Look Out For Joy

Daniel shares words of wisdom and hope to people with all kinds of disabilities. He is an inspiration. As you listen to his story you will see the love of Jesus all over his life. Daniel wants people to see him for him and not the wheelchair.He has many quotable statements in this podcast but one that stuck out to me was he changed his why question to how. He learned to not ask why but "How can you use this in me."Daniel Carroll is a husband, pastor, and aspiring para-athlete.Professionally, Daniel is passionate about fostering positive spiritual, organizational, and relational health in churches.Personally, Daniel works to use his disability as a platform to share hope with others who find themselves in difficult situations, and to challenge people to find their strength and courage in Christ. Daniel lives in Central Virginia with his awesome wife Sarah, who works as a local coordinator for Child Evangelism Fellowship- a non-profit ministry that aims to bring the Gospel to kids through after school programs and church partnerships. Together, they work to inspire others to live up to the calling that God has placed on their lives, through conversations about ministry, marriage, and mobility.Support the show

I found Superwoman at the gym. Maura Butler is an amputee that has overcome many life challenges but continues to have amazing strength to do more than everyday tasks. That is why I call her Superwoman. You will not want to miss this episode.Support the show

Join me as I share the adventures of our trip out west to see the redwoods, sea lions, Pacific Ocean, and friends.You may  hear an imitation of sea lions in my episode.There is beautiful all over the world you just need to take the time to experience it.Experiencing  it with friends is even more fun.Thank you to Neil and Elizabeth and Rory and Jamie for a super great time.Head out west if you have never been there.https://www.adriawilkins.com/Support the show

Theo Boyd joins me to share her story of growing up as a preacher's daughter, living on a peanut farm, and was a daddy's girl. But hard stuff started in 2019 and it seems like it was never ending. This episode is one you will want to share with anyone who has or will walk through grief. Support the show

We all have 24 hours in each day. What do you do to mark each day? Is time flying by or are you taking some time each day to slow down?This episode we learn about a weavers shuttle and what it is used for and how fast it goes. Are you going fast or have you slowed down enough today to be thankful and be present?Support the show

Do you have a guard for your heart and mind? Recently while flying to Kentucky, I had a guard protecting my heart and mind. Do you have anxiety or panic? I used a tool to help me during the flight that protected my heart and mind.How do you deal with anxiety and stress? Do you work through it, sit on it, or let it go?Support the show

What is an emotional fry? You will have to listen to find out how you to can get one of these fries.This episode is full of humor, emotions, and insight into how we can make a difference in our world.Julie Lafond joins me and shares her experiences as a jewelry sales person on Tiktok as well as she owns a mattress store. She has a passion for foster care and adoption. She loves to do random acts of kindness.About 40 minutes into the episode you will hear how Julie keeps people entertained and laughing all night long.Support the show

Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too. I would suggest ordering it from a bakery instead of having me make one. For thirty years I have been trying to make a three layer chocolate cake for my husband for his birthday that won't be labeled as the worst disaster yet. Listen in for the names we have given to some of my cakes.Do you know why we have birthday cakes? I will give you a little history about that in this episode.Support the show

What is your favorite candy? Do you like sweet or sour candy? Have you heard of the tamarin tree? There is candy made from tamrind. Another interesting fact is tamarind is in your worcestershire sauce. I know you want to run to your refrigerator right now to check the ingredients in your worcestershire sauce. Support the show

Katie Slayton shares stories of memories that she has held onto for many years.  You won't want to miss this heartwarming episode. Here are some thoughts from Katie Slayton.I've always been puzzled by people who hate having a birthday.  Life's circumstances have taught me to cherish every year.  My grandmother lived to be thirty-six, but did not get the opportunity to see any of her five children as adults.  My mother lived to be thirty-eight.  She never saw me graduate from college.  She never met my husband, her grandchildren, or her great grandchildren. Both women were mothers briefly and never had a chance to be a grandmother.I am the first woman in three generations to hold both titles and I feel so fortunate. Don't you want to celebrate Just One More birthday?Support the show

Do you remember in school when the teacher said, "Today we are having a pop quiz?" We are having a quiz in our episode today. It will be fun. No grades will be given.Write your answers as you hear the questions and return to my facebook page where I post about the episode releasing and you can put your answer in the comment section.Our series this month is about moms. The quiz has to do with moms. What is your value as a woman? We are going to discover that you are more valuable than a 33 million dollar ruby. #lookoutforjoyCheck out my website.https://www.adriawilkins.com/ Support the show

At the young age of 17, Sarah Lamontagne didn't let brain surgery stop her from doing what brings her joy. It took many years before Sarah would share about her surgery. But now she opens up and tells her story. She has learned that no matter what you have been through you can still bring a smile to someone's face.In the past couple of months, Sarah has learned how to make crocheted hats. She learned of other people creating hats for kids.She decided she wanted to reach out to her local schools to see if she could make hats for the children. She worked with the teachers and parents and gave the children a blank coloring picture of a hat. They could design their own hat with colors or characters. Sarah and a her friend Cindy split up the pictures and started designing these masterpieces for about 50 children.Her local paper came to the school as Sarah handed out the hats. The childrens face were beaming and it made Sarah's day to see the children put their hats on and wear them proudly.Sarah encourages everyone no matter what you have going on in your life. It might be an illness, disease, or whatever but  don't be afraid to talk and share what you are going through. You will find others are struggling as well and you are not alone.Support the show

This episode with Neil Matthews will leave you thinking about your own story and maybe some things you need to do today to edit your story. Neil Matthews is the host of the podcast, "Other People's Shoes." I consider Neil a friend, brother, encourager, and celebrity. Neil shares some conversations he has had with his mother and a letter he wrote to her.Do you need to write a letter to someone in your life to have some healing?Support the show

I interview my sister, Amy Smith, and we have a fun time chatting about conversations we have had with our mom. I have had times when I have called my mom and said, "Why didn't you tell me ..." She would say, "I thought you already knew that or I have told you that before." Our conversation led us to believe that maybe there are somethings in life that are better learned than being told. My sister and I have fun talking about some of our own conversations we have with our children. Support the show

Do you have a special Christmas that you remember? What makes a memorable season? Join me as we talk about what truly makes Christmas memorable. Have you noticed I have a support option now? You can support my podcast. Check out the link below. Near the end of this episode, you will hear the story of the most memorable Christmas for Joseph and Mary. Support the show

It's a holly jolly Christmas! Or is it? Life does get tough, but if we look at what we are  celebrating at Christmas we can sing the song, Holly Jolly Christmas and enjoy the best time of the year! It is the birth of a Saviour! Our hope! Our joy!#joyboxSupport the show

Join me as we visit with Jeannie Waters about her new book, "A Place at His Table." We discuss some interesting places to have a picnic without a table, who to invite to your table, and what is nice to have on your table and plate. From boulders to herbs we cover it all in this fun episode. Jeannie offers some tips for table conversations and ideas for creating times to meet with others to fellowship and encourage each other. Jeannie's book is available on Amazon. Check out her website at https://jeanniewaters.com/

Life rarely turns out as we picture it. We are all faced with challenges from time to time. When you are faced with a challenge what choice will you make when it comes to having peace, love, and joy?Lori Vober and her husband Dainis reside in Goodyear, Arizona.   Lori suffered an intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke at age 29, and then developed epilepsy due to the stroke. God has a plan for each of us, but leaves it up to us and our own free will to have a faith in Him and follow Him. Her book was published in March 2022 called  "CHOICES: When You are Faced with a Challenge,  What Choose Will You Make?  Lori will inspire and encourage you in whatever life has given you. She has many wonderful stories of how God has helped her through her life. Lori is a walking miracle. To get in touch with Lori regarding her book or speaking engagements check out her website. https://lorivober.com/ or email her at lorivober@gmail.com

Today is going to be a treat for you. This has been my favorite guest. He brings me tons of joy!His name is Thomas and he is my grandson. He loves to come into my office and put on my headphones and speak into the microphone.The other day he was in a great mood for recording. I turned on zoom and he watched himself talking and we had fun time of learning a little about each other.This may be my shortest episode but you will quickly figure out why it is one of my favorite. Listen to the end - I think I will use it for the end of the rest of my episodes from now on.

In this episode, I share a story that I watched from my front porch. The neighbor was jumping up for a balloon for her grandson. After about four times of the release and catch game the balloon got away.Do you have a front porch?Years ago the front porch was a place to tell stories, cool off, and sing songs.Annually across the United States people celebrate by having a Porchfest. It is a time to share you talent and get to know your neighbors.

What if one day after 55 years you were able to see? My guest, Karen Wingate shares her story of being legally blind but after surgery at age 55 she is able to see better than ever.Your heart will be moved with the stories Karen shares about her wedding day, birth of her children, and a book getting published.Do you know a recipe that uses ketchup and pancake syrup? If you do please send that to Karen. Listen to the episode to find out about the ketchup and syrup incident.Here is Karen Wingates contact and connection information.Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarenwingateFacebook What I Saw Today group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WhatISawTodayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenawingate/Website: www.karenwingate.comLink to subscribe to Karen's newsletter: https://karenwingate.com/newsletter/ 

If you could go back and write a letter to yourself what would you say?Would you tell yourself to study more, get good grades, or have fun?Every summer I enjoyed going to camp, swimming, and all the fun surrounding the warm air.I wish I had written one sentence about each of my days since age 20. There would be so much great material to share. There would be memories I have long forgotten. No matter your age today begin writing one sentence a day about something that happened and at the end of each year write one long story. You may find it interesting enough to be in a book or article at some point. 

There are over 600 times the word water is used in the Bible. That doesn't even include streams, rivers, and oceans.One of the reasons I prefer a pool to swim is so I can see below me and what is under me. One year my mom and I went to the beach in Florida. We began wadding out into the water and noticed somethings nibbling at our ankles. One of us would let out a little scream on occasion when we felt a little nibble. It was funny when it wasn't happening to me. I ended up getting a childrens net and swinging that around my ankles to keep the fish away.God created the heavens and the earth. He created water for us to survive as well as for enjoyment. Adult humans are made up of 60% water and our blood is 90% water. Since our bodies are made up of so much water, stop and take a drink.Do you prefer getting in a pool, lake, river, or ocean? Maybe one day I will get brave enough to go out into the ocean but for now I will stick with the pool.

What is your favorite body of water? Do you like the ocean, lake, or streams? At times, we can be like a gushing river with excitement and at other times we can be stagnant. Where are you in your life right now? Join me as we talk about the different times in our lives and how each on has its own beauty. 

Have you ever had an unexpected friend walk through an experience with you? Rod Roberson documented what he experienced when he first saw our son Blake.  I was in Paris, Texas in the hospital and my son was in Dallas, Texas at the hospital. Rod went with my husband to Dallas. He came back to Paris and visited me at the hospital and told me what he saw and experienced. I felt as if I had been with my son because of the details Rod shared. Back then in 1999  we didn't have cell phones so we didn't know all the things happening in real time. We had to make long distance phone calls to get information.Rod shared the most heart warming story and I ask him to document it for me and I share it in this episode of my series, "A Peak Inside my Journal."

Sibling's are special and when you have a sibling with special needs there is even a closer bond. Our daughter Katie had some special moments with her baby brother and I wanted to share a few of those with you.She didn't see his medical needs she only saw him for who he was. She couldn't wait to see her brother when he was in the hospital. She would get so excited to get off the school bus and run in to see her brother.We had so many wonderful people that helped us with Katie when Blake was born. We were blessed by many people caring for our daughter during Blake's life.

Who has stood by your side when the going gets tough? Has there been someone special that has helped you walk through a difficult season in life?I share in the episode of a lady named Glenna Ford who was there for me from the beginning until the end of our son's life.Can't wait for you to hear about the difference she made in my life.Who will you stand by when life gets hard?

I am starting a new series of stories from my journal. This journal was started when our son, Blake was born. There are countless stories of people that impacted our lives and I wanted to do a series on the little nuggets found inside this journal. As I began reading this 20 year old journal, I realized there are stories I need to share that hopefully will leave an imprint on your heart. They have left an imprint on my heart.I hope it will encourage you to journal the stories of your life so you can go back in 20 years and read an share stories with your family and friends. 

Are there certain things that bug you? Do you bug others? Come along as we discover how bugs can bring joy. Yep! I said it! 

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Let your hair down?" Where did that phrase come and what does that have to do with belong to a group?Fun facts and stories are all part of this episode along with the story of Ruth from the Bible.

If we were to have our thoughts displayed on our forhead, what would people see? I share a way to express our thoughts to God by using Psalm 145. Gather your Bible, pen, and some paper because you will want to participate with this episode. Each episode I will add a Foley sound (a reproduction of everyday sounds)Listen for the Foley sound and see if you can guess what it is.

Our minds get so piled up with negative thoughts, abuse, and hurtful words. We may need to call in the big machinery to help us work through the thoughts rolling around in our minds. My grandson loves big construction equipment like dump trucks, bulldozers, and front loaders. We go out for walks in their neighborhood where they are building more homes. We stop and look at the heavy machinery. They are much bigger when you get up close to them. They are designed to do the heavy work and heavy lifting. These machines are expensive to purchase or rent and require much effort to get them in place to do the work. These large pieces of equipment make the job of moving large boulders and lots of dirt at a time a easier task. A rock fragment greater than 10.1 inches is considered a boulder.Le Tourneau (l-EH-t-uu-r-n-oh) L-2350 is the biggest earthmover and according to the Guinness World Records it is the biggest earthmover ever built. The tires are 13 feet tall and five feet wide.  Just like bulldozers come through and clean up an area there may be times that we could use bulldozer to push out all the negative thoughts in our mind. We may need a good ole cleaning so we can start fresh.   In order to begin to move out the negativity and pain we will need to use some energy and effort to push into action.  Having hurts and abuse building up in our brains will take some power to gather and move the heavy-laden burdens and the piles of words and actions that have hurt us so badly.  Just sweeping the hurt and emotions under the rug with a cheap broom won't fix the problems. Five years after my son passed away, I was continuing to have panic attacks and post traumatic stress. I sought out a Christian counselor who helped me figure out what was deep in my mind that was allowing my pain to continue. Through journaling and talking we were able to unravel what was keeping me stuck in the mud. It was simply because I couldn't quit asking questions of the situation with my son passing.   It takes energy and effort to make a decision that you are going to get up and do something.  

Just like with our homes, businesses, and schools we need to do some occasionally cleaning or refreshing of the mind.In this episode I give you some practical tips and ideas for cleaning the clutter out of your mind and freeing up space for beautiful memories.I am adding a Foley sound in each episode. This sound is at the beginning of the episode. See if you can guess what the sound is.There is a little surprise at the end. Yep! I might just be singing a tune.You never know what you might hear on Look Out for Joy.

We are on Season 3! I have added a couple of new features that I believe you will enjoy! I had so much fun making this episode!Let me know what you think!Spring is in the air! This episode is about all things spring with a twist. Look out for joy!

Monica Schmelter with Christian Television Network in Nashville, TN and the host of The Bridges show joins me for a podcast episode.We did a deep dive into Psalm 33. The richness of this Psalm comforted both of our hearts as we read it before the podcast and discussed it. I broke some of the verses up into sections so it would be easier to process some of the insights.Psalm 33:1-3 says, “Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;     it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with the harp;     make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song;     play skillfully, and shout for joy.” David wrote many songs. He poured out his heart when he was broken, but also when he was rejoicing. At times you can feel his pain and other times you could almost feel the joy bursting off the pages of the Bible. What is your favorite type of music? Have you ever thought about writing your thoughts down and creating a song? Do you play any instrument? 4 “For the word of the Lord is right and true;     he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice;     the earth is full of his unfailing love.6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,     their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars[a];     he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord;     let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be;     he commanded, and it stood firm.” Look a little closer at verse five. It says the Lord loves righteousness and justice: the earth is full of his unfailing love. We don't have to look far to see the love that God has poured into our world. The Lord spoke the heavens and earth into existence. Did you catch that? The Lord spoke and it came into existence!What is your favorite thing about creation? Do you have a favorite animal?  10 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations;     he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,     the purposes of his heart through all generations.12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,     the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down     and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches     all who live on earth— 15 he who forms the hearts of all,     who considers everything they do.” God knows the plans for today and our future steps. We don't know what each day will bring forth. God knows all that is going on in our world past, present and future. He knows what we are going through right this very minute. 16 “No king is saved by the size of his army;     no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;     despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,     on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death     and keep them alive in famine.”

It's a new year! Welcome to 2022. This is season 3 of Look Out for Joy.Thank you for being part of my adventure.I pray you enjoy my podcast.We are going to make you think about laughter and laugh lines in this episode of Look out for Joy.What is a dimple? 20-30% of the world's population have dimples. 

I don't want to go to bed on this last day of 2021 and say, "What did I miss today?"What will you do today to make December 31, 2021 the most memorable day?Adria shares some thoughts and a quote that will hopefully encourage you to look for joy today.Happy New Year! Look Out for Joy!

Join me as I talk with Marilyn Nutter and April White about hope even though they travel the road of illness and loss.Their book called Destination Hope: A Travel Companion When Life Falls Apart will give you practical mile markers and rest stops to move forward in your journey of life.Here is a link to purchase their book. https://www.amazon.com/Destination-Hope-Travel-Companion-Falls/dp/1649601093/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=destination+hope+a+travel+companion+when+life+falls+apart&qid=1638558412&sr=8-1Marilyn Nutter loves finding treasures in unexpected places: gratitude in mulch, conversations with grandchildren, and secrets in an old trunk. Most of all she has found the treasure of hope in loss. Unexpectedly widowed after forty-two years of marriage, Lamentations 3: 22-23 has been a brilliant treasure. After a career as a speech-language pathologist, Marilyn pursued writing and is the author of three devotional books, a contributor to compilations, print, and online sites, including Chicken Soup, Refresh Bible study magazine, CBN, Hope-Full Living, and Devotable. She is a speaker for women's and grief support groups. She began married life on a Caribbean island and any beach with splashing waves is still her happy place, especially when shared with her grands.Find her at www.marilynnutter.com and receive blog posts to enrich your day.April White is an off-road 4x4 Jeep wife, cheerleader to two teenagers, and a former pharmacist. Until five years ago, the only thing missing from April's idyllic life was a white picket fence and a deer-proof garden. However, in 2015, a rare illness, Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, threatened to derail April's sense of worth, security, and identity.As a chronic illness warrior, April draws strength daily with Jesus, coffee, and afternoon naps. While a rare illness hijacked her body, she refuses to let it steal her hope. God is using April's chronic battle as a platform to write and speak of God's chronic presence

It is not the most wonderful time of the year. It is the most joyful time of the year.Adria shares about watching Hallmark movies and how our lives seem more like scary movies than Hallmark Christmas movies.But wait! With Jesus we can and do have a happy ending!#joy, #wonderfultimeofyear#hallmarkmovies

Anna continues to stay strong by leaning into HOPE (Have Only Positive Expectations)In April 2021 her son went to visit family in Florida. Everyone was planning to  have a relaxing week ahead. Her 15 year-old son, Brody, was finishing up a shower and noticed his face and arm go numb. A few minutes later he had a stroke and was carried to the hospital. Mom and dad were hundreds of miles away in Virginia but were able to hope on a plane within a matter of hours to be by there son's bedside.Anna shares so many God moments in this episode.You heart will be moved by the love and support Anna's family received during this difficult couple of months. Brody is continuing to make improvements and is blessing others with his spirit that never gives up.

Gingko trees have fruit that stinks. We can be thankful for the difficult things in life. The stuff that stinks or doesn't go our way. The things that make us mad or sad.We can be thankful for the lessons we learned while going through those hard times.Go to my website and sign up for my joy news at https://www.adriawilkins.com/In the month of November I am giving away, every Monday morning on my Facebook live, a small pie plate that says, "Let our lives be full of thanks and giving." Just sign up for my monthly joy news to be entered into the drawing.

Would you like some practical and creative ways to give thanks?This episode will give you some ideas to fill the month of November with thanksgiving.I am giving away a small pie plate every Monday morning in November that says, "Let our lives be full of thanks and giving." Go to https://www.adriawilkins.com/ Sign up for my joy newsletter that you will get once a month with news and information.Your name will be entered to win a small pie plate.Thank you for listening to my podcast.

Pam Walrond has done over 2100 skydiving jumps and set some world records.She participated in a  25-way diamond  in Texas in honor of Southwest Airlines 25 year Anniversary. They submitted the photo to Southwest and it was one of the top 10 photos they selected and published.Jump For The Cause World Record Skydive included 151 women .Besides skydiving Pam owns her own business. She creates custom designs for drapery, embroidery, upholstery and more. Check out her website for more information.  http://www.customedesignbypam.com/

It is fall y'all. We are going to be talking about fall but in different ways over the next several episodes.See if you can catch on to what I mean by "fall."Stephanie Pavlantos author of  "Jewels of Hebrews" shares one of her favorite things to do in nature. She has discovered the art of photography.  God answered a prayer request through a picture with her dad. Listen in as she shares her heart. The next time someone wants to take a picture of you go ahead and do it because you never know if it will be your last.Stephanie's contact information and websites are as follows: Website/Blog www.stephaniepavlantos.com   Link to order "Jewels of Hebrews" on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Jewels-Hebrews-Stephanie-Pavlantos/dp/1949564916/ Link to order Jewels of Hebrews on Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-jewels-of-hebrews-stephanie-pavlantos/1137551921?   Facebook group for Jewels of Hebrewshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/857899104983359       

An inspiring story of Paul Hurley's life as a retired US Naval Petty Officer. Paul gives us a glimpse into his military life and how it changed him forever. You will be forever changed when you hear his story of losing a leg and winning a bronze medal. His life is full of surprises. He has a heart of gold and loves his country. Some of the stories shared may not be good for little ears. I want you to know this story has impacted me. Even the day after recording this episode  I was emotional.#lossofleg, #bronzemedal, #actor

If you knew everything was going to be destroyed and you could only take two items, what would you take? If you had been on the boat with Noah what kind of things might you have done during the wait?

Research surrounding the ark estimates that there were 1,398 animal kinds on board the ark. The animals along with humans had basic needs such as food, water, and waste disposal. I never thought about the quantity of water, grains, seeds, nuts, preserved fruits, and vegetables that would be needed until we went on this tour. https://www.joyboxstories.com/#noah, #food, #joy, #storm

How do we thank someone who has hurt us?It is a difficult thing to do, but it will free us from long periods of pain and anger.This month we are talking about what our ark encounters might look like.  I have invited Terri Moore to come and share her ark encounter and how she was able to thank the person that hurt her and is walking in peace. Terri's book called, "Face to Face With God - My Best Friend" is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Terri-L.-Moore/e/B07K812KZV.

Our trip to Kentucky this year was all about the animals. Come along for a safari ride, noah's ark and even a rainbow.  I discovered on our trip that we all are building an ark of people and resources to help us during storms and celebrations in life.

Your heart will be inspired and touched as you hear Becky's story of a teenager who was the walking testimony of Jesus.  I was moved to tears and feel like I have met Becky's daughter, Skylar. #teenager #story #lossofchild #joyeveninloss #joy #mommaheart #moms

We are in a 30 days of encourgement challenge.Learn some ways you can encourage others and in return be encouraged.Join me on Tuesday July 27, 2021 at 7pm est for a night of encouragement. We are going to share stories of encouragement, have games, and giveaways.