Author Archives: admin

Mardi Gras we know, but what’s Lent all about?

By Yvette Walker On this Mardi Gras, translated from the French as “fat Tuesday,” I’m surprised so many folks don’t understand the traditions of Lent. As a Catholic growing up in Chicago at St. Dorothy’s church, I practiced Lent regularly with my family. I no longer attend Catholic church — I now go to anContinue reading “Mardi Gras we know, but what’s Lent all about?”

Contemplative prayer, an ancient but controversial practice

By Yvette Walker I did a prayer exercise with a group of friends recently, in the model of the children’s game, Nut, Nut Squirrel. Sounds a little silly, but stay with me. Nut, Nut Squirrel is a card game where you draw from the deck to collect as many nuts, or acorns, as you can.Continue reading “Contemplative prayer, an ancient but controversial practice”

All seasons under heaven, if you look

Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash By Yvette Walker I’ve been reading Sarah Philpott’s new book, “A  Growing Season.” It’s a year of down on the farm devotions, and it’s really got me thinking about seasons in life, and the fact that everything – and everyone — is  only around for a season. Some seasonsContinue reading “All seasons under heaven, if you look”

Understand your season and time for every purpose under heaven

I’ve been reading Sarah Philpott’s new book, “A  Growing Season.” It’s a year of down on the farm devotions, and it’s really got me thinking about seasons in life, and the fact that everything – and everyone — is only around for a season. Some seasons are longer, some shorter. Sometimes we wonder why relationshipsContinue reading “Understand your season and time for every purpose under heaven”

What person, place, or thing brings YOU joy?

I wanted to cap off a special couple of weeks — my 100th episode and International Podcast Day — and make something special that you are a part of. So I asked you to tell me what brings you joy and you did so today I want to feature seven amazing people who answered thatContinue reading “What person, place, or thing brings YOU joy?”

Yes! You can find God’s strength in overpowering weakness

Days before I had to give a speech, a friend asked me how she could pray for me and I told her that I wished whatever words God brings me would bless someone. She prayed that God gave me “Wings of Boldness.” I love that phrase. Wings of Boldness. But as I thought about it,Continue reading “Yes! You can find God’s strength in overpowering weakness”

Seeing dolphins in the wild can turn you into a child of God

(Photo by Jonas Von Werne on Unsplash) By Yvette Walker South Padre Island, TX — My husband, Tim, and I had the opportunity to take a week and go south down to the Texas coast. The fall semester at my university is fast upon us, I had just finished teaching in the summer, and heContinue reading “Seeing dolphins in the wild can turn you into a child of God”

I had become ‘comfortably numb’ in Christ

By Yvette Walker Throughout the past few years, I have been trying to rethink my relationship with the Lord and get closer to him. I also have been thinking about my own history and testimony. What is my testimony? It’s taken me a long time to figure it out. That may seem silly — you’dContinue reading “I had become ‘comfortably numb’ in Christ”

Is God in the Declaration of Independence?

Have you ever read the text of the Declaration of Independence? We’ve made movies about it, written songs about it, and even used it to commit wrongs. But have you actually ever read the whole thing? It’s laid out exactly why our forefathers wanted freedom: How King George treated the colonies like criminals and capturedContinue reading “Is God in the Declaration of Independence?”

Dallas Jenkins of ‘The Chosen’ understands failure, doubt, and what joy really is

CAPTION: The director and creator of  “The Chosen” series Dallas Jenkins said he wanted to create an authentic and intimate depiction of the life of Jesus Christ. Photo credits: The Chosen press kit / Angel Studios By Yvette Walker GRAPEVINE, Texas – Fans of “The Chosen” are used to seeing creator and director Dallas Jenkins.Continue reading “Dallas Jenkins of ‘The Chosen’ understands failure, doubt, and what joy really is”

Throwing off my shackles and taking on his yoke

By Yvette Babs Walker I’ve always thought I had it all together. That I was in control of my own destiny. That I managed my own career. My own happiness. Friends told me so: remarking on my ability to control difficult situations; telling me that I was calm, cool and collected; that I always seemedContinue reading “Throwing off my shackles and taking on his yoke”

Do you know your story, and does it serve God’s purpose?

Do you know your own story? Your own testimony? I didn’t, until recently.And now, this is what I do know:If you can’t tell your story, you can’t understand God’s purpose for you.Just a few years ago, I was a successful professional woman. On the outside. I appeared to thrive and survive working in a crazyContinue reading “Do you know your story, and does it serve God’s purpose?”

Bible trivia Tuesday: Do you know what the Lord’s Prayer means?

You probably know the Lord’s Prayer, and maybe even how to recite it. But have you ever really thought about what the prayers says and means? We will explore this today and next week. Question: How many requests are in the Lord’s Prayer? Answer: Seven. Jesus used the Lord’s Prayer in teaching his disciples howContinue reading “Bible trivia Tuesday: Do you know what the Lord’s Prayer means?”

Recipe: Positively Joyful Nine Layer Fruit Cake

Mix equal parts of: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control Mix well and let the spirit take control. Bake in the warmth of the Lord. Take out and consume like a fiery flame. Now, read that over yourself and know the Lord loves you and always will keep you.

Finding joy in an award, a dog named Lemon, and a Mr. Bill toy

What is joy? We talk about it on this show, and we credit God for giving us joy, but can we define it, in a concrete way? And what does it have to do with the funny sound you just heard? It’s difficult describing joy, because it’s an emotion, a feeling, and in some waysContinue reading “Finding joy in an award, a dog named Lemon, and a Mr. Bill toy”

Saying yes in a season of no: ‘Getting on Offense’

Have you ever felt like you were on a moving sidewalk? It’s like you’re not walking under your own power, just moving forward. Just going, not even toward an object or destination. Or what about Sunday night, when it another week has ended and another is beginning, and you can’t see you’re making any progress?Continue reading “Saying yes in a season of no: ‘Getting on Offense’”

Why I got married on a Good Friday

Dear Readers, I’ve been thinking a lot about Jesus lately: We remember that He went to the grave for our sins, and then came back to life! I’m reading a Bible app devotional about Holy Week through the book of Mark; “The Chosen,” a series about the life of Christ has live-streamed through Holy WeekContinue reading “Why I got married on a Good Friday”

Holy Week: Where was Jesus before the Last Supper?

What was Jesus doing and where was his head at? It’s a common ponderance. We all know what happened at the end of the week, but what about in the days leading up to the crucifixion? We can assign some days to the narrative in the Gospels, but some might be assumptions based on theContinue reading “Holy Week: Where was Jesus before the Last Supper?”

How well do you know the Bible? Test yourself with this Q&A

Welcome to Bible Trivia Tuesday, where we ask a question, give you the answer with a little context, and read the entire Bible verse that is related to the question and answer.  This week’s Question: Of what, specifically, was man not allowed to eat in the Garden of Eden? Scroll down to see the answer! MarchContinue reading “How well do you know the Bible? Test yourself with this Q&A”

Bible Trivia Tuesday: Test your knowledge of the Old and New Testaments!

Welcome to Bible Trivia Tuesday, where we ask a question, give you the answer with a little context, and read the entire Bible verse that is related to the question and answer. This week’s Question: What was the name of the woman who hid the spies at Jericho? Scroll down to see the answer! MarchContinue reading “Bible Trivia Tuesday: Test your knowledge of the Old and New Testaments!”

Sprinkling ashes on your head when the storm keeps you from church

Last Wednesday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day journey to Lent. This, for Christians, is an important time as we progress to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and, more importantly, the resurrection. On Ash Wednesday we acknowledge our mortality, usually with the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shallContinue reading “Sprinkling ashes on your head when the storm keeps you from church”

VIDEO: Christian Podcasters talk about the controversial Super Bowl Jeep ad with Bruce Springsteen

Today, two podcasters join me to talk about a TV ad that raised a lot of controversy: Jeep’s Super Bowl ad with musician Bruce Springsteen that talked about unity and featured a little church in the middle of the USA. What did you think about the ad? Was it Christian? Patriotic? Offensive? Or just right?Continue reading “VIDEO: Christian Podcasters talk about the controversial Super Bowl Jeep ad with Bruce Springsteen”

Why I changed the name of my channel to Positively Joy

Changing a channel can be risky, but it’s not unusual. This blog used to be called Thoughts and Deeds, because, well, that was what it was about. Then I changed it to my name, Yvette Walker, because it made sense and my name is my brand. But when I created a faith and values podcastContinue reading “Why I changed the name of my channel to Positively Joy”

Speeches of Jesus, part 1: The Beatitudes “pep talk”

Jesus spoke like a leader. His words carried power, they inspired and motivated people. Because that’s what real leaders do, right? Remember the movie “Miracle,” based on the USA Hockey team fighting in the 1980 Olympics? No one thought the team would beat the USSR, but it did, and part of that was because ofContinue reading “Speeches of Jesus, part 1: The Beatitudes “pep talk””

Show Notes: S.2 Ep. 1 Mary Jo Pierce

Intro — Mary Jo Pierce: “My journey into the kitchen began out of a place of burnout, fatigue, tiredness, realizing I was doing things for Lord, but I wasn’t doing them well. And discovering he has a better way. And his better way, is sabbath.” Host, Yvette Walker: Hi, Yvette here. Listen, I’m just gonnaContinue reading “Show Notes: S.2 Ep. 1 Mary Jo Pierce”

Bonus episode: New trailer!

Positively Joy was born of the pandemic, but our need to find happiness and learn how to choose joy will long outlast this worldwide disease. Keep an eye on this channel! We’re gearing up for season 2 and creating some new media and trailers! Positively Joy tries to allow Jesus and His  unforced rhythms ofContinue reading “Bonus episode: New trailer!”

Masks in church: Are we community if we disagree?

As I got settled in my seat in church on Sunday, I looked around and more than 1/3 of people were not wearing masks. Now lest you think this is going to be a rant against people who don’t wear masks it is not. In episode 31, I want to explore when a community thatContinue reading “Masks in church: Are we community if we disagree?”

Karen Friday’s story of prayer and trust in Jesus Christ

Blogger and speaker Karen Friday’s father left her family when she was a child. When he returned, he told her God didn’t exist. Despite that, she and her twin sister both found God at 16, and from then she prayed her father would find the Lord. She figures she prayed 5,000 times for him. AtContinue reading “Karen Friday’s story of prayer and trust in Jesus Christ”

This is what Positively Joy is all about

Welcome, all new listeners to Positively Joy!  We’ve had some new folks join us, so I thought I’d take a few moments in episode 28 to explain exactly what we are trying to do here at the podcast. Please subscribe here or text PJOY to 22828 to get our exclusive subscriber newsletter. Subscribers also willContinue reading “This is what Positively Joy is all about”

BEST OF 2020 REPLAY: Alexander Hamilton and the Bible

  This is one of my favorite episodes of 2020. It didn’t make the top 20 in downloads and I’d say it’s underrated. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Methodist Elder and historian Wendy Meyer unpacking Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “Hamilton” and looking at the many references to God and the Bible. WeContinue reading “BEST OF 2020 REPLAY: Alexander Hamilton and the Bible”

Revisiting kindness in a box of Girl Scout cookies

The note and box of cookies I gave my neighbor yielded more than I could ever have hoped. But that’s not why I did it. More than a year later, John 15:11 holds the key. Episode 26 proves it’s all about receiving the joy in Him that will remain in us. Captions: Her gift inContinue reading “Revisiting kindness in a box of Girl Scout cookies”

Posh Paper Lady: Sherry finds pure joy papercrafting in her She Shed

In episode 25, we talk to Sherry Williams of Charlotte, N.C., who finds joy out of making all kinds of things out of paper. On her YouTube channel, Posh Paper Lady, she can teach you how to as well.  Thousands of fans come to Sherry’s channel every day to watch her make “stinkin’ cute” projects,Continue reading “Posh Paper Lady: Sherry finds pure joy papercrafting in her She Shed”

Survive the dog days of summer with family memories and God’s word

Episode 24 is all about trusting God and finding joy in family memories. First, I’m delving into the book of Isaiah and learning about God’s promises. Then later, listen to me and my sister, Karen Walker, as we pick greens and tell funny stories about our parents when we were young. Photo of my mother,Continue reading “Survive the dog days of summer with family memories and God’s word”

The mother of Bible journaling, Shanna Noel speaks out on finding joy!

Shanna Noel is the founder of the Bible journaling company, Illustrated Faith. Shanna talks all about what Bible journaling is and how we can grow closer to God through this relatively new art form. She has grown her company in 5 short years and has tens of thousands of fans through social media. Like this episode?Continue reading “The mother of Bible journaling, Shanna Noel speaks out on finding joy!”

Daredevil part 2: Breaking down a superhero’s belief in God, and Bible comparisons

And here is Daredevil part 1: The guys are back! In part 2 of this conversation with comic experts Anthony Brown (below right) and Kade Poulson, we explore Scripture and Bible characters to get at the root of Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) and his religious traditions. Why does he hurt people but refrain from killing?Continue reading “Daredevil part 2: Breaking down a superhero’s belief in God, and Bible comparisons”

Daredevil: The superhero who believes in God

Join my conversation in episode 21 with comic book experts Anthony Brown and Kade Poulson all about Daredevil and his religious crisis. He believes in God, but doubts himself. Is he good? Or is he truly the devil of Hell’s Kitchen? The Netflix show is just the latest incarnation of this character, which has beenContinue reading “Daredevil: The superhero who believes in God”

She shaved her head to find new growth: Writer Linda Jones

In part three of the Joy of Hair Week, we talk to a bold woman who revealed a special decision on social media. After battling with the hair thinning disorder alopecia, writing consultant Linda Jones made the decision to go bald. The reaction was swift and positive on social media, but that’s not why sheContinue reading “She shaved her head to find new growth: Writer Linda Jones”

When your faith is challenged: The Oklahoman’s Carla Hinton

On episode 19 of the Positively Joy Podcast: Carla Hinton, Faith editor of The Oklahoman, recently wore a mask while attempting to interview someone for a story. The person challenged her faith, asking her to remove her mask, and whether she believed God would protect her from Coronavirus. Carla talks about the encounter, and whatContinue reading “When your faith is challenged: The Oklahoman’s Carla Hinton”

The Joy of Hair Week, part two: From Disco mane to stylish gray, Michael Quintanilla still rocks it!

In part two of the Joy of Hair Week, we talk to the the always fashion-forward Michael Quintanilla If you want someone who finds joy through their hair, it’s Michael. Cool, trendy and always passionate about style, he enjoys looking good, but also helping others feel good about themselves! Michael discusses his hair, going grayContinue reading “The Joy of Hair Week, part two: From Disco mane to stylish gray, Michael Quintanilla still rocks it!”

Cutting her dreadlocks: The Joy of Hair Week, part 1

It’s our Joy of Hair Week! Today in Episode 16 of the Positively Joy podcast, Linda Lockhart discusses her reasons for cutting off her long dreadlocks and embracing the joy of a short, worry-free style.  Subscribe and don’t miss parts 2 and 3 in the Joy of Hair Week:  Michael Quintanilla on going gray, and LindaContinue reading “Cutting her dreadlocks: The Joy of Hair Week, part 1”

Writer uses the Gospel to reflect on the death of George Floyd

Episode 15: In a special episode of Positively Joy: Journalism student Jessie Smith tells why the death of George Floyd affected him so deeply. They both are black men, and motherless. Smith’s essay, “Like a Motherless Child: The Memory of George Floyd,” can be found on Medium. Editor’s note: This conversation references difficult topics and usesContinue reading “Writer uses the Gospel to reflect on the death of George Floyd”

Empowering women and girls behind the camera is her passion

Episode 14: Valerie Vaughn is a photographer, but she also has a mission to infuse empowerment into everything she creates. Listen to our conversation on how she does this, and why she prays before every session. To read the story I wrote about her project for Upworthy, click here. Go to our website, at positivelyjoy.comContinue reading “Empowering women and girls behind the camera is her passion”

Bishop Jose uses mirth in his ministry through quarantine videos

Episode 13: How does an Episcopalian bishop deal with self-isolation in a quarantine? He makes funny videos, of course. That’s what Bishop Jose McLoughlin does, anyway. Listen to my conversation with the bishop about making people laugh during stressful times. Go to our podcast episode page at positivelyjoy.com for more everyday stories of faith. ToContinue reading “Bishop Jose uses mirth in his ministry through quarantine videos”

Positively Joy now on YouTube!

If you like to listen on YouTube, go to the Positively Joy podcast on YouTube. New episodes every Monday and Thursday! For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, email us! Also, we would love to pray for your needs. Send emailContinue reading “Positively Joy now on YouTube!”

Activate your joy with Happiness Decoded 101

In Episode 12, therapist and life coach Marcus Cade Jr. of Happiness Decoded 101 teaches people how to activate their joy. Through personal tragedy, he learned  the four pillars of harmony and happiness! For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, emailContinue reading “Activate your joy with Happiness Decoded 101”

How to decode happiness … with Marcus Cade Jr.

In Episode 12, therapist and life coach Marcus Cade Jr. of Happiness Decoded 101 teaches people how to activate their joy. Through personal tragedy, he learned  the four pillars of harmony and happiness! For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, emailContinue reading “How to decode happiness … with Marcus Cade Jr.”

Author Crescent Dragonwagon on why storytelling gives her joy, part 2

Here is part one: In Episode 11, listen to part two of my conversation with author Crescent Dragonwagon and her husband, Mark Graff on hosting a story time for children’s stories on Facebook, and why sharing stories is important. For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story,Continue reading “Author Crescent Dragonwagon on why storytelling gives her joy, part 2”

Crescent Dragonwagon brings joy by reading to others

In episode 10, author Crescent Dragonwagon, yes, that’s her name, and her husband, Mark Graff started reading children’s books on Facebook Live during Covid-19. Her mother, Charlotte Zolotow, was an accomplished writer and brought joy to many children, as did Crescent herself. In part one of our conversation, the couple talks about why they startedContinue reading “Crescent Dragonwagon brings joy by reading to others”

Feeding joy and starving fear on social media, pt. 2 … with Mashaun Simon

And this is part 1: This is episode 9, and part two of my conversation with Asst. Pastor Mashaun D. Simon. We finish talking about the Facebook Compliment Challenge but also delve into how social media can serve as a positive in a season of negativity. For more everyday stories of faith, please visit ourContinue reading “Feeding joy and starving fear on social media, pt. 2 … with Mashaun Simon”

Why the Facebook compliment challenge is so important … with Mashaun Simon

In episode 8: Asst. Pastor Mashaun Simon posted a compliment challenge on his Facebook page. The huge response is indicative of our craving for positivity. Simon talks about this need, his unexpected path into ministry after journalism, and life in the church as a gay man.

Can animals teach us about kindness?

Episode 6: On this Memorial Day, a drive through a safari park got me thinking about our freedom and how to think about others.  For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, email us! Also, we would love to pray for yourContinue reading “Can animals teach us about kindness?”

An interview with a Christian Covid survivor

In episode 5: Teresa Taylor Williams talks about her blog, Praises in the Pandemic and how she has sought God in this challenging season in her life. For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, email us! Also, we would love toContinue reading “An interview with a Christian Covid survivor”

Faithfulness = joy

  In episode 4, we tease an upcoming podcast! Praises in the Pandemic is a new blog that looks at coping with the Covid-19 crisis through praising God, in the good times and bad. Find the blog at https://praisesinthepandemic.blogspot.com For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, orContinue reading “Faithfulness = joy”

Welcome to the podcast!

Welcome to Positively Joy, a podcast on walking in joy in all seasons. I’m your host, Yvette Walker. In Episode 1, we were still thinking about a name for the podcast.  For more everyday stories of faith, please visit our Podcast Episodes page To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, email us! Also,Continue reading “Welcome to the podcast!”

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