Category: Story

  • Choosing Joy Does Not Negate Sadness

    Choosing Joy Does Not Negate Sadness

    Finding God’s presence in both tears and praise

    There is a misunderstanding that often slips into Christian life—the belief that if we are truly choosing joy, we should not feel sadness. We may think that joy means smiling through everything, staying positive no matter what, and never letting grief show. But that is not the kind of joy God invites us into.

    Choosing joy does not mean denying pain.
    Choosing joy means inviting God into it.

    Joy and sorrow can exist at the same time.

    This is a misconception I struggled with for years after beginning my Choose Joy Adventure. I held the burden of swallowing my sadness when others were around. If I were going to be the “face of choose joy,” I couldn’t let others see me sad. Showing sadness would make me a hypocrite…so I thought.

    Scripture never tells us that following Christ removes sadness. In fact, the Bible is full of people who loved God deeply and still wept, mourned, and wrestled with heavy emotions.

    Jesus Himself felt sorrow.

    “Jesus wept.” — John 11:35

    In that moment, Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead, yet He still cried. His tears were not a lack of faith. They were love. They were compassion. They were proof that holiness does not remove human emotion.

    Joy is not the absence of sadness.
    Joy is the presence of God in the middle of sadness.

    Choosing joy means choosing truth over denial.

    Sometimes we think choosing joy means saying,
    “I’m fine.”
    “It’s all good.”
    “It doesn’t hurt.”

    But real joy is not pretending.
    Real joy is trusting.

    Joy says:
    This hurts… but God is still good.
    I don’t understand… but God is still with me.
    I feel broken… but I am not abandoned.

    “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

    Notice the verse does not say weeping never comes.
    It says weeping has a season, but it does not have the final word.

    God never asks us to choose joy by ignoring our hearts.

    God created our emotions.
    He is not afraid of them.

    The Psalms are filled with cries of confusion, fear, anger, and grief. Yet they are also filled with praise. The same person can write both in the same prayer. That is the life of faith.

    Choosing joy is not pushing sadness away.
    It is bringing sadness to God instead of carrying it alone.

    “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

    If broken hearts kept us from joy, God would not come near to them. But the opposite is true — He comes closer.

    Joy is a decision of the soul, not a feeling of the moment.

    Feelings change.
    Circumstances change.
    Seasons change.

    Joy is deeper than all of those.

    Joy is the quiet confidence that God is still working, even when life feels heavy.

    You can choose joy while crying.
    You can choose joy while healing.
    You can choose joy while waiting.
    You can choose joy while grieving.

    Because joy is not saying,
    “This doesn’t hurt.”

    Joy is saying,
    “This hurts, but God is still faithful.”

    Choosing joy means trusting that sadness is not wasted.

    God never wastes tears.
    He never ignores pain.
    He never walks away from a hurting heart.

    Sometimes the very place where we feel the most sadness becomes the place where we experience the deepest peace, because that is where we learn to lean on Him.

    Joy grows in places where we thought only sorrow could live.

    “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” — Psalm 126:5

    Tears are not the opposite of joy.
    Sometimes they are the soil where joy begins.

    If your heart feels heavy right now, you are not failing at choosing joy. You are human. And God is right there with you.

    Choosing joy does not mean you stop feeling sadness.
    It means sadness does not get to decide your hope.

    Joy is not the denial of pain.
    Joy is the decision to trust God in the middle of it.

    Praying for each of you to find joy today…even in the sadness.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Catch and Release — Choose Joy Adventure

    Catch and Release — Choose Joy Adventure

    One of the things I love about my Choose Joy Adventure is that it reminds me life with God is not a straight path — it’s a journey. Sometimes it feels like a peaceful walk along the shore… and other times it feels like standing at the edge of the water, holding something I worked hard to catch, knowing God is asking me to release it.

    “Catch and release” is a phrase often used in fishing. There are places and times where, after you catch a fish, you are required to release it back into the water. The purpose is growth. The fish population grows stronger because not every catch is kept.

    Catch means to secure something.
    Release means to set it free.

    If I’m honest, releasing is hard — especially after I’ve worked so hard to catch something. Just like fishing, there are seasons of waiting in life. Seasons where I’ve stood still for a long time, watching, hoping, praying, waiting to feel that little nibble that tells me something is finally happening.

    Waiting for the moment I can set the hook.
    Waiting to reel in the big one.
    Waiting for the breakthrough I prayed for.

    And then… sometimes God asks me to let it go.

    I have had to release jobs I worked hard to achieve.
    Release long-time friendships because life has changed.
    Release goals because of health struggles.
    Release expectations because life didn’t turn out the way I thought it would.

    In those moments, it didn’t feel like an adventure.
    It felt like a loss.
    It felt like failure.
    It felt like I had done something wrong.

    But the more I walk this Choose Joy journey, the more I am learning something powerful:

    God is not trying to take from me —He is growing me.

    Psalm 55:22 (NIV) says,

    “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;
    He will never let the righteous be shaken.”

    To cast means to release.

    Sometimes the most courageous step in the adventure is not holding tighter…it’s letting go.

    There are two things we can count on in life:
    God never changes, and life always will.

    Change is inevitable.
    Growth is intentional.
    ~ Glenda Cloud

    So the question becomes —
    Will I fight the change…or will I grow through it?

    On this Choose Joy Adventure, I am learning there is a difference between giving up and letting go.

    Giving up says,
    “I lost.”

    Letting go says,
    “God has something more.”

    Just like releasing the fish so it can grow, sometimes God asks me to release what I thought I needed… so He can grow something deeper in me.

    I am not defeated.
    I am being developed.

    I can look back and be thankful for the seasons where I caught something wonderful — the job, the friendship, the opportunity, the dream. Those were real gifts.

    But I am also learning to trust that when God asks me to release something, it is because the adventure is not over yet.

    Through the eyes of faith, I can say yes to the next step, even when I don’t understand it.

    2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) reminds us,

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
    The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

    New seasons require open hands.

    And the greatest example of release is this —
    God released His Son for us.

    Because of Jesus, we have the freedom to release fear, doubt, disappointment, and regret.

    So if you find yourself holding something today that God is asking you to release…you are not failing.

    Because of Jesus, we can choose joy even when life changes.
    Because of Jesus, every ending can become the beginning of a new adventure.

    You are stepping deeper into the journey.

    My friend, in life’s adventures, you will be asked to trust the One who sees the whole river, not just the line in your hand.

    Catch.
    Release.
    Trust.
    Grow.
    Choose Joy.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Confidence Through Christ

    Confidence Through Christ

    Trusting God’s Work When Life Feels Unfinished

    “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

    Confidence is something many of us are chasing—confidence in our decisions, our purpose, our calling, and even ourselves. Yet in today’s world, confidence feels fragile. One unexpected bill, one hard conversation, one setback at work, or one glance at social media can shake it all.

    We are surrounded by messages telling us to “believe in yourself,” “trust your instincts,” and “have confidence in your abilities.” While encouragement has its place, self-based confidence often crumbles under pressure.

    Life is unpredictable, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why Scripture points us toward a different source of confidence—confidence through Christ.

    Confidence That Doesn’t Depend on Circumstances.

    Philippians 1:6 reminds us that our confidence is not rooted in how well we are doing, but in who God is and what He is doing. Paul doesn’t say, “Be confident because you’re strong enough,” or “Be confident because life will go smoothly.” Instead, he says we can be confident because God finishes what He starts.

    That truth matters deeply in today’s life circumstances.

    • When you’re juggling work, family, and responsibilities and feel like you’re falling short.
    • When you’re waiting for healing, clarity, or provision that hasn’t come yet.
    • When your faith feels small, your energy is low, and your progress feels slow.

    God is not surprised by the mess, the delays, or the unfinished parts of your story. He is still working—even when you can’t see it.

    Let’s be honest: many of us are walking through seasons that don’t look very “Instagram-worthy.” We’re navigating stress, anxiety, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future, and questions we never expected to ask. Confidence in Christ doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It means trusting God in the middle of what isn’t okay.

    Confidence through Christ looks like:

    • Showing up even when you feel unqualified
    • Taking the next step even when you don’t have the full picture
    • Trusting God’s process even when progress feels painfully slow

    It’s the quiet assurance that God’s work in you is deeper than your current situation.

    You Are a Work in Progress—And That’s Good News. He is working to transform you, if you are willing to let Him.

    One of the most freeing truths of Philippians 1:6 is that completion is God’s responsibility, not ours. We are often frustrated by how far we still have to go, but God is faithful in every stage of growth. The waiting, the stretching, the refining—it’s all part of the good work He began.

    Your confidence doesn’t come from being “finished.”
    It comes from knowing you are not abandoned.

    God is shaping your character, strengthening your faith, and preparing you for what’s ahead—even through the challenges you wish away.

    Confidence through Christ is a daily choice. It’s choosing to trust God when doubt whispers loudly. It’s anchoring your heart in truth instead of fear. It’s reminding yourself that your story is still being written.

    So today, wherever you find yourself:

    • If you feel behind, God is not done.
    • If you feel weak, God is still working.
    • If you feel uncertain, God remains faithful.

    Be confident—not in yourself—but in Christ, who is faithful to complete the work He began in you.

    A guided prayer for you:

    Lord, thank You for being faithful even when I struggle to believe it. Help me place my confidence in You, not in my circumstances or my abilities. Remind me that You are still working, still shaping, and still guiding my life. I trust You with what feels unfinished. Amen.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • Persevering in Faith

    Persevering in Faith

    “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

    There are seasons in life when faith feels effortless—when prayers seem answered quickly, and hope feels strong. However, there are also seasons when obedience feels burdensome, prayers seem unanswered, and discouragement whispers that our efforts don’t matter.

    It’s in those moments that Galatians 6:9 speaks most powerfully to our hearts.

    Paul reminds us that weariness is a real thing. He doesn’t deny the struggle. Instead, he gently urges believers not to quit—to keep going, even when the fruit of faith isn’t immediately visible.

    Persevering in faith doesn’t mean we never feel tired. It means we choose faithfulness even when we are tired. Whether you’re serving faithfully, praying for a prodigal child, loving difficult people, or trusting God through prolonged hardship, weariness can quietly creep in.

    The enemy often uses exhaustion to plant seeds of doubt:

    • Is this worth it?
    • Is God really working?
    • Does anyone see my faithfulness?

    God’s Word answers clearly: Yes.

    Galatians 6:9 points us to a powerful promise—“at the proper time.” God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels painfully slow. The harvest doesn’t come immediately after planting; it comes after seasons of nurturing, waiting, and trusting.

    Perseverance requires faith that God is working behind the scenes. Every prayer prayed in faith, every act of obedience, every choice to love and forgive is a seed sown into God’s Kingdom. Nothing is wasted in His hands.

    So, how do we keep going when our strength runs low?

    • Return to God daily. Time in His Word and prayer renews our weary hearts.
    • Lean on community. God never intended us to walk alone—encouragement fuels perseverance.
    • Fix your eyes on eternity. Temporary struggles pale in comparison to eternal reward.
    • Remember God’s faithfulness. Reflect on how He has carried you before.

    Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Perseverance isn’t powered by our own effort—it’s sustained by God’s grace.

    If you’re feeling weary today, take heart. God sees your faithfulness. He sees the quiet obedience, the unseen sacrifices, the prayers whispered through tears. The harvest will come—just not always on our timetable.

    So keep showing up. Keep loving. Keep trusting. Keep choosing faith.

    Don’t give up—God is not finished yet.

    With love and joy,

    Laura

  • 🌿When Seasons Change

    🌿When Seasons Change

    Life is full of seasons. 🍁

    We walk through seasons of change just as the leaves change color and drift to the ground. There are seasons of laughter and seasons of loss. We experience beginnings and endings. Some we welcome, others catch us off guard. But one thing remains certain: seasons always change.

    And through every shift, we have a choice. We can cling tightly to what was, or we can trust God enough to let go.

    💛Season of Letting Go: A Lesson in Trust

    A few years ago, I began choosing one word each year to focus on. That particular year, God whispered a word I didn’t want to hear: Letting Go.

    For someone who likes to plan, help, fix, and control, letting go felt impossible. Yet God was inviting me into a deeper trust. I was called to release what I was never meant to hold so tightly.

    Letting go wasn’t about giving up. It was about opening my hands to what God had next.

    🌸 Letting go of fear — “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
    🌸 Letting go of control — remembering that God is the Author of my story.
    🌸 Letting go of the past — “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
    🌸 Letting go of my own strength — “When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

    Each time we release what weighs us down, we make room for God to move.

    💔Season of Loss and Surrender

    I’ve walked through seasons of deep loss. These include miscarriages, divorce, and the death of my father and sister. I also experienced a battle with breast cancer. Each one left me breathless and broken. But each one also became a classroom where God taught me to trust Him more.

    It wasn’t easy. I had to learn that joy is not the absence of pain, but the presence of surrender.

    “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2–4

    Through every trial, God was shaping me, strengthening me, and drawing me closer to Him.

    🌿 Seasons change — but God does not.

    “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8

    🌼 Season of Identity and Purpose

    Some seasons aren’t about loss — they’re about rediscovery.

    For much of my life, I defined myself by my roles and accomplishments. These included my job, my family, my appearance, and my success. But when those things shifted, I faced an identity crisis.

    Then I learned this truth. I stopped striving to define myself by the world. I began to rest in who God says I am — loved, chosen, redeemed. Then peace returned.

    “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

    When we stop fighting against the current of change, we find that God’s plan has been carrying us all along.

    🌸Season of the In-Between

    Life often feels like the “in-between” — that space between no longer and not yet. It’s uncomfortable, uncertain, and full of questions.

    But it’s also the place where faith grows deepest.

    “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1

    My sister Sara taught me that joy is not the denial of pain. It is the decision to trust God in it. Even in her suffering, she defined joy as:

    “The unwavering trust that God knows what He is doing and has blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of it. Not despite what is happening in my life, but because of it. When everything earthly feels heavy, He gives me an internal lightness that can’t be reached.”

    We can’t control the seasons, but we can choose how we walk through them — with or without Him.

    🌤 When Seasons Change

    What do you need to let go of in this season? Is it fear? Or is it control? Could it be the past, or your own strength?

    Whatever it is, remember this truth:
    When your seasons change, don’t cling to fear. Let go. Surrender. Choose joy.

    God’s presence is constant. His love is unchanging. His purposes are eternal.

    “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.” — Psalm 56:13

    The trees release their leaves. May we also release what we can’t keep. Let us trust the One who never lets go. 🍂

    💬 Reflect & Share

    ✨ What season are you in right now?
    ✨ What is God asking you to let go of?
    ✨ How can you choose joy in the in-between?

    Share your heart in the comments below — let’s encourage one another through every season. 💕

    With love and joy,

    Laura