Hands Full of Blessings!

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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My Testimony

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 11, 2026 | Faith | 0 Comments

I grew up Catholic. Attended Catholic school kindergarten through 12th grade. All my family and friends were Catholic. Catholic was just part of who I was. Part of my identity, if you will. I attended Mass every Sunday and on all those Holy Days, and I actually...

End in Sight

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 25, 2026 | Faith | 0 Comments

My husband and I started training for a Spartan... and as we looked for training plans, the obvious became a reality- I had to start running again. When my husband would be like- let's just run, I would get all in my head... I can't do this.... I'm too out of shape......

Nobodies Chosen By God- The Shepherds

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 18, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

I recently heard a Christmas message focused on how God uses the unexpected and the overlooked to accomplish His work for His glory. The message centered on the shepherds, who were the first to hear of the birth of Jesus. In biblical times, shepherds were considered...

Eyes on the Road

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 27, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

So, we have a new driver in our house… and I have learned that I am really glad my husband is good at teaching and instruction… because you don’t realize all the things a new driver doesn’t know until they get behind a wheel. For example, keep your eyes on where you...

Seasons

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 19, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15:6 Fruit grows in season. And look at this Prickly Pear Cactus... the fruit...

If It Were Easy…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 20, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

“If it were easy, everyone would do it.” I tell my kids this all the time. Especially when they’re learning or perfecting a new skill or hobby- like crocheting, playing music, sewing, running… seriously I cannot count how many times I have said this to all six of them...

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 7, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

I’ve had this thought running through my head. When I read the Armor of God in Ephesians 6, as an evangelist, I really want the Shoes of the Gospel of the Peace to represent going out and sharing the gospel. But every single commentary I read says that is not the...

Creative

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 31, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

Have you ever looked at a sunrise and thought, “Wow, God! You did that. You didn’t have to, but you wanted to!” Our God is truly the Master Artist. The Creator of the universe didn’t stop once the creation was set into motion. He continues to be creative and shows His...

Seek First

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 23, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

“But SEEK first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Matthew 6:33. As I wrote this verse on our whiteboard today, countless games of Hide and Seek went through my head. I remember being a kid and trying to hide in the hardest spot, so the “seeker” would have to...

Fuel Up

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 21, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

You know how there are two people in every relationship? The one who always has a full tank of gas and the one who isn’t even sure if the car will make it to the gas station? Yeah… well… I’m the second one. Today my van's gas light came on… and I thought, well I...

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...

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...

God is Faithful!

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

I’m getting published!!! I’m so excited to share this news. However, it doesn’t seem right to share this news without sharing how AMAZING our God is! So, let me tell you the whole story! The Call In April of 2017, I felt this stir in my heart to write a book. It...

Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 14, 2021 | Books, Faith | 0 Comments

Book 2 is on the way!!!! But before I tell you anymore. You HAVE to hear how God brought it all together. Book #1 was released… literally right before the United States went on lock down for COVID-19. Bye bye book signings. Goodbye read-alouds. All my thoughts on...

Offended

by reneejoiner | April 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

Well, on Good Friday I found myself in need of a shopping trip to Target. It was a for-real need. The baby only had a handful of diapers left. (And Target’s Up and Up diapers are the best value.) So, my six children and I walked into a busy Target. I was able to...

Identity

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

I just recently watched The Incredibles with my children. We love this movie. It never gets old. If you haven’t seen this movie, you should. It is about a family of Supers trying to get along in a world where they have to try to pretend to be something they are not...

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...

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...

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....

God Report

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | April 23, 2021 | Popular Post | 2 Comments

As you may have noticed, I have not been posting nearly as often as I have in the past. Our family is going through some big changes in which all the credit goes to God! Let me back up a few years… to right before my husband took a job as a pastor. Previously he...

It’s Launch Day!!!!

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

Book Update!!!

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 14, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 2 Comments

“You Have Your Hands Full!”

by reneejoiner | January 15, 2018 | Popular Post | 4 Comments

A couple years ago, I was walking into Target with my (then) four kids. I had one kid in the cart, and the other 3 riding along the sides of it. As I started heading into the store, a random man made eye contact with me. … Great… Here we go again… another conversation...

The Christmas Puzzle

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 13, 2019 | Popular Post | 1 Comment

As I was making dinner, my three-year-old wanted some help with a puzzle. Now, this is a new puzzle of the Baby Jesus. (We are very blessed with people in our lives who help point our children to Jesus during a protentional very secular holiday.) Anyways, she was...

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...

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:...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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....

Children Arise Review

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 3, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Book: Children Arise Author: Jenny Johnson Illustrator: Jessie Blasdel Summary: Children Arise is a book empowering children to become all God created them to be by teaching them how to partner with Holy Spirit! Children Arise is a sweet storybook that teaches little...

Jesus Loves the Little Children Book Review

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 19, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Loves the Little Children; A Chosen Story Author: Dallas and Amanda Jenkins Illustrator: Kristen Hendricks Summary: Abigail talks a lot. A LOT. So when she meets Jesus for the first time, she talks about him to every kid she can find. Together the...

Christian Parallels Post

Identity

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 3, 2020 | Christian Parallels, Faith, Popular Post | 0 Comments

Three Blind Mice

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 10, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Today on the blog is Three Blind Mice. I already know what you’re thinking- Renee, why? Well, rest assured, I thought the exact same thing. Why was this placed on my heart? Then I read the Nursery Rhyme. Three blind mice. Three blind mice.See how they run. See how...

What if…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 10, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Warning: This post does have spoilers for the Disney+ series What If. As I started watching the Disney+ series What If… I had very mixed feelings. The stories I knew but were slightly altered were just alright. It seemed like a reach of a television show. Then episode...

Christian Parallels in The Land Before Time

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

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

Lessons from The Movie Pocahontas

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

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

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...

Humpty Dumpty

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 8, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

Up next on Christian Parallels in Nursery Rhymes is Humpty Dumpty. Now before we begin, let’s all say the nursery rhyme together… Ok, maybe not… that’s the teacher in me coming out… But here is the rhyme for those of you who were on board and still reading. Humpty...

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....

Finding Purpose Through the Race

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 27, 2019 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My five year old daughter just asked me to read to her a "Cars" book. As I read the book and reminisced about the movie, I knew the next movie on the blog should be “Cars.” I remember watching this movie years ago… Like before kids. But I didn’t realize we had never...

Signing Away Your Freedom

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | November 7, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

This image right here... Ariel is signing away her freedom for a chance at romantic love. She was the daughter of the King. The King had the power to grant her request. Yet, she made a deal with Sea Witch. In Ariel’s defense, she was hurt. She had this...

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

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

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

Escape Room

by reneejoiner | July 17, 2019 | Faith in Marriage | 1 Comment

My husband and I had the opportunity to do an Escape Room Challenge for our anniversary. It was super fun! If you have never done one, I would highly recommend it. We will definitely be doing another one soon. Well during this challenge we were locked in...

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...

Run to Him

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 14, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Everybody loves fireworks… unless you have a baby or a dog… Then the beautiful lit up sky full of colors, wonder, and awe does not even come close to annoyance one gets from the loud sounds making the baby or dogs unhappy. Well, this year my baby was 20 months. Due to...

It clicked

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 30, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

As most of you know, I have three daughters. These girls are creative, fun, and energetic… but I cannot say that tidy is an adjective I would use to describe them. Yesterday I walked by their room and noticed how nice and clean it looked, so naturally I complimented...

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...

Be Angry, But Do Not Sin

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 9, 2020 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

I really don’t think my older kids realize how influential they are to their younger siblings. This morning, my oldest wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of doing schoolwork. So, I sent them all outside to play. Of course, my oldest- who was not in a great mood, huffed...

The Comparison Trap

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | June 4, 2018 | Faith in Parenting | 2 Comments

Last week I was able to take my kids on an outing that had a huge rock climbing wall! My oldest three happily stood in a long line to complete this task. As they reached the front of the line the workers helped each kid into a harness. Then they went onto the wall....

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...

Follow the Leader

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 19, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

Yesterday I decided to play “Follow the Leader” with my children. It was fun (at first) as I led and they imitated me skipping, running backwards, twirling, and walking around our yard. Then my oldest jumped in front. I let him lead. He led me straight to the slide to...

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...

Cleaning Up

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 28, 2024 | Faith | 0 Comments

Every Saturday morning, we sleep in, eat waffles for breakfast, and clean the house. And every Saturday morning I find myself cleaning up behind my kids. This morning, after they swept the kitchen, dining room, and office area I came behind them… AND swept up FOUR...

Potty Training

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 23, 2021 | Faith in Parenting, Fellowship | 0 Comments

The decade of diapers is almost behind me… My oldest is 10 and my last child is now 2. He also seems to think he is ready to potty train. This morning I stood by him and said good job as he peed all over the floor. My oldest smiled at me and said, “I’ll go get...

Shine That LIGHT

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 16, 2023 | Faith | 1 Comment

My little guy really enjoys superhero books. Specifically-BATMAN! Well, he’s 4. So, the books he brings home from the library are the “I Can Read Books.” These books are great because they are SHORT and give the gist of the story… but because they are short, sometimes...

Obedience

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

Obedience. This has been a theme on my heart. After finishing my Christmas Bible reading plan, I prayed about where I should go next in my morning time with God. He directed me to the beginning. So, to Genesis I went. As I have been reading these stories that I...

Eraser? What is a Disciple Anyways?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 27, 2020 | Faith | 0 Comments

As my daughter began school yesterday, I noticed she picked up a pencil without an eraser. So, I grabbed a pencil with an eraser. She asked why. I told her so she would have an eraser. Then she said, “I’m not going to mess up, mom. I don’t need an eraser.” I still...

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...

Hide and Seek

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 13, 2020 | Faith | 1 Comment

My older five children love playing Hide and Seek with their dad in the evenings. Last night, they were playing, while their baby brother just ran around them pretending to play too. Well, at one point my oldest hid behind the curio cabinet. It was a pretty good spot....

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...

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