Connie's Story
The LoveJoy Journey
The journey of LoveJoy has been quite an adventure. Over the years, I’ve learned more than I ever imagined about making granola, building a business, and perhaps most importantly, persevering when things don’t go quite as planned.
There have been doors that opened wide and doors that closed unexpectedly. There have been plenty of twists and turns, lessons learned, and moments when I wondered what the next step would be. But through it all, I have never lost my passion for making my LoveJoy Granola & I am so grateful.
I have my family, friends, customers, and even complete strangers to thank for that. So many of you have encouraged me to keep going, telling me that LoveJoy is the best granola you’ve ever tasted and reminding me that it’s worth continuing. Those words have meant more to me than you know.
Thank goodness I’m not a quitter!
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has encouraged, supported, purchased, shared, and believed in me and LoveJoy along the way. I trust that God has a plan for LoveJoy, and I’ll keep following where He leads, believing that
He will continue to open the right doors so LoveJoy can bless others—and, most of all, bring a little more Love & Joy into their lives.
My Joy Tank
Everyone has one—a place deep inside that holds joy like the precious gift it is. Sometimes mine runs a little low. Then, almost without fail, God gently fills it again. It may be through one of my children or grandchildren, a sweet conversation with my husband, or sitting in church listening to our pastor's sermons.
Each reminds me that true joy isn't found in things, but in God's love, the people He's given me, and a heart filled with gratitude.
I've learned that when I choose gratitude, life feels wonderfully abundant. It helps me recognize what can truly fill my joy tank—and what never will.
My prayer is that your joy tank is overflowing today.
Why LoveJoy?
Nothing brings me more joy than welcoming others, sharing a meal and hoping people feel deeply loved.
After living in seven countries, becoming a grandmother, and experiencing both love and loss, I've come to know that faith and family are life's greatest treasures. Because joy is such a meaningful part of my life, when it came time to name my granola business, I thought, I love joy... so why not LoveJoy?
I hope my LoveJoy Gourmet Granola gives you a moment to pause, nourish your body, and fix your heart on the good things ahead.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Early Years
Bill & I married while still students at the University of Illinois! We both worked to be able to pay the rent & buy a few groceries. We had one semester left to finish school & needed to save money on driving, so we decided it would be great to live on campus. There was only one apartment (above a pizza parlor) that looked promising.
The manager made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. If we took the trash out from each floor every morning at 6:00 am, he would give us a 50% discount on the rent. Of course, we said YES!!!
Well, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds, but we managed and were able to walk to our classes. I rode my bike to the restaurant where I waited tables. Bill had a TA job, so every little bit helped. This was just the beginning of a married life that would be full of LOVE and JOY!
Our Family
Bill and I have been blessed with three children Billy, Kristin and John. We have four incredible grandchildren, ranging from 1 1/2 years old to twelve. These days we are best known as Mimi and Poppy. I love how our family always fills us with so much LOVE and JOY!
My precious daughter, Kristin, asked me to blog years ago! Friends encouraged me to share cooking tips, talk about life & recipes. And so began Connie's Truffle House, where I shared my life and love of gluten-free baking through recipes, videos, friends, and more! I’m still writing my story (as a wise friend reminds me) and sharing recipes.
I Have What? ... Celiac Disease
Major Sad Face here! I was diagnosed with Celiac in 2003, which, looking back, was a major “God Thing”! Celiac was a major disruption to my love of GLUTEN! I adore everything made with flour, & being a baker, I was always making cookies, pies & cakes!
My eating habits had to change immediately! It was challenging in 2003 to find gluten-free products that didn’t taste like cardboard. This was years before gluten-free products became widely available. I was overwhelmed to also discover that some of the vitamins I was taking, lotions I was using, and even some makeup had gluten!
My gluten-free journey has been a long one, but it’s also been rewarding and satisfying to know I can survive without gluten!!! There were good days and not-so-good days experimenting with recipes. I discovered some tools in my gluten-free toolbox that have been working pretty well (see Recipes & More)
When I was diagnosed with Celiac, we were living in London when Bill received his next assignment – RUSSIA! Honestly, I wasn’t keen on moving to Moscow & was very homesick to get back to Texas and see our kiddos. Complete physicals were required for both of us before we could go. Bill passed his physical with flying colors, which is no surprise. However, I flunked my physical and was told by the doctor, “You’re not going anywhere”! "Woohoo" was my reply, since I didn’t want to move to Russia anyway. But, deep down, I knew we had to get to the bottom of the health issue they identified STAT!
The doctor suggested a colonoscopy and endoscopy, which was quickly scheduled. I scheduled an appointment with a great GI doctor in Austin, Dr. Sperling. After answering many questions, he told me he didn’t believe it could be Celiac since I have no symptoms. I remember asking him, “what’s Celiac”? He said not to worry because he didn’t believe I had it.
Shortening my story to the procedure results...YOU HAVE CELIAC, Mrs. Nelson! After leaving the doctor’s office, I got in my car and cried while thanking God for putting a Russian transfer and physical (which was not on my LOVE and JOY list) in my life.