Hands Full of Blessings!

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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Fishing

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 23, 2022 | Faith | 0 Comments

For those of you who don’t know- I have 6 kids… the oldest and youngest are just over eight years apart. Yes, they are very close in age. When our older two boys were younger, my husband and I loved taking them fishing with us. At least once or twice a week, once my...

10 years ago…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 8, 2022 | Faith | 0 Comments

10 years ago… I was not the person I am today. My life was falling apart. My marriage was holding on by a thread. Ten years ago, I was a mess. Ten years ago, I hit rock bottom. The perfect life I pretended to build fell through my fingers. I had no choice but to look...

Parable of a Fig Tree

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 8, 2022 | Faith | 0 Comments

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on...

Parable of the Seed Growing

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 4, 2022 | Faith | 0 Comments

Mark 4:26-29 Parable of the Seed Growing He (Jesus) also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know...

Wedding Feast Parable

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 1, 2022 | Faith | 1 Comment

Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Feast Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to...

Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20:1-16)

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 30, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

Matthew 20:1-16 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 “About nine in the morning he...

Happy Birthday, Jesus…and Renee

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 25, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

I’m a Christmas baby. I have always HATED having my birthday on Christmas. I know all my December birthday peeps are already agreeing with me. Shared birthday/Christmas presents and cold weather… but really that part never bothered me. I actually enjoy the “Happy...

Christmas Thoughts… what if?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 20, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

It happened again today. A random stranger asked my kids if they were excited about Santa. The shock that overtakes their faces when my kids tell them they don’t believe in Santa, they celebrate Jesus. Before you roll your eyes and keep scrolling… please hear me out....

Don’t Judge a Book…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 14, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I’ve always heard this phrase and thought, “Well just because it looks boring doesn’t mean it will be.” You know… it implied a negative appearance of the book. Recently for class, I got to look closer at the passage, “But...

Jesus is the Greatest Gift Project

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 5, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

"Jesus is the Greatest Gift" wall art. I've been getting a ton of compliments on this project and the idea of it, so I decided to post a blog about it in hopes others will recreate it with their families. First, let me give you some backstory. I love crafting. I have...

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...

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...

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 is Faithful!

by reneejoiner | September 3, 2019 | Books, Growing in Faith, Popular Post | 8 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...

Coffee and Jesus

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 25, 2020 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

This morning I made my coffee, I smiled at my coffee mug that was given to me this Christmas. “All I need today is a little bit of Coffee & a whole lot of Jesus.” So true. But is it backwards? I mean really. I’m a mom of six. I teach kids in China online starting...

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~...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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,...

Christian Parallels Post

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...

Lessons from The Movie Pocahontas

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 4, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 1 Comment

The next movie on the blog for Christian Parallels in the Movies is Pocahontas. As soon as this movie came to my mind, I started singing the song, “Colors of the Wind.” The lyrics came ringing through my head from at least 20 years ago, “You think the only people who...

King Triton

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 6, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 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...

Christian Parallels in The Land Before Time

by reneejoiner | November 17, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Up next on Christian Parallels in the movies is “The Land Before Time.” I remember watching this movie as a kid and balling my eyes out every time… Well guys, watching the movie as an adult with my six children… I still cried… maybe even harder. Movie Recap The movie...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 for My Daughter

by reneejoiner | June 12, 2019 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

While cleaning out the basement, I came across an old photo of my siblings and me. (I was like five-years-old.) I awed over it. Then my oldest came over and looked at it. “Mom, that looks like my sister!” He exclaimed. I’ve always thought my daughter slightly...

Letting Go of That “Dirty Shirt”

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2018 | Faith in Marriage, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Recently my son got a new shirt. He wears it as much as we will allow him to wear it. Yesterday morning he woke up with it on and tried to wear it for a second day in a row. My husband told him to go change it. The look on his face said, “But I really want to wear...

Learning to Walk- Wear Those Socks and Shoes!!!

by reneejoiner | November 10, 2019 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

My one year old (GASP! I can’t believe he is one…) is trying to walk. This morning he grabbed a hold of the back of my legs and followed me from the kitchen into the living room. It was adorable. But also, a little bit annoying. You see, for the past month, I have...

Like Arrows

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 25, 2021 | Book Reviews, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Frustrated

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 3, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 3 Comments

Not too long ago I took my kids to an art program at the library. Usually the projects are simple and allow for quite a bit of creativity. But not this time... It was more like- Here's the example. Now do it... My oldest struggled... his idea would not come out of his...

Control-Top or Hidding the Problem

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 20, 2019 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments

Confession time! I love my babies! But I do not love what pregnancy has done to my body. I just had baby #6 three months ago… and I reached the biggest I have ever been! Slowly the pounds are coming off, but that means I am now in the awkward in between stage… You...

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...

It is Worth It!

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 27, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Sometimes I wonder if chasing this dream of being an established Christian Children’s Book author is worth it. The insane amount of rejection, critiques, and let downs can really wear on someone… especially one who just realized she tends to run to the well of...

Imitators

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 14, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

A few days ago, I apparently left my shoes out in the living room. My 3-year-old comes running to me to show that she was wearing my shoes. When my 4-year-old saw me smiling, she asked if she could wear my shoes too. I tossed her a pair of my shoes and sat back...

The Narrow Path

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 10, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Last week I watched a video on what to do if your vehicle gets submerged in water. Honestly, I had no idea what you really should do. I learned that you are to roll down the windows and get out as fast as you can before the vehicle goes under. The video I watched...

Grumbling

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 8, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Here’s how my day went yesterday: “Good morning, mom. What’s for breakfast?” “Oatmeal,” I responded. “Instant-pot or packets?” “Instant-pot.” “AHHH Man! I don’t like Instant-pot oatmeal.” “It’s literally exactly the same as the packets. Only I cook them in the...

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...

Hitting the Nail

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

The first Saturday of the month I try to take my kids to the Home Depot children’s workshops. They love using the hammers, nails, screwdrivers, and screws while building the project of the month. I’m pretty sure their favorite part of the project is the painting...

Names of Jesus Christmas Tree

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 26, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Merry Christmas! Now that the countdown to Christmas is over, and all the Names of Jesus have been placed on the tree, it’s time to share the whole project! The Beginning: Ben and I were sitting in his office between Sunday service and Youth Group. The lead pastor,...

Do They Look Like Me?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 8, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

Recently my sister sent me some pictures of her little guy. I responded asking how one little boy could look exactly like her and her husband at the same time. She didn’t see it, so I did the only thing a big sister would do- prove her wrong… by sending her pictures...

I Thought It Would Be Easy

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 9, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

After moving to a new house with an excellent place to ride bikes, skateboards, and scooters, my oldest bought himself a pair of rollerblades. The Amazon package arrived while my husband and I were out on a date-day. We knew it was coming so I was not totally...

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...

Which Team?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 23, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

If you’ve been around my children during the holidays, you probably know about the Great Pie Contest that occurs on Thanksgiving. If you don’t let me fill you in. Every year at Thanksgiving, Ben and I have a “contest” to see which pie is better- pumpkin pie or apple...

Guarded

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 29, 2019 | Faith | 1 Comment

While at the library Thursday, my daughter checked out a bunch of books. Since she forgot her library bag, the librarian gave her a plastic grocery bag to carry her books. As she was walking out of the library, the bag ripped, and her books fell all over the ground....

Simon Says or Follow the Leader

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 7, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

Every time I teach in Kids’ Ministry I think, “Man that’s good!” So, I gotta share. Today's lesson ended with James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says.” We played a game of Simon Says. “Simon says put your hands up. Simon...

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