Episode 10: When the Battle Feels Bigger Than God: Open My Eyes Lord

Episode 14: Trust the Whisper: Following God's Call with Kathy Izard

What if the quiet nudge you've been feeling is God inviting you into something more? In this inspiring episode of The Joy Stories, I sit down with bestselling author, speaker, and retreat leader Kathy Izard for a powerful conversation about purpose, courage, and learning to trust God's voice. Kathy shares the remarkable story behind her books The Hundred Story Home, Trust the Whisper, and The Last Ordinary Hour, and how one unexpected encounter changed the trajectory of her life. What began as volunteering in a soup kitchen eventually led to the creation of Charlotte's first permanent supportive housing community for people experiencing chronic homelessness. A simple but powerful question from a formerly homeless man—"Where are the beds?"—became the whisper Kathy could no longer ignore. That whisper led her on a journey she never could have planned, transforming not only the lives of others but her own as well. Together, we explore what it means to hear God's gentle nudges, overcome fear and self-doubt, trust the unknown, and step into the purpose God has uniquely designed for each of us. We discuss "God dots," divine connections, unexpected callings, and how every chapter of our lives is preparing us for what comes next. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ How God often speaks through whispers rather than loud signs ✨ Why fear and self-doubt don't have to stop you from moving forward ✨ The power of "God dots" and divine connections along the journey ✨ Why it's never too late to begin a new chapter ✨ How every season of life is preparing you for what's next ✨ Practical encouragement for discerning and following your own calling I also share my own whisper story—how a season of surrender, silence, and sabbatical ultimately led to the creation of The Joy Stories podcast, and how God beautifully connected Kathy's story with mine through a series of unexpected "God dots." If you've ever felt a nudge you couldn't explain... If you've ever wondered whether God might be inviting you into something more... If you're standing at a crossroads, sensing a new direction, or longing for more purpose and joy... This conversation is for you. Listen closely. Take the next faithful step. And trust the whisper. Be encourage, have hope, and choose JOY. Connect with Kathy: https://www.kathyizard.com [https://www.kathyizard.com] Email Jessica: connect@thejoystories.com Follow The Joy Stories on Instagram @thejoystories The Joy Stories website: https://www.thejoystories.com [https://www.thejoystories.com]

Episode 13: Joy in Community: Part 2

In this deeply personal continuation of “Joy in Community,” Jessica shares how God used friendship, vulnerability, and honest community to bring healing during one of the most painful seasons of her life. After attending a women’s retreat centered around the theme “Radiant,” Jessica reflects on the powerful role godly women have played in pointing her back to Christ through seasons of heartbreak, shame, surrender, and healing. In this episode, she opens up about her and her husband’s hidden pain they carried for years, and the life-changing words spoken by a lifelong friend and prayer warrior that ultimately led her toward surrender and peace. This conversation is for anyone who has: * struggled silently * wrestled with unanswered prayers * battled shame or isolation * wondered if God still sees them * or needed the reminder that they were never meant to walk through life alone You’ll be encouraged to let go of perfection, stop hiding in shame, and lean into the kind of honest, godly community where healing and joy can grow. Because sometimes God’s healing comes through the people He places beside us. Be encouraged, have hope, and choose JOY. The Joy Stories website: ⁠https://www.thejoystories.com⁠ [https://www.thejoystories.com/] Follow me on Instagram: @thejoystories ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] Email: connect@thejoystories.com Scripture: Psalm 34:5: “Those who look to the Lord for help will be radiant with joy, no shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 37:4: "Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Mark 9:24: “Lord, I believe but help my unbelief.” Song: "Author" by Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas https://open.spotify.com/track/49pVTawHCdwER1Y5w7Mgeb?si=d8d8abcca458424b

Episode 12: Joy in Community

In this episode of The Joy Stories, we explore the powerful truth that we were never meant to do life alone. God created us for relationship — not only with Him, but with each other. While modern culture encourages independence and self-sufficiency, Scripture teaches that believers are called to support, encourage, and strengthen one another. This episode highlights how Christian community, discipleship, and prayer support help us grow in faith and experience deeper joy. True, God-centered community is more than just social connection; it is a place where we are known, supported, encouraged, and strengthened in our faith. If you are searching for encouragement, deeper connection, and practical faith guidance, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to navigate life alone. Because true joy grows when life is shared.  Together, we talk about: • Why isolation can quietly weaken our spiritual lives • The difference between solitude and loneliness • The danger of trying to live a self-sufficient faith • How the enemy often uses lies to keep us disconnected • Why healing and transformation rarely happen alone • The beauty of having people who pray, encourage, and walk alongside us • What healthy, authentic Christian community truly looks like The Joy Stories website: https://www.thejoystories.com [https://www.thejoystories.com/] Follow me on Instagram: @thejoystories https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr] Email: connect@thejoystories.com Scripture: Genesis 2:18-Not good for man to be alone, I will create a helper Jeremiah 17:5-Don’t put your trust in humans and turn away from God 1 Peter 5:8- Be alert of the enemy who looks for someone to devour Ephesians 6:10-Armor of God Exodus 17:12-Story of Moses and the two men who held his arms up Mark 2-The story of the 4 friends and the paralyzed man who they took to Jesus Galatians 6:2-Carry each other’s burdens Philippians 2:4-Look out for one another’s interest Hebrews 10:24–25 -Think of ways to motivate one another and encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-Encourage one another and build one another up. Romans 12:15-Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Ecclesiastes 4:12-A triple braided cord is not easily broken Psalm 37:4-Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart Matthew 7:7-Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for Book Resources:  “Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allen https://a.co/d/0e5c3BT8 [https://a.co/d/0e5c3BT8] “Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing” by Megan Fate Marshman https://a.co/d/03O4yPvr [https://a.co/d/03O4yPvr] Song: “Tear Off The Roof” by Brandon Lake https://open.spotify.com/track/1phLTiTxprKkjt4IjNDxuD?si=ecd774d88bb340a1 [https://open.spotify.com/track/1phLTiTxprKkjt4IjNDxuD?si=ecd774d88bb340a1] Links:  Men’s Fitness group, F3 https://f3nation.com/about-f3 [https://f3nation.com/about-f3]

Episode 11: Dancing Through Fear: Finding Joy in the Midst of Cancer

What does it look like to choose joy in the face of fear? In this deeply moving episode of The Joy Stories, Jessica sits down with her dear friend Lucy—a wife, mother of three, and “Dancing Queen” who has been courageously walking through a cancer diagnosis she calls “the element.” With honesty, warmth, and even humor, Lucy shares how her journey has transformed her faith from routine to deeply personal—shifting her view of God from distant to a constant companion and friend. Through late-night fears, painful treatments, and the unknowns of illness, Lucy reveals how she has learned to: * Find light in life’s smallest moments * Turn pain into purpose * Invite God into her fear instead of hiding from it * And quite literally… dance her way through it From her children’s powerful words (“Hair or no hair, you’re still my mom”) to spontaneous moments of singing and dancing in hospital hallways, Lucy’s story is a beautiful reminder that joy is not the absence of suffering—it’s the presence of God within it. This episode is for anyone walking through fear, uncertainty, or hardship. Lucy’s message is clear and powerful: You are not alone. Your story has purpose. And even here… you can choose joy. “I hope you dance. I hope you sing. I hope you see the joy in everything.” If you want to follow Lucy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancing.through.fear?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Songs: "At The Cross": https://open.spotify.com/track/3BYjy9SgiD9BbBPdhOfRg5?si=c04cec279fe0451a "Be Not Afraid": https://open.spotify.com/track/2Po5VXHFACJdKdqsGk0aFC?si=a3e74026132943ba "Fear is a Liar" : https://open.spotify.com/track/6Z85UCEueQcgSyChlrEu5G?si=46e6d98ddf2f4e28 Email Jessica: connect@thejoystories.com Website: https://www.thejoystories.com

Episode 10: When the Battle Feels Bigger Than God: Open My Eyes Lord

Are you in a battle right now? Do you feel surrounded — by fear, anxiety, uncertainty, or circumstances you didn’t see coming? In this episode, we dive into 2 Kings 6:14–17 and the powerful story of Elisha and his servant. When an enemy army surrounded them, the servant panicked. But Elisha prayed a simple, profound prayer: “Lord, open his eyes.” The miracle wasn’t that the army disappeared. The miracle was that God revealed what was already there. Sometimes God doesn’t remove the battle immediately — He changes what we can see in the middle of it. If you’ve been feeling outnumbered, overwhelmed, or alone, this episode is for you. You’ll be reminded that: ·       You are not alone. ·       The Lord of Heaven’s Armies fights for you. ·       No prayer is too small. ·       No battle is too big. Let’s ask God to open our eyes. Scripture:  ·      2 Kings 6:14-17 (Elisha and his servant) ·      Philippians 4:13 (All things through Christ) ·      Numbers 22:31 (the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes) ·      Ephesians 1:16-18 (eyes of your heart may be enlightened) ·      Psalm 18:2 (The Lord is my rock and my deliverer) ·      Romans 8:31(If God is for us, who can be against us?) ·      John 16:33 (Take heart, I (Jesus) have overcome the world) ·      Matthew 19:26 (With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible) ·      Ephesians 6:10-17 (The Armor of God) Songs:  ·      Surrounded (Fight My Battles)”by Michael W. Smith https://open.spotify.com/track/73u7dTjaBTMyvs3KWOThGR?si=7e46f88339f347b5 [https://open.spotify.com/track/73u7dTjaBTMyvs3KWOThGR?si=7e46f88339f347b5] ·      “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith https://open.spotify.com/track/4um6ZMnib1I7VuG3c6jGm5?si=0102942a740c4365 [https://open.spotify.com/track/4um6ZMnib1I7VuG3c6jGm5?si=0102942a740c4365] ·      “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” by Chris Tomlin https://open.spotify.com/track/2VuwpxQR7rTPWkoLkpANdz?si=46d2a0c60afe43cb [https://open.spotify.com/track/2VuwpxQR7rTPWkoLkpANdz?si=46d2a0c60afe43cb] ·      “The Battle Belongs to You” by Phil Wickham https://open.spotify.com/track/3CwpNu67Qg1Mcl8WNtzUgo?si=90c7f4803fe94ef2 [https://open.spotify.com/track/3CwpNu67Qg1Mcl8WNtzUgo?si=90c7f4803fe94ef2]   Connect with Jessica:  Website: https://www.thejoystories.com [https://www.thejoystories.com/] Email: connect@thejoystories.com [connect@thejoystories.com] Instagram: @thejoystories