I shared this quote and some thoughts on my IG today and wanted to share them here, as well.
This is something I've been pondering for years. **Happiness vs. Holiness** I believe it is a man-made theory that has messed us up in such a profound way. Father never said, 'If you're happy, you cannot possibly be holy.' Nor did He say, 'If you're living in holiness, there is no room for happiness'! It's not one or the other. It's BOTH.
✨✨Heaven is happy! God is happy! And guess what, He wants His children to be happy, even while we're still here on this earth!!! What a gift!✨✨
Photo re-post from@randyalcorn_epm. I haven't read Randy Alcorn's new book yet, but I have a feeling I'm going to love it.
May you be blessed in your holiness and your happiness today! He is glorified in both. And what a beautiful picture of heaven we have to give to everyone around us when we live this out. I love learning how to walk in the role of an ambassador of heaven.
Have you read Randy's new book, Happiness, yet? What are your thoughts on it or on this idea that we are to be bright, shining lights of holiness, righteousness, happiness and joy, that we cannot separate them or chose just one?
You guys, I read this story on The Elijah List last week and cannot stop thinking about it (I'll share the story in a minute). I know God's heart is for all people. Every single person ever born or to be born on this planet has incredible, intrinsic value. It was God's idea to create us and it is His love that sustains us. He loves people. We have gotten so far away from His plan and heart when it comes to relationships, in so many ways. Slavery was not His will and plan. Divisiveness in 2016 is not His heart. I could write pages on those issues, but I'm not going to take the time right now, because I want to get to the story. I believe with all my heart that reconciliation is God's heart. Unity and honor and doing life together on equal ground. Those are the things God wants for His precious creation. My family and I watched the Academy Awards last night. We enjoy movies and although we haven't seen even half of the movies nominated or mentioned last night, we are genuinely interested in the lives of the actors and actresses (and producers, composers, designers, musicians, etc.) in those movies. We don't worship them, but we do care deeply about their lives. We have also followed the controversy surrounding the #OscarsSoWhite issue this year. And while I understand that this is a genuine and important issue, I believe it could've been handled differently. I believe there can be healthy, productive conversations. There can be healthy, fruitful dialogue. The divisiveness is not necessary. It's actually harmful and unhealthy. It only adds fuel to the fire and divides our country even further. So, what do these two things have to do with one another? Let's get back to the original reason I'm writing today. I am encouraged, and want you to be encouraged, that God is working. He is weaving us together with people who can bring His Kingdom to this earth and see lives changed. I read this amazing story by Will Ford, as well as this one mentioned in that post. I wept and will probably weep again when I share it with my family. This is Who God is! He is a connector, not a divider. He draws us to Himself, instead of pushing us away. Jesus says "Come." To every single one of us, this is His beautiful, incredible, life-changing invitation. This is a story we need to read. This is a story we need to tell our children. This is a story we need to share with the world, because this is God's story of providence and reconciliation and purpose and love and answered prayer. Please click on the links and read it. This testimony is going to be a catalyst for even more reconciliation and healing. I also found a church service where Will Ford and Matt Lockett share this unforgettable story. You can go HERE to watch.
May we, no matter our skin color or gender or socio-economic status or age or background or experience, join in His Kingdom assignments and see heaven come to earth in a way that we have never seen before. May we all be faithful to press in to our God-ordained purposes and to see those purposes fulfilled for His honor and glory. Blessings and love. xo
{Disclaimer: I received a copy of this product in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my very own. This post contains my affiliate links. Thank you.}
Hello Friend,
I'm sharing a wonderful resource for you today, Homeschool Mama.
Homeschooling is a wonderful, worthwhile pursuit, but many homeschool parents struggle with feelings of burnout and frustration. If you have ever felt this way, you’re not alone! Most of us need to be reminded of the “why” of homeschooling from time to time—but The Unhurried Homeschooler takes parents a step further and lifts the unnecessary burdens that many parents place on themselves.
Drawing on twenty years of homeschooling her eight children, Durenda Wilson gently reminds parents about the things that really matter, as she offers a clear portrait of what a life-giving home life can be during the homeschooling years. Reading The Unhurried Homeschooler is like having coffee with a trusted friend. You’ll be encouraged as you learn to do what God has put before you. This book will lighten your load while helping you learn how to raise life long learners and ENJOY the homeschool years with your kids.
Isn't it fun and so encouraging to read and learn from the home-educating Moms who have gone before us?The Unhurried Homeschooler, by Durenda Wilson, has been a delight to read. I found myself nodding in agreement, page after page. I think you will be blessed and encouraged by her experience and her advice. Don't be burdened by trying to "do school" the way the public school does it or even the way the homeschooling family down the street does it. There is so much freedom in homeschooling. Let Holy Spirit lead you.
Guess what?! Durenda has kindly offered to give away a copy to one of my readers. Woohoo! See the Rafflecopter below to enter. By the way, if you are burned out and discouraged, please feel free to email me {scarlettroyce(at)gmail(dot)(com)}, and I would be honoured to pray for you. We can do this, Mamas! We're in this together. Don't give up. God loves us and has a purpose for our lives and our individual homeschools. He will provide all that we need. Put your hope in Him.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of these books in exchange for my honest review and did not receive any additional compensation. All opinions are my very own.
Home. What comes to mind when you see or hear that word? It will be a myriad of things to each one of us. I have been pondering home a great deal lately, as we prepare to move once again. I've been recollecting all the places we have called "home" throughout our married lives (almost 24 years). I'm strolling back through the addresses, cities, counties, states, provinces and countries where we have chosen a dwelling place, moved in and called it home. There have been many, especially in the past four and a half years. I have taken pleasure in making a home over the years, wherever we are, whether a one bedroom apartment, a hotel room or two, a vacation rental, a large home on 3 acres with plenty of room to spread out or quite a few other varieties. I truly believe in the "bloom where you are planted" idea, but honestly, sometimes it's exhausting to think of all those moves. And in the midst of thinking about packing boxes one more time, I'm wondering what semblance of home have I managed to salvage in so much transition? When I was recently invited to be a part Sally and Sarah Clarkson's launch team for their newest book, The Lifegiving Home: Creating A Place of Belonging and Becoming, I knew it would be right up my alley. Sally has long been a favourite author of mine. I have read the majority of her books, and I have followed her blog for many years (back when it was "I Take Joy"). I have met her and had the honour of hearing her speak several years ago at a conference in Canada. What I didn't realize was how much The Lifegiving Home would speak to my heart and remind me of all the things I have treasured and hoped to create in the haven I call my home. I love that Sally and Sarah, Sally's oldest child, collaborated on this project. They have done such a splendid job bringing their family culture to life on these pages. Even if you have never heard of Sally or read any of her previous books, you will know her beautiful heart through this book. And let me tell you how fun it is to hear from Sarah! She is an incredible author (don't miss her others books, too) and has such a poetic way with words. It is absolutely delightful to read words from both of them in one place.
Sally Clarkson is co-founder of Whole Heart Ministries (with her husband, Clay) and serves as its women’s ministry director. She’s the author of many popular books, including Own Your Life and Desperate (with Sarah Mae). As a mother of four, she has inspired thousands of mothers since 1998 through her Mom Heart Conferences and small groups.
Sarah Clarkson is author of two books on children’s literature, as well as a book of devotional stories and meditations for young women. She currently hails from Oxford, England, where she is studying theology.
As I've read through this inspirational book, chock-full of stories, experiences, preferences, ideas and ideals, I have been deeply strengthened as well as challenged, once again, to put my hands to the plow. I've realized how the difficulties of the past four, really almost five, years have affected me, and how much I needed a renewed vision for our Royce Family Culture.
These next photos have been a helpful reminder of what our home has been and can be, in even greater proportions . . . a place of welcome . . . a place of beauty . . . a place of celebration . . . a place where God's Presence dwells . . . a place of coziness . . . a place of belonging, just to name a few.
This quote from Sally puts it succinctly and gives me a place to recommence.
I also took time to ask my children what they think of when I say the word "home," especially as it relates to our specific family. This is the list they gave me: Safety Cookies Yellow (We've lived in two yellow houses.) Cleanliness Candles Home church/fellowship nights Table spread with food Music Warmth Celebration Food Light I have a few more words that I hope they will add in over the years, but for now, I think that was a pretty good foundation. I have new vision and even an excitement after spending time praying and dreaming about a new home. I know it will be a place of safety and refuge, of hope and healing, of love and laughter, as well as a place to rest and be renewed.
I join my voice with Sarah's, as we both seek Father God for ways to bring joy, refreshment and life, as I have the honour of opening my current home and the future new home to family, friends and strangers alike.
Blessings and love. xo P.S. As you can see, I highly recommend this book for anyone who has the honour of making a home. Go now to buy The Lifegiving Home and The Lifegiving Home Experience today! Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. There is no additional charge to you to use these links, and I make a small commission. Thank you.
Ava (age 10) and I have recently had the opportunity to review this new devotion for children, The Plans I Have For You by Amy Parker, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
About The Plans I Have For You Devotional:
The devotional is an illustrated 90-day devotional written by bestselling children's book author Amy Parker and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, teaching and inspiring kids to dream about their future, to focus on faith, love, and joy, and recognize that God has a plan and purpose for each and every one of us.
Hardcover; 160 pages
Age Range: 8-12 years
About The Plans I Have For You Journal:
The journal prompts creative thinking and exploration of the talents and personalities that make us special, and then helps explore how God may use our unique traits to spread love and joy and make the world a better place.
Stationery; 208 pages
Age Range: 11-14 years
About author Amy Parker:
Amy Parker has sold more than thirty books for children, teens, and adults. She has also collaborated with authors ranging from New York Times bestsellers to her very own son. Two of these collaborations are recipients of Christian retailing's Best Awards, and she has also won three Mom's Choice Awards. But Amy's greatest reward is being a wife to Daniel and a mom to their amazing sons, Michael and Ethan.
About illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton:
Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter. Her passion for children's books began when she came across The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats as a child in the 1960s. Growing up in a musical family who love to sing, Vanessa's illustrations are as fun and whimsical as a beautiful melody. Vanessa currently makes her nest in Charlotte, NC with her husband of 20 years, their daughter, and a very rambunctious cat named Stripes.
Our thoughts:
Ava has been reading this sweet devotional every day. I write it on her school work assignment page so she doesn't forget. She has been very happy to read the daily, usually one but sometimes two or three page, encouragements. She is a follower of Jesus and likes to read Scripture and devotionals to help her grow in her relationship with Him. There are six sections or 'sectors' as Amy calls them. Here are the sector titles: * I've Got Big Plans For YOU! * I've Given YOU A Purpose * I Don't Do Things Small * There's Nothing YOU Can't Do * Find That ONE Thing * What I Created YOU To Do Each of the 90-day devotions is brief, full of truth and colourful. I love how this book is full of colour! Vanessa's illustrations are whimsical, warm and appealing. I am certainly looking up her other work. The devotional is recommended for ages 8-12, and the journal is recommended for ages 11-14. Ava will be 11 soon, but we decided to save the journal for the summer. She will be able to take more time to think about the proposed thoughts and suggestions on each page and write her thoughts accordingly. I'm sure she will enjoy it, as well. We recommend both of these books and have the pleasure of giving a set away! See below.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older.
I have a fun giveaway to share with you today! Many of you already know of Passion and Six Step's Records, and this is their latest recording, Salvation's Tide Is Rising. Check out the specs below and then enter to win a copy of the CD in the Rafflecopter below.
About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:
This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill. It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016. Release Date is January 29, 2016.
Track List:
1. Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
2. My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder
3. Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker and Melodie Malone
4. God and God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin
6. I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman
7. Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels
8. All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder
9. Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity
10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
About Passion albums:
Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City". Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5.
About The Passion Movement:
The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God. From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others. Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”
Hi Friend, Happy 2016! Isn't it always thrilling to start something fresh and new?! I love getting my new calendar for dreaming and planning and praying about the adventures ahead. All those stark white squares just waiting to be filled up with coloured ink and pencil. I'm ready to write in my new Polestar Family Calendar (my fave for the past eight years!), and one of the categories I am including this year is care for myself. Over the past six months or so, Bob and I have been talking about how much we have not taken care of ourselves over the years. It's a tough confession to make. It stinks. We had really taken on this poverty mentality as Christians, and especially in ministry. We didn't even realize it for many years. Or I guess we thought that was how we were suppose to think as ministers and missionaries. Serve, serve, serve. Deny yourself. Keep giving. It was wrong, and we have confessed, repented and are breaking free from that twisted mentality. Thank You, Jesus. One of the ways I have personally not taken care of myself is in the realm of exercise. Especially since we had to move out of our previous house so suddenly and moved into this one, I have let exercise and self-care fly right out the window. This year, I'm committed to taking it back. I'll be sharing Monday about how I plan to get in shape. It's a fantastic program. I love the simplicity and look forward to sharing it with you! I'll also be coming back with updates on what I am doing, not only physically, but mentally, spiritually and emotionally to take care of me. And if you have realized you need a little more self-care in your own life, I hope you'll join me on this journey in 2016. I know that if I take care of myself in a more healthy and wholesome way, I will be a better person - wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and neighbour. I cannot wait! Blessings and love. xo
Hello! As I shared on Instagram a few days ago, I have made a HUGE exception to my no-Christmas-music-until-after-Thanksgiving rule for a review and giveaway of MercyMe, It's Christmas! And I can't think of a better CD to make this exception for!
I don't think MercyMe needs any introduction to my wonderful readers, but just in case you are not familiar with them, they are a contemporary Christian band that has been delivering meaningful music for two decades. I have followed them from the very beginning, in a big sisterly kind of way - as I grew up with the lead singer, Bart Millard. Even if you haven't heard of them, I can almost guarantee you have heard their hit song, "I Can Only Imagine", whether in church, on the radio, in a restaurant or even the grocery store. This is MercyMe's second Christmas album, the first one called The Christmas Sessions. It's been a decade since the first one was released, so I was thrilled to learn of this new one.
I knew I was going to LOVE It's Christmas when the first word I heard was 'Hallelujah' from the new song, "Newborn"! What a beautiful song of adoration to our King and an invitation to be born anew in Him. I love all the songs and can't pick a favourite. There is something for everyone on this album, from pop to country, ballads to upbeat, traditional to brand new tunes, all with that fabulous MercyMe style! We'll be listening to this one over and over from now through Christmas! Check out the song list . . .
Songs:
1. Newborn
2. Christmastime Again
3. Sleigh Ride
4. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
5. Hold On Christmas
6. A Holly Jolly Christmas
7. Go Tell It On The Mountain
8. Do You Hear What I Hear
9. Our Lullaby
10. Joy
11. O Come, O Come
12. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)
13. O Holy Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)
14. Silent Night (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)
15. Joseph’s Lullaby (Exclusive Bonus Track for Pizza Ranch)
Mercy Me, It’s Christmas CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch. Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax. Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states. "We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.”
About Pizza Ranch:
Cultivating its mission “To give every guest a legendary experience” since its inception in 1981, Pizza Ranch connects with its communities in a way that provides bridges for friends, family and colleagues to come together. Today, Pizza Ranch is based in Orange City, Iowa and owns, operates and franchises over 190 locations in 13 states. Consistent growth has been a Pizza Ranch staple, as the brand has become a beacon of community involvement and exceptional food. The Pizza Ranch buffet features legendary pizzas, salads and desserts, and is delivered with an unmatched service quality. “We are extremely blessed to have a very close connection with our guests,” said Adrie Groeneweg, co-founder and president of Pizza Ranch. “This project extends the brand’s essence to a new dimension beyond our four walls and into their lives. It’s a new kind of way for us to relate to our loyal fans.”
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Open to residents of USA and Canada, age 18 or older.
Hello, Lovelies! I have a head cold (boo!), but I'm using my favourite home remedies and essential oils and am feeling a bit better than yesterday. I'm sure I'll be back to my healthy self in a day or two. I'm happy that it's the weekend! You, too? This time of year brings cravings for those familiar and favourite traditional foods and goodies we have enjoyed year after year. One thing I plan to make this weekend is The Original Chex Party Mix (This "original" recipe says to use the microwave, but my original recipe uses the oven.). Do you make Chex Mix in your family? My mom made this when I was growing up, so it's been a tradition for a long time. We usually start making it in November, a week or two before Thanksgiving, and make many batches over the holidays. Yum! Another favourite we enjoy this time of year is this delicious Spiced Pumpkin Bread (or Muffins) recipe! Here are some of my favourite deals going on today:
If you missed out on buying those Palazzo Pants you had your eye on in the summer, here's your chance to grab some! You'll save 51%! I love the colour choices.
BOGO Free Rustic Christmas Festives - you get two for only $5.95! I came across these two articles this week. They both invite me to learn more about cultures that embrace winter and make the most of the darker, colder months. I learned some of this while living in Canada. When there are weeks and months of snow on the ground, one really cannot expect to hunker down for the entire time and hibernate. It wouldn't be healthy. While we lived there, we learned to make the most of the snow - unless it was 40 below, of course. Brrr! Virginia has proven herself quite cold, as well, so it was good to read these articles before the cold weather hits once again. Join me in lighting some candles, getting the blankets laundered and stacked nearby, having a good supply of hot cocoa and tea on hand, and making our homes places that embrace and celebrate winter! The Norwegian Secret To Enjoying A Long Winter Hygge: A Heart-Warming Lesson From Denmark
In case you missed it, HERE is my post on our favourite Advent books! Currently, I'm reading Identity Thief: Exposing Satan's Plan to Steal Your Purpose, Passion and Power by Robby Dawkins. So far, I don't want to put it down! I'll post my review next week. And coming tomorrow, another favourite - this one is all about Christmas! Click HERE to get a sneak peek! {ETA: Out of respect and honour for the Parisians who are suffering after the heartbreaking occurrences there last night, I am holding off on posting the giveaway until Monday. Thanks for your understanding.}
Do you have any favourite things to share this week? I'd love to hear about them. Blessings and love. xo Disclaimer: This post contains my affiliate links. This means that when you choose to purchase through these links, there is no additional cost to you, and I make a small commission. Thank you!
