If you’re anything like me, finding joy in January might be a struggle. The holiday cheer is gone, the thermometer has plummeted, and it’s a daily struggle to peel ourselves from the cozy cocoon of blankets. But fear not! Amidst the frosty gloom, JOY can still be found. I am your joy detective, here to uncover the gems that winter has in store for us. Let the January joy hunt begin!
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Winter BeautyWinter Birds
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You must arrange your day so that you experience deep contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God.
– Dallas Willard
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Here are 50 little things that can bring BIG joy:
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A hot beverage on a cold morning
The first bite of something delicious
Relaxing after hard work
Laughter
Taking a walk in nature and breathing in the fresh, cold air
Listening to a great song
Thinking “I’ve done good work today!”
Spending time with people you love
Saving money
Prayer / Thinking about God
Singing along to a song you love
Watching kids play (or playing with them!)
Petting a dog
Reflecting on a happy memory
Completing something I feel good about
Giving time to something that’s important to you
Smelling a candle or warm soup
Watching my team win
Listening to a funny comedian
Giving (or receiving) a compliment
Learning something new
Watching a sunrise or sunset
Looking at the moon or stars
Finding something you needed to buy, on sale
Selling something
Social networking
Playing in the snow
Soaking in a tub or sauna
Catching up with an old friend
A great find at a thrift store
Getting a card or letter in the mail
Someone smiling at you
Driving and getting all the green lights
Feeling inspired by something you read or hear
Making a gratitude list
Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket
Dressing up and looking good
Dressing ‘down’ and feeling good
Making cookies and sharing them
A simmering pot of homemade soup
Playing a game with family or friends
Watching birds eat from a bird feeder
Putting your cold feet into warm socks or soft slippers
Crawling into bed after a busy day
Getting a good night’s sleep
Giving or receiving good news
Taking a deep breath
Putting something on your calendar that you are excited about
Forgiving or being forgiven
Feeling LOVED
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Winter walkSlippersWinter WalkGood books!Dressing up and looking goodWinter joy
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I hope this list sparked JOY and made you smile.
May 2024 be the year of JOY as you SLOW DOWN and pay attention to the small pleasures of life, and truly savor them.
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Two things I would add to my personal list:
51. New subscribers! Please consider subscribing if you haven’t already.
52. Receiving an email or comment from a reader about how something impacted them.
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What would you add to the JOY list? Please leave a comment by clicking that little box next to the title.
When I was planning this post, I really wanted to write ’23 things I learned in ’23.’ That was taking too long to write and some you wouldn’t care about anyway. (I mean, do you really want to know what apps I learned to use to help me connect with my child’s school?) I decided to SCALE back and focus on what I learned that impacted my life in a positive way, and might be useful for you too.
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Lessons I learned in 2023:
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1. Smile when things are hard. It makes it easier!
On a psychological level, smiling can trick your mind into perceiving the difficulty as more manageable. The act of smiling is known to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that contribute to an improved mood and reduced stress levels. P.S. Try it during a test, when you are angry or when working out. Read more here.
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2. Make space for QUIET.
Quiet allows your mind to process what you are thinking and feeling. It moves out some of the ‘sludge’ from constant noise and busyness. It also opens up time for prayer and reflection. Being quiet allowed me to be more ‘present’ – to God, to myself, and to others.
“The noise of the modern world makes us deaf to the voice of God, drowning out the one input we need most.”
– John Mark Comer
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3. Do ONE thing at a time.
I’m a serial mulit-tasker. In 2023, I learned that doing ONE thing at a time was more effective than doing multiple things poorly.
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4. Slow down and pay attention to what is happening in the moment.
All the best stuff happens in the present and I don’t want to miss all the little moments of JOY.
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5. Less input leads to better output.
In 2023 I learned that reducing the amount of input enhances the quality of output. Previously, I would consume up to 60 books a year and listen to countless podcasts. However, in 2023, I deliberately scaled back. This shift has allowed me the time to process and apply what I’ve learned. Creating this mental space has not only fueled my ideas, but also increased my motivation for writing, speaking, and teaching.
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6. Change might seem too big and too hard, do it anyway.
When we began talking about moving to a different house, I was hesistant. I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone, the work involved with moving seemed overwhelming, and I was distraught over leaving our wonderful neighborhood. After lots of discussion, prayer and planning – we sold our house and bought another. The change turned out to be exactly what we needed. It was a LOT of work. It was really heard to say goodbye to our amazing neighbors, but the change was exactly what we needed for our family. And, it didn’t just take me out of my comfort zone, it EXPANDED my comfort zone. We’ve met so many new friends, while staying connected to our old ones. It made me (and all of us) a little more adaptable to different situations. Embracing change, though challenging, proved worthwhile.
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Those were a handful of the many lessons I learned in 2023. Which of these should you practice in 2024?
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What did you learn in 2023? Leave a comment by clicking on that little text box by the title of this post!
A captivating and inspiring tale of exploration, human endurance and survival. It’s hard to believe this is a true story. An amazing book for anyone ages 12 or up.
This book was a breath of fresh air for my soul! It reminded me to slow down and live with intention.
The authors words and methods were simple and life-giving. He doesn’t give you more to do, but plows the path towards less. He shows the reader how to ENJOY this ONE life we’ve been given.
“Through life-giving practices, grounded in the life of Jesus, we gain access to life power beyond our own.” – John Mark Comer
Benjamin Franklin was a fascinating man with so much creativity and wisdom. I loved learning about his life and adventures (and antics)! I had no idea that so many things we use today were thought up by HIM. I loved this story – it would make a great book to read to kids ages 8 and up!
George is thriving on the soccer field and an excellent new driver!
Clark is constantly generating new business ideas. He’s also enjoying travel basketball.
Paul is doing well with travel soccer and wrestling. He’s always up for a chat or debate.
Luke is dabbling in several sports. He’s an adventurous soul and always laughing.
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Meanwhile, Ted is thriving at Target, making waves and leaving positivity in his wake. As for me, I’m substitute teaching at the boys’ schools. I also get the honor of writing for this blog as well as guest posting for others. My second children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue,” was published in July!
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Our furry family member, Wrigley, turned three this year. He’s officially earned the title of “World’s Best Dog,” bringing joy, laughter, and a whole lot of slobbery tennis balls into our lives.
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We’ve moved again! We haven’t traded the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a tropical paradise. Nope, we’re still proudly repping Minnesota. We found a home that suits our tribe better, with less of a commute for Ted.
Janet Benge writes amazing biographies. I hope to read every book she’s written because they are written like a movie. Benjamin Franklin was such an interesting man. He was a writer, printer, inventor, and politician. What I loved most about him was that he continually looked for ways to improve himself and the world around him – and was so creative in his approach!
While Sally shines on the screen, her personal life is quite sad. Reading this book reinforces why I put the rule in place to read only books rated 4.0 and higher. This was rated less on goodreads and now I know why. Skip this one.
Review: After reading Katharine Graham’s book last year, I noticed she mentioned Chuck Colson in her book several times – and NOT in a positive light. It wasn’t the Chuck Colson I was familiar with. I was curious about his life and conversion. Once I started “Born Again,” I could not put it down. This book was outstanding. It shares how Colson was an attorney who worked for President Nixon. Colson wasn’t afraid to break the rules and lie ‘for the greater good.’ Those choices landed him in prison. Just before going to jail, he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. While serving time, he saw many gaps and failures in the prison system. From the time Chuck Colson was released from prison, he’s spent the rest of his life creating and running a ministry called “Prison Fellowship.” He fights for prison reform, for the families of prisoners, and teaches prisoners how to live a life differently than the one that led to incarceration. Nearly all the prisoners who go through the Prison Fellowship program never go back to jail, but go on to lead productive lives.
The book explores themes of redemption, faith, and the transformative power of a spiritual awakening in the midst of personal and public crises. It’s an excellent story and worth reading!
Review: With a house full of athletes, I decided to read this book by the great coach John Wooden. I was excited to read that he was from Indiana and was a teacher, just like me! This small book is packed full of life lessons and practical advice. I admire his work ethic and values-driven coaching and approach to life. I’d recommend this book to a high school or college athlete.
Here are some powerful quotes from the book:
Parents often expect teacher and coaches to do what they are not doing at home. Parents must set the foundation of faith and values.
Success is when you work hard to become the best version of you. Did I win? Wrong question. ‘Did I make my best effort?’ Success is a direct result of the self-satisfaction of knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Learn from the past but don’t live in it.
Individual praise can be dangerous. It was given for something done in the past and can take your mind off what you need to do in the present to prepare for the future. The harder you work, the more luck you have.
Valid self- analysis is crucial for improvement.
Promise yourself you will talk health and happiness as often as possible.
Promise yourself to tell your friends there is something special about them and you value you them.
Wear a cheerful appearance at all times.
My role is to help mold character, instill productive principles and values, and provide a positive example to those under my supervision. It’s a privilege to have that responsibility.
Discipline is for correction not punishment.
Focus your effort on what is in your power to control.
Education serves you throughout your whole life. Sports are temporary.
Always try to be the best you can be. Learn from others, but don’t try to be better than them. You have no control over that. Be the best you can be.
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
Review: We say we’re free in Christ, but many of us are still living in captivity–to fear, anger, shame, isolation, unforgiveness, and control. We’re good at faking it around others, but we’re exhausted. Andi Andrew explores how to ‘break free’ in this book.
My favorite chapter was that on fear:
The truth about Fear – fear is the root of anxiety, control, manipulation, worry, anger, shame, insecurity, unbelief, addiction and people-pleasing. Fear is rooted in self preservation. When we doubt the goodness of God, we turn to ourselves for preservation and prosperity. Fear can make us physically sick. Fear is void of the love of God. Are you allowing fear to give you orders or are you silencing it at its first whisper?
Jesus and his words have authority over fear. What are you putting your faith in? Fear is actually faith in the wrong kingdom.
John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you. I don’t give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, because I have overcome the world.”
We don’t go out of the house without wearing clothes. We shouldn’t go out of our house without wearing Christ. If we went out naked, we’d be assaulted by the weather and probably by the police. If we go out without being covered in Christ, we’re assaulted by negative thoughts, discouragement, and depression. Wrap yourself in the love of Christ.
Review: Discovering Paul Brand has been a delight! Although his name eluded me until now, I’m immensely grateful for the introduction through this book and his life!
Paul was born to English parents who were medical missionaries in India. He returned to England at the age of 9 and stayed until he’d finished school. During medical school, he crossed paths with Margaret, and their shared journey led them to become doctors, partners in marriage, and missionaries in India.
Paul’s pioneering work in performing surgeries on lepers, a group often shunned by many, showcases his exceptional dedication and care for the “least of these.” Rockefeller provided him a ‘scholarship’ to travel the world and learn from others – but as he traveled, other surgeons were learning from him and asking him to teach! What he was doing with lepers in India was groundbreaking. His expertise and knowledge even to benefited the diabetic community facing similar challenges.
Towards the twilight of his life, Paul collaborated with Philip Yancey to author several books, which I’ve now added to my ever-growing “to read” list!
What captivated me most was how Paul’s seemingly small acts of faithfulness rippled out to touch the lives of the world’s most vulnerable. His influence, beginning with those in dire need, gradually radiated to transform the entire medical community through his dedicated practice and groundbreaking research.
Review: A fascinating, hard-to-believe real life adventure story of a group of men who set out to explore Antarctica, until their ship becomes locked in ice and eventually goes under. They evacuate to an ice berg with three small boats and whatever materials they could get from the boat before it sank. This book shares the harrowing tail of how they all survived! This fantastic book I recommend for anyone 12 and up.
Review: This 365-page devotional is written chronologically through the Bible. I love the way Susie writes and gives interesting perspectives and insight into God’s world. I recommend this to anyone looking for a devotional!
Review: Because Oral Roberts University is on the list of colleges for George, I decided to read the founder’s life story. It was interesting and full of miracles that happened throughout Oral Robert’s life. Here’s one story from his younger years:
While Oral Robert’s dad was away working, his mom and siblings ran out of food and money. Their mom took them out for a walk and a neighbor invited them in for dinner. Mrs. Roberts declined the invitation because the woman was a widow and had very little. The boys said, “But mom, we are so hungry, why didn’t you say YES when our neighbor invited us to eat with her.” Their mom didn’t explain but replied that God would take care of them. She began thanking God in advance for what He would do. When they got home, there were bags of groceries waiting for them – a full ham, potatoes, and ingredients for fresh bread. That night, dinner never tasted so good as they realized that God had indeed taken care of them.
Review: This memoir, penned by Zig Ziglar’s daughter, defied my initial expectations. Instead of a narrative filled with ‘butterflies’ and ‘sunshine,’ the author candidly recounts a series of unfortunate decisions that brought considerable pain and heartache to both herself and her family. In the face of alcoholism and an impending divorce, she reached her breaking point and initiated transformative changes in her life. The author openly reflects on the profound impact that faith and honesty had on her journey toward health and restoration.
Review: This beloved children’s book revolves around the unruly Herdman children who decide to participate in the local Christmas pageant. The Herdman’s have little knowledge of the Christmas story and challenge the traditional narrative. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is funny, endearing, and most importantly – reminds us of the reason we get to celebrate Christmas. I recommend it for all ages.
Review: This book was so good that it needs it’s own blog post!
Hurry kills relationships, joy, gratitude and appreciation. Wisdom is slow, it grows with time and reflection. There is zero correlation between hurry and productivity. It takes practice to live with attention and awareness. I want to live a grateful life, full of appreciation, wonder and worship. I want to live with freedom and focus. I want to be present: to God, to people and to the moment. The gravitational pull towards hurry is overwhelming at times. Hence this book. Read it! It’s going on my ‘best books of the year’ list and I purchased one to give away. Stay tuned for the upcoming post!
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What started as a simple drop off, turned into a grand adventure.
My son Paul had been invited to spend the night at his friend Isaiah’s house. As he jumped out of the car, he asked if we could come to the backyard before we left. Paul, with his boundless curiosity and love for nature, had discovered a nest full of baby birds in a blue spruce tree next to the lake.
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While we all gazed at the adorable baby birds, Clark’s eyes was fixed on the lake. Something captured his full attention. “Mom, look at that Tiki boat – it’s stuck, and there are people on it. We should go help!”
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With permission from Isaiah’s mom, George and Clark borrowed life jackets, launched the canoe into the water, and paddled out to assist, followed by Paul and his friend Isaiah in the paddle boat.
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The stranded women, initially fearing they’d have to wade through muck and mud with designer shoes and purses over their heads, couldn’t stop praising the brave young men who came to their rescue. The absence of motor boats on the lake made the Tiki boat their sole lifeline, and the unexpected assistance from the boys turned an ordinary afternoon into one they’ll never forget.
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Sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you never saw coming.
And sometimes, that memorable moment becomes a children’s book for all to enjoy:
The Great Lake Rescue:A true & heartwarming adventure story, where the Egly brothers learn the importance of helping others & inspire young readers to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Help your family remember that Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pumpkin pie with this fun and rewarding activity.
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If your children need a little motivation to make a gratitude list – call it a “Turkey Ticket” or “Pie Points” and in order to earn their turkey dinner – or dessert – list the ABCs of gratitude. It would be fun to save these and compare them year after year!
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ABCs of Thanksgiving
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On this Thanksgiving, embrace the beauty in simple moments. Remember that ordinary days have extraordinary blessings. Give thanks for what you have, and for the opportunity to make a difference and share God’s goodness with others.
Whether you want to add a few dollars to your monthly budget, have some extra spending money, or just get Starbucks for free – here are 4 apps that will allow you to do that!
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These are my four favorite money making apps that you can download today:
This app saves me up to 20 cents PER gallon every time I fill up!
Click this link or use promo code KATHRYN39226 to get an extra $7 bonus if you make a purchase before December 5, 2023. Click here to start earning: https://upside.app.link/KATHRYN39226
I earn 25 points for every reciept I upload, plus lots of points for extra things I already buy. These points translate into free gift cards to Target, paypal, Starbucks and more.
All you have to do is download the app, take a picture of any receipt (within 14 days), and hit submit.
Just like that, you’ll get points back (literally, you get 25 points just for submitting the receipt!)
You can then cash in these points for fantastic gift cards to help you stretch your budget a little further OR be able to afford some fun splurges!
Earn points for simply walking into stores, more points for scanning products, more points for purchases. Points translate into gift cards to Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and more.
it’s a free app that rewards you for shopping. Sign up with my code to get bonus kicks: SHOP348890
To use: Go to Rakuten.com, type in the name of the online store you are about to buy something from (ie Target.com), then click on their link. I make my normal purchases and get a percentage back in cash!
Smiling offers a wide range of physical, psychological, and social benefits. Here are 15 benefits of lifting those cheeks and showing the world your smile:
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1. Improved Mood: Smiling can trigger the “feel-good” hormones, which can instantly boost your mood.
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Our joy causes us to SMILE, but did you know that smiling actually causes you to feel more joy?! You can’t smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside.
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2. Stress Reduction/Mental Health: Smiling, even when you don’t initially feel like it, can lower stress levels by reducing the release of cortisol, a stress hormone.
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3. Pain Relief: Endorphins released through smiling can act as natural painkillers.
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4. Better Health: A positive outlook and reduced stress can strengthen the immune system, making you more resilient to illnesses.
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5. Better Relationships: Smiling is a universal sign of friendliness and approachability. It can improve relationships.
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6. Makes you Prettier/More Handsome: People tend to find those who smile more attractive and likable.
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7. Better Communication: A smile conveys warmth and connection, making you a more effective and engaging communicator.
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8. Longevity: Research suggests that people with a positive outlook, often marked by smiling, tend to live longer and experience better overall health.
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9. Conflict Resolution: When faced with conflicts, approaching the situation with a smile can make it easier to find common ground.
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Peace begins with a smile.
-Mother Teresa
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10. Better Decision-Making: A positive mood from smiling can lead to more optimistic and rational decision-making.
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11. Heart Health: Smiling may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
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12. Enhanced Memory: A positive mood induced by smiling can improve memory retention and recall.
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13. Snowball Effect: Your smile can have a contagious effect, brightening the mood of those around you. Smile first!
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14. Improved Confidence: Regular smiling can boost self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to a more positive self-image.
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15. Promotion of Well-Being: Overall, the act of smiling contributes to a sense of well-being and a more optimistic outlook on life.
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I hope you have a BIG SMILE on your face after reading these 15 amazing benefits!
In the winter of 2018, I found myself in an emotionally challenging place, feeling disheartened and discouraged. We had recently uprooted our lives (again!) to a new state that was experiencing one of the coldest winters in years, I had very few friends. The days were cold and dark and the boys continued to pass around every type of cold. The demands of raising four boys was high and my energy was low. I was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, both physically and emotionally. The sense of isolation began to gnaw at my spirit. As the days passed, I struggled to find motivation and meaning, and know my purpose in this new place.
I’m normally a person who’s positive and sees the bright side, but I couldn’t in this season. What made it harder was comparing myself – to myself! The person I’d been just a year ago was so different than the girl I saw in the mirror.
The previous year was marked by remarkable growth and progress:
I set big goals and accomplished most of them.
I published a children’s book.
My blog had a strong following.
I loved my job and felt like I was making an impact.
We lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
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Then all of that changed. We moved to a new place. I no longer wanted to set goals, to write, and was living in (what felt like) Antarctica.
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Isn’t life supposed to move up and to the right?
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It was certainly moving to the ‘right’ as time continued its relentless march forward. The “up” part seemed elusive. Why had things shifted so drastically from the year before?
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In my quest for answers and to regain a sense of equilibrium, I realized I needed to make some changes. It was time to unplug from the constant noise, to halt both the input and output, and just be. After all, we are human beings, not human doings.
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I took a break from writing and blogging. I removed Facebook and Instagram from my phone. I unsubscribed from the podcasts that left me discouraged and overwhelmed.
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Instead, I listened to positive music, I played with my boys, I read my Bible and a couple of encouraging, life-giving books. I carved out time to make new friends.
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To burst out of a cold, dark winter… Into the brightness and life of spring takes a lot of SHOVELING of gray thoughts that have become a blizzard in our minds… So thick we can’t even see our hands in front of our face.
Deb Freeman
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Through this process, I learned a valuable lesson: Life doesn’t always follow a linear path. It ebbs and flows, bringing both good and challenging times. It oscillates between loneliness and fullness, happiness and sadness. The lows serve to deepen our appreciation for the highs.
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Life is like a book. You take it one chapter at a time. Often one page at a time or one paragraph at a time. Some paragraphs are written better than others.
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What I WANTED my life to look like was different from ‘reality.’
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My previous assessment of life was a linear progression. Growth and more growth! Life and more life! Up and further up! Add, don’t subtract.
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However, I’ve come to understand that ‘reality’ is far more complex. Life involves a series of steps forward, interspersed with occasional steps backward, sideways meanders, and even ‘exhilarating’ loop-de-loops.
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In a world characterized by constant change, I’m thankful for a God who never changes. Who’s love is always certain.
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I am deeply grateful for the nourishing wisdom found in the pages of the Bible, for the solace and inspiration that uplifting books and music provide. My heart brims with gratitude for the friendships that have woven their way into my life and the ‘date nights’ shared with Ted at new restaurants. I’m grateful for the ways my boys make me laugh and how they teach me knew things. I love that nature soothes and time heals. Every day that passed made me stronger, more able to live in (and even love!) this new place.
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Look for the good, even in the dark. Once you train your eyes for little glimpses of goodness, you’ll get better at seeing them.
Shauna Niequist
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Each of these elements brought me back to a place of joy. In the midst of this journey, I rediscovered that my truest calling was wife, mother, and cherished child of God. All other pursuits, at this moment in time, occupy the periphery.
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How about you? What sustains you during life’s challenging moments? Where do you find hope and support? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment by clicking on the little box by the title.
“Have you ever moved to a new place or entered a new environment where no one knew who you were, what you could do, or what dreams ignite your soul?”
(How could this author read my mind?) She goes on to say:
“Have you ever moved from leader to learner? Went from being sought out to left out?
Potential seems to hibernate and you wonder if spring will ever come? Praiseworthy strengths become dormant.
Did you realize that 90% of Jesus’ life was spent in obscurity? Only ten percent was in the public eye. And all of His life was indestructible. When we state our desire to “be like Jesus” we are usually not referring to his anonymous years. Jesus hidden years empowered him to live an eternally fruitful life.
Why would Jesus announce the birth of His precious Son with a full angelic choir, then hide this priceless Gift for three decades? What is hidden is not unimportant.
For instance, when a baby is hidden in the womb, those months are priceless and formative. If the baby is removed from the hidden place, the results can be tragic.
Jesus’ hidden years gave him time to grow and become. It was sacred. Time for rest. Unapplauded but not unproductive. Hidden years are the surprising birthplace of true spiritual greatness.”
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The author suggests how to rest:
“Take long walks through the woods. Paint a picture no one will see. Watch the stars. Wander through an art museum. Play piano when only God can listen. Write in your journal. Plant a garden.”
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Savor the anonymous season. Respect it’s potential.
-Alicia Britt Chole
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This book was everything I needed for that challenging season. If you are in a “new, waiting, or starting over” season – Anonymous may be the perfect book for you!
This book shares Shauna’s journey back to joy in the midst of some really challenging circumstances. Here are bits of advice she gives:
“Get outside and be on the lookout for beauty, especially in nature, read books for comfort. Fresh air helps everything. The world is still good, still beautiful, still interesting and worth savoring. God is still good, still faithful, still kind.
Keep walking, keep loving, keep writing, keep praying. Keep learning, keep forgiving, keep apologizing, keep moving forward. Keep inviting, keep listening, keep opening my arms to all of life.
It doesn’t help to pretend everything is okay. Tell the truth. Allow yourself to be supported by friends and family.
I trust more deeply in the goodness of God than I ever have. I’m more aware of the darkness and more grateful for the light.
I’m learning home isn’t singular. You don’t lose one, instead, your world and your heart expand with each new home and new set of experiences. The old ones stay and the new ones make your heart and your world bigger.“
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Both books brought me SO MUCH JOY as I realized I am NOT alone. Others have been through similar challenges and came out stronger. And God is always with me, cheering me on.
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