SPEAKING JOYFULLY
What Masks Do We Wear?
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Adults wear masks too, and not just as Halloween costumes. When children trick-or-treat at my house, I enjoy seeing what costumes they’re wearing. What persona are they taking on? An action hero? A cuddly animal? A popular TV or...
Life’s Obstacle Course Lesson
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com In a recent episode of the reality show “Survivor,” contestants had to navigate an obstacle course while blindfolded. A caller who sat up high could see the entire course that participants had to get through in order to guide them to...
Heart Full of Brokenness
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com The heart-shaped mass caused me to abruptly stop my brisk beach walk. Earlier, God and I had been having a chat. Well, I was talking and confessing and asking for forgiveness for the way I’d handled a situation even though I’d felt...
Stop Stumble from Turning Tumble
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com When we’re unsteady, stumble or slide, what we reach for matters. A recent trip to the salon reminded me of that. Normally I choose to get a relaxing pedicure on one day and the painful torture of leg waxing on another. However,...
Pull Courage out of DisCOURAGEment
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com When we’re in the midst of discouragement, what helps us summon the courage within us? In our minds and in the world, the clamor of chaos, worry and concern roar. Headlines blare. Conversations flare. Terrorist threats. Suicide...
Finding Treasure Amidst Chaos
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Ever discovered treasure amidst chaos? We stroll into a thrift store or yard sale with crowded shelves and tables just to look around and then we spot a "made-for-us" item. As newlyweds, my husband and I wandered into a yard sale...
Moon Walk of God’s Wonder
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Minutes before midnight on a cold January evening, I drove alone to a nearby parking lot to experience an unobstructed view of the blood moon. My eyes lifted upward. Above, the orangish-red-colored moon seemed stamped in the sky’s...
12 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in July
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “Christmas in July” is a popular marketing and shopping concept, but what if we made it more? Surprise your family and friends or yourself with these fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas this July. You might remind...
Declutter – What’s Piled Up Inside?
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “Decluttering in our house? Seems like fiction,” my husband said with a grin (or was it a grimace?) when I shared this writing topic. Don’t worry. He’s definitely still in the KEEP category. What should we throw out? Pass on? Keep?...
The Fight Against Freedom
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “I’m trying to help you,” I shouted. “Get out of here.” Over and over again, the insect fluttered its wings on the windowsill trying to get to where it wanted to go. Holding the broom high above my head, I pushed at the four-winged...