POSITIVELY JOY: Healing Hearts After Divorce

’Just Rest’ and learn to find God’s perfect hope

Melanie Redd has an essential message of Hope through Rest. I need that, don’t you? Her book "Just Rest" and her previous devotionals have this message running through them: God is all you need, even as we go through our most difficult trials. 

Her website: https://melanieredd.com/

“Just Rest” can be found on Amazon. 

A journalist talks about speaking faith and truth in the newsroom

TODAY’s special episode gives me joy. It’s a new episode of my other podcast, Journalists Advancing Ministry, featuring my good friend, author and podcaster Cindy LaFavre Yorks. I started this at thejam.online because as a former journalist, I know I wrestled with my faith and my job. But I’m seeing more journalists turn to ministry, and I think that is a good thing. I still believe in the importance of journalism, but I know God created communicators to give him glory, and former journalists like Cindy and me are doing this. 

Listen to Cindy's on "His GPS for Your SOS" here.

Find Cindy's "Door" book series here. 

When God leads you to evangelize in a grocery store

God led to me set up a table in a grocery store to tell people about my Devotional series, "Whispering in His Ear" and "God's Voice and How to Listen." But along with sales, came evangelism, prayer, and an opportunity to remind people that God is faithful and is with us always!

Special shoutout to Danielle Bernock of the Victorious Souls podcast for telling me about the Authors in Grocery Store program!

If you missed me at the stores, get my Devotional series on Amazon.

What is your favorite show about Christmas?

Merry Christmas! What's your favorite Christmas movie or show? There are many excellent Christmas shows and movies to see, but there’s one show that, for me and my sister, Karen, beats them all. It's the 1968 TV show “The Little Drummer Boy.” Not the animated cartoon, but the original stop-motion show by Rankin & Bass and narrated by the incredible Greer Garson.

Today on the podcast, let me share some of YOUR favorites, and then I’ll tell you why I love this vintage TV show so much. Hint. It's about Joy.

 

Christmas replay: Shea Watson speaks about Joseph and fatherhood

Here is part two of our Christmas special replays! Season 3, Ep. 37: On his bio page, Shea Watson says, “I’m just a man who loves Jesus.” True, and a lot more. That’s why he’s my go-to interview for this different kind of Christmas story: Joseph’s role in the telling of the Nativity. Joseph was a man of God who shouldered the task given to him with compassion, grace, and love. In today’s episode. Watson, a husband, and dad, drops some wisdom on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ.

Listen to last week's episode replay on Mary and Elizabeth, and motherhood: https://positivelyjoy.com/religion/holiday-replay-mary-elizabeth-and-a-season-of-motherhood-and-purpose/

Holiday replay: Mary, Elizabeth and a season of motherhood and purpose

In a special holiday replay of Positively Joy, host Yvette Walker and podcaster Angel McCoy have a stirring conversation about motherhood, women who are childless, and their connection to the Bible story of Mary, the Mother of God, and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Two women, one younger, one older, both giving birth to purpose.

Gratitude became a practice for Phil Barth after a heart attack

Do you know Christmas in July? This week on the podcast, we are in Spring! What I mean is, I talked to author and speaker Phil Barth earlier this year, when my irises were blooming and I was grateful for it all! Phil knows a lot about gratitude! Listen as he shares his gratitude practice following a heart attack and the healing he received.

His website: PhilBarth.com

His Book: Great Things Happen Every Day: Finding joy with family, friends and banana milkshakes

Invitation to a Bible study was a gift to this Christian author

Author Jennifer Sienes didn’t grow up reading the Bible. An invitation from a friend to a Beth Moore Bible study changed her life and began her writing career. Jennifer’s next book in the Bedford County series is “These Simple Gifts.” Jennifer found God in that simple gift of invitation at a time she needed to be closer to Him. Listen as she reveals how she walks with God today. Here’s Jennifer.

Her website: https://www.jennifersienes.com/

Her books: https://www.jennifersienes.com/books/

 

’The Chosen’ director Dallas Jenkins reveals his heart for Jesus

 

"The Chosen," Season 3, launched last week in theaters worldwide. Audiences are able to see the first two episodes on the big screen. This is a fulfillment of director Dallas Jenkins’ dream to bring the life of Jesus to TV and movie watchers everywhere. I spoke to Dallas at a convention in 2021 and his honesty gives insight into where we are now with the series. I hope you enjoy this special replay episode.

As season 3 begins, Jesus gives the famous Sermon on the Mount, revealing the Beatitudes and feeding thousands with just a basket of fish and loaves. We know the miraculous end of this story, and season three begins to move away from the happy, fun, and Inspirational Jesus to the struggles of what will end with his death and resurrection. On this Thanksgiving weekend, Positively Joy presents a replay with Dallas as he discusses his intent for this series.

Angel Studios features "The Chosen" and other Christian entertainment here.

Listen Sister, Tess Scott can help you live the ”freak show” of life

Listen sisters, and brothers, let me tell you about Tess Scott. She’s is a mother of 8 and grandmother of 9, who has been set free by the Lord and has learned to get through what she called the Freak Show of life with humor and grace. Her book and company of the same name, Listen sister, helps women come together for encouragement wrapped in laughter and grounded in Biblical truths. 

Special episode: Pulitzer-winning journalist left the job for Jesus

Once a month you will hear an episode of my new multimedia podcast, Journalists Advancing Ministry, where I introduce you to journalists who have entered the ministry. Today, you’ll hear the story of Pulitzer Prize-winner Angelo Henderson told by his wife, Felecia. Angelo left this earth in 2014, much too soon, but in his short time here he accomplished so much, both in Journalism and in Ministry. I hope you enjoy today’s special episode, and be sure to visit the webpage at thejam.online to experience all the multimedia content. It’s presented by Positively Joy Ministries.

Holy words explained: Author Janey Pitts defined words of faith

Today is a special episode for all you word nerds out there! Author Janey Pitts decided to dive into the meanings of the words we use in our everyday faith. Words like JOY, grace, faith, and holiness. What do they really mean? Janie researched for her book “Deeply Defined,” and she will enlighten you and amaze you. 

Deeply Defined: https://www.janeypitts.com/book

Free Bible Study Guides (that go with the book): https://www.janeypitts.com/free-stuff

Can praying the rosary help us, and is it for every religion?

Today on the show: What is the rosary? Is it mystical or just a way to pray? YouTuber Keith Nester has created a movement through a daily show that draws thousands of people together to pray this special string of beads and knots. The beads represent the Lord’s Prayer and the Hail Mary. Keith explains the history of the rosary, and why it’s for everyone, not only Catholics. Stay to the end to hear Keith and I actuallypray the rosary.

Keith's YouTube channels:

The Rosary Crew: https://www.youtube.com/c/RosaryCrewwithKeithNester

Keith Nester: https://www.youtube.com/c/KeithNester

Keith's books: https://down2earthministry.org/the-book/

Keith on TwitchTV: https://www.twitch.tv/keithnester

 

 

How writing and creativity can help your mental health

Today on the show: Can coloring support our faith? Can writing keep us God-focused? Artist and author Wendy Fedan is a creative Christian who says yes. Wendy has found how to be attuned to the Holy Spirit through pens and paint, and how to heal her mental health through writing. 

See her website here. You can find her book there and more.

God blocked a job, but opened a way to faith

Welcome to part 3, our final part in the series, "Finding your purpose in the workplace with faith." Today, we have a fitting end with Steven Mudd, a young man who trained in college to go into broadcast TV but found God guiding him to Ministry at Victory Family Church in Oklahoma, instead. Would he follow the way God was leading him? And how did he feel about his dreams of broadcast stardom slipping away? 

Steven mentioned this prayer in the episode:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me and before me.
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in hearts of all who know me.
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger,
Christ in quiet and in roar.

Love, blessed Trinity of three,
Bound in unity
Who guides my journey.
I will arise with strength of heaven
Trusting in Your light
To guide my journey
Shine before me
Lead me home.

Power to guide me, might to hold me,
Wisdom teach me, watching o’er me.
Ear to hear me, hand to guard me,
Love to conquer every fear.

-- Attributed to St. Patrick

Coach and mentor gives practical work advice from the spirit

Welcome to part two of finding your purpose in the workplace with faith. Last week, Ericka James talked about using her prophetic gifts to help business leaders. This week, Cassandra Crawley Mayo talks about corporate America. The daughter of a preacher’s kid, she’s grown up in the church but her career has taken her to boardrooms. Climbing the workplace ladder can be brutal, but when you have God behind you, she says, you will make it. Cassandra gives spiritual advice with practical tips.

Her website: https://www.cassandracrawley.com/

Her book, "Is Your Way In Your Way?: https://www.cassandracrawley.com/book

Part one of this series: https://positivelyjoy.com/religion/how-to-find-your-god-give-purpose-even-at-work/

 

 

 

How to find your God-give purpose, even at work

This season is all about relying on God in your everyday life, and that includes the workplace. God has a purpose for us at home and at work, and today begins a multi-episode series on finding your God-given purpose at work.

Today, we talk to Ericka James, a TV show host and author, who helps viewers understand and implement their purpose to build something extraordinary that positively impacts the world. She loves helping everyone, but her passion for connecting shines through her love of building communities for leaders to come together to celebrate and grow their success. And just what the heck is a Joy Mantel?

Website: https://erickajamesshow.com/

Her books: https://erickajamesshow.shop/collections/books

 

TV journalist had faith in the middle of a car accident

Broadcast news anchor Storme Jones saw a vehicle zooming towards him, and before he knew it his truck was rolling. But what Storme later recalled was that he was in praise and worship moments in the car before the accident. He was listening to Christian music on the radio. And he believes that made all the difference. 

Missouri writer finds ’Hidden Manna’ from a faithful God

Author Sarah Geringer has written many books, but “Hidden Manna on a Country Road” is beautiful, insightful, and moving. Manna is a food that God provided the Israelites, and Geringer is fed through inspiration from her beloved Missouri, but also from her extraordinary Christian relationship with God. Listen as she candidly reveals how she came to know Christ and how she dwells with God every day.

Go to Finding Peace in God's Word

Her new book, "Hidden Manna on a Country Road" (the book was inadvertently released early on Kindle, so grab it now!)

 

 

Mother adopts and finds joy in her kids with special needs

Trisha K. Campbell was called to adopt five special needs children and has experienced the awesome faithfulness of God as she walked this journey. In her book, "Eight was Enough," she talks about what happens when you think you are finished with God's work. For Trisha, there's always something more.

Learn more about Trisha.

Read her book.

 

 

News reporter leaves media for work in ministry

It's a special episode of Positively Joy. We present Journalists Advancing Ministry, a monthly podcast about journalists who have turned to Kingdom work. Our first episode is on Mashaun Simon, a news reporter who became a pastor and now works in pastoral care. Listen to Journalists Advancing Ministry on Apple podcasts and at thejam.online. 

Oklahoma pastor offers hope as the church faces decline in Christianity

Adam Staring is the pastor of Victory Family Church, a fast-growing church with multiple campuses in central Oklahoma. Adam is worried about the growing percentage of people who no longer identify as Christian or have a religion at all. We sat down in his office in Norman, Oklahoma to discuss this troubling issue.

Pew reports: 

Decline in Christianity

Americans attend services less often

Learn more about Victory Family Church

Girls and God: Calling daughters to remember their holy Father

Author and mom Lindsay Morris has written a devotional, "Calling All Princesses," to teach daughters the love of God. Lindsay -- a mother of two boys -- has experienced this love after losing a child. Her faith is strong and she wants to share it with others. 

Get the Book here.

Lindsay's blog

Calling_all_princesses on Instagram

 

Never enough time in your day? Give your to-do list to God

Author Margaret Agard gave her to-do list to God. That's right, you heard me. She gave her actual to-do list to God and according to Margaret, he took it and allowed her to get things done. Margaret's story is faith-filled but will allow you to glean some practical examples for your own life. Give it a try. God will surprise you.

Learn about Margaret's "In His Footsteps" book series here.

Survivor of child abuse took back her story and put it in song

I'm pleased to launch the new season of the Positively Joy podcast with this talented and discerning daughter of God, Brooke Robertson. Brooke was sexually abused as a child and decided to tell her story through God. Brooke talks about how she walked with God through this process, and how he's a daily companion.

You hear a bit of "Taking My Voice Back" in the episode. Listen to the whole song on Spotify: 

To read the lyrics to Brooke's song, click here: