The JOY Blog provides a platform for mutual encouragement and inspiration and is a way for women to connect* over common issues and interests. Our JOY Bloggers cover topics that tie into our mission to help women in their "quest for a meaningful life, a practical faith, and a vibrant relationship with God."  Subscribe to JOY Blog Feed or JOY Blog by Email. http://www.joyintl.org How much patience do you show to those who don�t understand and question your belief in Jesus? Think about using powerful words and simple questions to help them understand. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=82170&columnid=6412 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0400 Every day innocent folks get hurt by trusting untrustworthy people to invest their money. But heeding solid advice may keep you from being taken advantage of. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=82015&columnid=6412 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0400 When God is trying to change us, He often asks us to let go of what we hold onto tightly. And that can be hard. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81993&columnid=6412 Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0400 When fear holds us back from beginning something new, we need to be willing to start fresh every day, inspired by the curiosity and courage of the very young. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81956&columnid=6412 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81926&columnid=6412 Wed, 6 Jan 2016 00:00:00 -0400 Every life is a gift. But sometimes that gift is extra special because of the hope it brings in a time of sadness. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81914&columnid=6412 Thu, 31 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Holidays are not always merry and bright, but that doesn't stop Christmas and all its wonder from shining through. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81898&columnid=6412 Wed, 23 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Feeling anxious and overwhelmed about something you�ve agreed to do in God's name? Read one woman�s story of her leap of faith when she said yes to God�s call. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81881&columnid=6412 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Loving your neighbor is sometimes as simple as opening your door and making room at the table for one more. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81844&columnid=6412 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Many use the words praise and worship in the same breath or interchangeably, as if they mean the same thing. But there are differences between the two words. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81837&columnid=6412 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Sometimes the Holy Spirit animates us to express our love for God through our movements, and not only with our mouths. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81815&columnid=6412 Tue, 10 Nov 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Treating others as Christ did is a beautiful form of worship to our most worthy God. But to act this way, we must allow ourselves to be continually transformed by Him. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81797&columnid=6412 Mon, 2 Nov 2015 00:00:00 -0400 In a complicated and noisy world, the simple silent act of one unnamed woman in Luke sets an example of how we should worship. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81787&columnid=6412 Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:00:00 -0400 When emotions run wild and fear threatens to take over, it's time to change to an eternal perspective. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81775&columnid=6412 Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Susan Jacobson waited 10 years to be a social worker for 10 years. In that time, God used a lot of other jobs to get her ready. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81713&columnid=6412 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400 No matter the size of our bank accounts, we are poor if we don't have love for others. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81706&columnid=6412 Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400 For many years, Cari Bousfield did not take to heart what the Bible said about her. After years of struggling, she is beginning to realize her value as a daughter of the King. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81703&columnid=6412 Mon, 14 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Is your cup overflowing? If not, it might be time to inspect for cracks. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81697&columnid=6412 Wed, 9 Sep 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Facing the prospect of reconciliation with a family member can be emotionally overwhelming. But it is also an opportunity to show extravagant love. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81663&columnid=6412 Fri, 21 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Cari Bousfield discusses the dangers of false grace and how it prevents us from walking in true freedom. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81635&columnid=6412 Tue, 4 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Freedom has less to do with your surroundings and more to do with the state of your soul and mind. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81621&columnid=6412 Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0400 A grandmother's joy and a grandfather's love is remembered and celebrated even after they're gone. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81614&columnid=6412 Fri, 24 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0400 The dresses, the hats, the vintage christening gown: what is the real takeaway of Princess Charlotte�s baptism? http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81592&columnid=6412 Tue, 21 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0400 Jesus shows us how to live an intentional life that prioritizes and practices what is important to the heart of God. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81568&columnid=6412 Tue, 7 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0400 When the identities you've known are stripped away, see yourself for who you really are -- children of a faithful, loving Father. http://www.joyintl.org/articles_view.asp?articleid=81556&columnid=6412 Mon, 29 Jun 2015 00:00:00 -0400