Hey everyone! So glad you're joining me for week three of this series. Can you all believe that it's been three weeks since we've started? It's crazy how fast time flies. Tonight I wanted to discuss having a home that is filled with joy. With all of the negativity that surrounds us on a daily basis, it can be easy to bring that same negative attitude into the home. However, we can have homes that are filled with complete, crazy joy.
One way I like to create joy in my home is by filling it with lovely scents. I love to bake and for me it is a huge stress relief. Not to mention the way it makes my home smell. Besides, who doesn't like to walk into a home that is filled with the smell of fresh baked cookies or bread? Just the other night I made my first pumpkin roll, and while it didn't turn out to be the prettiest thing I've ever made, it tasted great and the appearance had Jeff and I rolling in laughter. Take a look for yourself...
See what I mean? It fell apart and stuck to the towel. But hey, it was a learning experience and I learned that next time I need to pour less of the batter onto the cookie sheet. I'll be making another around Thanksgiving and hopefully the presentation will be much better. I'll let you know. I would highly suggest making this if you are a pumpkin fan, plus it was super easy. Click here for the recipe.
As homemakers our goal should not be perfection. At times, we are going to bake pumpkin rolls that fall apart, have windows that are streaked, and craft projects that are a total flop. The key is learning to laugh at ourselves and learning to extend grace to ourselves. After all, what better way to spread joy in the home than filling it with laughter. Which brings me to my second point...
Laugh. together. often. Bring back family game night. Watch a funny movie. Have a pillow fight. Whatever it may be for your family, just enjoy the quality time together and laugh until you cry.
Lastly, I was thinking about the song we used to sing in Sunday school that went a little something like this...J.O.Y., J.O.Y., this is what it means..Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between. I began to think about the truth in this song in terms of keeping Jesus at the forefront, and putting others needs before your own. Again, just as we talked about last week, serving can be a source of joy. After all, Jesus, the Son of God, did not come to be served but to serve. (Mark 10:45) Let's look to His example of showing unconditional love to the members of our family, and see if our homes are not filled with joy overflowing in the process.
Your harvest table looks lovely and I am sure your pumpkin roll tasted wonderful while it gave a warm and welcoming scent to your home. I am now a follower of your blog and look forward to return visits. I invite you to join me as well on my blog at http://atastefultouch.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHugs, Gayle.
Thank goodness it's not about perfection, or I'd be in trouble, lol. So thankful not to live in the June Cleaver era. I'd not survive :)
ReplyDeleteI love your message. You are wise beyond your years. I found you on Katherine's Corner. My post was #153, just below yours. You might also like my post on homemaking:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thelostapron.com/2012/10/homemaking-is-a-privilege.html
I love your fall arrangement. Just beautiful. I admit I laughed at your pumpkin roll--but only because I have so had some do the same thing. I make several during the season, some for gifts and some for us (we always eat the "mistakes") I put a maple glaze on top and you'd be surprised how much "ugly" they cover! I do take myself too seriously sometimes but I'm learning!
ReplyDeleteNice post.
ReplyDeleteI have to laugh... The last pumpkin roll I made looked just like yours! Oh, but it tasted really good. Thanks for this post. It put a smile on my face!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower via Intentional.Me and would love to invite you to visit!
Mary @ Woman to Woman
www.marywomantowoman.blogspot.com
Nice post! I can almost smell the cinnamon...
ReplyDeleteI have a pumpkin roll recipe I haven't made in years. You inspire me to dig it up and try it again!
--Jan
Beautiful post! It's great when people can laugh together. It doesn't always have to be "perfect". :)
ReplyDeleteLaughter is such good medicine, and joy is -- well -- joyful. Thank you for sharing this delightful post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
It is important to laugh, especially at yourself. I give you kudos for your pumpkin roll. I haven't made one since highschool. You have inspired me to make one this week.
ReplyDeleteoh darn. At least you were laughing. Thank you for joining in the fun at the Thursday Favorite Things hop. Happy weekend wishes xo
ReplyDeleteLove this perspective on imperfection! We all could use reminding to slow down and enjoy all the imperfection around us! Love and Blessings..Nicole at Seven Flowers!
ReplyDeleteI love your pumpkin roll! And thanks for the reminder that it's not about perfection.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteLovely post. I love wanting to fill my home with joy too. My husband and I love sharing a laugh, and we prescribe it everyday. Joy is such a wonderful gift from our heavenly Father.
Love it. Life is so much easier when we can laugh at ourselves, keep our eyes open for the joyful moments and live with an attitude of praise. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel there is so much pressure to be the perfect home maker (i.e. be able to cook, clean and look amazing), but I think you are far more on the mark with your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining up with the Almost Friday Thursday Blog Hop. We would love to have you back again this week :)
Samara
www.thesecretlifeofsamara.com
Laughter is such a wonderful pill, isn't it? And I think your pumpkin roll looks amazing! That's something I've never tried to make. Looks tricky. But good. You are brave to try again. You'll have to post a photo of the next one!
ReplyDelete