Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst

Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst: You Will Show Me the Pathe of Life; In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy (Psalm 16:11 NKJV)

Joy in the Midst is a one-year devotional for women with a unique approach. Take an imaginary back packing trip over the Mountain of Gloom to the Lake of Still Waters with the author as she shares her true story of finding joy through God’s word despite trials and tribulations raising her family. Sit by the campfire as Anne teaches God’s lessons empowering women to be strong and courageous. Make it your own through daily scriptures and journaling. A Daily Walk to Joy in the Midst is a guide for God’s women to come out of discouragement and embrace life.

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Reviews

“This book is just what I’ve been looking for.” Teava October 2023

“Some stuff is really hard to put into action, but I guess that is what God wants. Am so glad you include the action tips to help apply God’s word.” Elizabeth January 2022

“I thought when you were telling me about your book at the retreat, I would be polite and listen. My then I realized this was for me; I needed this. Thank you.” Jonny February 2022

“I love hearing your stories. I’m reading it like a novel instead of a devotional. Is that alright?” Susie June 2021

“When I picked up the book and opened to a random page, the first thing I read encouraged me.” Nancy May 2018

Preview Section:

Lumbering Black Bear

Week 28, Day 1

Better a woman meets a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly. (Proverbs 17:12)

Ladies, over there, a bear! A black bear lumbering along through the forest! Make noise, yell, and clap your hands. Fun to see but not too close! Bears, even strolling bears, become dangerous if they think we have food or move between Mama bear and her cubs. ~

Just as an unexpected bear may come plodding along the trail, so can worry, doubts, and anxiety, stroll into your life during a typical day. We need to be alert, to clap, yell, do whatever, to send the potentially dangerous emotional intruder on his way.

As is frequent for me, I awoke with trouble on my mind. Worries steeped and cycled. Knowing from long practice and God’s instruction, exactly what to do, I gave each concern over to God. I surrendered my family to One who can save and transform. By the time my brain was fully engaged I was silently singing, “Today is the day the Lord hath make; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Hot tea in hand, still in pajamas, God and I met in my private corner where I sat for a moment just staring out the window. “Lord, guide my day. Show me what is meaningful amidst the routine. Often, it all seems so pointless and repetitive. Grant me your gift of gladness of heart and satisfaction in my work today.”

My quiet moments are often brief, then off I rush. Occasionally, time grants a gracious hour. Encouraged and refreshed by the word of God, I sought my Honey Bear Husband for morning hugs. Though grey and rainy outside, sun shone in my heart. God had control over the lives of my loved ones, so I left it with Him (at least for the moment).

Starting victorious, however, does not mean ending it so. Countless times I have exited my prayer corner, rejoicing, to have an immediate fight with my husband or issue with my children or a daunting task. Almost every single afternoon my spirits dive. Let’s examine the lumbering bear named “Slump.” Slump tempts women to wallowing in discouragement and self-pity. Lord Help!

While shopping in a thrift shop, discouragement suddenly overwhelmed me. My worry from the morning descended upon me again with fruitless, self-incriminating thoughts. However, when Slump threatened to ruin my attitude, I implemented the Stop Cure (see the action tools). Outwardly, I kept looking at stuff, but inwardly I prayed, recited scripture and praised God. If anyone noticed, a woman was considering a blouse. No special event. Yet for me, inside, victory in Jesus. With God’s grace, Slump defeated! If I can do it, so can you!

Here are the most common factors that start the downward spiral:

Fatigue and low blood sugar.
Inability to tackle an overwhelming task.
Unpleasant words with someone important to you.
Clutching your troubles and worry to your breast.
Bad habit of destructive self-talk.

Our heart cries out again,

How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? (Psalm 13:1–2a)

Prayer: Lord, in the moment of everyday life, we forget to turn to you, especially during “slump” times. Seal scripture in our minds and bring it to the forefront when we needed it to fight off the daily slump. Thank you for victory through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hide in My Heart: “For I am more than a conqueror through him who loves me,” (Romans 8:37).

Choose Today: I have victory because of Jesus even over the afternoon slump!

Week 28, Day 2. Read: Psalm 13:1–2a.

Journal: Write the specific time of day for you often feel discouraged and depressed. Now consider how your mind spirals downward. What thinking ignites and fuels this lumbering bear?

Action Tool: Stop Cure

STOP! (Remember a stop sign.)

U-TURN. If negative self-talk sneaks in, say to yourself, “Thank you self, but I prefer to trust in the Lord.”

EYES UP! Pray and praise.

Still, if we look up and remember Him, he speaks encouragement, yet again,