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Discovering Joyful Living: A Personal Reflection

You know, it’s so easy to say, “I want to be joyful” but what exactly does that mean?

I remember speaking on the topic of “Joy” at a women’s retreat. One of the sessions was titled “Joy in the Journey”. Now, anyone who knows me is aware it’s not the journey that does it for me…

It’s THE RESULTS!!!

I am definitely a results oriented person. I find great pleasure in immediate gratification. The journey is equivalent to waiting and waiting is not one of my strong suits! With that said, I was given the word “Joyful” for 2025. I definitely better figure this out before the year is up…My days are fleeting! Heck 2024 came and went before I realized it!

So with that said, I guess a good place to start is with the definition of Joyful.

JOYFUL: experiencing pleasure, satisfaction, or delight

Hmmm…based on that definition, I would say I’m pretty joyful. Well, most of the time. Uh, well, I guess it would depend on the circumstances. Heck, who knows…some days it’s like a roller coaster. One minute I’m up and experiencing pleasure, feel satisfied or am delighted. the next, I’m serious, hyper focused, or distracted. I’m pretty sure my word for 2025 should have been “Complex”!!! Oh wait, where’s the growth in that…I’m already “Complex”. I’m pretty sure God wants me to focus on being JOYFUL and that means…I GOT WORK TO DO!!!

So, Welcome to My Journey to Discovering Joyful Living!

Now, hear me…I am not saying I am not joyful. I do have episodes of joyfulness just not consistently. I’m also not saying you don’t have a joyful life but what I am saying is… we all go through seasons. So, if you are going though a dry season please join me on my journey.

Come on…Let’s get started!

Now this is where I get stuck! Only on the 1st paragraph of the “journey” and I’ve already hit a major pothole. It’s at this point I could go in so many different directions!!!

So, usually when I’m looking for answers I go to Google and search for scriptures. Yep, while I take into account what other people say, I want to know what God’s word says. So, like a good soldier I typed in “Scriptures on Joyful”. Several verses came up. Many had the word joy but one particular scripture had the word “Joyful” and really resonated with me. It’s probably because I was recently diagnosed with Spondylosis.

Proverbs 17:22 “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” .

Wow…Spondylosis is a chronic condition that refers to the gradual wearing down of the spine’s cartilage and bones. A supple and strong bone is much more difficult to wear down or break. Yep, over the course of my life, my spirit has been crushed.

I know I’m not the only one! Gosh look at those effected by Hurricane Helene or the wildfires in California. Bless their hearts, those people literally lost everything!!! So, please hear me, in no way am I making light of their pain and suffering. But, we too are on a journey and our pain and heaviness is very real as well. Things like…

Loss of a child, spouse, parent, grandparent, friend: Gosh, I’ve experienced the loss of each and the pain never leaves. I will say, that over time, the wound is no longer as fresh. None the less, the loss does leave scars for life.
Catastrophic losses like storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and fires: I can say, I’ve had my fair share of hurricanes and flooding. I’ve been effected by 2 floods in my life. Both were hard but the flood when I was 12 years old was the worst. I lost my sense of security and safe place. It was the structure not people that made me feel secure growing up. I guess that’s why home is so important to me even today.
Loss of relationships: It’s painful loosing a relationship with a loved one or a friend. Sometimes the loss isn’t always a falling out but instead a drifting away. Either way, there is a loss or disconnect and it can weigh you down. Now, I would like to say that sometimes this isn’t a bad thing. It just may be God’s protection on your life or emotional well-being.
Hurt Feelings: Oh my, I could go on forever on this one!!! I am here to tell you, my feelings have been hurt more times than I can count. For me the hurt is typically caused by setting my expectations too high. Or, because I make it all about me. Or, I just don’t consider the source and where they’ve been or what they’ve been through. And, then sometimes…People are just mean!!! Emotions are a bugger!!!

This list could go on for days but I think I’m unstuck. I finally know the direction I need to go!

I need to remember those things that bring me pleasure, what gives me satisfaction and who or what delights me. Then for 2025, I need to expand my list!!!

So, here’s my current list of things which lend to my joyful life:

Excursions with Richard
- Taking a drive
- Having lunch
- Running errands
- Stopping in at a winery
Time with Family
Time Alone with God
Relaxing at Home
Baking
Working in our Yard
Working in the Garden
Sitting out by the fire pit
Coffee on the porches
Walks on the property
Driving around the property in the side by side
Painting furniture and decor
Floral design
Writing

Yes, I know that is a pretty long list. Just so you know, I could go on and on but for the sake of time…I’ll stop!

I have been so incredibly blessed by reflecting on this list. In fact, my mind was completely redirected from those things that I’ve been though (both shared and not shared).

I Think I’m Having an “Ah Ha” Moment!!!

By changing my focus from trials to triumphs, my tests to testimonies, and suffering to healing it will yield a joyful life

Now for the hard part… I must remember to say “Ah Ha!!!” during my meltdown. I should also try to do this in a crisis or when dealing with that person who has hurt me.

My prayer for you is God will restore you to a joyful state and continue to pour out His Blessings on Your Life ❤

A Love Lee Design

Oct17

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Yes, you read the title right! Now that I have had time to rest after retiring from my nursing career, I am eager to get back to fostering my creative side again. I have missed being spontaneous; waking up each morning to work on or plan my next project. You see it makes perfect sense because it is part of who I am… The Word says I was created in my Father’s image and let me tell you…He is the ultimate at being creative!!!

So, I knew what I wanted to do but so many questions began to flood my mind…

What am I most passionate about?
What shall I create?
Where do I start?
Who will be interested?
What if I’m not good enough?

Whoa…Strike that last question! There will always be doubters and those who just won’t like me or my work. In fact that reminds me of the piece I wrote on “How Juicy Do We Want to Be”. Yep, if He births a passion within me, then I know it will be good enough because…He is the One who gifted me and placed a desire in my heart to get back to being creative.

So, I sat and read over my list and I asked myself over and over…What am I most passionate about? Then like a ton of bricks it hit me!!! Other than God and my family which is a given…I realized the thing I am most passionate about is HOME! Of Course it is my Passion…HOME! I love everything about HOME!!!

Hmmm…OK, so now what? Funny how God works, He didn’t make me wait long for that answer and he chose the perfect person to plant the seed…My dear friend Pam Stuckey is equally passionate about her home as I am mine. In-fact, our husbands shudder at the thought of us going to Hobby Lobby together! In a conversation with Pam she said, “You know, not everyone has the ability or vision for design. Would you consider helping me build Barndominiums?”. Well, after much discussion I was in and we were on our way! Pam consults on the build and I consult on the design of the floor plan, surfaces, color schemes, and flooring…Making the client’s Pinterest dreams come true!

In addition to making dreams come true for new builders, there are a lot of women who have commented, “I would love for you to help me decorate my house.” or “I wish you would give my house an overhaul.” or ” Would you consider staging my house for me so it will sale faster?”. Hmmm…More seeds planted and I have decided to nurture them and watch them grow. So, now I am expanding my services to include:

Re-Design by incorporating what you already have to create a whole new look by
- Re-arranging furnitures
- Re-hanging art
- Changing the placement of accent pieces
New Design…Out with the old and in with the new. After a consultation visit to determine budget and your personal preference, I go to work making your dreams come true.
Seasonal and Holiday Decorating you have always wanted but just couldn’t figure out how to pull it off or don’t have time…Let me help!!!

Home should be welcoming and inviting to you, your family, and your guests. It should tantalize all your senses so you crave to be there…

Your HOME, Let’s Create it Together!!!

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Love Lee

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Seasons Greetings

Dec28

Seasons Greetings from Our Home to Yours

We have all heard the saying “The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men”…Well, it was my plan to get this greeting out before Christmas but time just got away from me.

It has been a fast and furious year for Richard and me. Richard continues to work at BASF as a Process Technician working long hours a lots of over time. I started a new job about a year ago at Woodlake Nursing Center as the Director of Nursing. I too put in a lot of hours and am on call 24/7. While it is a demanding job, it is by far the most favorite position I’ve held. Not a day goes by without a hug from a Resident, Family Member, or a Co-Worker. Hugs by the way are my Love Language! So, while we are very grateful to have jobs we are more thankful for any time we are able to spend together.

When we do have time together, we try to connect with our Children and Grandchildren. Brandon and Sarah have blessed us with the most beautiful great granddaughter, Payton. Mike is a Senior in High School, and Cheyenne enjoying her first year in High School which has afforded us lots of family time. We have attended Marching Contests, Band Concerts, and lots of Football Games. It has been such a joy to watching Cheyenne celebrate her passion…Music! I am especially proud of Brandi and Robi for allowing her to pursue her passion!!!

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Our girls are doing very well. Tori continues to live in Austin and comes home to visit as her schedule allows. We were able to spend a whole week with her just before Christmas which was especially nice since it was the week of Richard and my Wedding Anniversary. Tori said it best…”It is Our Anniversary” meaning we all celebrate the Love Richard and I share. Brandi stays busy being a Band Mom, volunteering at the Wildlife Refuge, and working with the Children’s Choir at church. Both Brandi and Robi are so enjoying grand-parenting!

In addition to our children, we have been blessed with a couple of extra fur babies. Last Spring a Tuxedo Kitten emerged from the woods and adopted us. Chey named him Tucker and he instantly was home! Then in October, we were blessed with a little girl Lemon Beagle pup. Chey named her Remi. She is a working pup…Everyday she goes to work with me and rounds on the Residents. While this increases my work load, I realize the worth when a Resident I had not heard speak for a good while stopped me to say, “Hey, that’s a pretty little puppy” and then smiled or Remi comes up missing and I find her cuddled in bed with one of the Residents sleeping. She is definitely a blessing to many!

We are thankful for all God has allowed us to do over the past year and look forward to the New Year. Though Richard and I have little time together, we make the moments memorable…We truly Live, Laugh, and Love!!!

As the New Year begins, we pray it will be a Year of New Peace, New Joy, and an Abundance of New Friends…

May God Pour Out His Blessings On You in 2015

Happy New Year!!!

Love Richard & Lee Ann

The House is On Fire

Aug9

What an awesome lesson my daughter presented to “The Fall Out” (a group of 5th, 6th, and 7th graders) last night. Below is the summary of the lesson written by my daughter Brandi Booth…

Great Bible study and fellowship time tonight! Tonight we talked about Trust & Obey! “The House is on Fire” activity went something like this:
There were four different rooms in our house that had an adult in each waiting for the kids to come and try to round them up. The adults were instructed that no matter what…they were to ask questions only…and refuse to be lured out of the house.
The Fall Out was told that they had 2 minutes to get everyone out of the house, before it “burned down.” The only rules for them were (1) they couldn’t tell the adults that the house was on fire! (2) they were not allowed to use force!
After the two minutes, and a million scams, bribes, and attempts to get the adults to evacuate…the house “burned down” with everyone in it!

Sometimes God wants us to “move” and we may not always know why…but ultimately if we stay in one spot and refuse to budge and only ask questions…eventually the house will burn down. We have to TRUST God! He sees the big picture…actually, He’s the Artist! He knows the right timing for everything! As hard as it may seem, even when we don’t understand something (or like it!)…we should OBEY God. Just like The Fall Out demonstrated tonight…God will do everything He can to get you to move…but, ultimately obedience is up to us and if we wait to long…we may be ignoring His protection…or miss out on a blessing!

Whenever we submit to His will and plan, it brings glory and honor to His Name through us! That is a powerful witness and testimony! Are you limiting yourself to what God has planned for you by your refusal to move or are you delaying His blessings by asking questions? Your next question could be the last chance you get to obey! Trust in Him and obey His calling for your life.

Is Your House On Fire?

Love Lee ♥

Just Like That We’re Home

Jul28

Wow…who would have thought a phone call could create such a drastic change in our life?

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In September 2011 we made the decision to sell our home so we listed our place and within 30 days…It was sold! We packed up all our belongings and moved the necessities into our motor home and everything else into storage…We were going to build a house!!!

We got busy… got a survey, found our builder, created the plans, took the plans to the architect, got pre-approved for financing, and ordered an appraisal. During all this Richard was out and about driving around (waiting for me to get off work) when he ended up in a neighborhood several of our friends either currently live in or use to live in. As he was driving past one of our favorite houses he noticed a “For Sale” sign in the front yard but it also had on it “Contract Pending”. As he drove past the house the owner was in the front yard and stopped Richard to see if he needed help finding someon…Richard said “No, I was driving around waiting for wife to get off work.” Then Richard told the owner of the house we had friends that once lived in his house and that our children play there when they were little girls. He also shared with the owner how much we loved his home and inquired if the contract on the house was solid. The owner said it didn’t look like the financing was going to go thru. So, Richard left his name and phone number with the owner and said, “call me if the contract falls thru, we really love this house and would be interested in taking a look at it”.

We continued moving forward with plans to build. We met with the lender and they were making preparations to get the appraisal on our house plans. The day after meeting with the lender I arrived at work to find a voice mail on my phone. It went something like this…

Lee Ann, this is Carol. I understand you and Richard are interested in our old place. The funding did not go through and the contract expires today. If you are interested in the place, I need to know today.

Wow…my head was spinning! What to do…What to do.

First person I called was my daughter Brandi and talked to her since our plans were to build on their ranch. She said, “Mom, you have always loved that house…Go For It”. Then, I called Richard and asked him if he was interested in looking at it. His response was, “I will meet you there at lunch”.

So, for lunch on Thursday I met my Daughter, Granddaughter and husband and we viewed the house and signed a contract. In the contract we requested to keep the fridge, washer and dryer, along with all the curtains and…lease the house until it closed. The sellers agreed to the terms and just like that…We had a contract!

On Friday, I called the lender and asked if the house plans had been faxed to the appraiser’s office. She said, “no, they are laying on my desk in front of me to be sent”. I asked her to switch gears because we were going to purchase a home.

Exactly one week later, the movers delivered our furniture to the house. Our things were set up, boxes unpacked, and the house was decorated…

JUST LIKE THAT WE’RE HOME!!!

We so enjoy our new place! The house is perfect for our lifestyle with plenty of room to entertain. Open concept, lots of windows, 3 acres, a pool with cabana, and a workout room off the 3 car garage. I am now 10 minutes from my job and 5 minutes from local shops and grocery store.

Today, I am right where God wants me. He opened the door, provided the path, and cleared the way. EVERYTHING fell right into place and…

JUST LIKE THAT WE’RE HOME!!!

Love Lee ♥

We Were Strangers

Jan30

In October Richard and I sold our home and moved into our Motor Home so we could build a house on our daughter and son-in-law’s ranch. While the prospect of building is exciting it is one that is very intimidating too. Knowing this will be our forever home on this earth added another layer of complexity as we knew if we didn’t get it right…we would be “stuck” with it.

Every spare minute has been consumed with looking for a floor plan…I would ask my daughter to help me and she would say, “I don’t enjoy looking at floor plans.” So, I was on my own! Looking at books, surfing the internet, and driving around looking at homes became a daunting task!!!

Each day on my drive home from work I would pass a house that would call out to me. I loved the lines, color, size, and windows. In-fact so much so that I finally got the nerve to stop and ask the owner about it.

The gentleman was busy working in his barn but kind enough to take a few minutes and share some of the details about the house. Then he said, “my wife is not home but if you would like to see the inside you can just give her a call”. The next day I called the owner’s wife and she was so kind to invite me over for a tour.

My granddaughter and I were greeted at the front door by a precious woman wearing the warmest smile. As we stepped through the door, I was blown away…

The interior was breath-taking…

The owner provided a very thorough tour and included all the details for the decisions she made when designing her home. She had given so much thought to the floor plan and had impeccable taste when it came to interior design. Before I knew it, 2 hours had passed and we were laughing and sharing stories about our lives and our families. Then she said the words I had longed to hear since beginning this journey…”I would be happy to help you if you like”

A total stranger had offered to share my journey, help me with my floor plan, and allow me to bounce my ideas off of her…

I went straight home and got my graph paper and pencil and began to draw up what I wanted. Now mind you, I have gone through several erasers doing it but finally, I had something on paper to work with.

I took my drawing back to my new-found friend. She sat and studied it for a few minutes and made some invaluable suggestions and before I knew it…It was done and we sat and visited like we had been friends for years!!!

I find it amazing the things God uses to bring new people into our lives!!!

We Were Strangers…Now we are Friends!!!

Don’t pass up an opportunity to meet a stranger…they may end up one of your closest friends!!!

Brenda, Thank you for the gift of friendship!!!

Love Lee ♥

It’s Mind Control

Jan22

Being a woman of results it has been quite difficult to be patient when it comes to making the right decision on the type of house to build, the perfect floor plan, and the best builder for us to use. Decisions…Decisions…Decisions!!!

Life is full of decisions…

Where to work
What to wear
Who to spend your life with
What to make for dinner
How to invest your money

And on…And on…And on…

So, how do you choose?

For me, it all boils down to one thing “PEACE”!!!

No Peace…then it is a No Go!

A sense of ease must flow over me before my foot hits the ground to propel me forward. And, when there is a sense of dis-ease…I must

STOP & EXAMINE MY MIND…

What am I thinking???

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; Romans 6:8

I seek PEACE!!!

It’s Mind Control…

Love Lee ♥

Choose Now

Aug2

What are your choices? Whom are your choices for? Not just for yourself.

Choose now whom you will serve, and that choice is going to affect the next generation, and the next generation, and the next.

Choice never affects just one person alone. It goes on and on and the effect goes out into geography and history.

You are part of history and your choices become part of history.

-Edith Schaeffer

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

I love this scripture! In-fact so much so, it is the displayed at my front door so all who enter know…

As for me and my house…We Will Serve the Lord!

Love Lee ♥

Moaning or Growing

Mar8

Frequently you hear people complaining…In the grocery store when it takes longer than expected to get through the checkout, at the gas pumps over the price of gas, at the dinner table when the meal is not to their liking…Gripe… Gripe…Gripe!!!

Constant Belly Aching and Moaning…Reminds me of the Israelites when they fled Egypt and were in the wilderness. God was with them but it seemed no matter what He did they were never satisfied. In-fact…one minute they were praising God and the next minute they were complaining!!! Talk about short-term memory!!!

Aren’t we like that? God does something awesome for us and then at the first sign of adversity we are back to our Belly Aching and Moaning…totally forgetting all He has done for us?

God wants to grow us and build our faith in Him…How can we possibly grow without a challenge? It is through our challenges He is able to reveal Himself to us. It is through these challenges we are so dependent on Him. But rather than complaining we should allow Him to shine like a beacon in our lives!

”Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4(NIV)

Are You Moaning or Growing?

Love Lee ♥

But How Do You Know

Jan12

Recently I was reminded of how not all is as it seems. Just because the clouds are dark and heavy it does not mean the sun is not shining. In fact the sun is shining so bright it is a blinding light. This picture proves my point. At the edge of the clouds…The Sun Is Shining!!!

So things are tough, not enough money, the kids are fighting, no one understands you, jobs got you down, your spouse has left you and you are lonely…Things are gonna get better!!!

I can hear you asking…

But How Do You Know

Well, it is quite simple…God said,

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:3

When it gets too much to bear…

He will CARRY you
He will SUSTAIN you
He will RESCUE you

He’s got this covered…No matter where you are or what is going on! God is still there whether you can see Him or not just as the sun is there…He’s got this!!!