Live your joy story!
01 May

My First Contact with The Racism Virus

Joy
8 Comments
In Difficult Times
At 9, I had an up-close and personal look at the racial divide. It happened during my family’s trip to a suburban Chicago shopping mall. As we exited a large department store, another child got my attention. He was with his family too. I wondered if he was just as...
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broken glass shadow wooden table
10 Apr

When Broken Is Made Better

Joy
10 Comments
In Difficult Times
As I walked into a backyard bridal shower, a lovely scene awaited the guests and the soon-to-be bride. White linens covered round tables while vases of flowers took center stage. Suddenly, a strong wind interrupted the perfectly sunny day. One of the vases fell, causing water and flower petals to...
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03 Apr

Fighting for the “Yes” in You

Joy
12 Comments
Living With Purpose
As I continue to look at 3 ways to focus on renewal, I see Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. He fiercely resisted every reason to say “No” to dying for our sins on the Cross. Luke 22:39-42 gives us the details. Jesus was in such “agony of spirit,” His...
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20 Feb

Running on Empty (with Ridiculous Faith)

Joy
12 Comments
In Difficult Times
There’s something powerful about praising God; especially, when it feels like we have nothing left. Delighting in Him pushes logic off the cliff of reason when we there is no patience, energy, resources or vision of a would-be victory. And yet, even if there’s no fruit from our labor, no...
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12 Feb

Becoming More Courageous

Joy
8 Comments
BECOMING More Series
As I pulled into my driveway, the shifting shape in front of my garage looked ominous. My imagination quickly gave it a name. Was it a racoon on its way to the nearby garbage can? Maybe a large cat wanted to out-maneuver me on the way to my front door....
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06 Feb

How Forgiveness Moves Us Forward

Joy
12 Comments
Relationships
Forgiveness feels good when it comes my way. It scratches my itch for another chance. It lets me back in when I should be left out. But when it’s time for me to forgive, forgiveness may feel awkward or even unfair. I know it’s the right thing to do. It’s...
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ball ball shaped blur daylight
31 Oct

The Upside to Life Upside Down

Joy
10 Comments
In Difficult Times
Generally speaking, flipping anything from top to bottom is not a good thing. There are the notable exceptions of acrobatics, the rehab of a house in ruins and of course, pineapple upside down cake. But the term “upside down” means disaster in the housing market, stock market and in our...
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