Welcome, New Readers!
I don’t want to shy away from my message that Gods putting in front of me...
First and foremost I want to welcome new readers! I’ve loved being able to write this last year in this space and see God flexing and growing me though it. But I’m just gonna jump right in with a hot topic. Because we’re called to be bold in our faith. To stand firm in our beliefs and keep our eyes fixed on Him, now is not the time to back down. And I feel confident in that and why I want to share this message.
I don’t want to shy away from my message that God’s putting in front of me, because the enemy is shooting arrows at me. Which for all of us, should be no surprise. We will encounter persecution. The Bible warns us of that.
Our flesh wants us to hide. To protect ourselves and really just feel sorry for ourselves. Meekness get mistaken for weakness. But we are called to be meek and to build up each other in love. Even our enemies.
One of my favorite verses this year has been:
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
What a stunning picture of our lives as believers. Let’s break down this verse a little and see what Jesus is calling us to:
A quiet life. This is a life content with who we are, what we have and what we’re doing. We’re not complaining about our lack, but focusing on our gain. Which is being filled with the Holy Spirit and dedicating our lives to the Lord and sharing the gospel.
Minding your own business. This is a tough one. Especially with social media, the internet and our nature to run our mouths with gossip. The Bible talks about not being a “busy body”. I think these are closely related. If we’re busy bodies running around getting in other people’s business, we are gossips and slanderers. And while those alone are sinful attributes, we are also being disobedient because God has a calling on each and every one of our lives. A mission for us all. By not minding our business, we’re allowing distraction that pull us away from that so called daily mission.
Working with our hands. This is our call to keep focus on our mission. Which we all have individual callings for under the Lord. But we all have an overall unified mission, which is giving glory to God in all that we do. Working hard unto the Lord, in any circumstance and situation.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men". This shift in mentality can change your life if you allow it to sink in. We’re also called to be wise with the things we’ve been given. Not living a life of laziness or reluctance.
Proverbs 21:25 “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor.”
So that your daily life may win the respect of others…Our job isn’t to worry about what people think or say about us. It’s not even our job to correct them or “protect our peace.” Who is the protector of peace? Who is our defender? How did Jesus deal with those that persecuted and slandered Him? Love. He loved those who hated them, He prayed for them, but also kept His focus to what His mission was, which was, spread the gospel.
Friends, we have the greatest example of how to live a simple life, right there in our bibles. One that’s peace filled, even amongst the chaos. One that is joy filled, even while getting persecuted.
We have to remember, the battle is already won. Jesus has conquered death and it has no sting over us. So who shall we fear? No one. When the enemy tries to pull us down, we go back to the greatest example. Jesus. Through love, grace and our obedience and call to live a quiet life. That is the source of our strength and how God wants us to devote our days, it’s to Him and not to men.
What’s happening on the Petrone FARM - We got goats! Couldn’t love them more! They’re so adorable and so sweet. Foxi is the same size as them and they all kind of look like her. She’s obsessed with taking care of her babies.
It’s been about 2 months living in Tennessee and we’ve had our animals for one of those months. While it may seem we’ve added a lot to our plates, it’s actually quite the opposite. We’re creating a sanctuary of peace and daily rhythms, that hopefully are giving God glory in every aspect. The animals have given us an opportunity to slow down and see God’s gorgeous creation. We’re up early, each of has a part to play in it and it’s a whole family affair. We’re learning how to work hard with our hands, live a quiet life, take care of others and live sacrificially. And it’s so beautiful. Did you know the more you live your life serving others and serving the Lord, and not focusing as much on yourself, it brings a joy and peace that is indescribable. We’re not meant to be so self indulged. So this farm life is just the beginning of a new creation Gods doing in our whole family… and we are HERE for it!
The ducks are about ready to move to their little duck house Dino built. I decided to have them set up over by the garden. I want to use their water and droppings to fertilize my garden. Also I just love them so much, I want them by me quacking away. The chicks are growing and they’ll be able to move into their coop in the next few weeks as well. I know all the birds are excited to get outside and explore.
Our garden is starting to take shape. Wow what a space this is going to be. Our goal with this is to replace the grocery store completely with our garden and farm. So this is a stepping stone in that direction. It’s evolved as we’ve gone along on the design process and I couldn’t be more in love with the space. I can’t wait to blast my worship music out there and sing over our plants as I’m tending to them, learning, failing, trying again and enjoying the whole process out there. It’s gonna be an epic spot to host and serve others and I can’t wait.
Happy September to you all. Thank you for reading and know that I’m praying for you and alongside you, sisters 🫶🏼
Who’s ready for Christmas season at The Fox M?! We are! Not that we want to skip over Fall (my favorite season). But we also want to make sure there is plenty of time to get you all the amazing goodies I’ve designed and curated. Our first holiday drop will be September 18th! You won’t want to miss this, as many of you know we sell out fast. We also have this years Santa Mug that I designed… and this one is S P E C I A L ! I designed it with extra detail and a little smaller size that then previous years. There’s just something about a smaller mug that feels cozier.
Speaking of details, if you haven’t signed up for the Foxi Boxi yet, now is the time. It’s our quarterly box of curated goods by me. Perfect for a fun surprise in the mail or as a gift.
Lastly, we’ve been away from the beach for a few months now. And we’re definitely dreaming and planning our trip this holiday season back to Joie Inn. The gulf beaches couldn’t be more stunning this year and the Inn is fresher than ever. Only a block from the beach, book your trip now and save 15% off your stay! (We never do this!) Email hello@joieinn.com to book!
