Ephesians chapter 5 says, “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Always…for everything. These are tough words, especially when we’re in pain. I’m not good at giving thanks when I’m in pain. I am quick to get frustrated, quick to complain and slow to gain perspective. Be thankful always for everything? This is crazy. Impossible! Or is it?
Thanking God always for everything means trusting God’s character more than what we see or what we understand.It means humbling ourselves, recognizing that we don’t know everything God is working out. It means calling out to Him for relief and justice, trusting that He hears and cares. It also means opening our hearts to the truth that God suffers with us and responds with compassionate understanding. Thanking God always for everything isn’t about pretending bad doesn’t happen. It means engaging with God about life (the good and bad) more wholly and honestly. As we practice gratitude this season, don’t leave out the pain. Being thankful always for everything drives us to transform in ways we never would have chosen, but in the end will never give up.
Have you met Joy!?
Joy was one of Envision’s interns and masterly completed the lengthy requirements to move to LPCC!Originally, Joy started in the banking world. But when she and her husband, Howie, (of 29 years!) started having children – 5 daughters to be exact – she became a full-time mom. As the girls grew, Joy got into life coaching. When the pandemic hit and she saw the impact it had on our youth – she knew she wanted to go deeper. She considers going back to school at 50, after raising 5 girls, one of her greatest achievements! What gets her out of the bed in the morning? A true zest for life.
When I asked Joy to describe her role as a therapist – she answered being a confidant and a hope dealer. Joy can deliver and hold hope when her client’s can’t and is a true partner in the process. Two of her favorite types of clients are young adults launching into creating their lives and people suffering with chronic pain or chronic illness. She enjoys the relationship building piece of her work and witnessing the positive change and growth of her clients. Most embarrassing moment? An overly aggressive stomach growl in the midst of a session. So aggressive, it could not go unacknowledged.
Now for the personal stuff: Joy loves to run and often invites us to join—though excuses usually follow. She’s a self-proclaimed “crazy plant lady” with over 30 plants, some even in the office. Joy enjoys DIY projects and gardening, and she and Howie are planning their first of five weddings. When not at work or with her daughters, she’s with a dog—either their great dane Willow or Pumba, a foster for a deployed soldier. She shares her favorite “Joyisms”: “Everything is figure-out-able” and “Nothing good happens in your comfort zone.” And yes, she loves chocolate cake—it disappears fast!
And of course, the closing favorite movie quote…
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” – Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing
We are here for you – call today to get on the schedule!
