Discover Your Joy 12 Favorite Stories
Just below is the Table of Contents from Discover Your Joy. You will see each month has a specific topic. Instead of reading the book through on each day, you may choose to read by topic.
After the Table of Contents, I have chosen one story from each month to share with you here to give you an idea of the inspiration found in Discover Your Joy.
At the end, you will find a few reviews that I want to share with you.
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Table of Contents
| January: Word of the Year
Finding your Joy *** |
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| February: The Month of Love
Sharing Love and Joy *** |
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| March: Challenges, Encouragement, and Hope
Spreading Hope for Joy *** |
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| April: Spring, Easter, and New Beginnings
Seeking New Beginnings and Joy *** |
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| May: Mother’s Day and Families
Loving Joyful Families *** |
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| June: Summer and Father’s Day
Enjoying Summer Joy *** |
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| July: Joy and Happiness
Discovering Your Own Joy *** |
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| August: Prayer, Blessings, and God
Praying for Joyful Blessings *** |
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| September: Inner Peace
Resting in Peace and Joy *** |
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| October: Embrace Fall
Walking Through Nature with Joy *** |
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| November: Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Giving Thanks with Joyous Gratitude *** |
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| December: Winter Solstice and Christmas
Rejoicing with Christmas Joy *** |
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JANUARY 8
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
I will be a light for others.
I enjoyed lunch with Patty this week. She always has a bushel of stories to share.
After a recent medical procedure, she had been dealing with the billing department and the physician’s assistant, and it was not a pretty picture.
After much labored conversations she finally told them, “I decided to live this year by letting my light shine before men that they may see my good works and glorify my Father who
is in heaven.” Then she added, “You’re making it difficult for me to fulfill my resolution this year.”
It was an interesting story, but I was most impressed that she was purposely living her life to glorify God and let others see him through her actions. And she stood by her resolution
even when others were not cooperating.
Are you willing to stand in the face of adversity and proclaim the glory of the Lord? Pray for strength to stand up for what you believe.
Today’s Joy: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 KJV
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FEBRUARY 7
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
I am calm and patient.
Judy was waiting for Lola to arrive for their coffee date. When Lola arrived, and before she had an opportunity to explain her delay, Judy started, “Where were you? Why are
you so late? I have other things to do instead of just waiting around on you.”
Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit as presented in Galatians 5:22.
It is not just the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.
True patience begins by finding the peace and patience within yourself. Sometimes, this is harder than being patient with other people. However, try to keep the faith that everything
will come to you at the right moment.
Put your trust in God’s perfect timing. In today’s world, we want things to happen instantaneously. But sometimes, that is not what’s best for you. Perhaps there’s a lesson to be
learned while you wait. Whatever the reason is for your wait, embrace it and just know, it will surely be worth the wait.
Are you a patient person? Or do you need to practice taking a deep breath and waiting until the time is right?
Today’s Joy: “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
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MARCH 1
A COMMON HOPE
I am hopeful and blessed.
This morning, I was reading the stories of several girlfriends who are battling breast cancer. A few days ago, I talked with the son of a girlfriend who has dementia. She no longer
knows her family. On my heart are several friends who are struggling with various disabilities.
What ties all these friends together is their positive attitude and HOPE.
We know that hope is being positive under circumstances that are considered to be desperate. There is a proverb that says, “You reap what you sow,”1 and these friends are experiencing
miracles due to their hope. During the storms of our lives, we need to maintain our positive thoughts and turn our hope over to God through prayer.
Have you experienced desperate times where you relied on hope?
March Challenge: I challenge you to use hope to address your pain, issues, and problems this month. Is your hope in God’s plan?
Today’s Joy: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”—Written by Edward Mote2
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APRIL 1
WELCOME SPRING
I know that all is well with my soul.
As nature crawls out of hibernation, and we transition from winter into spring, we witness the promise of new beginnings. Take a deep breath, smile, and feel the connection
to the earth.
Spring seems to breathe new life into us. It cleanses our spirit and our hearts. There is the urge to make plans and start new projects. We feel a renewal of our own energies
emerging. This is the time when we are called to flourish just like the blossoms on the cherry trees. There is an assurance that abundant blessings are coming.
Pure joy swells in my soul as I meander outside and ponder the beauty. It is healing to realize that spring comes after a long cold winter. Our lives are the same way. Joy comes onto
our path after hard struggles and setbacks. Beauty is ahead if we patiently wait. There is the promise that new beginnings are on the way, and all is well with my soul.
April Challenge: How can you celebrate Spring, the season of new beginnings? Do you have new projects planned now that the weather is warmer?
Today’s Joy: Let your joy burst forth like nature in the spring.
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MAY 26
YOUR LEGACY
I am writing my legacy every day.
One of the people who had the biggest impact on my life was my great aunt. She lived her life with love and grace. Her legacy was based on her gifts of time. She took the time
to listen, chat, visit and teach me.
The other person who greatly impacted my life was my Daddy. He had a thankful heart. Every time anyone did even the smallest thing for him, his response was, “I appreciate
your kindness.”
Both my great aunt and my Daddy left a great legacy, not just on my heart but with everyone who knew them.
Most people want to be remembered fondly and leave part of themselves behind. Think of your loved ones who have already passed on. What are your thoughts about the legacy
they left behind?
How do you want to be remembered? What thoughts and feelings do you want to leave with your loved ones? What will your legacy be?
Today’s Joy: Loved ones leave their fingerprints on your heart.
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JUNE 1
FINDING HAPPINESS IN A FIELD OF DANDELIONS
I choose happiness.
As I pulled into a parking spot, I noticed the field beside me was uncut and full of weeds. I wondered why management hadn’t taken care of this maintenance.
My sister and I had taken the grandkids to an old gold mine to explore the grounds and pan for gold. As my eight-year old granddaughter climbed out of the back seat, she grabbed my hand and raced towards the field that I was just mentally complaining about.
“Look Mimi,” she said. “Look at all the dandelion wishes. Mimi, what would you wish for if you had a thousand dandelion wishes?” Wow! This sweet little girl had just instantly upgraded my mood and changed my perspective.
As adults, we often tend to see the less-than-perfect side of things first. If we look a little harder or a little longer, we can find beauty even in the small things.
On that same trip, my grandson did strike gold that day. The geologist on duty confirmed his gold nugget and safely packed it for the trip home.
June Challenge: This month we celebrate the beginning of summer. Will you have more time to relax and enjoy your family and friends? How can you share your favorite summer activity with someone else?
Today’s Joy: I am filled with happiness, laughter and joy.
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July 30
FAVORITE THINGS
I am joyful.
These are some of my favorite personal quotes about joy.
Joy is a state of mind.
There is joy in my soul today.
Joy is my Superpower.
Inhale Gratitude, Exhale joy.
Joy is a feeling deep in my soul.
My life is filled with outrageous joy.
Joy will last when you make it a habit.
Gratitude opens your heart to joy.
Joy echoes through my soul.
And, here are some of my favorite affirmations about joy.
I hold joy in my heart.
I create joy for myself.
Today, I choose joy.
I am a fountain of joy.
My life is filled with joy and abundance.
I radiate love and joy.
I am rich with joy.
Will you add some of these quotes and affirmations to your daily routine?
Today’s Joy: I hope some of these quotes and affirmations resonate with you. Using them daily will increase the joy in your life.
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AUGUST 1
PRAYER WARRIORS
I am safe in God ’s love.
I have several girlfriends that I always know I can count on to be my prayer warriors. But today, I want to tell you about Linda. We met at church some 45 years ago and she is my
number one go-to prayer warrior.
All these years, Linda has kept her current prayer list posted on her microwave. She keeps up with dates when friends have doctor’s appointment or are going into the hospital. She calls
to check in on everyone, offers prayers and encouragement along with a hint of medical wisdom.
If a situation is timely or critical, your name is moved from the microwave list to the daily list she carries in her pocket. I have always felt honored when I made her pocket list!
Linda is a good friend and a Godly woman. I truly pray that each of you have a committed prayer warrior in your life.
August Challenge: Do you have a prayer warrior in your life who regularly lifts you up to God? If not, take some time to find that person for your life.
Today’s Joy: “Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.” Psalms 84:8 NIV
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SEPTEMBER 8
A JAR OF SAND
I share my life with God and my husband.
My husband and I were married on the beach a year ago. We had a small ceremony with only family just before sunset. Daniel and I walked out on the sand together, hand-in-hand.
My lavender dress blew gently in the breeze as we approached the tent covered in flowers. One of my best friends played his guitar and sang, The Wedding Song.
Our minister used a lovely sand ceremony that led me to some deep thoughts. He first added a handful of sand right from the beach to represent our foundation in God. Then each
of us had a slightly different colored sand that we poured together into the jar.
Just as the grains of sand mixed together, so would our lives. It would be close to impossible to ever separate the sand again back into individual containers. Once we are married, our
lives become intertwined and you can never really separate yourself from your spouse.
It was always God’s plan that the “two would become one.” Is your life intertwined with another? Is the relationship built on the foundation of God?
Today’s Joy: “. . . [A]nd the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” Mark 10:8 NIV
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OCTOBER 30
GIVE IT TO GOD
God has my cares in his pocket.
Last night, I had something on my mind, and it was all I could think about. I turned it over to God in prayer. But it still was flying through my mind off and on. My tactic was
every time I thought about it, I reminded myself that God had it and he didn’t need my input. I told myself variations of that statement at least 50 times.
It’s easy for us to say we turned it over to God, but then we take it back and try to solve the problem ourselves. This time, I was determined not to worry and let God handle it. It
took my conscious effort to keep telling myself not to worry.
Thankfully, it hasn’t crossed my mind today until I decided to write about it.
What happens when you turn your problems over to God? Are you able to let it go?
Today’s Joy: Give all your cares to God. Remind yourself he’ll see you through. Then get some rest.
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NOVEMBER 22
A THANKSGIVING BLESSING
Bless us, O Lord.
Thanksgiving is a day set aside to gather together with the people we love and give thanks for our abundant blessings.
We celebrate with all kinds of amazing foods, and time spent with family and friends.
It is a reminder to count our blessings and realize just how blessed our lives really are. Take time to reflect on this year and all the things you have to be grateful for.
And now, let us give thanks.
Our precious Lord and Savior, We come to you on this special day of Thanksgiving to praise you and thank you for our bounty of blessings.
We are grateful to gather together in your name. We are thankful for the food as it nourishes our bodies. We are thankful for this family as they nourish our souls.
To God be the glory! Amen
One more thing – enjoy your sweet potato casserole today. It was my Daddy’s favorite!
Today’s Joy: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalms 100:4 NIV
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DECEMBER 24
JOYFUL CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas to you and those you love!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Magic is in the air! The joyful Christmas season is upon us, and I’m dreaming of an old-fashioned Christmas.
There are so many reasons that Christmas is the happiest season of the year. It is a time to connect with family and friends and a time to remember that Christmas is a celebration
of Jesus’ birthday.
Like many of you, my Christmas spirit soars as soon as the last plate of Thanksgiving has been washed. My Daddy was always ready to grab his ax, and off to the woods, we would
head to chop down the best Christmas tree we could find. Oh, the excitement of adding lights, then the thrill of unboxing ornaments from years gone by. Memories flood my mind as
each one is carefully placed upon the tree.
Christmas Eve is the most peaceful night of the year. Candlelight services offer a calm that you can only experience by knowing the true meaning of Christmas.
Tonight, do you feel the peace and calm as we await the birth of our Savior?
Today’s Joy: And for tonight….. The night is calm; the stars are bright. I pray for peace tonight.
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REVIEWS of Discover Your Joy
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite
Discover Your Joy by Louise Pistole is a self-help inspirational read that sparks inspiration, self-care, and peace-inducing ways to find joy. The book focuses on finding your joy with daily advice and examples that aim to help those feeling hopeless and out of sorts with new actions. This easy self-help devotional makes for a quick five-minute daily read that can fit into even the busiest of schedules. This book comes from a personal place in which joy was chosen in the face of loss and major changes with those experiences turned into a self-help guide so to help others with similar struggles. In this book, you can find topics pertaining to joyfulness, monthly challenges, tips for living with hope and gratitude, a source that provides comforting words when you may need them most, and tips for becoming what Pistole calls a Joy-Fanatic.
The book is organized by month with each broken down into daily reads that are inspirational, positive, and uplifting. The topics are straightforward with each day focused on the theme of joy with advice that covers topics such as how to find your joy, beware of joy stealers, having an abundant life, reaching out to those dealing with despair, and having joy as a default setting in your life. The style has a real-life approach with different examples of struggles, joy, and experiences that many will be able to relate to. It provides a sense of encouragement with a focus on lifting up those in need, laughter being good for the soul, and seeing life as a collection of moments.
Each day comes with a ‘today’s joy’ which is Louise Pistole’s joy of the day. There is a religious root with a few examples from the Bible but the majority of the book focuses on the spirituality of joy and being happy versus being a Biblical study. Each moment comes with various challenges that will help you to think deeper about life and happiness such as comparing your life to what it was before, how to celebrate spring as a new beginning, thinking about what brings joy to your heart, and sharing nature with family. Journaling space is provided at the end of each month with strong encouragement to take notes, share feelings, and contemplate about what message each month contained. A quick read, Discover Your Joy is an encouraging resource when needed most with positive words, reminders, and advice that will help spark a bright light even on a dark day.
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It’s incredibly easy to let the world’s problems and day-to-day struggles suck your joy from your soul. But I have learned to find joy every day in my life, even on the most challenging ones, through the large and tiny gifts of joy.
In addition to my faith in God and my awesome family, I seek out other avenues to fill my “Joy” well and draw upon this often. Louise Pistole is an amazing author who lives locally and has a terrific book called Discover Your Joy … highly recommend this one. SH
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I have really been enjoying the book. As blessed as I am, it’s a shame I need to remind myself daily to discover joy – but I do. Your book does the trick! Thank you! CP
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Are you looking for a daily dose of joy? Then I highly recommend “Discover Your Joy” by Louise Pistole. Louise gives her reader a daily dose of inspiration and encouragement which we all need today. I’m a positive person by nature but EVERYONE can benefit from an additional dose of happiness and inner peace. I enjoyed “Discover Your Joy” because the daily chapters can be read in a few minutes. It’s easy for me to carve out a few moments to increase my Joy quotient. I can follow the book’s format (January 1 to December 31) but I enjoyed going to the Table of Contents and choosing a topic that speaks to me at that moment. “Discover Your Joy” encourages us to CHOOSE “joy” instead of embracing hopelessness and a lack of joy. Louise thank you for inspiring me to choose JOY! CW
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As I gather my robe, coffee, and dog leash for a quick walk outside with my dog Rusty, I quickly look over my shoulder to see where my book Discover Your Joy was placed. I realize how forward I’m looking to reading more and reflecting on daily quotes and stories. I find myself sharing throughout my days and weeks of these most inspirational acts of kindness. This book is filled with many events that I could relate to. It really stirs my emotions and enriches my daily thoughts and actions for a more positive outlook and higher energy level to help spread joy. Upon completion of the book, I realized that in order for me to receive Joy – I must make a joyful noise also! Thank you Louise Pistole for writing this book!! JS
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Other articles you will enjoy…
Finding Joy in Our Daily Lives
Seeking Joy When You Feel Overwhelmed
Mel Robbins and Experience More Joy
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Did you know…
I’d love to have you join my Circle of Friends Newsletter and get joyful inspiration delivered right to your inbox once a month.
The link is below.
And… welcome!
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So smart of you to break up the book into shorter stories and share them on your website. We all need a daily reminder to look for the positivity in our daily lives and be grateful for what we have. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!