‘Afternoons With Joy’ Category Archive

5 Ways to Help Your Friend with COVID

My family battled COVID almost a year ago now and the worst part was how isolating it felt. I was sick in bed for over a week while my husband who was asymptomatic had to care for our sick son. However, our friends made all the difference by loving us like Jesus. The way they cared for us, even though they could not interact with us still brings me to tears. So if someone you… … Continue reading

Laura Story Helps Us Find Peace When Normalcy Is Gone

“When life gets shaky, we don’t have to be shaken.” Laura Story (who you may know from her song “Blessings”) shares how to rest in God’s plan when we struggle with uncertainty. Saying goodbye to normal is the beginning of taking on your future with unwavering strength. Her strength is so clearly from knowing peace is a person and not our circumstances lining up the way we hope.  Get Laura Story’s new book: “So Long,… … Continue reading

3 Verses to Pray Over Your Kids This School Year

I held it together until I reached my car, but as I slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door; the tears came. It was my first time ever attempting a drop-off line with my son. I got confused and entered the wrong way, only to have to back out and find my correct place at the back of the line. Sounding brave for your child is a new skill I am trying to… … Continue reading

Advice on Dealing with Postpartum Depression

If you or someone you love has ever dealt with Postpartum Depression there are so many unknowns. After sharing my own struggles after the birth of my son, I wanted to talk to a professional and get some questions answered. Counselor Kristin Mize, LCSW shares helpful advice on how to recognize Postpartum Depression/Anxiety and even how to be a good friend to someone who’s walking through it. To hear from Joy’s own journey with postpartum… … Continue reading

Max Lucado Teaches Us How to Handle Anxiety

We all deal with anxiety to some extent, but Max Lucado discovered that anxiety is particularly crippling for preteens. So Lucado took his best selling book, “Anxious For Nothing” and crafted it specifically for teens. He shares wisdom on dealing with anxiety before it takes over our lives. The advice Lucado shares is not only fit for preteens, but is truth we all  need and can apply to our lives as adults as well!  … … Continue reading

The Parenting Advice You’ve Never Heard That Will Set You Free

Parenting is hard and there is so much advice out there. Most of it comes across the same. Do more. Do less. Get it right. Most parenting advice leaves you feeling like a failure. This is why I as SO drawn to the advice from author Scarlet Hiltibidal that says failure is actually good when you use it to teach your kids about the gospel.   Don’t miss the full conversation about conquering fear in… … Continue reading

Could This Be the Perfect 4th of July Treat?

With the crazy heat wave we’ve all been experiencing, an icy treat may be one of the best ways to enjoy this 4th of July weekend. Sonic has a new Red, White, and Blue Slush Float! We tried it on Taste Test Tuesday and share if it’s delicious fireworks or a dud.   … Continue reading

3 Reasons Justin Bieber’s New Song Made Me Cry

Crying at a Justin Bieber song? Really? I’m as surprised as you are. This new collaboration he did with Tori Kelly and Chandler Moore called “Where Do I Fit In” paints the exact picture of Jesus that I need right now and maybe you do too. For these 3 reasons I needed to hear this song and it brought me to tears. 1. I forget how tender God can be. So much of the world… … Continue reading

How to Add Fun Back Into Your Life with Annie F. Downs

After being stuck inside and missing out on so much for a year, we are feeling ready for some FUN! New York Time’s best selling author, Annie F. Downs, joins me for a conversation on her latest book “That Sounds Fun!”  Annie covers how to know if what you are doing is truly fun or just escapism. We also discuss how to hold joy and grief at the same time. You are in for a… … Continue reading