Paradoxical Joy

"Finding Peace. Reclaiming Joy. Hearing His Voice. A soul-centered newsletter"

"Where He leads Joy Follows" -Joy Butts

"This Isn’t How the Story Was Supposed to End”

Sometimes we think the worst is behind us. We get the new job. We find a new rhythm. For me it was a baby on the way and the opportunity of embracing the sacred season of caring for new Life. 

Then it began: Push, Push, Push…Sounds of pain mixed with hope and anticipation as my husband stood beside me in strength.

Push, Push, Push…

And then — our beautiful baby boy was here. Too early. And then gone too soon. I held him. And then… they took him. As our world shifted, giving way to empty arms wheeled past the cries of newborns as brief joy gave way to a lingering anguish.

A question from deep within emerges, Lord where is home when the heartbeat of family is silenced? 

And then hope springs forth like the light of a new dawn and home is rebuilt by the hands of God. Filled not by earthly comfort but by a heavenly promise no one and nothing can extinguish.

With Grace,

Joy Butts

📝 A Moment of Reflection

Have you ever had to let go of something you longed for with all your heart?

What does it mean to find God when everything else feels lost?

Hope For The Day

“ Allow the manure of life fertilize the seed bed of something new and beautiful."

Scripture reference: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.”-Proverbs‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬