enJOY
My intention with this blog is not to talk every single day about being joyful and in the kitchen; however, my hope is that I convey a joyful life (most of the time…I’m only human, you know!) and how that affects my relationships with my family and friends, and my relationship with food.
For so long I had a love-hate relationship with food: loving it, eating too much, and then hating myself afterwards. It’s been a long road to get to the point that I’m at today, where I appreciate food but try to love myself more. There are two verses in the Bible that have helped me (along with the healing power of God, and the love of my family and friends):
Romans 12:12 “Be JOYFUL in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”
Psalm 45:1 “The king is enthralled with your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”
These two verses taught me two things: to be joyful in life and that I am beautiful. No matter what I think, I AM beautiful. I wanted for so long to just be happy with myself, and honestly it’s something I still have to work on day in and day out. But I am JOYFUL in the hope that one day I will understand my beauty and what God’s will is for my life.
If you are not a believer, I still think that these two verses are pertinent to your life. We all need to have the joy of hope in our hearts, and be thankful for the blessings we do have. We all need to be patient when things are hard, and we all need to know that we are beautiful. I’d love to answer any questions you might have about my faith and how I draw any hope or strength from it.
Love,
Heather
You can read all of my Joyful Kitchen posts using these links:
- The Joyful Kitchen I: A Joyful Introduction
- The Joyful Kitchen II: Joy in Relationships
- The Joyful Kitchen III: Joy in Your Body
- The Joyful Kitchen IV: Joy in Work
- The Joyful Kitchen V: Joy in Food
- The Joyful Kitchen VI: Joy in Exercise
- The Joyful Kitchen VII: Joy in Faith
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Heather!
I just came across your blog and I really love it! I especially love what you have to say here about being joyful in every situation and learning to love God’s creation (yourself!).
I started blogging in March about nutritious food and healthy living in general ( and just started working out to get in shape), and I already feel a difference in my wellbeing. I feel inspired by your blog and I love the emphasis you place here on staying motivated by being hopeful and joyful in the Lord.
I look forward to stopping by your blog often!
-Heba
I love these verses. THey inspire me daily as well! To live joyfully, faithfully, full-heartedly!
The hardest part is loving yourself. But through Him, all things are possible. God doesn’t make junk and if you are patient, your purpose will be revealed. You have such a beautiful spirit Heather…keep on keepin’ on.
I am new to your blog and I am so glad I came across it! I cannot tell you how much I needed to read this today. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It has definiely lent inspiration to mine.
I love the way you expressed your old relationship with food and your new one. My journey with food and myself has been much the same – a continual process of God teaching me joy in who He made me, and getting me to believe it. You wrote that so well!
Just found your blog. Love it! Can’t wait to read more.
Just found your site and I LOVE it! I found it through Healthy Living Blogs. My husband and I’ll be moving to Denver in January and I’ve been on the search for other bloggers, that enjoy health, a faith, and cooking! I’m excited to keep reading!
It’s so beautiful how you acknowledge God’s glory in your life, your blog, and throughout your adventures. Thank you, Heather!
As a fellow believer I find these verses to be very encouraging! Thanks for sharing your story with all of us.
Love your post! God is great!
Hi Heather! I’ve really enjoyed browsing around on your blog! I found you from Julie’s blog, and I’m delighted to have found a fellow believer/blogger. I’ll be sure to come back and visit you often at Heather’s Dish! Thanks for sharing the verses above…
Hello Heather! I am brand new to Blogs, reading them, commenting in them, and, hopefully, starting one of my own. I see your comments on The Pioneer Woman every day, which lead me to your Blog. What a beautiful, strong, presence you are! Thank you for sharing that with all of us, and, I look forward to following your accomplishments!
Lorelei
Ugh! led, not lead! sorry, its early.
I don’t think I’ve ever REALLY read that verse from Romans before. THANK YOU!
I love that I stumbled upon your blog tonight. After I read your above post about joy, it immediately reminded me of the book, “Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard. The character in the book goes through a transformation of sorts and her name is actually changed to include the word Joy. Anyway, it’s an awesome book with a powerful story! God bless in all you do!
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