POSITIVELY JOY

We're pivoting here at the Positively Joy podcast to a topic that many women will find incredibly relevant. Relationships. The Lord has put on my heart to talk about my own difficult divorce and journey back to joy, a journey where God was my everything. I remember how hard it was, and in these upcoming seasons we'll get real and talk about the hurt, the pain, the loss and freedom in Jesus. After 13 years of marriage to a man with bipolar depression, I found myself lost in the aftermath of our divorce. The emotional toll of navigating his illness left me drained and questioning my worth. In my search for joy, Psalm 91 became my refuge. The words, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge,” spoke deeply to my wounded heart. Through faith, self-reflection, and God's protection, I discovered that joy isn't dependent on circumstances. It's a choice. By leaning on His promises, I found love for myself, peace in His presence, and joy in the small, everyday moments. I hope you join us, and share this with those you think need to hear these conversations. It's still Positively Joy, but more.  

Pamela D. Smith is a prayer warrior, who uses prayer not only to evangelize, and communicate and give glory to God, but to  help her self-confidence. Pamela shares her story today of being a teen mom, and all the insecurity and doubt that came with her journey. But she loves her children and is so proud of them. Today Pamela teaches us what prayer is and how to pray. Stay tuned for this important conversation. Pamela's website Her books

Tracey Glenn and her alter-ego character, Loretta, are a hoot. But don't be mistaken, they ARE strong Christians and love the Lord. She is an author, blogger, speaker, and searcher of biblical wisdom. Her book, "Gathering the Wayward Heart," is about what happens when life doesn't turn out the way you planned. Listen to Tracey speak on joy and peace.   Visit Tracey Glenn's website Her books Coffee with Loretta

Carol Chisholm is a writer and singer who has kept her baldness a secret from the world and even from her family. She has an autoimmune disease called alopecia that took away her hair and her self-esteem. But she took to heart the words of Psalm 139 that says we are all fearfully and wonderfully made! Now she is proud of her baldness, and her book, "Breaking the Shadows," has just won a best memoir award! Let's hear more from Carol.

Jerry Dugan of the Beyond the Rut podcast and ministry visits the show today. A military veteran, Jerry has a great message about listening to God, being obedient and loving his family. It's about time we had him on the show, and his message of finding faith certainly is relevant following the Memorial Day weekend.

Recent graduate Allison England is starting a new career in ministry and media. The creative media production grad from the University of Oklahoma has joined a student ministry on campus to help disciple college students, a worthy vocation. But she needs your help. Tune in to this week's episode and learn directly from Allison why it's worth it. Student Mobilization website How to help Allison's ministry

Couples aren't perfect and can have problems, so speaking to a marriage counselor can be a good idea. But what about incorporating your faith into exploring marital issues? Licensed Professional Counselor and Therapist Healey Ikerd says it's a natural, and that when picking a counselor who is Christian you should ask them to integrate their faith into the counseling.    Healey's website Her books on anxiety, children's books and  journals

Perfectionism, pride, imposter syndrome. It's something that Vivian Cumins has struggled with. Vivian is a writer, speaker, and podcast host. Her need to be perfect and in control led to an unbalanced lifestyle filled with work, stress, illness, and depression. Today, Vivian and I talk about how to rededicate our lives to the Lord and leave perfectionism behind. Go to Vivian's website Free resources on work-life balance and others

How can grief be about joy? Grief transforms when the death of a son turns into new lives for lots of other children. Beth Thorp, after the loss of her son, Mitchell, started a foundation with her husband. The foundation would go on to help other children with illnesses, diagnosed or not, find healing. Beth told me she was not ready to start down this path but realized it is what God wanted to turn Mitchell's story from one of death to life. The Mitchell Thorp Foundation has raised millions to help these families.  MitchellThorp.org: Learn more about the foundation that helps "children fighting for their tomorrow." anewcreation.org: Learn more about Beth's book: ​It's a true story about a family, their love for each other and how the power of one life can cause a ripple effect that goes on and on to touch the lives of so many. 

Today, our show is about forgiveness of the unforgiveable. I spoke to Mark and Jen Sowersby last year about their amazing marriage and his amazing testimony. Mark was abused for years by his mother's boyfriend. He grew up damaged and afraid. But as, he says, a perfect God helped him forgive his abuser, find a loving wife and forgive the nightmare. He created a ministry and book, "Forgiving the Nightmare." And they have 20 years of a beautiful marriage. How did they get here?  Mark's book, "Forgiving the Nightmare Mark and Jen's ministry

I'm a career woman and a Christian creative, and there have been times when the two felt at odds. When I talked to our guest this week, author and leader Peggy Bodde, it seemed she felt my pain. Peggy has written a new book, titled "Sacred Work: A Christian Woman's Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace" and it was meant for me, and for many of you, too. Let's hear from Peggy. "Sacred Work" is out this week! Get it here. More on Peggy and her ministry at peggybodde.com

Jen Hardy quotes St. Catherine of Siena when speaking about women over 50: “What is it you want to change? Your hair, your face, your body? Why? For God is in love with all those things and he might weep when they are gone.” Jen's Fabulous Over 50 podcast ranks high among aging and retirement podcasts. If you're almost 50 or over 50, listen and let Jen help you feel better about yourself. 

It's Women's History Month and International Women's Day, so it's fitting to have Anna McLaughlin on the show! Anna is the founder of She Considers A Field, a women's ministry centered around the Proverbs 31 verse on what a good woman is. You can find Anna on her podcast, YouTube channel, and Facebook group of the same name. Anna talks about making the sacrifice to leave a full-time job to become a full-time homemaker and finding her fulfillment there. She Considers a Field Ministries: YouTube Facebook Group Podcast  

Clint Hatton has experienced as much pain as most people. But God has given him the task of sharing a message of being strong and courageous even in the darkest of times. "The pain in some form will be with us for the rest of our lives," Clint said. But that pain represents the love he has for his son, Gabriel, a pilot who died a tragic death. After Gabriel's death, he and his family started living Big, Bold and Brave. Learn more about it from Clint himself.  More about the Big Bold Brave foundation "Big Bold Brave" (The book) About his son, Gabriel

I'm concerned about using AI to write Christian teachings, and I'm not the only one. In this two-part episode, I'll talk with experts about whether we should use technology's latest tool to teach the Bible. In part one, Bible Storyteller Sharon Wilharm of All God's Women weighs in.  The Gospel Coalition: "Should We Embrace or Evict AI in Churches?" All God's Women podcast Sharon Wilharm website

Non-religious people as well as Christians, can suffer from depression and suicide ideation. So everyone, listen up! Today's episode with Author D. Neil Elliott takes us down a path that might be different for regular listeners. We talk about depression and suicide,  using language that some people, not necessarily Christian, can recognize and relate to. But what's the same is that our Creator's incredible grace and unconditional love remains. As we move in to this year, it's important to be able to talk to all kinds of people with all kinds of beliefs and values. Stay with us through this one. Neil's book Neil's website

It's early in 2024 and we've been talking about life plans. Life coaches can help us get clarity. Last week we talked with coach Ann Visser about marriage, and this week we spend the episode with Karin Freeland, who coaches women about the workplace and when to exit. Karin and I have a lot in common, especially that unfulfilled feeling that you can't define. Karin calls herself a recovered corporate workaholic. After experiencing a midlife awakening at 39, she reinvented her life by deepening her spirituality, discovering God's purpose for her life and taking bold action. Now she coaches high-achieving women, helping them achieve success without sacrificing health and well-being. Karin's website Six Secrets to Get Unstuck    

Ann Visser co-founded 4 Better 4 Ever with her beloved husband of 42 years. She has trained couples, young people, students, addicts in recovery, Christian women and professionals ... in the areas of communication, leadership, relationship, mindset and personal growth. We had such a good conversation on marriage and relationships that we ran a little long this week!  Ann's website: https://4better4ever.com Check out her 7-day challenge here. Come back for next week's episode of the Positively Joy Podcast!

Going back into the archives, I promised to focus more on prayer in 2022 in this throwback episode. Did I do it? Well, I can say for sure I brought God into my daily life, but I still have some work to do on my prayer life. Talking to God is so important, and you - and I - should do it more often. I hope this inspires you! Some ways to put prayer front and center: Practice daily journaling and speak to him while you do it. Try using my new book, "Journaling His Joy." Other books mentioned in the show are "Adventures in Prayer" and "Follow Me" by Mary Jo Pierce, and "Whispering in His Ear" by me, Yvette Walker. Make a place for your prayer time, as mentioned in "Adventures in Prayer." Have a wonderful, safe and inspiring New Year! Positively Joy is back next week with new interviews! 

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.   

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.  Sarah's "Set Lusting Bruce" episode

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. Dallin's blog, YIELD Dallin's podcast

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. Brian's Passion and Fire ministry God Is Love Brian's blog

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 Her book  

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.  Christine Trimpe's website "Seeking Joy" devotional FREE bonus chapters Speaking of books, check out my new journal, "Journaling His Joy" is out on Amazon and other fine booksellers.

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: Crown of Beauty International His Heart podcast  

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. More on Leah Schade Previous conversations on faith and pop culture

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.

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) Chosen Con website Get the original content  

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"      

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. Free resources

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 Stronger Together podcast Free resource: "Talk to Your Triggers"  

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

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) Dear Food podcast

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. Carole's website Get the book.

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?  Get Truplay here Learn more about the games      

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

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/

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. Andrea's website Andrea's books 

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. Andrea's website Andrea's books 

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 Her books

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"  

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" Her website Our new music is "The Joy of Knowing" by Mars Coleman. Get the song here.

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/ Make sure to Follow our show on Apple Podcasts so that you get notified each time a new episode is available. If you already follow our show, help a friend follow the show too.

It's Mother's Day on Sunday. My mother left this earth two decades ago and I think of her often. Today, I'll tell you about my fondest and strongest memory of her, sharing faith and being in church together. Bonus: A new song release! Song lyrics to "My Mother's Hands" Beautiful lady, we bow before the altar You're my everything I'm your little daughter Every Sunday, your hand in mine. I remember... Chorus My mother's hands, so warm so soft Not perfect, no, but strong enough My mother's hands, caring but worn You carried me from the day I was born Standing in this church, I see you as a saint To others you're a servant, helping everyone You're out the door, there's so much to be done. But I remember… My mother's hands, so warm so soft Not perfect, no, but strong enough My mother's hands, caring but worn Those hands held me till I was grown She never forgot me; Here's what she taught me Love justice, mercy and walk ever so humbly And now, I'm all that's left of … My mother's hands, so warm so soft Not perfect no but strong enough My mother's hands caring but worn She carried me till I was grown.

I have accepted a new job and I recently had to get a drug screening. It made me think of Jesus. Listen to hear why. This is part of my month of stories about me. It's a little break from the regular interviews, but we're gearing up for a new season, season 5, of the Positively Joy podcast, which launches in May. I'm so excited to share with you all the new guests, including faithful women and men who have learned to find the joy of God despite trauma and loss. Their stories are compelling and will bless you. 

We're spending some time in special solo episodes during the month of April. You know, I don't do this very often. I'd rather share others' stories and not my own. Today I reveal why I attend two churches. If you don't have a church home, please visit some in your area, and find one (or two!) that connects with you.  Nationwide church directory. (Not all churches are listed.)

It's Holy Week, and it's a very special week to me for more than the reasons you might think. Today, I'd like to share my story of how I got married on Good Friday. We're gearing up for a new season, season 5, of the Positively Joy podcast, which launches in May. I'm so excited to share with you all the new guests, including faithful women and men who have learned to find the joy of God despite trauma and loss. Their stories are compelling and will bless you. In the meantime, I'll spend some time with you in special solo episodes. See the original story and photos from Yvette's wedding. For more about Yvette, or to book her for speaking engagements, go to her website.

This replay with creative journaler LaQuisha Hall is one of my favorite conversations! Since this recording, she has gone on to win Mrs. Maryland International 2023 with her platform to end bullying. Listen to LaQuisha as she discusses her challenges with abuse growing up, and shows how she overcame many of them through using her God-given tools of creativity. Website: http://laquishahall.com/ Confidence Coaching: http://laquishahall.com/confidence-coaching/

TODAY is a special episode of Positively Joy because I'm sharing the latest episode of the Journalists Advancing Ministry podcast. I started thejam.online because I've noticed more journalists turning to ministry and professing their faith. Today's guest, John Lundy, went from a 40-year career of reporting the news to telling the good news of what God is doing in the world for TWR, a global digital company that spreads the gospel. 

Jessica Snowden is an entrepreneur who found encouragement from God in the most random way: through an encounter with a total stranger. This spark helped her to reach her highest goal, one that she never thought she would reach. It's a message you need to hear and it will bless you in your home or work life. Make sure to Follow our show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen, so that you get notified each time a new episode is available. If you already follow our show, help a friend follow the show too. Find Jessica on social media Jessica's website