Joy Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Debbie W. Wilson

7 Ways to Increase Your Joy

September 19, 2017 by Guest Post

I met Patty Mason this summer at an AWSA (Advanced Writers & Speakers Association) conference. I asked her to share the habits that brought her joy after suffering with depression. Now here’s Patty.

Are you struggling to find joy in life? Are you haunted or weighed down by your past? In a world filled with sin, chaos, trials and pain, it is difficult to find lasting joy.

I’ve been through a great deal in my life, but God has shown me that it is possible to have a heart filled with joy, even in the middle of life’s circumstances.

These seven strategies may not be easy. But, if you put them into practice, they will not only help you triumph over painful emotions, but will help you remain joy-filled and free.

#1 Get to the Root of Your Pain

How to Experience Comfort and Joy All Year

January 3, 2017 by Debbie W. Wilson

A couple of weeks before Christmas my cousin flew from San Antonio, TX to Washington DC. Young soldiers being deployed overseas filled her packed plane. When the captain announced they were on the first leg of their trip to Afghanistan, the plane applauded. But one man did more. He told a flight attendant he wanted to give his first class seat to a soldier.

My daughter and I had just returned from Chicago. Because Ginny works for the airlines we were bumped up to first class on the trip to Chicago. We flew coach home. Here are some differences we experienced between coach and first class.

In coach, five seats were crammed into one row (three on one side, two on the other). First class had four in the same amount of space (2+2).
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In coach, we fought for elbow space. First class had a console between each roomy seat.
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In coach, they offered us pretzels and a soft drink. First class provided steamy washcloths and a hot meal.
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In coach, after the pretzels, that was it. First class offered warm chocolate chip cookies.

Our recent experience made my cousin’s story all the more poignant. Susanne said the soldiers on her plane looked young. She watched the attendant select an especially young, slender guy from the crowded coach section and usher him into first class. A couple of minutes later, a large man lumbered out of first class and crammed his bulk into the soldier’s coach seat. Continue Reading

What Poodles Show Us about Blissful Productivity

January 12, 2015 by Debbie W. Wilson

Before I share today’s blog I wanted to update you on my writing. Last week I signed a contract with Leafwood publishers for my next Bible study whose working title is Little Women, Big God. I also have a new Facebook page. I wanted to invite you to drop by and let me know your thoughts. Thanks to all who’ve visited and liked the page. Your encouragement has been wind in my sails. Now for today’s thoughts.

Do you believe you were created for blissful productivity, not just activity? My poodles daily demonstrate the joy that comes from doing the work we were designed for.

Every morning Max and Cosette take up their poodle patrol posts. They take guarding the bird feeder from squirrels seriously. Tremors course through Cosette’s smaller body when one appears. Her luminous brown eyes beseech me. Max yelps, “Hurry, hurry!”

I stand aside so their rush through the door won’t knock me down. They zip across the yard, squirrels dart off in every direction. Max and Cosette leap up and down in jubilant celebration. “Well done,” they seem to say.

My face broadens into a grin. Poodle joy is contagious.

Since my dogs’ joy gives me pleasure, do you think God’s happy when we enjoy our lives and work? I do. After all, we’re made in His image.Continue Reading

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#1 Get to the Root of Your Pain

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