The Happiest Man On Earth
The Happiest Man on Earth is more than a memoir, it’s a reminder to all of us that there is always beauty to be found in life.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
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BOOK REVIEWS
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BLOG
Dive into the Word of God and read what the Father is revealing to me! It’s inspiring to watch the Bible come to life! Click Here
ADVENTURES IN ISRAEL
Is the Holy Land on your bucket list? Join me on my adventures as I explore, experience, and enjoy the land of Israel! Click Here
As we begin preparing for the Passover Seder and Feast of Unleavened Bread, now is the perfect time to reflect on who our Passover lamb is and how His sacrifice continues to affect our lives today! Each year, we clean the leaven out of our homes, but what about the leaven in our hearts?
In Luke 23:39-43, we read about the two criminals crucified next to Yeshua. One of them spits insults, mocking Yeshua and holding onto the leaven (sin) in his heart, while the other humbles himself before the King of Kings. Instead of begging Yeshua to save him, the criminal confesses, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Yeshua, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (vs.41-42)
I don’t know about you, but this passage is an excellent reminder that we are the ones who should’ve died that day on the cross, not Yeshua. Yet, despite our sins, mistakes, and rebellion, He saved us and wants to restore our lives to bring glory to His kingdom! No matter what you’ve done, it’s never too late to turn back to Yeshua and be forgiven!
So, rather than going into the Spring Feasts focused on the cleaning, food, celebrations, or getting time off work, I’m going to reflect on the significance of the feasts and press in to what the Lord is saying.
Many of us are going through the motions of observing the feasts, but God watches our hearts and sees the fruit we are producing. Are we humbling ourselves and doing these things in honor of the Messiah who sacrificed His life for us, or are we merely dressing up and pretending to be His sheep?
Yeshua, thank you for being our Passover lamb and revealing the leaven in our hearts. Forgive us for our sins and wash us in your blood so we can draw close and have a personal relationship with you! Use this week to open our eyes to your truth, love, and restoration. We are the true sinners, but you see us as worthy of being saved! Thank you for your goodness and faithfulness! We praise your mighty name and rejoice that you are ALIVE and among us today! AMEN!
How often do we question the voice in our head when it tells us to do something? Let me rephrase that... How often do we hide away when the Holy Spirit asks us to do something outside our comfort zones?
As followers of the Messiah, we are called to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit and put our faith in the One who saved us, but when it comes to doing something new or hard, we tend to panic. We let go of our trust and return to our old ways of fear and doubt. So, how do we stop allowing our flesh to dictate what the Spirit calls us to do?
I believe that the answer requires a long look at our hearts. Are we still out to serve ourselves, or are our lives about serving others? Do we not believe that the Lord will protect us and knows why He's telling us to do each task?
Today, many believers are trapped in the 'I'll bless you so I will be blessed' movement, but that's not true servanthood. The Father wants to lead us in His ways, counseling us with His Word as a tool to strengthen our faith, but are we ready for what that might entail?
This week, I really pressed in to what the Holy Spirit has been saying to me. While it can feel taboo to differentiate between our spirit and flesh, there's nothing better than obeying the Father and watching His plans come together. Seeing the fruit of our actions and blessing Yeshua while we serve others is a reminder that God has His eye on us and wants to use us in His Kingdom if we'd only have the faith to free-dive into the unknown!
“So often we say we are willing to do what God asks, but when push come to shove, we reason away the inconvenience. When we do this, we not only miss out on a great blessing but may rob someone of theirs.” ~ Corrie ten Boom
At the beginning of February, I was reading through the 40-day devotional, God is My Hiding Place, and resonated with what Corrie ten Boom wrote:
“I know there are moments when you lose courage. You feel like a prisoner and that you don’t exist in the eyes of the people around you, in the eyes of God or in your own eyes. But Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” If you will believe that, you will know that there is Someone who is still interested in you. Jesus cares about you—not as a number but as a person.” ~ Corrie ten Boom
No one knows the struggle between faith and lies more than Corrie ten Boom. The more I learn about her life, I am reminded of how great our God is and how important it is to put our trust in Him, finding shelter under His wings. We are NEVER alone! Even in our darkest moments, He is with us! So, whether you feel like Luisa Madrigal in Encanto — believing that it’s up to you to carry the weight of your life along with those around you — or Bruno — alone and misunderstood — I want to encourage you to lay your burdens at Yeshua’s feet and allow the peace of God to wash over you. We aren’t promised tomorrow, but we can go to sleep tonight with the faith that God’s got His hand covering us in protection, His ears attentive to our prayers, and His eyes watching everything to give us guidance on the way we should go! Don’t give up! Find rest in the Father; He is the greatest comforter and protector, especially when we’re weary. 💙 Lila Tov
Any illness feels torturous when you’re in the midst of the storm, but it’s the recovery that is the most mentally trying. When you’re at the crossroads of being well but still feeling drained, that’s when your mind begins to experience a swarm of emotions and thoughts, sending you into a spiral that can be more damaging than the illness itself. Unfortunately, I have yet to master how to remain standing when a tornado rips through my life; thankfully, I have friends who point me back to the only One who can restore the sanity that was lost in the darkness.
Last month (January), as I recovered from covid/laryngitis, I struggled to find joy as I acknowledged that I wouldn’t reach the goals I had set for myself. Stung from all of the doors that had closed in my face after feeling on such a high, it was difficult to focus on the Lord and count the blessings around me as the days ticked by and my energy still lagged. Nevertheless, amid the darkness, there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that only grew brighter after a friend sent me Psalm 94:19.
When we feel discouraged or like every door is slamming in our faces, God is there to remind us that the sun will shine again. There is a purpose in these setbacks, and though we might fall, that doesn’t mean we can’t get back up or find joy and hope amidst our circumstances. And, guess what else? We don’t have to navigate through the pain alone! God is right there with us, even when we don’t feel Him. He is listening and knows exactly what our tears are for. So, this month, lay your worries, anxiety, and burdens at the feet of the Father, and accept the consolation, love, and hope God wants to give in exchange. He is a good Father and will never forsake us or leave us defenseless — especially when we’re struggling to grasp onto the light!
Do you feel like you have to prove yourself worthy of the gift of salvation?
The other morning, I was reading God is My Hiding Place — an excellent devotional inspired by the writings of Corrie ten Boom — and was convicted that I’d been treating the work God has given me as a way to gain His acceptance and approval. However, as I meditated on Ephesians 2:8-9, I was reminded that while it is great to strive to fulfill the calling God has placed on our hearts, we shouldn’t be doing it to prove ourselves worthy because God has already chosen us and the credit belongs only to Him!
Do you know that the Lord called you by name and paved the way for you before you were conceived?! While many people claim that we are unworthy of Yeshua’s sacrifice, I’d like to take a different approach. Yes, it is true that we are sinners and do not deserve all that the Father does for us; but, do you really believe that if God didn’t think we were worth saving that He would’ve sent Yeshua to die for us OR leave the multitude to bring us back when we go astray? While we might see ourselves as unworthy of being rescued, loved, forgiven, and redeemed, I can assure you that God has not thought these things for a single moment!
“When we resign ourselves to the truth that we are His children, it becomes easier to enjoy the freedom of our salvation. We no longer fearfully strive to please the Lord, and living for Him becomes effortless, as long as we remember who we are. Peace will rule our hearts when we believe that His Word is true.” ~ Corrie ten Boom (God is My Hiding Place)
The Bible says that faith without works is dead — and this is true — but notice that faith must come FIRST before we can work to bring glory to God! We have not done anything (nor is there anything we can do) to gain the gift of salvation; it is a free gift that God gives us to bring honor to Himself. However, this gift is not meant to be left unwrapped on a shelf like an ornament; it’s to be opened, utilized, and actively worn!
So, as we walk into this new week, let’s look at how we can bring honor and praise to the One who brought us out of slavery and into a life of freedom rather than working ourselves ragged trying to gain what has already been given. The glory belongs solely to the Father! There is nothing we can do to be less or greater than; all we can do is strive to live for the Messiah, using our precious time on this earth to tell others about this incredible gift, and be set free from the burden of trying to measure up!
“Our sins, our bad choices, perhaps they coat us like mud. But the mud cannot take away the value He instilled in us. Mud does not make a pearl any less valuable. If it did, then why would Jesus have deemed us worthy of the sacrifice of His life? But He loves us, as does the Father. Because we are valuable.” ~ Roseanne M. White (To Treasure an Heiress)
Do you feel like you have to prove yourself worthy of the gift of salvation?
The other morning, I was reading God is My Hiding Place — an excellent devotional inspired by the writings of Corrie ten Boom — and was convicted that I’d been treating the work God has given me as a way to gain His acceptance and approval. However, as I meditated on Ephesians 2:8-9, I was reminded that while it is great to strive to fulfill the calling God has placed on our hearts, we shouldn’t be doing it to prove ourselves worthy because God has already chosen us and the credit belongs only to Him!
Do you know that the Lord called you by name and paved the way for you before you were conceived?! While many people claim that we are unworthy of Yeshua’s sacrifice, I’d like to take a different approach. Yes, it is true that we are sinners and do not deserve all that the Father does for us; but, do you really believe that if God didn’t think we were worth saving that He would’ve sent Yeshua to die for us OR leave the multitude to bring us back when we go astray? While we might see ourselves as unworthy of being rescued, loved, forgiven, and redeemed, I can assure you that God has not thought these things for a single moment!
“When we resign ourselves to the truth that we are His children, it becomes easier to enjoy the freedom of our salvation. We no longer fearfully strive to please the Lord, and living for Him becomes effortless, as long as we remember who we are. Peace will rule our hearts when we believe that His Word is true.” ~ Corrie ten Boom (God is My Hiding Place)
The Bible says that faith without works is dead — and this is true — but notice that faith must come FIRST before we can work to bring glory to God! We have not done anything (nor is there anything we can do) to gain the gift of salvation; it is a free gift that God gives us to bring honor to Himself. However, this gift is not meant to be left unwrapped on a shelf like an ornament; it’s to be opened, utilized, and actively worn!
So, as we walk into this new week, let’s look at how we can bring honor and praise to the One who brought us out of slavery and into a life of freedom rather than working ourselves ragged trying to gain what has already been given. The glory belongs solely to the Father! There is nothing we can do to be less or greater than; all we can do is strive to live for the Messiah, using our precious time on this earth to tell others about this incredible gift, and be set free from the burden of trying to measure up!
“Our sins, our bad choices, perhaps they coat us like mud. But the mud cannot take away the value He instilled in us. Mud does not make a pearl any less valuable. If it did, then why would Jesus have deemed us worthy of the sacrifice of His life? But He loves us, as does the Father. Because we are valuable.” ~ Roseanne M. White (To Treasure an Heiress)
Are you patient? It’s one thing to wait for an event or activity that already has a date and has been planned, but it’s entirely different to practice self-control and patience when it comes to waiting on God’s guidance and walking in His timing rather than your own.
I am not the most patient person. I much prefer being surprised so I don’t have time to think because I’m an over-thinker and will analyze something until it becomes all-consuming. Rather than waiting or letting things reveal themselves, I want to know it right then and there. It’s a little funny to describe myself like this when my life is full of unknowns and waiting. I’m regularly asking God to show me what’s next, but despite needing to patiently wait on Him, I am content to live each day in the dark of what tomorrow might bring. However, that said, when it comes to something being so close but just out of reach, I can be like a lion pacing in a cage.
There is a level of surrender and trust we all must reach in our relationships with God. He holds all the answers and knows exactly what we need, but it’s only in His timing that these things will happen. Our job is to trust in Him and continue to obey His commands as we walk forward, leaving the timing up to Him. By praying about specific things and seeking wisdom, we operate less in our flesh and more in the spiritual. That’s easier said than done, though, isn’t it? That’s where self-control and patient endurance come in.
What are you praying and seeking God for right now? Are you growing impatient by the lack of answer or action?
Hold steady; there are things going on behind the scenes that you don’t know about. Take action too soon, and you might be in the wrong timing; too late, and you might miss what God has in store altogether. Be prepared, wait on God’s call, seek Him, and leave the timing to Him! God is all-knowing and will give you the green light when the moment is right!
Are you patient? It’s one thing to wait for an event or activity that already has a date and has been planned, but it’s entirely different to practice self-control and patience when it comes to waiting on God’s guidance and walking in His timing rather than your own.
I am not the most patient person. I much prefer being surprised so I don’t have time to think because I’m an over-thinker and will analyze something until it becomes all-consuming. Rather than waiting or letting things reveal themselves, I want to know it right then and there. It’s a little funny to describe myself like this when my life is full of unknowns and waiting. I’m regularly asking God to show me what’s next, but despite needing to patiently wait on Him, I am content to live each day in the dark of what tomorrow might bring. However, that said, when it comes to something being so close but just out of reach, I can be like a lion pacing in a cage.
There is a level of surrender and trust we all must reach in our relationships with God. He holds all the answers and knows exactly what we need, but it’s only in His timing that these things will happen. Our job is to trust in Him and continue to obey His commands as we walk forward, leaving the timing up to Him. By praying about specific things and seeking wisdom, we operate less in our flesh and more in the spiritual. That’s easier said than done, though, isn’t it? That’s where self-control and patient endurance come in.
What are you praying and seeking God for right now? Are you growing impatient by the lack of answer or action?
Hold steady; there are things going on behind the scenes that you don’t know about. Take action too soon, and you might be in the wrong timing; too late, and you might miss what God has in store altogether. Be prepared, wait on God’s call, seek Him, and leave the timing to Him! God is all-knowing and will give you the green light when the moment is right!
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea will take you by surprise & lead you on adventures that will feel as though you too have sailed around the world!
All That It Takes
All That It Takes is a love letter to anyone who has felt like their lives were over, only to have someone help them stand again.
God is My Hiding Place: 40 Devotions of Refuge and Strength
God is My Hiding Place takes a deep look into Corrie ten Booms writings, sharing wisdom that will open your eyes and renew your strength!
The Summer We Forgot
Gripping your attention from the opening police statement, The Summer We Forgot is a murder mystery perfect for teens!
Find Your People
Find Your People is just the book we need to read in 2022! Jennie Allen returns to encourage us to build community & connections!
Meet Me in the Margins
I found Meet Me in the Margins to be a witty and entertaining read; however, I still can't find the words to rave about it.
Krista McGee Collection
First Date, Starring Me, and Right Where I Belong by Krista McGee are the PERFECT books for young adults; they have blessed my life immensly!
To Treasure an Heiress (The Secrets of the Isles #2)
Hop into a sloop and set sail back to the Isles of Scilly, where the hunt for hidden treasure continues in To Treasure an Heiress!
Get Out of Your Head
I have never read a self-help book that teaches you to let go of yourself and hold onto God until I picked up Get Out of Your Head!
Coping with Suicide
Suicide affects us all. Everyone handles it differently, but there is always hope. No matter how bad it feels now, the sun will rise again!
Set Your Face Like Flint - Feeling '22
Whenever we come to the end of another year, I find it so exciting to revisit all of the ups & downs that have gotten me to where I am today.
The Significance of the Feasts: Shavuot (Pentecost)
Each Spring feast has a profound meaning to the Messiah's life, death, and resurrection; it's an exciting time to read through the Scriptures!
The Significance of the Feasts: Firstfruits
One of the least spoken about or underrated Feasts of the Lord, is the Feast of Firstfruits; but, why is this feast so important?
The Significance of the Feasts: Passover & Unleavened Bread
What is Passover about? How does Yeshua play a role in this feast? And, is Unleavened Bread a separate holiday? Let's dive in!
The Significance of the Feasts: Shabbat
In the Bible, there are seven commanded feasts, separated by two seasons; however, there is one feast that takes place every week — Shabbat!
The Significance of the Feasts: Introduction
Recently, I’ve been struggling to understand why my family observes the Feasts of the Lord while the rest of the Christian world ignores them.
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Doubt
One of the most dangerous stumbling blocks of our faith is doubt. No one is exempt from its attack, we will all question God's existence.
The Story I’ll Tell - Bring on 2021!
We made it!!! Who would've thought that 2020 would actually come to an end? This has been one of the most challenging years I have ever known!
Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones: Wisdom
Throughout the Bible, we are told to ask for wisdom and understanding, and we shall receive it; but, what happens when our prayers are answered?
Adventures in Israel: Hike Turned Trek
With 2,747 hiking trails in Israel — full of beauty, ancient ruins, and people seeking adventure — you're sure to have an unforgettable day.
Adventures in Israel: Hannah's Declassified Israeli Wedding Survival Guide
Israeli weddings are very different from the ceremonies we’re used to witnessing in movies or typical Western settings.
Adventures in Israel: Yemenite Henna Ceremony
We were invited to attend a traditional Yemenite henna ceremony — a pre-wedding gathering that celebrates the bride leaving her family..
Adventures in Israel: The Facial Shocker
Getting a facial should be a revitalizing experience, right? At least, that’s what it seems like when influencers post about facials.
Adventures in Israel: Driver’s License Edition
I recently discovered that to renew your license after driving for five years, I was required by Israeli law to take a “refreshers” course.
Adventures in Israel: Picnic in the Snow
Most people go to the beach or forest for a joyful picnic, not the Russells; we go to the snow, where our butts freeze, and we're layered up!
Adventures In Israel: X-Ray Edition
When someone breaks a bone, it's important to get follow up x-rays to determine the healing process. These visits to the clinic tend to be straightforward; you walk in, give the front desk your doctor's note, get the x-ray, and leave. However, at my six-week check-up, it was anything but a walk in the park…
Adventures in Israel: Let's Go Ice Skating!
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been craving the true essence of winter; but what can you do to get the feeling of winter in a country that can’t seem to make up its mind? Well, the expensive solution would be to fly to a place where there is snow, and the temperature is …
Adventures in Israel: Massage Edition
The event you’re about to read, in the coming paragraphs, is just a sneak peek into what life can be like in Israel. It’s not always like this, but it sure does make my day better when it is!
The Significance of the Feasts: Shavuot (Pentecost)
Each Spring feast has a profound meaning to the Messiah's life, death, and resurrection; it's an exciting time to read through the Scriptures!
The Significance of the Feasts: Firstfruits
One of the least spoken about or underrated Feasts of the Lord, is the Feast of Firstfruits; but, why is this feast so important?
The Significance of the Feasts: Passover & Unleavened Bread
What is Passover about? How does Yeshua play a role in this feast? And, is Unleavened Bread a separate holiday? Let's dive in!
The Significance of the Feasts: Shabbat
In the Bible, there are seven commanded feasts, separated by two seasons; however, there is one feast that takes place every week — Shabbat!
The Significance of the Feasts: Introduction
Recently, I’ve been struggling to understand why my family observes the Feasts of the Lord while the rest of the Christian world ignores them.
Poem: Into Space (I Am Found Series)
Then everything stops... Floating in the space of her thoughts, Joy Lucia Hunneyball compares the May 30th launch to her own achievements. With skills in a multitude of things, but mastery of none, she wonders how she can make a difference and what landmark she will leave behind.
Poem: For Your Glory (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball stands in awe of God, breathing in His goodness and declaring, "To Him be the glory!" This inspiring poem will encourage readers to look at the gifts God has given them and offer up a shout of praise, even when the fight seems hopeless!
Poem: Overcomer (I Am Found Series)
In a moment of reverence, Joy Lucia Hunneyball goes into her room to intercede, cry, and worship before the Father. With a heavy heart, she shares a special prayer to encourage those feeling lost. We are all overcomers through Him, and we are not alone!
Poem: From the Inside Out (I Am Found Series)
Joy Lucia Hunneyball shares an intimate conversation with God about growth, guidance, spiritual battles, and admiration, in this original poem!
Poem: A Speck Within the Cosmos (I Am Found Series)
An original poem by Joy Lucia Hunneyball. In a moment of awe and wonder, Joy expresses her admiration of God's care and faithfulness. We are warriors and vessels to by Him!