S3 E13 Your Grief Will Become Joy

ShownotesThe words grief and joy are not two concepts most think go together. Yet when we understand the meaning and look deeper,  anyone can achieve joy even in the most trying moments. In this episode Andrea gives an update on her new walk with grief. Despite some pretty hard moments, she shares how she  has encountered joy after a long season and how God has led her through the storm. Using biblical examples, both ladies show how joy and sorrow can be more similar that given credit.  Listen in as Jennifer and Andrea discuss ways to find joy in trying times and how God moves to help us through these seasons. Links from the show​City of God​Jeff Cavins - 4 Levels of Happiness​Footprints poem (printable PDF)​St. Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, 1,1.5: ​West Coast Christian Writers Conference​S3 E9: Honoring Those Who Have Come Before Us with Deacon Art MillerScripture verses mentioned​Mark 4:35-41. The Calming of a Storm at Sea​Matthew 5:3-12. The Beatitudes​Luke 2:22-35. The Presentation in the Temple ​Luke 2:35-41. The Boy Jesus in the Temple​Galatians 5:22-23​Psalm 16:11​John 16:20-24​Nehemiah 8:10Prayer for the souls of Robert & Debbie Kapina, Andrea’s parents Journaling Questions​What's the difference between joy and happiness? Why do we need both? ​Andrea talks about the benefits of a silent retreat. What are you doing right now to help you cultivate silence in your life? ​As Andrea pointed out on the show, the storm must happen to get to the rainbow. How are you allowing the storm to form you, so that you can be ready for the rainbow to shine through? ​Reflect on the birth of Jesus for joy. Consider the following words for meditation: stillness, quiet, smallness, peace, labor pains, ​What are ways you can practice being “poor in spirit”? How does God bless us in this? ​As discussed in the episode, joy is a choice we must be open to receiving. What is blocking you right now from receiving joy? What step(s) can you take to work toward joy? ​What is your mourning glory?