho song, but I’ve never watched the movie from start to finish....

The Hope in Cinderella

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Up next on the blog is Cinderella! Now, Cinderella is a classic written on the hearts of every young girl. The chances are most ladies have probably seen this movie in at least three different versions. But it never gets old. For the purposes of this blog, my kids and...

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...

Little Red Riding Hood

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 4, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My kids love watching a YouTube channel called “Pancake Manor.” The creators are a couple in Canada who remake/remix nursery rhymes making them upbeat, creative, and fun. They do an awesome job, really! But with my kids of all ages 10-1 loving these music videos, the...

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 9, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Goldilocks and the Three Bears The next story on the blog is Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Everyone knows the story of the curious little girl taking a walk in the woods when she comes upon a house… When no one answers the door, Goldilocks walks straight in. On the...

Chalk Influence

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 24, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Yesterday I gave my kids some sidewalk chalk and told them to go play. They covered the driveway in drawings and scribbles. They had a blast. (Best $1 ever spent). However, when they came inside tiny chalk footprints lined the foyer, chalk handprint on doors and...

Time for Fireflies

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 10, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 2 Comments

It was the first week of summer. The boys were attending a day camp at church. I thought it was a good idea, since being down 2 kids, to schedule a bunch of errands and doctor’s appointments for the week. So, my girls and I had a busy week of running which...

Guess Who

by reneejoiner | July 9, 2019 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments

Yesterday I had the opportunity to observe a rather comical game of “Guess Who?” My 7-year-old was trying to play with my 2-year-old. My 7-year-old son actually did a good job of teaching as they played, but his sister…well, she’s still only 2. My daughter...

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...

Growing Seeds

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 18, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

A few weeks ago, my children came home from church with a plastic cup, soil, and a planted seed. Let me just be honest, I do not have a green thumb. When it comes to keeping plants alive… I am not so good at that… like… at all… So we put the plants on the windowsill,...

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...

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...

Potty Training

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 23, 2021 | Faith in Parenting, Fellowship | 0 Comments

The decade of diapers is almost behind me… My oldest is 10 and my last child is now 2. He also seems to think he is ready to potty train. This morning I stood by him and said good job as he peed all over the floor. My oldest smiled at me and said, “I’ll go get...

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...

Be Angry, But Do Not Sin

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 9, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

I really don’t think my older kids realize how influential they are to their younger siblings. This morning, my oldest wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of doing schoolwork. So, I sent them all outside to play. Of course, my oldest- who was not in a great mood, huffed...

Simple. Humble. Christmas.

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 26, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! Since 4th grade my favorite Christmas song has been “Go Tell It on The Mountain.” I can remember sitting in choir practice requesting this song all...

Seek Justice… Love- what?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2021 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

“MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-OM!!! He/she did ______.” I cannot tell you how many times I hear this phrase around my house. “Ok, honey, are you hurt?” (no) “Is everything ok?” (yes) “Then what do you need me to do…” “Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with our God...

The Empty Container

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 8, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

My laundry room is in the basement. My wonderful husband built me a folding table directly across from the washer and dryer years ago. Sadly, it never really got used as a folding table. Old habits die hard. I continued to carry the baskets of laundry up the stairs,...

Thoughts on the CoVID 19

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 20, 2020 | Faith | 3 Comments

Yesterday I had to go to the doctor. I have a very tight, sore throat. I really did not want to go to the doctor among this CoVID 19 virus, but after weeks of having this annoying sore throat- it was only getting worse. For a week, my kids and I had not left the...

Let His Light Shine!

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 15, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

This morning as I was opening up my blinds, it was still dark outside. Instead of the light coming inside, my light was going outside. Immediately the Light of the World popped into my head. Jesus said He was the Light of the World. John 8: 12 records, “Again Jesus...

Buttered-Up

by reneejoiner | March 14, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

So, I have been making an effort to eat healthier. I looked into all those fad diets, but decided that ultimately, I needed to have a healthy relationship with food and eat a balanced diet. Let me be honest, I have been a yo-yo dieter since I realized I could...

Details in a Bigger Story

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 24, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

I have a child who has an eye for detail. She can see a lizard across the street in the dirt. She sees the turtle in the middle of the brush pile. Details are just something she picks up on naturally. This Christmas, our kids wanted to give each other gifts. So, we...

The Muddy Hill

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2018 | Faith | 2 Comments

As we were getting ready to leave for church on Sunday, my son checked the mail. Seeing that there was mail in the box, I told him to go put it on the coffee table. Moments later he runs to me and says, “Mom, I’m muddy.” He had taken the hill instead of the driveway...

If It Were Easy…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 20, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

The Spirit is Willing

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 29, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

Recently I got myself into a little bit of drama… I mean I had good intentions, but the execution was just horrible. I was in the wrong and I knew it. The guilt ate me alive. I wanted to just shrink up and hide for a month. Then this urge inside me to fight, defend,...

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