• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • BECOME A MEMBER: >> The Homemaker’s Circle – Just $7.00!! <<

A Virtuous Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministry

Purpose not Perfection | Faith, Home, & Family

  • The Blog
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • The Blog
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Free Quick Start Guide
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies
How to Find Joy in the Everyday @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Find Joy in the Everyday

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

It can be easy to lose sight of what’s really important and having gratitude when life seems hard isn’t the easiest thing! Today I’m talking about how to find joy in the everyday moments.

How to Find Joy in the Everyday @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Updated: July 19, 2019

Sometimes as women we think that doing it all is what it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman. But the truth is, being a Proverbs 31 Woman has nothing to do with your “to do list.” And it has everything to do with your walk with Christ.

How to Find Joy in the Everyday

Last year, I decided to choose one word to focus on for the year. My One Word was JOY. I prayerfully asked God to give me joy again because I felt like I had lost my joy as a wife and mother and a child of God.

And you know what? God was so faithful! Twelve months later I have found my joy again. I don’t stress over things as much as I used to. I don’t feel weighted down by circumstances out of my control {even though they still exist}. I notice the simple blessings in each day and it’s has helped me find joy where before I couldn’t.

God answers prayer!

3 Ways to Find Joy in the Everyday

1. Slow Down

I slowed down.  I started to saying “no” more than I said yes. I realized there were limitations on what I was able to do and do well. It really isn’t possible to do it all. But it is possible to find joy when you take time to breathe, laugh, and be present in this moment.

Repeat after me: I cannot do it all.

2. Document the Everyday

I began documenting the everyday. Those little moments that brought me joy. I did this with Instagram and with my new Project Life album. I also documented sad things that happened, but I soon realized that my everyday joys far outweighed the sorrows. It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you’re counting your blessings! Now I find joy in even the simple moments.

3. I am NOT Super Woman

I accepted the fact that I am not Super Woman. It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to need a break. It’s okay to say you’re tired. And it’s okay to insist that your friends and family respect your time and need for downtime. This was the hardest part for me, but setting healthy boundaries in my relationships at home, with extended family, and at church and in the community has really made a huge difference in my life.

If you are feeling like you’ve lost your JOY, I want you to know you can find it again. I don’t know the exact circumstances you are facing. I don’t know what trials are giving you grief. But I do know that God loves you so very much.

Action Steps to Take Today

  1. Do a topical Bible study on the word JOY. You can use a concordanceuse a concordance to help you find all of the verses that contain joy in them.
  2. Pray and ask God to help you find joy in the everyday moments.
  3. Download my free Daily Gratitude Journal below.
  4. Write down three things you are thankful for.

Free Printable Daily Gratitude Journal

FREE! This is My Blessed Life - Gratitude Journal Page for use with This is My Life Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #planners #freeprintables

How to Download

  1. Follow me on Instagram if you can. Or Pinterest. Thanks!
  2. Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email with the link to download your free printable prayer journal page from my exclusive resource library for subscribers only!
  3. You’ll also receive helpful emails and updates from me on a regular basis!

Have you lost your joy? What are you thankful for today?

RESOURCE LIBRARY

Join A Virtuous Woman's community of over 21,000 women where you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose and get Instant Access to my growing library of Free Printable Resources!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We promise, no spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit
Tweet
Share14
Pin575
Share
589 Shares

About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

Read Through the Gospels in 40 Days Checklist @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Read Through the Gospels in 40 Days + Free Printable Checklist

Free Printable Spring Gratitude Journal @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Free Printable Spring Gratitude Journal | 7 Pages

Do you show your husband gratitude? @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Heart of Her Husband: Day 5

Are you a home MAKER? @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Heart of Her Husband: Day 3

Do you pray for your husband? @ AVirtuousWoman.org

The Heart of Her Husband: Day 2

Do you respect your husband? {The Heart of Her Husband Series} | A Virtuous Woman #marriage

The Heart of Her Husband: Day 1

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do @ AVirtuousWoman.org

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do | 8 Simple Exercises

Bible

Good Habits | 5 Habits to Develop Like the Proverbs 31 Woman

10 Virtuous Women in the Bible @ AVirtuousWoman.org

9 Virtuous Women of the Bible

25 Names of Jesus Advent Cards @ AVirtuousWoman.org

25 Names of Jesus | Free Printable Scripture Advent Cards

Teaching Kids to Be More Thankful @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Teaching Children to be More Thankful

Getting in God's Word | Study the Word Worksheets @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Getting in God’s Word | 4 Simple Steps

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Join the 7 Day Challenge

Previous Post: «How to Find Peace Today @ AVirtuousWoman.org How to Find Peace Today
Next Post: Creating a Morning Ritual | Simple Morning Rituals Creating a Morning Ritual @ AVirtuousWoman.org»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan M

    January 3, 2014 at 9:27 am

    Think you so much for the Blessed Life page! I am really enjoying and benefitting from your calm series!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 3, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Susan, you are so welcome. Thank you for visiting with me. I hope you have a blessed, joy-filled day.
      Reply
  2. Elizabeth

    January 3, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Thank you so much for this page! I am enjoying the planner and PL planner! I haven't felt overwhelmed even with my cold today!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 3, 2014 at 11:33 am

      Elizabeth, praise the LORD. I'm so glad to hear that. I've had a cold the last few days too. So sorry to hear you're sick - hope you feel better soon, but that's great things are running smoothly. I hope you continue to enjoy the planners! God bless you and Happy New Year!
      Reply
  3. Cas

    January 3, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    I'm SO excited about the journal page and the series. The Lord is really speaking to me lately about being more content with life and finding joy. :) Thank you!!!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 3, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      Hi Cas, You are so welcome. I'm so glad you like them. I hope you enjoy the printable and find more joy! Thanks for visiting with me. :)
      Reply
      • cas

        February 12, 2014 at 7:57 pm

        I ran out of these (I only printed a few weeks worth) and paniced when I couldn't find the file. LOL I LOVE this page! It's one of my favorite My Life pages!
      • Melissa Ringstaff

        February 12, 2014 at 8:05 pm

        Cas, I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying the page! Thanks for sharing. :)
  4. angie

    January 5, 2014 at 11:03 am

    I just discovered you . I needed a outlet like this one. Love it. I chose joy to be my word this year. God is sooooo good!!!!!!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 5, 2014 at 11:25 am

      Hi Angie! I'm so glad you stopped by today and hope you will come back often to visit with me. You are so right. God is good! May you find joy abundantly this year. God bless you!
      Reply
  5. Kuda

    January 5, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Very helpful advise Melissa! Enjoyed reading and will definitely put it into use.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      January 5, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Hi Kuda! It's so nice to hear from you. How's California?
      Reply
  6. Olivia

    September 30, 2014 at 12:26 pm

    Hi Melissa, Thanks so much for sharing this post! It was just what I needed. I have been feeling burnt out lately, and these tips are so helpful! I'll be coming back to keep reading! Olivia (www.vickiandlivi.com)
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      September 30, 2014 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Olivia! I'm so glad you were blessed today. I do hope to see you soon! Thanks for visiting. :)
      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Quick & Easy Gratitude Journals - Successful Homemakers says:
    November 12, 2014 at 1:30 am
    […] Colorful Printable Gratitude Page by Week […]
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

Footer

How to Study the Bible

  • Bible Study Methods
  • Does the Bible Interpret Itself?
  • Reading the Bible for Beginners
  • How to Start Reading the Bible Daily
  • The SOAP Bible Study Method

Helpful Links

  • The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman
  • The Art of Homemaking
  • From Chaos to Calm: 75 Day Series
  • When You Feel Unlovable
  • Perfection is NOT Required | How to Let Go of Perfectionism

A Simple Guide to Proverbs 31 Explained for Modern Women @ AVirtuouswoman.org

  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Subscribe
  • Resource Library Login
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies

Site Footer

Free Proverbs 31 Bible Study Guide for Modern Day Women

Get instant access to my free Bible study guide on the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

 

purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
*
*
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
*
*
*
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
⠀
A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
⠀
But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
⠀
☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
⠀
Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
⠀
There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
⠀
Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
⠀
The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
⠀
He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
* ⠀
⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
⠀
But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
⠀
⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
⠀
✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
⠀
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
⠀
In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
⠀
📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
⠀
📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
Load More... Follow Me on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 A Virtuous Woman · All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT