SPEAKING JOYFULLY
Four-Step Focus on Fitness
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com I left part of myself behind in 2020. Literally. 35 pounds of me. Turns out that hauling around 30 extra pounds is like carrying 40 boxes of butter or 9 bags of sugar, or … one Islandic sheepdog. What I really wonder is how many fast...
The Journey
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com When we make the journey in life less about what we want and more about the people on the path, the encounters and experiences grow our hearts. Surprised, humbled and delighted when “The Journey” won first place in the short story...
Most Read Messages of Encouragement in 2020
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com As 2020 with all its challenges and changes comes to a close, a new year is ready to unfold with its own trials and triumphs. Hopefully in the midst of this past year, you’ve been able to draw strength and hope from God’s presence...
Great Things Come to Those Who Believe
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “Great things come to those who believe.” Yes, they do! But not in the way the world would have us see “great things” such as fame or fortune; finding the “perfect” job, spouse or house; or enjoying the ultimate vacation or holiday....
Decorating Hearts and Homes for Christmas
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com As I pulled out the carved nativity set found last Christmas Eve in a sidewalk shop in Cartagena, Colombia, I recalled the woman who sold it to me and the hug of understanding we shared. Whimsical wooden, hand-painted ornaments on...
Full or Hungry for Happiness This Holiday?
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Sometimes I feel as stuffed full as the turkey on Thanksgiving. Tables full of food, from turkey and dressing, green bean concoctions, sweet potato casseroles, to pecan pies and pumpkin desserts come to mind with Thanksgiving....
Ways to Show Thanks to Veterans
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Veterans Day sends a message not only of gratitude, but also of the value of service before self. Our veterans didn’t sign up for military service to get rich or gain recognition. Why then did they serve? To make a difference. To...
20 Feel-Goods for Fall
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Leaves changing colors, a crispness in the air, cranberries and cider to spice up our taste buds – so many feel-goods can be found in fall. Retailers may try to rush us into a bustling Christmas-time, but savor this season for what...
Trick or Treat of the Mind
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Trick or Treat isn’t just a holiday happening. It’s a heart happening and a mindset choice year-round. Many tricks we deal with in life come from unexpected episodes in health, relationships, career and home maintenance. A natural...
The Safe Place
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com The family of four who arrived for dinner first came into my vision at a distance. Two were relative newborns, wobbly legs and trusting faces. Mom and dad were wary – more cautious and hardened by the realities of the world. I let...