SPEAKING JOYFULLY
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...
Five Ways to Choose to Impact Change
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Each day we make countless choices – what we wear and eat, where we go, who we connect with, what we read, hear and watch, and how we react. Although it may not be our career vocation, we are all influencers. Our actions and...
22 Ways to Shake Off Sameness
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “It’s Groundhog Day all over again,” said a friend about experiencing sameness when asked about her weekend. Her reference to the popular Bill Murray movie has a ring of understanding for many mired in monotony. Breakfast....
Gutter Life or Good Life?
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “Thump.” The loud noise in the sunroom sounded as if a branch or a bird slammed into a window, or a mechanical device turned on, but as it happened again and again, the squirrel became the suspect. A couple of weeks prior, a...