{News}

I know it's been a long time coming for a new blog post around these parts! The team at Joie Mag has been discussing and praying about the future of Joie Mag. Because of new jobs, new family members and new life goals, we've decided that it is best for us not to publish any more magazine issues of Joie. We are sad for this change, but very grateful for the time we had to write the blog and magazine, and collaborate with some amazing women. Thanks for being with us on this journey.

{I Know that “I Know,” but really I don’t..} Brittany Stites

...because if I did, I wouldn’t have needed to be reminded.

__

     Have you ever had those moments where the stress is crushing and the anxiety clouds your brain like a thick fog? So many pressures, thoughts and emotions all at once! And all you want to do is crawl into a deep dark hole where nobody can find you, not even your own thoughts?  This is me more often than I would like to admit, being controlled by the fruitless things around me instead of allowing Jesus’ peace to fill me.
     What usually brings me from my state of selfishness are simple words from others. Words that I would have known and even said to somebody else in their own time of distress. But when the waves are rolling in, pounding my body to limpness, I so easily forget and am in need of a loving and graceful reminder.
     The first starts with a ring on my finger and my Mom. It was a bright and beautiful day, I was 19 (I know, so young!) and I was home for the summer from school. But first let’s take a look two years prior. This really amazing and handsome guy finally asked me to be his girl! And from that moment on I knew we would be together forever.  Jokingly, we had discussed that within two years’ time we would be engaged. Well, those two years had passed and we were thinking we were about ready.
     Now let’s get back to that beautiful summer’s day. My mom and I had struck up a small conversation about marriage and the words “You have to give your Dad and I at least a year’s notice.” came confidently from my mother’s mouth. I freaked. What was a girl to do? I was planning on a 3 month engagement! So with a bit of sass, I quickly responded, “Well then! Here it is! Plan on next summer!”

     With much grace my mom said, “Brittany, you must have a ring on that finger when you tell us.” (Are you kidding me! Engaged for a whole year!!! How is a young couple going to even survive 3 months!) I panicked, the fog rolled in and all I wanted to do was scream! After a ton of push back the tears began to flow; how would we beat temptation knowing we were to be married? Then I was reminded. “It’s going to be okay.” (Mom, you’re the best!) These words; so simple and small, made a world of a difference in a nervous and scared 19 year old girl. Within seconds Jesus filled me with peace. We could do it!
     The second, a fight with my husband and a choice to never look back. I believe my husband and I fight in one of the worst ways. When one of us gets frustrated with the other our initial response is to shut down, becoming tensely quiet with only sarcastic remarks to cut the silence. This will continue to happen, getting worse by the minute until either something is said or tears (usually mine) are shed.      With this in mind let’s take it back to Christmas Eve 2014 (yep, four and a half months ago). There had been a lot of pressure, stress and anxiety piling up for about three months as we were in transition of moving to Oakland, currently living at my in-laws’ house, with a job that paid less than half of our bills. And it didn’t help when I chose to throw around my frustration in regards to the fact that Christmas Eve wasn’t what I wanted or expected. We eventually found time to ourselves in a place where we were able to openly communicate, forgive, and verbally express our love for one another. Shortly after, my husband grabs hold of me, looks deep into my eyes and says, “I am so thankful for these moments. I hate them, but I am so thankful because we get to display the Gospel to each other by forgiving and giving grace.” (I know, wow!) I haven’t looked back; every time my husband and I sin against each other we get the opportunity to forgive, love and give grace.
     In the third recent memory, something was wrong with my daughter (and we don’t have health insurance!) My whole life I have had the luxury of being able to directly communicate with my doctor or make an appointment anytime I wanted. But 3 weeks ago something was wrong with my daughter and I no longer had that luxury. I didn’t even know if we had health insurance or how it worked if we did. I was at a loss and my daughter needed something I couldn’t give her. I was full of fear, trying to keep my cool and scared to death for her. Then my husband reminded me, “Babe, remember she is God’s daughter first and we have the privilege of borrowing her.” I needed these words. Every day we tell Summer “I love you, and Jesus loves you even more.” But in that moment of feeling helpless I needed to be reminded that God loves her and will take care of her far better than I ever could and I am blessed to borrow her for the time being no matter how long or short it may be.
   

     As women, we’ve come to learn a lot through the unlimited resources of this day in age, as well as through our own life experiences. Yet, sometimes we become so clouded by stress and pride that we forget the very things that have been embedded in our hearts. I urge you, when somebody you respect speaks to you with grace and love, grab hold of every word and allow Jesus to work it within you. You will be amazed at the peace and clarity he will give you even when you are in your deep and dark hole.

*We were able to see a doctor the following morning and get tests/ results back within one week; everything came up clear!

words by Brittany Stites

Our Oakland Adventure | Brittany Stites

Today we have a guest post by Brittany Stites, who is sharing about her and her husband's journey of planting a new church in California. God has taught them a few lessons along the way, so read on! Thanks Brittany!

My husband, a pastor, and I came from an amazing church in small town Martinez, California. (You know it's a small town when they shut down Main Street for the annual Homecoming Parade!) In October 2014 we were graciously sent out to plant a church. Now we live in Oakland, an awesome urban area, full of culture, color, creativity. I couldn’t be more convinced that we were created to live in this sort of setting! It has been a short 3 months since we moved here and I couldn’t feel more at home. I am seriously IN LOVE!!!!! And every day my love grows deeper and wider for this city. I am literally bursting with adrenaline as I sit and type, wishing you could see my excitement! I think I could run about 5 miles right now!!! Okay, so I think you know I am overflowing with joy to share some of our adventure! 

Making the decision to “Church Plant” was a no brainer for us. It has been in the works for almost 7 years - starting with a passion planted in my husband’s heart during college. As we dug deep through the pages of the Gospels and Acts, our hearts grew with a love and excitement. Now being able to actually live out what we day-dreamed about is absolutely and positively the most joyous and wonderful thing we could be doing in this world.

Now with all the rainbows, glitter and unicorns that planting brings, this has been by far the hardest and most challenging season in our life (and it’s just the beginning). But thank you Jesus for working in and through us to bring you glory! With every tear, frustration, and moments of being stretched and having no answers, Jesus has carried us through it all. We couldn’t be more thankful for the hard stuff, without which we wouldn’t be growing or looking to Him. Even though the learning process is hard and seems as if we will never understand, there is always (usually) that moment when the light bulb begins to glow – and it is beautiful.

When we began the official process of our adventure, we sat down with our mentors. As I talked, the words “I hate the church” spouted from my mouth. Later our mentors graciously responded with, “Brittany, we want you to love Jesus’ Church, the Church is beautiful and Jesus is patiently waiting for the day when He gets to be reunited with His Bride.” As they said this I realized I used the wrong language and furthermore I didn’t hate people. What I did have was a strong dislike for Sunday Services, the building, and all the stress and anxiety that those brought me. I have learned the power and importance of language. Yes, these are simply words, but the more you hear and use words the more a belief is formed from them. Example: if a person is told they are ugly and continues to say it to themselves, they will soon believe they are hideous and not even worth to be looked at.

The word “Church” means something a lot different than what a majority of people think of when they hear the word. It is not a place or a building, an event or a program. It is you and me and everybody who believes in Jesus and is filled with His Spirit. WE ARE THE CHURCH! PEOPLE! I am the Church when my daughter wakes up an hour early and I don’t get time to myself, but I get to show her grace and love and begin to build her character and teach her about Jesus. I am the Church when I have to apologize to my husband for disrespecting him. And he is The Church when he gives me grace and forgiveness! This is a very beautiful thing! But when we associate church with a few hours a week or a location, even subconsciously, we forget that the Church is a body – not a building.

We have chosen to use the word gathering, rather than church, to describe what we do each week. We see the Church as a family that comes together to celebrate, learn and worship – not simply as an event / building we attend. This simple word change in my everyday language has begun to change my perspective of the Church is – and my love for people has grown tremendously. My husband and I have taken a different approach to “Church Planting” then what we originally thought we would take. We didn’t move to Oakland with a large group of people, a building, worship pastor, children’s department, hospitality team, and service flow. We moved to Oakland with a missionary perspective. A missionary doesn’t immediately build a building then begin preaching and teaching to its congregation. They first get to know the culture and its belief. They learn what they celebrate, how they have fun and what they struggle with. A missionary begins to build strong friendships with neighbors and finds connections with others in their city. They take part of things that are already up and happening instead of starting their own thing, all the while being the hands and feet

All in all we are not called to plant a church – we are called to plant the Gospel by being present as Spirit-filled people. Don’t allow the weekly services and buildings to distract you from your day-to-day call to BE the Church – you have everything you need in Jesus!

Words by Brittany Stites

The Order of Blessings | Victoria Myers

   Today's blog post comes from a lovely blogger named Victoria. This is her debut post on Joie Mag and we are lucky to have her be a contributing blogger in the future! Thank you Victoria for writing from your heart and speaking the truth about our identity in Christ.

~*~

   Getting married at 22 years old must have sounded a little scary some people in my life. Not necessarily to my closest family and friends-- they were gracious and supportive. Instead it seemed like classmates, the lady at the nail salon, online articles, the grocery store clerk, and select others wanted to advise me otherwise. They were worried about all sorts of things—that I wouldn’t ever get to travel, or do an internship, that I wouldn’t get to enjoy living alone, that 22 is just too young and that I was probably just getting married for the whole wedding ordeal and a happy ever after type of thing.

     It probably wasn’t until a few months into my marriage that I realized they were right. Or, actually that they could be right. Not about the traveling, the internship, or the living alone—but that they could be right that my heart is capable of simply wanting to get married just for the sake of the backyard wedding, a name change, and a happily-ever-after-be-forever-satisfied-type of thing. Throughout our engagement I became more aware of this temptation, I was caught up in the whirlwind of planning our wedding and supporting two friends with theirs and in the process I was falling more in love with marriage. Which is a beautiful process and I’m grateful for the ways God spoke to my heart through our engagement about what marriage is and how He designed it to be. Grateful that He reminded me that my heart is indeed capable of wanting the wedding and the happy marriage more than Him. That somehow everything between the proposal and the aisle could make me more satisfied than His grace. That all the life to come after the vows we would make could somehow redeem me more than the Cross.

     Like, I said God graciously revealed this to me throughout our engagement which helped me choose Him first. Of course I was a sinner when I planned our wedding, a sinner when I said “I do,” and still a sinner as I continue to live out life with my husband—and choosing God first will only be something I succeed in with the work of Christ in my life. Being aware of this danger that my own heart could hold, I intentionally entered into marriage with an understanding that it’s not created to fulfill me, it will eventually disappoint me, and that my husband’s and my brokenness are made one in the same only through Christ’s work on the Cross.

     This allowed the start of our marriage to be real, flawed, and truly joyful as we sought to understand that our sinfulness only pointed to God’s perfectness, and that our end only pointed to a God that is never ending.

     Fast forward a glimpse into our marriage—the wedding pictures are now posted on Facebook and the wedding band on my ring finger feels like it’s always been there. Husband and I start dreaming up future baby names. We plan out our first girl and brainstorm for the first boy, and I had then created a note in my phone with a running list of possible names and at least four typed out names that we will absolutely use no matter what our in laws or coworkers say. Then I realize, I knew where my heart was going. Yearning for something beyond the now. Desiring something that God has not yet willed to me only because my heart wants to believe that it might fulfill and complete me.

     Through these moments I realized, it’s not that wedding dresses and baby names are things we cannot choose. Rather, we must choose the primary blessing before the secondary. Choose our Creator before the wedding dress, and our Father before the baby names. Throughout our engagement I was aware of the temptation to find my identity in getting married and becoming a wife, and once dreaming up baby names for the future littles I was placing my identity in my hopeful days of motherhood. My heart was seeking these titles to fulfill me, to give me value and worth. What a gift it is that these titles are not my identity, that instead it’s Christ’s work that has made me pure, whole, and redeemed. That I am a daughter of the most High and a vessel for His grace and truth to those He brings into my life. Whether I am a wife or a mother, it is the source of our Primary blessing that is my sure foundation which lets me live out my identity in Him and experience the secondary blessings He ordains for my days.

     Whether we are in the midst of the season or seasons away from the reality—we should find our identity in the Primary blessing, the redemption we received from Christ on the Cross and the live that we may live as God has gone behind, before, and with us. It is through this that we may truly appreciate the fullness, nature, and timing of the secondary blessings; that we may come to know His design for the gifts He has willed to us, and the timing He has ordained into our days. Praise Him with me-- the God who has given us such sweet blessings to worship Him for and such sweet dreams to wait on Him for.

Written by Victoria Myers | Images by Anna Christine Photography

By His Wounds

Isn't this a sweet reminder of Jesus' love for us? With Easter approaching, I wanted to remind myself of the sacrifice that Jesus made for me. For you. He freely gave himself up so that we wouldn't have to suffer. I sometimes still have a hard time fully grasping that concept. Thank you, Jesus, for your love.

~Stephanie

Colossians 1:16-17 {Devo}

In a season when so many things are seemingly falling apart, Colossians 1:17 has steadied my heart.

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

The truth that Christ is constant and stable in the midst of an ever-changing life landscape comforts my heart in an extraordinary way. Not surprisingly, "Steady Heart" by Steffany Gretzinger has been an anthem I cling to in the darkness of these seasons.

May the words and melody of this song strengthen your faith in a God who is always faithful.

{Devotional} Enough

Sometimes certain aspects of life get in the way of the things that really matter in the grand scheme of things. Like when work seems too big and the tasks of the day won't actually fit into a day, I start to feel inadequate and overwhelmed. I worry that people won't take my work seriously, or that I don't have enough of a 'following' to take my business to the next level. It's so easy to get focused on worth in regards to how 'well' we are doing, when in reality, our worth is worth SO much more than that.

Because of my reoccurring tendency of worrying about if people like me or not, the last few weeks have been dedicated to refreshing my heart about my identity in Christ. These two verses have been such a huge encouragement to me! 

"For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." (Ephesians 1:4)

“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.’” (Isaiah 43:10)

So whenever (because it does happen) you get overwhelmed. Or frustrated. Or worried that you aren't doing well enough in life... Remember: He chose you. God did! The God of the Universe! Chose YOU! To be holy. To be his child. And He knows you are worth it... that you are enough. 

~Stephanie 

Raw & Real

Today we have a wonderful guest post by Brittany Stites, who also wrote for our first issue. We're so thankful  for her heart and words! We pray that this piece will encourage you in your every day life. 

~*~

Have you ever had one of those tough conversations, the kind you dread? The one you avoid at all costs for fear of spilling tears, accusing fingers, or personal faults being put on the table? The kind of discussion that is put off for days, even weeks, hoping it will change on its own? My husband and I recently had one of these conversations and I couldn’t wait to get past it. I just wanted to get to the moment were the burden was lifted and XO’s were given! But this was the first time I felt we had been defeated, like there was no answer to our issue. Like things would never change! All I wanted was a fresh breath of air; I needed to be free from the darkness I hid so well inside of me.

Just over a year ago we brought into this world a precious, beautiful baby girl. She had tiny hands, little toes, and a smile so large you couldn’t help but laugh and snap twenty-two photos on the spot (that just brings a warm ray of sunlight, doesn’t it?). But for me, she didn’t. I struggled finding any connection to this person who was my daughter. I tried so hard to make myself feel love for her, but nothing seemed to satisfy. I wanted to be a wife to my husband but failed so many times. I couldn’t connect. I didn’t even want to be with people. Everything I came across, even sharing conversations over a cup of coffee with a friend was a climb; like being in a dark hole and no matter how hard I tried or felt there was no substance to grab onto. I tried to except my reality, #momlife. I thought going to church and reading my Bible would help! That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? Wrong! The following evening, while the house was quiet and dreams were being formed, I learned how wrong I really was.

Taking time with Jesus and allowing him to evaluate me has always seemed to be a good place to start. Not to mention he is very good at it and always gives the most grace and love, the kind I am unable to give. I was wrong and I had to repent.

“Lord, I have failed at being the daughter you have created me to be. Please forgive me. I have failed at being the wife my husband needs, and I am pretty sure I have failed at being the Mommy I am meant to be. How dare I think these things will fall into place without my full attention and effort?” –Journal Entry

Through Jesus’ embrace he refreshed my soul.

“God, thinking about our conversation (between my husband and I), looking back on life and finding bits of it, you have reminded me, showed me and encouraged me to be the person you have created me to be! An Encourager, Burden Bearer and Prayer Warrior.” –Journal Entry

I was at a point in my life where I continued to do and do and do, so that I could be. Instead of simply being whom God created me to be. I was so refreshed and the burden was gone! God had created me to be this amazing person who brings life to others through words and actions, who walks with those who can’t handle their junk on their own, and someone who prays (I mean really prays!). Not someone who just says “yes!” then forgets. I wasn’t doing any of these things, not for my husband, my family or anybody around me. The moment I began to walk out in who God created me to be was the moment I became free! I found my substance; Jesus. True genuine joy, no matter how exhausted I became or how many times I failed.

I challenge you! Living a life on auto pilot and just trying to make it through to the next best thing is a very dark place to be, I was there! But knowing, being, and acting out in the woman God created me to be has inspired a dramatic shift in how I now perceive life. I am not living to be like Jesus, but allowing him to be my hands and feet. Who has God created you to be? If you are unsure take some time to ask and reflect. What fuels you to give even more of yourself? What gives you genuine joy? Allow Jesus to evaluate you and your life, allow him to give you his grace and love that he so desperately wants to give! You are so loved, and you are so worth it!

If you need prayer or just want to talk don’t hesitate to contact me britstites[at]gmail.com

Making Time to Study the Bible

If you've been reading Joie for a while, you know we like to write 'devotional' posts about what God has been teaching each of us lately. Sometimes it can be easier said than done to spend time with the Lord. Here are some ways to make sure your time with God is consistent each day.

Pick a Time: If you set your devotional time at the same general time each day (morning, afternoon, evening), you are more likely to remember to do it! I like mornings, because I know I'm starting my day off on the right path.

Pick a Place: Have your Bible, pen, journal, ect in a familiar place. When all your tools are in one spot, it's more convenient than running around looking for everything! My husband keeps his Bible on the dining room table so he remembers to do his devotions while he eats his breakfast. I have my Bible by my bed, because I like waking up and spending those first few moments of my day with God. Maybe you have a comfy chair or a screened in porch that you like to sit on. You can talk to God anywhere!

Pick a Scripture or a Plan: Some people like to read through a whole book of the Bible and some people like a devotional reading plan. The benefit of reading a whole book is that you get the whole story of what God intended. The benefit of going through a devotional plan is that you get a little guidance if you're not sure where to start. Either one is great and God will teach you through both!

A good method of study is the SOAP method.

S: Scripture. Read your passage of the day.
O: Observation. Write down what you think the Scripture means and ask God to help you discern it.
A: Application. Meditate on how you think it applies to your life. How does it change you?
P: Prayer. I find it helps if I write out my prayers. It helps my mind stay focused on God. It also lets me go back and read how God has worked in my life!

Stay Accountable: Tell your friends about what you've been learning and have them do the same. Encourage each other and pray for each other!

What have you been studying lately? What has God been teaching you? We'd love to hear about it! Leave us a comment! 

~Stephanie 

Give Me Jesus

"In the morning, when I rise, 

give me Jesus.

You can have all this world,
just give me Jesus."

~*~

Last Sunday at church, the worship team sang this song. At one point, the instruments cut out and the only things left were the voices of the congregation singing, crying out "Give me Jesus". It was so simple. So sweet. But so powerful. 

He is all we need. 

Let the others take the things of this world. 

All I want is Jesus.

~*~

mug / print

5 Days in Scripture // 30 Day Scripture Challenge Update

I've spent the last 5 mornings making a deliberate choice to spend time reading God's word. And it's been really refreshing. I've been reading mainly in Psalms, but today I wandered over to James 5. 

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Sing songs of praise." James 5:13

I think most of us pray when things aren't going the way we expected... and that's great, the Bible tells us to do that! But how often do we sing songs of praise when we're happy? Like actually sing out loud! To praise Jesus! I'm going to make a point of doing that more often!

If you're interested in joining the 30 Day Scripture Challenge, you should check out the hashtag #lampandlight on Instagram. Don't worry about starting 5 days late, just continue 5 days into June! And, well, forever. :) 

~ Stephanie 

P.S. Follow Joie Mag on Insta, too! 

He Cares {Devotional}

We all know that God is a strong and powerful God. He rules over all the nations, and power and might are in His hand (2 Chronicles 20:6). He always knows what is going on. Anything is possible through Him (Matthew 19:26).

But what about the other side of God? His gentle side. His caring side.
Like a sweet friend, God cares for you. He wants to know your worries, and he wants to help you through them. He is always looking for ways to take care of you! 

Don't be ashamed to cry out your troubles to the strong and mighty God of the universe, the God who also wants to make sure you have everything you need. He takes care of the birds of the sky, you know. Do you believe he will take care of you? (hint: you should :) )

~*~

Enjoy this fresh spring day, friends! 
~Joie Mag team

Pray Without Ceasing {Devotional}

These past couple weeks have been a lot of ups and downs for my little family. However, sometimes I think as Christians we forget who offers us the "peace that passes all understanding." It seems like it should be so obvious. The Bible clearly states multiple times to pray without ceasing, but often we get so hammered down with whatever is worrying us, that we forget to pray. Isn’t that ridiculous?!

As followers of Christ we have an amazing God that holds our lives in the palm of His hands. Isn’t it sad to think that sometimes we forget to even acknowledge His presence?  Just think about that for a moment.

It’s funny to me with today’s technology that at the first instinct of a problem, we run to our phone and text a loved one, or look up a meaning or solution on our tablet. Now, I’m not necessarily saying that these are bad reactions, but shouldn’t our first response be to talk to our Savior? 

Not only that, but when we do pray, are we just putting our requests in, or are we recognizing His lordship, divinity, and praising Him for all He has done? We should be continually talking to our Lord and Savior. How can you have a solid relationship when you only talk to Him when times are difficult or for 20 seconds before a meal?

I encourage you to take the Bible to heart, and truly pray without ceasing. Take today as a first step and continue to thank Him for all His blessings and praise Him for His holiness. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing." (KJV)

Philippians 4:6-8 –  "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

~Taryn

Your Vows. Your Promises.

Hi friends! Today we have a special guest post for you! Pastor Max Marcoux, lead pastor at Elevation Chapel in Newton, MA, is sharing his perspective on Wedding Vows. Having preformed many, many weddings, he has a few ideas and a great reminder. Read on! 

~*~

Have any of you purchased a home? Well if not, get ready for mountains of paperwork! You will be asked to sign over 20 pages, vowing that you will pay for that house. Not too long ago (in the 1960’s) my grandfather bought a building on a vow and a handshake. He made a promise to pay so much a month until it was paid off. And he followed through. His word probably had more weight than any 20-page contract today. Back then, your word, your vow meant everything. 

To me the most beautiful part of a wedding is not the flowers, the pretty dresses, nice music or decorations. It’s the exchange of vows. I performed a wedding ceremony a few weeks ago and the bride wrote her own vows. They were so powerful and filled with love that everyone was emotional and the groom almost couldn’t hold it together. I think her vows were the most thoughtful and loving words anyone had ever spoken to him. 

Many couples choose traditional wedding vows, and those are beautiful too. “I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.” That still brings tears and deep emotion to couples as they recite them because they truly mean what they are saying.

More and more couples these days are choosing non-traditional vows. I have attended and officiated weddings where the couple chose song lyrics as vows. One couple chose an excerpt from “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess! There are so many resources for couples to find non-traditional vows that reflect their personality.

Engaged couples often ask me if it’s better to write their own vows or to use traditional ones. My advice is to them (and you) is this: Your wedding vows are not just an expression of how you feel about your fiancé. The words you choose should be a life-long promise from your heart to theirs; not only a statement of how much you love them now, but a commitment of how you will love them from this point on. 

Value whatever vows you will speak on your wedding day more than any of the other details of the wedding. The food will be eaten, the flowers will be tossed out, dresses packed away, but the vows will live in your hearts forever.

~*~

We hope this inspires you if you're stuck on what to say in your wedding vows! And remember, they don't have to be fancy or eloquent. 

Thanks for writing this awesome post, Max! 

The Lord knows what He is doing.

Currently, we're in the curating+gathering process of this first issue of our little magazine magazine. This process could also be called the waiting process. Waiting for emails to get sent back, waiting for ideas to pop up and waiting for all the little details to come together. Which they definitely are, albeit slowly. 

If you know me, you know I'm not good at waiting. 

For anything, really.

(Which is why I'm prone to using the microwave.)

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart.

The Lord's timing is better than mine will ever be. 

When I think that really cool vendor will never reply to my email, God knows when they will (or knows that they won't, which is fine, too.) When that *perfect* job comes... and goes... gather all your patience and wait on the Lord for something even more amazing. When you've been waiting so long for someone to love forever and it seems impossible to wait a little longer... just wait. 

The Lord knows what He is doing. 

~joie team

Forever Faithful

I was at a coffee shop yesterday evening and started reading Psalm 136, the chapter that reminds us line after line that "His love endures forever".

Line after line. A reminder. A promise. 

That He loves us. And He will love us forever. 

Without fail. 

He loves you. 

Remember that today. 

For the Good.

~*~

"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Write this verse on a slip of paper and hide it somewhere you'll remember. When the worry creeps up or the storm clouds gather, take it out and pray this prayer.

~*~

Thank you so much for the continuing support as we continue to collect and research for the inaugural issue of Joie! We can't wait to share all the goodness we have found.

Getting Deeper.

This song has rocked my world for about a year now. Each time I listen to it (which is usually about twice a day), my soul wants more Jesus. My heart wants to love people better. People I know and people I don't. My best friends and the old lady at church whose name I always forget. Do you know that feeling?

This year one of my goals is to be more intentional with my relationships. First and foremost my relationship with God. To dig into His word each day, with no to-do list or time constraint to guide me. But it doesn't stop there. I want to be more intentional with my husband, who works hard for our family. I want to make sure he comes home to a yummy dinner and me, his wife, not stuck in her computer. With my best friends, that I can always be encouraging to them, even though most live in different states. And even the old lady at church, because, really, I should know her name by now. I bet she has an awesome story, and this year I want to listen to it.

~Stephanie