Hands Full of Blessings!

Sharing Some of My Blessings With You.

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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...

Seek and Save the Lost

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

Every time my kids and I go hiking, we end up talking about “the time mom got us lost” on a trail. Now, sadly, this has happened so often that we have to ask—which time? Well, one time we had just started a really good trail that was supposed to be a moderate,...

Authentic Fan?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 9, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

As we all prepare to watch the Super Bowl, I was struck with the thought- what would you think of a person decked out in Kansas City Chiefs gear and face paint, but saying “Go Eagles.” That’s not a real fan. Anyone can buy a jersey and put on some paint? Right? Maybe...

So Much STUFF

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 5, 2025 | Faith | 0 Comments

As most of you know, I have six kids. Three girls and three boys. And they’re really close in age- 14, 13, 11, 10, 8, and 6. The three girls are those middle numbers- 11, 10 and 8, and they get to share a room. Just last week my husband came downstairs while I was...

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...

A Dream Come True

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 21, 2020 | Books, Popular Post | 0 Comments

This moment… this moment, right here, is something I have been dreaming about for almost three years. But let me tell you a secret… 3 ½ years ago, it wasn’t even on my bucket list. This is 100% a dream God put on my heart, and He gave me the super-human strength to...

Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride

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

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

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...

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....

It’s Launch Day!!!!

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

Always a Princess

by reneejoiner | January 9, 2018 | Popular Post | 8 Comments

Growing up I was (and still am) the biggest Tom-Boy. I can seriously count the number of times I have painted my nails. You will NOT find me wearing a dress or skirt (unless I am at a formal occasion that calls for it.) And heels? - You can just forget about that~...

My Story

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

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

“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...

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...

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...

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...

The Splinter

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 23, 2019 | Popular Post | 0 Comments

One of my children recently had a splinter in his foot. Now this child is extremely sensitive to touch and pretty much all sensory inputs. He showed me the splinter. I pushed the skin slightly around it and he started crying, “Owwey Owww.” I took a look at him and...

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...

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...

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...

Jesus Storybook Bible

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 16, 2021 | Book Reviews | 0 Comments

Title: Jesus Story Book Bible Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones Illustrator: Jago Summary: For over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade,...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Christian Parallels Post

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...

Pinocchio: Which Character Are You?

by reneejoiner | November 12, 2019 | Christian Parallels, Faith | 0 Comments

The next movie that was put on my heart for Christian Parallels in the movies is "Pinocchio." Now let me start by saying, I had never seen this 1940s Disney classic until this movie was put on my heart. But as I watched it, I quickly saw why God directed me to this...

The Hope in Cinderella

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

Up next on the blog is Cinderella! Now, Cinderella is a classic written on the hearts of every young girl. The chances are most ladies have probably seen this movie in at least three different versions. But it never gets old. For the purposes of this blog, my kids and...

Sleeping Beauty

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | February 24, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

I recently read that fairy tales are a literary form of apologetics because they illuminate the Gospel. After reflecting on this, I noted that most of our basic princess fairy tales follow a similar format: 1) They start with a happy world where we meet our princess....

Christian Parallels in The Lion King

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

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

Christian Parallels in Disney’s Descendants

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | September 16, 2021 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

So, with being stuck at home during COVID, my kids and I have had plenty of time to enjoy Disney Plus. Recently we watched The Descendants movies. As we were watching the last one, my oldest looked at me and said, “Mom, this would make a good blog.” Really? How so?...

Frozen- The Quest for True Love

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

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

Snow White

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 2, 2020 | Christian Parallels | 0 Comments

My kids and I just watched Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. And once again, I’m thinking, “How have I never seen this movie before?” I knew the story line. I knew most of the details. I even knew the Hi-Ho song, but I’ve never watched the movie from start to finish....

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...

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...

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...

Spoiled?!?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | August 15, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

“Lunchtime!” I called and all my kids came running down the steps. “What’s for lunch?” “Awww Lunchmeat sandwiches… again!” “I wanted peanut butter and jelly.” “I wanted ham salad.” “Can I have bologna?” “Can we at least have chips instead of pretzels and crackers?”...

The Hawk- The Common Enemy

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | May 29, 2020 | Faith in Marriage | 0 Comments

While playing outside yesterday, we noticed a hawk in the tree right over head. At first, it was cool to watch, but then it was like, “Oh no, what is it trying to get?” As the day went on, he sat there on the edge of the tree branch high above our heads. But the other...

Brave?

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | March 5, 2021 | Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Today I had not one… not two... but three other moms tell me that I was brave while walking around the zoo and Turtle Park with my six kids. Honestly, I was taken back by this. I’m not brave. This is what we do. We run errands together. We go out together. We have fun...

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...

Put Jesus Back In Christmas

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 7, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

For those of you following me (personally) or my church (First Christian Church Belleville), you know we have been making an effort to #PutJesusbackinChristmas! Each day Happy Hunter and his crew add a name of Jesus to a special tree. We watch a fun video on Facebook,...

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...

The Narrow Path

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 10, 2020 | Faith, Faith in Parenting | 0 Comments

Last week I watched a video on what to do if your vehicle gets submerged in water. Honestly, I had no idea what you really should do. I learned that you are to roll down the windows and get out as fast as you can before the vehicle goes under. The video I watched...

Parents: A Glimpse of God

by reneejoiner | September 23, 2019 | Faith in Parenting, Popular Post | 3 Comments

Cleaning Out the Closet

by reneejoiner | September 17, 2019 | Faith in Marriage, Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

So, I’m not exactly a perfectionist. I’m the kind of girl who will purposely hang something up crooked so that I don’t have to worry about it looking level. My husband…Not that way at all. He’s the type of person who will bring out the level and pencils while...

Learning to Lose

by reneejoiner | March 25, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

My kids have started learning how to play Chess at the library. They’ve gotten pretty good at playing too. It’s almost hard to believe that 3 months ago they didn’t know how to play. Their Chess teacher sent them home with a board and pieces about a month ago. My...

Whoever Controls the Narrative…

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | January 7, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

As I sit here reflecting on the current state of my country, I’m at a loss. My biggest issue is that I do not know what to believe. For months, I have bought into the Pro-Trump propaganda that the election was rigged. Not really because of what Trump stated or because...

Book 2: A Princess Problem with Pride

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

Disconnected from the Season

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 19, 2019 | Faith | 0 Comments

Earlier this week, I walked into my kitchen to catch the sunrise hitting the snow. It was beautiful. I stopped, soaked it in, and thanked God for His beauty. Then I sat down and thought, “I am just so disconnected from this season.” We are having a literal white...

The Waters of Life

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | October 1, 2021 | Faith | 0 Comments

My kids love to play in the water. Swimming pools, lakes, creeks, small rivers, and especially the ocean. I can remember being a kid and playing in my grandparents’ creek. It was shallow and there were a ton of crawl dads. It was a good time, but really, we just...

Defending the Lies

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | July 2, 2018 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

“MOOOOMMMMMM!!!!” I looked up and saw my daughter running towards me, “The boys said I did ______, but I didn’t mom.” I see the tears forming in her eyes. “Honey if you didn’t do it, why are you worried about it?” I asked. “I just didn’t do it mom, and I don’t want...

No Show

by reneejoiner | June 5, 2019 | Growing in Faith | 0 Comments

It’s six in the morning. I’m working. And I am sitting in my classroom waiting on a student to show up to class. As many of you know I teach for VIPKID. It’s honestly the best job for me. I teach kids in China, from home, during hours my kids are asleep. I have a...

Part of the Story

by reneejoiner_jhkz15 | December 3, 2018 | Faith | 0 Comments

My boys have gone a kick where they enjoy making books. They draw sequential pictures to their stories and occasionally add some words. Then they will assemble their books with a three-hole punch and three pieces of yarn. Earlier today my son was sharing one of his...

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....

Seek First

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

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