joy
Why it is Good to Dance (Celebrate) [Short Bursts of Encouragement]
Awkward and off-balance, Danny swung me around the dance floor. My first time swing dancing and I looked foolish, I’m sure of it. Part of me wanted to hang back, play it safe, not accept my son’s invitation. But how often does a mother get to dance with her college-age son? Playing it safe…
Why Joy and Sorrow Can Be Partners in this Dance of Life
How does joy and the weight of living in this crazy messed up world dance in time together? After an enjoyable girls’ getaway with my mom and Rachel, I woke up the next morning to the heaviness of responsibility. Past projects left undone. Necessary ongoing day-to-day tasks. Looming “issues.” They all sought to erase the…
Finding the Richness in Messy Days: Grateful
Since Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, I wanted to state that I am eternally grateful for my wonderful mother and mother-in-law. Their love and guidance encourages me to be the best “me” God made. It is also easy for me to express my gratitude for my hubby and children, my health, our belongings, my…
The One Promise On Which You Can Always Anchor Your Joy
“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12) This verse is underlined and starred in my Bible because it’s been the cry of my heart for some time. I’m a task-oriented, driven person, and sometimes in my overzealous attempt to do it all, I find myself…
Reasons to Rejoice: Images of Beauty in Brokenness
Spring break is here, and I have a short window when I have my family together again. So in that light, I’m taking the simple route this week: sharing inspiration and encouragement to you for a grace-filled week in images and phrases today and Wednesday. Praying it blesses you. Seek the Lord always and experience…
How To Live With Joy When Winter Settles In
This has been a long winter. For many of you, it’s been a hard winter. But living in the midst of the cold and dreary is no reason to quit living. There is still beauty to be found. There are still things to smile about. The sun still rises each morning. There is brilliance in…
When Circumstances are Tough and Joy Seems Elusive
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11 Fullness of joy! Such a beautiful phrase. I want that, don’t you? And despite the dark days, the many diagnoses we may face, the tears of sorrow, the difficult marriages, the barbed…
Unspoken Words of Wisdom
Words of wisdom don’t always have to be spoken. Her twinkling eyes catch the glimmer of the raindrop as it strikes the glass. “Hi!” She greets it as if an old friend. She grins and giggles over what appears to be much of nothing, but which really might be everything. Her joy is infectious. She…
Train Yourself to Walk On the Brighter Side
“It’s funny because when Dad brings me I’m 10 minutes early, but when you do I’m always late.” This phrase slipped out of my son’s mouth and stabbed into my heart. But only for a moment–until I processed that it wasn’t really true. Okay, I admit, fifteen minutes always arrives quicker when I have to…
Twirling Thru Brokenness to the Song of the Lamb
There are times when I am captivated by the awesomeness of God. When my soul is burning with a love and reverence impossible to contain. These are the wonderful moments of relationship between Creator and created that were meant to be—that should always be. A drawing near often stirred by majesty, power, and beauty: splendid mountains at…
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- Next »
Hello, I'm Julie, an imperfect wife and mother of four. Life in this broken world is not always easy. Yet, joy can be found in each day through the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I find it's easy for our day's blessings to get lost in its happenings. But God's "mercies never end" (Lamentations 3:22) and His "grace is sufficient" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the posts and pages on this site offer you a measure of peace and encouragement.
Search the Blog
Categories
Maintain Godly Focus!
Are you struggling to maintain godly focus in the mess of each day's living? Do you too easily find yourself worrying about circumstances instead of trusting in God's promises? If you answered yes, why not download my ebook. It's filled with 25 power verses with space for personal reflection to help you maintain godly focus, no matter what situations arise.
(Privacy policy: Don't worry, your information is safe you can unsubscribe at any time.)
New Book, Just Released!
