SPEAKING JOYFULLY
What Happens When We Plant
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com What do we do when things seem dark, dismal, or difficult? We plant. We plant our hearts and minds firmly in the words and promises of God. We plant our trust deeply in the Creator and Sustainer. We plant goodness and kindness as we...
Superior View
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com The Superior view was in front of me, but unconsciously I found myself looking instead at the manmade tile and walls boxing me in. When I discovered what they called a tepidarium at the ship’s stern while on our Great Lakes cruise,...
Mom – Memories, Lessons and Legacy
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Forgive me, Mom, for this writing as I know you weren’t someone who sought attention, but on this 25th anniversary of your move to heaven, I know you’ve been in the presence of the grandest of glory that can ever be experienced. Your...
My Father’s World and Words
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com “This is My Father’s World” plays in my mind especially around Father’s Day. As a youth, I remember joining my voice with others in our church congregation as the organist and pianist played the familiar tune found in our hymnals. To...
Flag Day, Fascinating Facts, and Freedom
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Flag Day falls on June 14 between Memorial Day and Independence Day. Being sandwiched in between two prominent holidays, the celebration of the flag’s birthday doesn’t get much attention, but some towns hold parades, and people are...
Prayer Garden Path-finders
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com I thought I knew the way to the prayer garden. But when we got to the fork in the road – actually there were three possible options – I wasn’t as confident. Since it had been more than a year since I’d been to the prayer garden, I...
Memorial Day – 22 Ways to Enjoy and Pay Tribute
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Memorial Day weekend is full of experiences that embrace life – family picnics and pool times; backyard barbecues and baseball; blockbuster movies and countless retail sales! We gather for good times and good food. And, I have no...
May Blessings that are Good Forever
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com May is a time bright with promise when flowers bloom, graduates cheer and couples marry. According to a survey by The Knot®, May ties for third with September at 11 percent each of this year’s planned weddings. Interestingly, May 21...
Struggle to Bloom
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com I didn’t think anything would come from that plant and never really expected it to bloom. But, underneath, hope was there. In front of the rock, right outside our sunporch, more than 25 magnificent fuchsia tulips had blossomed. ...
God’s Guidance for Graduates and Us
©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com Graduates who don the cap and gown and clutch the hard-earned diploma, deserve to celebrate their accomplishments and experience the applause of family and friends. Yet for all the knowledge tucked away from professor lectures, books...