Hey Friendlings,
Almost every single time I have signed off on an Ask Joy email or post, I’ve ended it with the words, “From My Heart.” The reason I use these words is because they’re true.
I care deeply for Read more
What do you think about cliché phrases like, “Don’t marry the person you can live with; only marry the person you can’t live without?”
-Lauren
_______
Lauren,
I think we need to stop and pay attention to the reasons why we use phrases like this. Sometimes we they resonate with us so deeply because…they’re true! Read more
A bunch of you asked me questions about my online dating experience. And the secret’s out…I never answered!
Sweet of me, I know. So last week I posted this short little documentary of the “Summer of Fun” I had with three friends when we gave online dating a shot. Then, I chose three of your questions to answer: Read more
Hey Friends,
I didn’t have time to make a trailer for this documentary, so for the full effect, turn on some dramatic movie music and read these quotes:
“Our real dating lives are OVER now!” – Laura
“I got matched with a guy who said he was 25. I’m pretty sure he’s 11.” – Joy Read more
You didn’t know I spoke German, did you? Yes, I took two long years of it in high school and my last name is German, loud and proud. If you didn’t know, “Was ist das?” translates to “What is that?”
And “eins, zwei, drei” is “one, two, three.” But now we are totally getting off topic. Read more
Eric Metaxas has written another book, and I’m sure it will also land on the New York Times bestsellers list like my other favorite book, Bonhoeffer (which he also wrote). Moving in a slightly a different direction than a historical bio, Eric’s most recent project, Miracles, centers on a topic that is a bit of a mystery to most of us.
But before we dive into all of that, get ready for some laughter as I take him through some “would you rather” questions and talk comedy, coffee and his distaste for wasps.
Read more
Want to laugh and be inspired today? Please meet two of my favorite people in the universe.
They’ll teach you about the beauty of miscommunication in dating, the making of a marriage in which one spouse often leaves the country, and why they let their unmarried friends be all up in their bizzzz-nass. Oh, and they’ll teach you about their actual business practices, social passions and facial-manicuring tricks. Read more
Researchers at MIT have begun seeing noticeable trends in society that mimic the impact of racial segregation in our communities. This Boston Globe article examines and discusses the scientific and historical side of what age segregation has been like in America. Inspired by this, I decided to do a little video to share my thoughts, as well as share some things that defined me as a child and now as an adult.
Storybooks and Hot Sauce. Read more
One of the most common phrases I’ve written in response to the Ask Joy emails I’ve received over the years is, “God is not trying to trick you.” I believe this old post–which I’ve updated for today–is an example of what triggers this type of question. But it also gets at the deeper issue we all need to face when we’re left wondering if we’ve misunderstood “God’s leading” in our life.
We may even wonder, “God, did you lie to me? Do you even care?”
This is the third time Mr. Timothy Willard has guest posted on the ol’ LRN site. He’s pretty much the male-Joy at this point, which is a title he’s been working toward for the past few years. (Bows head to be Knighted.)
In reality, I keep asking him back because I know him, respect him and appreciate his wisdom as a married man who can shed light on an area that, well, I cannot.
I’m sure Eryn hates being described as little, adorable and tiny, but all I can say is, I clench my jaw from cuteness-overload when I see her–similar to how I feel when I see a kitten. Judge as you will. But just because she has adorable fashion sense and is the size of something I could throw over my shoulder like a continental solider, she is a GIANT in the department of world changers. May some of her love, energy and enthusiasm to serve the unseen and the …
As a single woman in my thirties, my current M.O. is to go out with pretty much anyone at least once. A new-ish friend asked if I would go out with a guy she knew, and while he looked slightly older, I didn’t know he was a solid two decades my senior.
Taking a bite of my pizza, I heard him ask the age old question, “What’s your favorite movie?”
“Hook,” I said.
Surprised, he shot back the very question I was thinking, “How old are you?”
“30. And you?”
“50.” Read more
Hi Friends!
Have you enjoyed this series with Normie Baby? (Another nickname that he doesn’t know I call him in my head.)
In the opening of this season finale you will hear how much of a nightmare I am after I’ve done too many videos in one day. I can barely complete a sentence.
AND THEN NORMIE MAKES ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN HE FLIPS THE TABLES ON ME. Read more
Want some first-hand stories of people who have gone through The Illumination Project? I had so much fun reading the answers to the questions I asked Crista and Sydney.
Who are Crista and Sydney, you ask?
First they were amazing interns for Love and Respect Now, and then my parents and I decided to keep them. I am so grateful for the energy and efficiency these two women bring to Love and Respect, but beyond all that they believe in the work whole-heartedly.
(Either that or they are really good liars.) Read more
I am SO excited to speak at Plywood Presents in a couple weeks with my friend Jeff Shinabarger. Jeff is a connector and brings together people who are solving problems so they can encourage one another and continue to support each other in innovation. Sound amazing? It is and you should come.
Exceeeeept that it’s sold out this year. Read more
Hey y’all,
I can say that because today’s guest is from Nashville. Plus, I just love saying y’all.
IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE, Y’ALL!!
Annie has a new book hot off the press. The words she’s written about me below are far too kind, but they will give you a feel of how her latest release will inspire you.
Also, since it’s just us here, I wanted to give you an update on something. Read more
Why do we have weddings? Is Happily Ever After real? Is it possible to help our friends stay together forever?
Since it’s “wedding season” and this is a post I hold near and dear to my heart, I felt it was time to share this baby again. Last week, I was contacted by two different friends telling me of their friends whose marriages were Read more
“Do I even have time to date?”
– Joy (In my head)
Joy, Crazy, Darling,
“Do you think married people ha Read more
Hi Joy,
I’m writing in response to the Ask Joy video you and Stephanie made about transitioning into new seasons of friendships as a newly married person. Well, I’m having the opposite problem.
Hi Joy,
I’ve recently gotten engaged to a man I met online. My fiancé lives and runs his own start-up in San Diego, and when we get married I’ll be moving from my home in Los Angeles to be with him. Read more
Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!
In case you missed it yesterday, my friend, Justin, and I shared a (slightly cloudy) memory of my first date. Let’s just say it didn’t exactly go as planned.
So today on the “holiday of love,” may all your dates be filled with free ice cream, gold charms, and Oscar-worthy films that don’t result in door slamming! (And a whole lot more Love and Respect than 16 year-olds know how to give.)
Esther is a humanitarian photographer. What does that mean? Well in my words, it means she puts people above getting the best shot. With every client, Esther will build a relationship, validate a person’s significance, and hear their story before she works on the best lighting or angle.
Hey Friends,
On Sunday morning I got a less than ideal comment on one of my blog posts. In response, I’ve decided to scrap today’s post and instead share something that I’ve actually been thinking about for the past 5 years.
This one goes out to all my ladies!
(Guys, it’s okay. You can stay or skip down to the bottom for the chance to win a rad read.)
I want to talk to you about my friend, Jennie Allen. She’s a writer, speaker, teacher, and most importantly, a dreamer. And lately, her dreams have been coming true. Read more
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