Joy: Experiencing Heaven’s Delight in Every Season

Joy: Experiencing Heaven’s Delight in Every Season

The episode celebrates the release of the collaboration book Joy: Experiencing Heaven’s Delight in Every Season, the second in a Fruits of the Spirit series, available on Amazon, and introduces contributing authors sharing how true joy is not circumstantial. Stephanie Judy’s chapter “Rugged Joy” reflects on grief after a stepdaughter moved away and a healing New England road trip inspired by Psalm 91. Trish Cordell writes about learning joy through surrender when living alone at 58. Michelle Barringer recounts a trial-filled 2011 and praying for joy as strength. Julie Almodovar’s “Joy in a Red Suit” highlights her brother-in-law’s 16-year transformation serving as Santa, including hospital and fire-station toy deliveries. Christina Edwards, a widowed retiree, shares finding joy in sudden loss through gratitude, God’s presence, community, and poetry. The group also discusses vulnerability, editing, and writing courage.

00:00 Joy Book Launch
01:17 Meet the Authors
03:27 What True Joy Means
04:36 Stephanie Rugged Joy
06:58 Trish Blooming Alone
09:40 Michelle Joy Strength
13:41 Julie Santa Suit Joy
16:34 Christina Sudden Loss
16:41 Three Gifts for Grief
17:47 Poetry as Healing
18:30 Joy Through Community
20:18 Writers Roundtable Begins
21:27 Stephanie Writing Sprint
24:01 Michelle on Editing
28:34 Julie Finds Lightness
31:04 Christina Vulnerability and Flowers
33:29 Courage to Share Your Story
34:16 Book Plug and Farewell