Joyful Believer Blog

I write about areas I want to grow in: building better spiritual and health-related habits, developing a deeper prayer life, living on the edge of adventure, choosing gratitude, glorifying God by enjoying Him, and striving to comprehend the depth of His grace and the heights of His love.

He Counted the Cost and Paid It All

In 1999, Joy Vernon, a Texas schoolteacher, vacationed in the Colorado mountains with her parents, her husband, and their three children.

The God of the Galaxies Pursues You

I was 24 when I met my husband in a Bible study group. I had no designs on him because I thought he was dating a gal he worked with.

Incorporating Your Whole Being in Prayer

When I need extra help quieting the noise of daily life to focus on the Lord, movements and poses sometimes help. Engaging my body during prayer not only reminds my heart and brain that I’m entering a sacred space and time but also helps me feel more present and closer to God. The following practices have been beneficial for me at different times. I hope you find some that help you, too. Humble yourself before the majestic King of the universe and your high and holy God by kn

We Love Because God First Loved Us

I don’t watch many Hallmark movies, but I was glad I saw The Magic of Ordinary Days . Set during World War II, it tells the story of Livy, a Denver minister’s unmarried daughter, who becomes pregnant by a Navy lieutenant. Livy’s embarrassed father sends her to a small, rural Colorado town to marry Ray, a young farmer who compassionately agrees to marry Livy without even meeting her. The young couple are very different. Not particularly religious, Livy studied archaeology in g

Quick Energy Tips To Make Prayer Easier

Fatigue can take a toll on my prayer life. When my energy is really low, it’s difficult to start praying or keep praying for any length of time, let alone concentrate on Who God is and give Him the praise He richly deserves. Because health conditions and sleep issues have caused my energy to be low during periods of my life, I’ve found ways to jumpstart my sluggish mind and spirit, especially on mornings when I’m dragging. Here are some practices you can also try to boost you

God Loves You Just As You Are

A few decades ago, I was ticked over something my husband said or did a few days before Valentine’s Day. But as I was out getting groceries, I walked by a huge Valentine card display and thought I’d pick one up for Davie. Although my heart wasn’t really in it, I knew I’d eventually get over being annoyed, and it was silly to make another trip later. So I started looking at all kinds of overly sugary, flowery cards, which weren’t our style even when everything was good betwe