Hi! This is the platform I’ll be using for my content from now on (WordPress). As I said before, I know it’s been a while since I’ve written–I’m so happy to reconnect. I have taken a bit of a hiatus as I’ve taken on a job with For Girls Like You which is a nonprofit encouraging tween girls with Godly content and resources. I’m excited to share some of my content with you again and hope to inspire you and encourage you in your walk with Jesus! Please let me know what resonates in comments. I’d love to hear from you. π
As our kids grow, along with their emotions and the ups and downs, having joyful hearts can set the tone in our houses. It can be good medicine for our kids and rub off on them. Letβs go to the Lord and ask Him to lead us in joy. These verses will help us do that too!

I love that God answers from His heavenly sanctuary with His victorious power. We DO have the victory. Whether the victory comes in things here, or just because we have everlasting life with Jesus, Believers have the Victory. Because we have life forever with God through Jesus.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew they had victory even though they were thrown into the fire for the name of the Lord, and Daniel knew He had the victory even though He was thrown into the Lionβs Den. Even though all four were rescued, beforehand, they didnβt know what the outcome would be, but regardless of it, they knew they had the victory because they knew God.
Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome about 66AD during the persecution under Emperor Nero. Even so, Peter and Paul experienced victory as well because their names were written in the Book of Life. They would experience life forever with Jesus. That is Victory.
So, whether weβre going through heart-wrenching circumstances, or celebrating a wonderful moment, let us βshout for joy over our victory and lift up our banners in the name of our Godβ because no matter what, we have the victory!
*Written by Linsey Driskill and previously published by For Girls Like You

This spoke to me a lot. I love how David says that during trouble and enemies surrounding Him, He will seek the Lord and sacrifice with shouts of joy. Sometimes choosing joy is a sacrifice. When we go through difficult times, it is a fight to choose joy. Itβs a sacrifice. For the Lord. Here are Davidβs words:

Lord, would you help us sacrifice with shouts of joy when we are going through something difficult. You see our sacrifice and You will honor that. Let my head rise above difficulty by singing and making music to you, Lord, and by sacrificing with shouts of joy. In Jesusβ Name, amen.
βThe Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.β Isaiah 51:3
Here’s a wonderful song with words of life to hold onto this week by Matt Maher: Alive & Breathing.
βJoy still comes in the morning
Hope still walks with the hurting
If youβre still alive and breathing
Praise the Lord.
Donβt stop dancing and dreaming
Thereβs still Good News worth repeating
So lift your head and keep singing
Praise the Lord.β
Iβve missed your encouraging emails!
Sent from my iPhone
With shouts of joy! Today is my 74th birthday and I celebrate with shouts of joy! Thank you for your post./
Oh I love that, MaryEllen! Celebrating with you! Happy Birthday!
Thank you!