"Finding Joy in My Kitchen"

~Joy by Perspective~

As we traveled through town my heart was heavy with weary and expectations, I piled my burdens upon the ears of husband. He listened carfeully and then quietly pulled out this piece of paper from his coat pocket. He read these words:


"God's provision is about persepctive...

He will bring something along your path today

that will challenge you to see it with a different persepctive."

I heard his words, words of wisdom, words that should of changed the direction of my heart. But at that moment I was full of frustrations. I continued to keep my focus on all the things that were going wrong and it wasn't untill later that day when I remembered those words again. The Lord had it all under control. Every little detail of our school days, every little detail of my kids hearts, and every little detail of our first remodel project.

On that day there wasn't much joy in my kitchen...let alone not enough in my heart.

Jesus- Jesus should be first, his will above my own. His timing above my own

Others- Was I more concerned of the others around me or myself?

Yourself Last- I needed to be on my knees...I had a list, a list that wasn't getting done fast enough. A list that didn't have a eternal soul or a heartbeat-but it my head it was superior.

At that moment I was putting myself first... others, and the Lord last.

I thought of the words my husband spoke and realized I not only needed to see this day through the eyes of the Lord but I had to look at by His perspective. Being compassionate to the needs of others around me, and being patient when his timing even if it was longer than my own.

In our kitchens we can do many things;

~Train our children in manners

~Make memories as we cook together

~Use Hospitality

~Open our hearts as we sit together

~Cook meals that bless others

~Shepherd our children (after all doesn't this happen in every room of our homes?)

~Spend alone time with the Lord (I find this easy as I cook or clean up)

~Bless our husbands

I am sure each one of us can think of a list of many things we do in our kitchens that can bring us JOY. My challenge to you my dear friends is to pass that JOY along. And if you are struggling to find Joy in your kitchen take moment and look at your time spent there through Gods perspective.

...continuing on towards Joy

Dawn

"Finding Joy in your Kitchens"
...by giving Joy to your husband

Today was full of Joy... laundry getting caught up, housework mostly done, getting time to spend with a new friend at a local tea house, seeing the contentment as the kids play with some of the blessings from Christs' birthday. It was a day of calm, and peacefulness. It was a day when it seemed easy to see the joy and to give the joy to others.

As evening approached my dear husband made a request for a fried chicken dinner. Excitedly I got the ingredients ready-the chicken was already thawed- and planned to have a big meal at our new table (posting pictures soon of our finished remodel). An hour later I found myself leaning over the stove wondering why the oil still wasn't hot enough. The kids were getting hungry...the joy was slipping

I had a choice...I could complain about our stove (which seems to be having problems lately), and let the guilt of another meal going unplanned bother me....or I could find Joy. . I can keep my words few...gentle....and positive.

I stopped for a moment and prayed. "How can I find joy in this Lord?"

And then I heard him whisper-"Find the joy in giving your husband joy." My husband. The one I love dearly and and so blessed to have. Give him the Joy. I could look for joy in fullfilling my husbands request, work as hard as I can to get the oil just right, and guarantee him a wonderful supper (after I gently ask if he was ok with having it a little late).

As wives there are many ways we can give our husband Joy. Does he have a favorite drink? Make sure its available (for me that means keeping the pitchers of tea and lemonade filled) Does he try to help you out, but you seem to find he doesn't quite do it your way? Why not praise him for what he has done and find ways to let certian things go. For me that means not keeping the silverware going the same way. A silly thing I would get so frustrated with, and yet I missed out on seeing his willingness in putting dishes away for me. Does he have a favorite meal or dessert? Try and make it just because. And when things don't go as planned keep the joy in your voice. A womans words and tone can determine the mood of her household and the moods of others around her. Give him Joy with your words.

The kids are all tucked in, their tummys full of leftovers, again. The chicken is almost done. Soon I will see it....Joy! Joy in sitting next to my beloved and enjoying a fried chicken dinner. Joy in knowing its his favorite.




**Join me tomorrow as I post on "Perspective and Joy" the last in this series "Finding Joy in our Kitchens"


Many Blessings
Dawn