I have a confession. Most of the time, I’m a joyful person, but I have my days. And when those days come, I cannot make myself choose joy. It’s a really popular saying right now. Many would prove it biblical, but it’s not always possible in my experience. I’ve tried. In fact, trying to force myself to be joyful made …

Fighting Discouragement: 7 Scriptures On Joy (Free Printable)
It’s my “word” for the year. Honestly, I’m not sure if I chose it because I kept seeing Pinterest images during Christmas with this word cleverly placed on mantels or doorposts or wreaths. But I gravitated to it. Something deep inside felt a twinge when I’d place my eyes on it, and so, that is how I chose …

How Can We Be Joyful in All Circumstances?
“If you don’t like the weather, just give it a day or two; it will change.” I’ve heard people from Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Massachusetts say this. I always thought it ironic that those states aren’t anywhere near each other yet that phrase fits all three. Whenever a native would say those words I would think, “You haven’t lived …

Deep Joy and a Friday Giveaway!
Do you have people in your life you feel connected to, but you haven’t had much time together? There’s simply something that draws you close. Kindred heartbeats. I met a lovely lady a few years ago at a writers conference who intimidated me. It wasn’t her doing. It was all in my head. She was a multi published author, …

Bite of Bread: Filled With Joy
Joy. I think of “happy” as fleeting and surfacey but I think of “joy” as the deeper, more grown-up version of happy. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances–not the joy God gives, because joy from God is birthed from His grace. This is how Rick Warren defines joy: Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all …