Hands Full of Blessings!

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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Separated by Sin

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 9, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

Before we left for a camping trip, my boys wronged their dad. We left in two separate cars (the joys of having six kids and needing to pull a camper). The boys were with me, and the girls were with dad. At our first stop, the boys didn’t really talk to their dad at...

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,...

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...

Really? Pray for Her?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

I had this colleague a while back that drove me nuts. Seriously. I was in my fourth-year teaching third grade when she joined our small school from a large public school where she had previously taught third grade for 10 years. To make it more interesting, her...

Peace

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 4, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

If your peace is disrupted, go spend time with Jesus. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” Jesus said it- We have peace in Him. Jesus also...

What’s in Your Cup?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 3, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

As most of you know I have six kids that I homeschool. One of the biggest reasons we continue to homeschool is flexibility. Simply put- I do not want to be on other people’s schedules. I enjoy the flexibility in our time. This school year we joined a Community Bible...

Partial Obedience

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 3, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

My current Bible study hit me hard with this truth- Partial obedience is disobedience. If I tell my kid to go clean his room, and he only picks up his dirty clothes- has he been obedient? No, he still has toys all over the place. Why do I treat God that same way?...

My Mini-Me???

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 27, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

Everyday people tell me one of my kids looks just like me. And often we talking about my daughters, they will say she's my mini-me. And don't get me wrong- I love to hear that and see the resemblance. (Though I don't love when their attitudes remind me of a...

The Shepherds

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 24, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

The Christmas Story is found in 2 of the 4 Gospels but requiring both to show our modern-day Nativity Scene representing the first people to witness the Savior of the World. (By the way there is no way that’s what it actually looked like… but not the point of this...

Presents Only IF You’re Good

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 15, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

I'm really struggling with this Christmas idea- be good and get gifts. Be bad and lose your gift. That's not Christian at all. In fact the Bible says, "There is no one righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10) No one is good. No one deserves the gift. And we all deserve...

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...

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 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...

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...

God is Faithful!

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

My Story

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 25, 2021 | Popular Post | 3 Comments

I had to write my conversion testimony for an Evangelism class at Liberty University, and I thought that there was no reason for it to stay on my computer. So here it is. (I did have to follow a specific format and keep it to 2 pages maximum.) I have not always been a...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

It’s Launch Day!!!!

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

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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

Christian Parallels in The Lion King

by reneejoiner | November 5, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 1 Comment

Last week I had the opportunity to share some Christian parallels of the movie “Aladdin” in my blog. It was honestly really neat to see how the messages of the movie fit perfectly into the blog I was currently writing. So, I decided to try this again with another...

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?...

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....

Would Cinderella Return to her Stepmother’s Home?

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

We all love a happily ever after story. Look at Cinderella. The poor girl lost her parents and ends up serving her stepmother and stepsisters like a slave. The movie even says they abused her. However, she had a hope that could not be explained, despite that abuse....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Frozen- The Quest for True Love

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 4, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Next up on Christian parallels in the movies is Frozen. So, if you are a parent or grandparent from this decade, you probably have this movie memorized. Let me start by saying, up until this year I was proud of the fact that I hadn’t seen it. My boys were young when...

Out of Focus

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 27, 2020 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments

My new camera takes amazing photos. When I see natural beauty, I can’t help but to pull out the camera and take a photo. However, I am used to just using my phone. Pull it out and shoot. The pictures are usually pretty good, but in compassion to the ones I can...

Like Arrows

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

Running Ahead

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 6, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Yesterday my children and I were walking around the block. At random times they would ask if they could run ahead. I tell them sure, but to wait at an obvious marker such as the end of the street. All of them, even my 2-year-old, would run to that spot, sit down in...

Discipline

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 23, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 1 Comment

No one likes getting in trouble. No one likes punishments. Heck, no one likes correction PERIOD! However, I am learning as a parent, even the person dishing out the consequences does not like the process. It is so hard to sit and watch my son not be able to play his...

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...

Don’t Stop Growing

by reneejoiner | October 15, 2019 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

It’s finally autumn! I love fall. It’s seriously one of my favorite seasons. Hoodie and jeans weather! Fire-pits and hot apple cider! Pumpkin pie versus apple pie! Seriously, I love this season! But…Nothing tells you that your children are growing like the start of a...

Just Like Dad

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 17, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 2 Comments

Every morning I wake my kids up, we eat breakfast, and then I remind them of their morning tasks. “Get dressed, brush your teeth, brush your hair, read your Bibles…” Wednesday morning as I was reading one of my younger kids her Bible, my boys came running to me. “Mom...

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...

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...

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...

Is it about Jesus or is Jesus just added?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 14, 2020 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

Is Jesus the Reason for your Season or merely part of your Season? Hard question… As you know, our church has been partaking in a #putJesusBackinChristmas mission by having an Advent Christmas Tree with Names of Jesus being added each day. The kids watch a short Happy...

Accepting Blessings from Others

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 19, 2018 | Faith | 2 Comments

How does that old saying go? “It’s better to give than receive.” Oh yes, I agree! I love to give. And I love to bless others when they are not expecting it. But let me be honest, I am not so great at being on the receiving end of a blessing. My pride gets in the way....

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...

Really? Pray for Her?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

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...

Unplugged

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 10, 2021 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

My little came to me this morning with bad news, the tablet was dead. “So, put it on the charger,” I told her. “It won’t work,” she responded. “Ask your brother to help you.” 2 minutes later, “Mom, the charger is broken. It won’t work.” “Is it plugged in?” I asked....

Hiding… Doubting…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 30, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Sometimes my toddler is the cutest. A few days ago, he suckered me into playing Hide and Seek, or Peek-a-Boo, or sometime like that. Basically, he covered his head with his blankie, and I said, “Oh, where is Isaiah?” He giggled the most adorable laugh, and then ripped...

The Gingerbread Gospel

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 21, 2023 | Faith | 0 Comments

Once upon a time a Baker lived in a cottage on a hill. In his kitchen, he enjoyed creating fresh treats filling the house with sweet smells of sugar and spice. However, the Baker wanted to show his love in a bigger way. He decided to create a cookie which looked...

Cleaning out the Fridge

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 28, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Yesterday I got to clean out my fridge! Yeay!!! Not really… I stood at the refrigerator door pulling out Tupperware containers with the trashcan to my right. Each time I’d open a container, drop the contents in the trash can, rinse out the container, and stick it in...

Breaking Down those Boxes

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 16, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

“Mom, the recycling trash can is already full!” my son told me after bringing the trash cans around after Trash Pick Up. “What? The trash truck just came this morning!” “We had some boxes to put in there. Now it’s overfilling,” he explained. Well, we went outside to...

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