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The Positively Joy podcast is taking a powerful new direction and diving into a subject that touches so many hearts: relationships. I’m Yvette Walker, creator and host. God has placed it on my heart to share my own journey through a difficult divorce and my path back to joy—a path where God became my everything. I remember the overwhelming hurt and confusion, but I also remember the freedom that came through Jesus. In this new season, we’re going to get real. We’ll talk about the deep pain, the loss, but also the healing and liberation found in Christ. After 13 years of marriage to a man with bipolar depression, I was left broken, questioning my worth. But Psalm 91 became my anchor. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge.” It was through faith, self-discovery, and God’s protection that I learned joy isn’t tied to life’s circumstances—it’s a choice. By leaning into His promises, I found love for myself, peace in His presence, and joy in the everyday moments I once overlooked. I invite you to join us on this journey. Share it with those who need these conversations. Positively Joy is evolving, and we’re stepping into something even greater.
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Years ago, Positively Joy featured the angelic voice of Angel McCoy from the podcast, Angel Reads the Bible. Angel has a beautiful family now and has been pretty busy. But I coaxed her to come back and do a reading from Luke, chapters 1 and 2 in these days leading up to Christmas.
There is never a wrong time to hear the Christmas story, but now is just right. It's not too late to jump into my Christmas countdown on Substack.com. Just look up Positively Joy under publications. I have a weekly newsletter, so subscribe.
Saturday Dec 16, 2023
Saturday Dec 16, 2023
This week, our conversation is about forgiveness, and it's a really unique episode. Could you forgive your grandmother's killer? Today's guest is Sarah Gregory, and her story is hard to fathom. She has forgiven the man who murdered her grandmother, but not only that, spent hours with him on death row the day he was executed. Her forgiveness wasn't automatic, though, and she had a long, hard road to get there. Bruce Springsteen's music plays a role, believe it or now.
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Sunday Dec 10, 2023
I'm releasing some extra episodes now and until the end of the year. Last week we talked to Bible translator Brian Simmons, and later this week we'll hear about the joy of the Christmas season and Mary, the mother of God. Today, let's talk about compassion. Dallin Candland is a podcaster, poet and a man of compassion. He's also a Mormon, and we'll talk about how people with differences can still learn from one another. I can't wait for you to meet Dallin.
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Thursday Dec 07, 2023
Get ready for an incredible episode. In the early 1970s, Brian Simmons was a drug dealer on LSD but had what he calls a “radical” conversion. “I went from LSD to G.O.D. in one day,” he said. Part of the Jesus movement, he began memorizing scripture. Years later, after mission work in the rain forest of Central South America with his wife, Candace, he said he was given a commission by God to do a new translation, and he called it Passion.
Saturday Dec 02, 2023
Saturday Dec 02, 2023
Social drinking may be acceptable, especially during the holiday season. But for some, it's a problem that non-Christian alcohol programs can't help. Rose Ann Forte knows these problems first hand, and she wrote a book, a Christian program, and now, a podcast called "Say Goodbye and Imagine," for people interested in understanding what's possible when they remove something toxic from our lives, namely alcohol.
The Plans He Has For Me website
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Author and speaker Christine Trimpe has inspired so many women to lose weight and treat their bodies as a temple since she shed more than 100 pounds. You may know her for that. But she is a strong Christian, and today we are going to talk about her award-winning Christmas devotional "Seeking Joy through the Gospel of Luke." It's a perfect read this December and we'll talk to her all about it.
Speaking of books, check out my new journal, "Journaling His Joy" is out on Amazon and other fine booksellers.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Born with a cleft palate here in America, Sue Corl has one of the most unusual testimonies I have heard in my conversations here on the Podcast. God equipped her with a mother who was a nurse with cleft palate experience, working in a hospital with expertise of her needs. You might say she was cursed, but Sue says she was blessed. And I agree. Listen to her story.
Here's more about Sue:
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Monday Oct 30, 2023
Happy Halloween! Wait: I know some of you don't observe this and don't watch scary movies, and that's OK. But stay with us. The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade joins us once again to talk about how faith and good and evil is represented in pop culture. Today, we'll talk about the comedy "Good Omens" about angels and demons, and, yes, we'll talk about the sequel to "The Exorcist" -- which has a surprisingly inspiring ending.
Warning, there are spoilers.
This is a bonus episode this week, so look out for our usual end-of-the-week podcast episode.
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
It's a two-fer today on the podcast! Join me in the retreat house at Promise Keepers 2023 conference, for a short chat on why forgiveness heals us. Then, listen to Johnathan Drayton and I talk about the topic of hermeneutics, which is Bible interpretation. We talk about how hermeneutics and understanding translations can help our spiritual understanding.
Drayton's podcast, "The Truth of the Matter Is"
Promise Keeper Retreats, organized by Kimberly Brown and Gabby Love. The retreats are Fall and Spring. Join the Facebook group for more information.
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Today we speak to Katherine Warnock, Vice President of Original Content for the hit television series, "The Chosen." You know that I have talked to several members of the show, most notably Creator and Director Dallas Jenkins and his wife, Amanda. But did you know that there is more to the Chosen than the show? Katherine and her team are responsible for original material like children’s books, bible studies and other creative content. Oh, and ChosenCon starts today! (I spoke to Katherine two weeks ago and you will hear me refer to the convention in future tense).
Watch The Chosen (on Angel Studios)
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Kyle Roberts is a videographer, stop-motion filmmaker and a feature filmmaker who loves God. His newest film, “What Rhymes With Reason” releases for one night on 10/10 World Mental Health Day nationwide, and tells the story of a group of friends on a journey of mental health awareness. Kyle said God was all in the making of this film, including the prophetic release date. We will talk about startling statistics on suicide and mental health and why this movie is important for all families to see.
Learn more about "What Rhymes With Reason" movie
Read about World Mental Health Day
Kyle's previous feature, "The Posthuman Project"
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Saturday Sep 30, 2023
Author Lori Ann Wood's victory isn't done. She's a survivor of heart disease but the disease isn't cured. She lives every day, trusting God, and walking out the journey that she describes in her new book, "Divine Detour." It's a lesson we can all learn.
"Divine Detour": Read more about her new book.
Her website: Learn more about Lori Ann.
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Friday Sep 22, 2023
Angie Baughman experienced God's faithfulness in the middle of her worst day. She and her family were in accident, and when she opened her eyes, God didn't promise that she or her kids would be OK. He promised He was with her. It was all she needed in that moment. Her ministry, Live Steady On, is an outgrowth of His faithfulness.
Learn more at Live Steady On
Free resource: "Talk to Your Triggers"
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Dave Combs had a song in his head, and flowed out through his fingers on the piano. He eventually named it, "Rachel's Song," and it has been played to audiences, large and small. Today Dave talks about the song, his faith, and how a little tune that God gave him has inspired thousands around the world.
Dave Combs website, and hear "Rachel's Song."
Dave's music with his co-writer Gary Prim
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
If you have ever shouted at God, asking, no pleading how you can lose weight, then Listen today as Julia Fikse and I talk about food addiction and cravings, how faith is the solution, and how we can love and hate food at the same time! This episode certainly speaks to me!
One Step to Wellness: Julia's website
Dear Food book series (scroll down for the mood tracker)
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
Saturday Sep 02, 2023
Carole Sluski's "Thirty" is an inspirational and emotional memoir about the loss of her daughter, Paula. Find strength in this touching story to face life's challenges with courage and grace.
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
The average American watches a screen 52.5 hours in a week and that includes children. Brent Dusing can't change that, but he wants to do something about it with his new Christian gaming platform called TruPlay. Says Brent, "The Bible says the eyes are the windows of the soul, so we know whatever content that we take in is going to change what we think, how we process emotions, what we believe to be true.
My average phone screen time last week was 86.82 hours, and that doesn't include all the TV I watch. What about you?
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Ashley Ashcraft posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. She and her husband had just been told that the baby inside her most likely had Down syndrome. What struck me was the joy, trust and faith she presented, and the knowledge that her baby – no matter what happened – was a gift from God. Her baby was born early and is the intensive care unit, right where Ashley recorded this interview. Please pray for Ashley and her newborn, Finley.
Ashley is praying "The Magnificat," Mary's prayer to magnify God. She would like it if you would pray with her.
The Magnificat, or Mary's Song
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 1:46-55
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
My last name is Walker, but could I do what Kathleen Donnelly Israel did? I don’t think so. Kathleen is a wisdom walker. At 69, this super senior walked the Camino Santiago and lived to tell the tale. Listen to Kathleen candidly share the spiritual wisdom she found on this nearly 500-mile pilgrimage, and also wisdom on marriage and life.
Her book, "Wisdom on the Camino"
Her website: https://www.wisdomonthecamino.com/
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Andrea Lende is an author who has survived Lupus, become a mother and is helping other authors publish their God-given message. Before Lupus grounded her, she was a pilot, soaring through the heavens. She surrendered everything to God in her journey to be healed and get closer to Him. Here’s Andrea, for part 2 of a 2-part episode.
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Andrea Lende is an author who has survived Lupus, become a mother and is helping other authors publish their God-given message. Before Lupus grounded her, she was a pilot, soaring through the heavens. She surrended everything to God in her journey to be healed and get closer to Him. Here’s Andrea, for part 1 of a 2-part episode.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Donna Renay Patrick likes to sing, but she enjoys helping worship teams succeed even more. She uses her expertise to help them find their Biblical footing in scripture and leadership. Donna is the behind-the-scenes coach you never see or think about as you enjoy worship.
Her website: DonnaRenayPatrick.com
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Vona Johnson is an author, a health coach and a woman who, because of an unplanned pregnancy at 23, found a new path for her life that surrounded the Lord. She said people tell her that she knows her stuff about health, but when she speaks about her faith, she lights up. Vona’s two books, “A Different View” and “Equipped for More,” explore her life and lessons.
Her website: https://www.vonajohnson.com/
Vona's books: "A Different View" and "Equipped for More"
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Thursday Jun 29, 2023
Welcome to our 5th season! Lori Vober is a stroke survivor, author and adoptive mom of three children from South America. She had a devastating hemorrhagic stroke at age 29, and she learned a message that she shares today: when we are faced with unexpected challenges we cannot control, we do have a choice how we react to those circumstances. We can still find hope, joy, and new success within our trials and our “new normal”.
Her books, "Choices" and "Radical Abundance"
Our new music is "The Joy of Knowing" by Mars Coleman. Get the song here.
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
It's a replay on this Throwback Thursday! In one of our most listened-to episodes, Sara Daigle was raised in an Amish Community. When she married, her history of obedience caused her to put up with a marriage that tolerated pornography and even considerations of possibly having multiple partners in marriage. But these trials forced her to cling to the Lord, who delivered her from that relationship. She also began to teach her girls how to have a blessed relationship.
Sara’s books: https://sara-daigle.org/book/
Sara’s blog: https://sara-daigle.org/
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