The Joy Stories

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 likeThe Joy Stories website: https://www.thejoystories.comFollow me on Instagram: @thejoystories https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrEmail: [email protected]:Genesis 2:18-Not good for man to be alone, I will create a helperJeremiah 17:5-Don’t put your trust in humans and turn away from God1 Peter 5:8- Be alert of the enemy who looks for someone to devourEphesians 6:10-Armor of GodExodus 17:12-Story of Moses and the two men who held his arms upMark 2-The story of the 4 friends and the paralyzed man who they took to JesusGalatians 6:2-Carry each other’s burdensPhilippians 2:4-Look out for one another’s interestHebrews 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 brokenPsalm 37:4-Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heartMatthew 7:7-Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask forBook Resources: “Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World” by Jennie Allenhttps://a.co/d/0e5c3BT8“Relaxed: Walking with the One Who Is Not Worried About a Thing” by Megan Fate Marshman https://a.co/d/03O4yPvrSong:“Tear Off The Roof” by Brandon Lake https://open.spotify.com/track/1phLTiTxprKkjt4IjNDxuD?si=ecd774d88bb340a1Links: Men’s Fitness group, F3 https://f3nation.com/about-f3

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 momentsTurn pain into purposeInvite God into her fear instead of hiding from itAnd quite literally… dance her way through itFrom 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=46e6d98ddf2f4e28Email Jessica: [email protected] Website: https://www.thejoystories.com

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. Smithhttps://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·      “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” by Chris Tomlin https://open.spotify.com/track/2VuwpxQR7rTPWkoLkpANdz?si=46d2a0c60afe43cb·      “The Battle Belongs to You” by Phil Wickhamhttps://open.spotify.com/track/3CwpNu67Qg1Mcl8WNtzUgo?si=90c7f4803fe94ef2 Connect with Jessica: Website: https://www.thejoystories.comEmail: [email protected]: @thejoystories

Trusting God With My Love Story | A Testimony of Faith & TimingIn this episode of The Joy Stories Podcast, Danielle shares her powerful Christian love testimony about trusting God with her heart, waiting on His timing, and surrendering control in her faith journey. What began as a solo bucket-list trip to Panama unexpectedly turned into a God-ordained love story.Through long-distance challenges, language and cultural differences, COVID shutdowns, visa delays, and seasons of deep uncertainty, Danielle learned how faith, prayer, and obedience prepared her for marriage. This episode is filled with encouragement for anyone waiting on love, navigating singleness, or learning to trust God through unanswered prayers.If you’re longing for a faith-filled relationship, seeking hope in the waiting, or wondering if God truly cares about your love story, this conversation is a reminder that God’s timing is perfect — and He can do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine.Scripture: Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds in the air. They do not sow or reap or story away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable to him than they?”Ecclesiastes 3:1-8~ “A Time for Everything”Matthew 17: 20 ~ The faith the size of a mustard seedEphesians 3:20 ~”Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”Songs:“Oceans” by Hillsong: https://open.spotify.com/track/6FMS4sNzVVpEpfOnFx3Fdi?si=f3cab70eaa8a43cd “Jireh” by Elevation Worship featuring Chandler Moore and Naiomi Raine https://open.spotify.com/track/1goiRWxiG3GTlODrdDZ7NR?si=0118198fd43340c3Quote: “Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. When there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong” by Ella Fitzgerald 

Learning to Fly: When God Uses Love, Loss, and Grief for His Purposes With Children’s Author Erika LopezIn this episode of Joy Stories, Jessica sits down with children’s author and advocate Erika Lopez to share a powerful story of faith, grief, and unexpected purpose.After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, Erika wrestled with anger, loss, and deep sorrow — until God began gently guiding her through writing, dreams, and meaningful signs. A vivid dream of flying with her mom inspired a bedtime story for her daughter that eventually became The Adventures of Amazing Grace, a children’s book about courage, friendship, and listening to your heart instead of fear.Erika also shares how her daughter’s dyslexia shaped the book’s design, leading her to advocate for inclusive, dyslexic-friendly children’s literature and representation for multicultural families.This episode explores joy beyond happiness, overcoming fear, discovering God-given gifts, and how even the hardest seasons can lead to something beautiful.Erika’s Instagram: ErikaLopez_authorhttps://www.instagram.com/erikalopez_author?igsh=MWFuajY2a3Vnbmdycw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Many dyslexia and ADHD resources are available on my “Highlights” Erika's Website: https://www.erikaferrarilopez.com/ The Adventures of Amazing Grace is available locally at Park Road Books, CLT Find, and That’s Novel. It is also available online: https://a.co/d/3OqmfhP Podcast episode with our dyslexia journey:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/together-in-literacy/id1588755889?i=1000635409199The Joy Stories website: https://www.thejoystories.comJessica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

How do we know when God is speaking—especially when we’re facing big decisions? If you’ve ever asked, “God, is that really You?”—this episode will encourage you to slow down, listen closely, and trust that God still speaks because He deeply loves His children.In this heartfelt and Scripture-rich episode of The Joy Stories, Jessica walks listeners through how to recognize, discern, and respond to the voice of God amid the noise of our thoughts, culture, and spiritual opposition.Jessica also includes biblical teaching, practical steps, and her own deeply personal story of how God clearly called Jessica into speaking and podcasting, even when fear, doubt, and spiritual warfare tried to stop her. She also shares how God speaks and how discernment grows through prayer, Scripture, obedience, patience, and community. Website: https://www.thejoystories.comInstagram: @thejoystories10 Practical Steps For Discerning God’s VoicePray FirstAsk God for wisdom and clarity. Prayer is relationship, not performance. Immerse Yourself in ScriptureGod’s voice will never contradict His Word. Scripture trains us to recognize truth.Listen ExpectantlySilence and stillness are part of prayer. God often speaks in whispers, not noise.Discern Through Biblical TestingAsk:Does this bring peace or confusion?Does it align with Scripture?Does it lead toward godliness or sin?Rely on the Holy SpiritThe Spirit guides, convicts, comforts, and directs—always in harmony with God’s Word.Surrender Personal PreferenceDiscernment requires humility—seeking God’s will over what we want.Examine the FruitGod’s voice produces love, peace, humility, and faithfulness—not fear or confusion.Seek Godly Counsel & CommunityLike Samuel needed Eli, we often need wise, Spirit-led guidance.Practice PatienceDiscernment matures over time. Waiting is often part of God’s process.Learn to Truly ListenRemove distractions. Create margin. God speaks most clearly when we are still.SCRIPTURE:James 1:5 "Ask God for wisdom, and He will give it generously"John 10:8 & 27 “Others may speak, but the sheep do not listen to them.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active"Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”1 Samuel 3:10“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”Ezekiel 3:10 “Take into your heart all My words… and listen closely.”Jeremiah 29:12-13 “In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me”Psalm 139:17“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!"1 John 5:14 “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.  And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.”Song link: "You Can't Stop This" by Alex Warren: https://open.spotify.com/track/15ugBBMTmevxMc2WSbRULC?si=4d82c188120d407e

My mother shares her journey from addiction to healing through faith, prayer, and surrender to God.Summary:In this powerful episode of The Joy Stories, host Jessica sits down with her mother, Shelley Winters, to share a deeply moving story of addiction recovery through faith, the power of prayer, and the life-changing impact of surrendering to God. Shelley opens up about years of struggling with alcohol addiction, working multiple jobs to support her daughters, and walking through seasons of loss, exhaustion, and brokenness.Through a divine encounter and unwavering prayer, Shelley experienced healing through faith and a complete transformation that only God could bring. This Christian testimony highlights how God restores lives, answers prayers, and brings hope even in the darkest moments. Shelley now shares her faith daily, spreading joy and encouragement through prayer, community, and small acts of love.If you or someone you love is seeking hope, healing, addiction recovery, Christian encouragement, or faith-based inspiration, this episode is a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible—and that it’s never too late to begin again.Takeaways:·      Shelly worked two jobs to support her daughters.·      She struggled with alcohol addiction for years.·      Finding faith helped her through difficult times.·      A chance encounter with a preacher's wife changed her life.·      Surrendering to God led to her healing from addiction.·      Prayer played a crucial role in her recovery.·      Shelly felt like a new person after her prayer.·      She shares her faith and joy with others daily.·      Creating prayer rocks helped her connect with strangers.·      With God, nothing is impossible.Scripture:1 Peter 5:8Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)Matthew 9:18-222 Corinthians 5:17Joshua 1:9Isaiah 4:101 Thessalonians 5:16-18Luke 18:27Psalm 23Psalm 27: 14Prayer:Heavenly Father, I come to you with a weary heart. I need your help. I pray that you would speak to me in a mighty way. Give me what I need most in this very moment, whether it's peace, strength, courage, confidence, restoration, healing or salvation. I pray that you would heal me and only the way that you can. I trust you, Lord.Please give me the peace to be on my understanding as I release my control over to you. Thank you Lord, that you hear my prayers. Help me to wait well with patience and not have an anxious heart as I wait for you to answer. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Music: “Angels By My Side”Composer: Lunar YearsLicense: 243284

In this episode of Joy Stories, Jessica explores the profound difference between happiness and joy, emphasizing that while happiness is often fleeting and tied to external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more enduring state rooted in faith and connection with God. She discusses the cultural obsession with happiness and the emptiness it can bring, contrasting it with the stability and peace that joy offers. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, Jessica illustrates how joy can coexist with life's challenges and provides practical steps for cultivating joy in everyday life. She also identifies common joy stealers and encourages listeners to protect their joy by focusing on their relationship with God and serving others. Takeaways:·      Joy is different from happiness; it is deeper and more enduring.·      Happiness is often tied to external circumstances and is fleeting.·      The pursuit of happiness can lead to a chronic state of restlessness.·      Joy is rooted in faith, hope, and trust in God.·      Joy can coexist with pain, sorrow, and hardship.·      Paul's teachings emphasize joy as a spiritual attitude, independent of circumstances.·      Practical ways to find joy include prayer, serving others, and reading scripture.·      Gratitude can significantly reduce anxiety and increase joy.·      Common joy stealers include unforgiveness, fear, and comparison.·      Choosing joy is a conscious decision that can transform our lives. Scripture: John 15:11Psalm 28:7Psalm 51:121 Peter 1:6-9Luke 1:41-44Proverbs 4:23 Song Links:“So So Good” by Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worshiphttps://open.spotify.com/track/3uNx9NvRHm60mDwOBFCkqg?si=995b141fb9a14efd“Gratitude” by Brandon Lakehttps://open.spotify.com/track/4VI7berVSzuaBt1BGrBksC?si=7c1ec9a189a74ab9“Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen & Brandon Lakehttps://open.spotify.com/track/1IrganK1YSvjYDvGNYu3aa?si=39adc61c1afd4ef8“Joy” by Chandler Moore (featuring Israel Houghton) https://open.spotify.com/track/06MjfGJaWilHgBPo8IE4hL?si=c6e873f6ac0f4e2d Holy Bible app link:https://www.bible.com/appInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrWebsite:https://www.thejoystories.comMusic: “Angels By My Side”Composer: Lunar YearsLicense: 243284

In this episode of The Joy Stories, Jessica explores how busyness quietly steals our joy and distracts us from what truly matters. She invites listeners to pause, reflect, and reclaim the sacred gift of time God has given each of us. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and gentle encouragement, Jessica shows how our minutes—though small—hold immense value and can shape the course of our hearts and lives. This episode is a heartfelt call to slow down, live intentionally, and prioritize the people, moments, and spiritual practices that bring lasting peace and joy.Takeaways:·       Busyness is often a tool used to distract us from joy.·       We have 1,440 minutes each day to spend wisely.·       Time is the most valuable commodity we have.·       We often measure our worth by productivity, which can lead to exhaustion.·       Jesus invites us to take off the world's heavy yoke and find rest in Him.·       Being present with loved ones is more important than a busy schedule.·       Our life is brief, and we should cherish our time with others.·       We can choose to invest our time in what truly matters.·       Intentionality in our daily routines can help us combat busyness.Scripture:Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”Psalm 103:15: “Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die”Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”Matthew 10:10: “‘The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came that you may have life — and have it abundantly.”Luke 10:38–42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A38–42&version=NLTQuotes:  “Time is infinitely more precious than anything else. Nothing can be valued against it.”  Jonathan Edwards (Puritan Theologian) “Our time is our life, and our attention is the doorway to our hearts. How we spend our time is how we spend our lives. It’s who we become (or don’t become).” John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry“We do not manage time. We only manage the moments God gives us.” Max Lucado “We are always falling into the illusion that we have more time than we do.” C.S. Lewis“If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” Corrie Ten Boom “Both sin and busyness have the same effect — they cut off your connection to God, to other people, and even to your own soul.” John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry,“We have this tension that women in particular feel between wanting to sit at Jesus' feet like Mary and feeling compelled to serve and manage responsibilities like Martha.  The path to a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life is not about doing more, but about learning to receive His love and wisdom through intimacy with Him, even within the busyness of a "Martha world".”  Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary heart in a Martha world.“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller’s Day OffBook Suggestions and references:“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer https://a.co/d/6WuaKqb“Having a Mary Heart in a Marhta World, Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life”: by Joanna Weaver https://a.co/d/dv0fCWU“Rest for Your Soul: Simple Practices When You’re Worn Out and Weary” by Wendy Blight https://a.co/d/hhlqjscSong: “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw https://open.spotify.com/track/7B1QliUMZv7gSTUGAfMRRD?si=ee3728e6eac9467f Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoystories?igsh=MTFrbzk4cW9hb2M2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

In this inspiring episode of "The Joy Stories", host Jessica sits down with Hope Skouras to share her remarkable journey of overcoming chronic illness through faith, community of prayer, resilience, and holistic healing. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 17, Hope faced years of health challenges—including a life-threatening medical crisis that tested her strength and spiritual foundation 13 years ago this very week.Through her powerful testimony, Hope reveals how her darkest moments ultimately led her to discover purpose, renewed gratitude, and a new calling in the wellness space. Her business, inspired by her signature “lemon swirl,” now empowers others to take ownership of their health and find hope through holistic care and gratitude.Listeners will learn about:🍋 navigating chronic illness with faith🍋 finding purpose in pain and adversity🍋 the power of prayer and community🍋 holistic approaches to wellness and healing🍋 how Hope turned her personal struggles into her missionThis episode is perfect for anyone seeking encouragement, spiritual growth, or inspiration to turn life’s sour seasons into something meaningful. Tune in to hear how God transformed Hope’s trials into a beautiful story of purpose and joy.Scripture:Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them”Isiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”Psalm 91:11 “for He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.”To connect with Hope:Website: https://thewholehope.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholehope?igsh=MW03bGZ3eTU1bzM1aw== 

In this episode of Joy Stories, Jessica shares her transformative journey through an unknown health issue that led her to discover deep joy and faith. Starting with a terrifying health scare, she navigates through misdiagnoses, explores holistic healing, and ultimately surrenders to God. Throughout her struggles, she finds support in community, learns to appreciate life's small moments, and experiences profound healing, both physically and spiritually. Jessica emphasizes the importance of faith, gratitude, and the power of God in her healing journey, encouraging listeners to trust in Him during their own storms.

Welcome to The Joy Stories, I'm so glad you're here.This episode is a brief description of what The Joy Stories is and who it's for. It's an introduction of who I am and why I have created this podcast.I hope to encourage you, lift your spirits and of course bring you JOY! Get ready to be encouraged, inspired and filled with Joy!