Growth Archives - Rising Above Real Life | Dr. Joy DahlRising Above Real Life

Believe Boldly

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Joy

Scripture uses “courage” and “boldness” (including derivatives) over 110 times. To live boldly, we must believe boldly. How can we live and believe boldly? Continue reading →

Growth, Sisterhood | Tagged Armor of God, Believe, belong, boldly, boldness, chosen, Community, Courage, good work, Honesty, identity, integrity, Jesus, Most High God, Pray, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, stand, Work, Workplace
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Some days we need a suit of armor to protect us in our workplace battles. Women often juggle performance scrutiny, gender inequities, and heightened competition. God says: “I see you. I love you. I created you for purpose.” Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged armor, Believe, belong, boldly, breakthrough, Comfort, Confidence, conversation, doubt, Faith, grace, Hagar, Imposter Syndrome, Isolation, Jesus, Lies, mom-to-be, Prayer, Sisterhood, Work, Workplace
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Our Path to Purpose

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Joy

What do Aristotle, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Bono of U2 have in common? They joined the many sojourners throughout history who have pursued transcendent purpose in life. As we journey through life, where would our path take us if we set our compass toward purpose-filled life? Continue reading →

Growth | Tagged Aristotle, be joyful, Bono, choice, Christ, Depression, Freedom, give thanks, God's will, high-impact, Joy, path, Persevere, pray continually, Prayer, Purpose, Ralph Waldo Emerson, stepping stone, Strength, U2
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Why This Workplace

Posted on June 20, 2022 by Joy

Work can feel like a grind rather than something we would choose. If we had a choice. Full-time workers spend more waking hours each week working than any other activity. But, we can experience peace and purpose in the here and now. Continue reading →

Growth | Tagged ambassador, circumstance, creator, crucible, Excellence, experience, God, good work, impact, integrity, Jesus, kingdom, Power, Prayer, provider, Purpose, respect, Talent, transformation, Trust, what's next, Wisdom, Work, worker, Workplace
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But... God

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Joy

Mental health has taken center stage because people still struggle in a “not normal” new normal. Our mental dialogue can actually drain us of positive outlook and both mental and physical strength. How do we disempower our insecurities? Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged anchor, challenges, Change, Encourage, faithful, fixed bolts, gear, God, grace, harness, Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Loss, mental dialogue, mental health, new normal, not normal, Persevere, Power, power statement, prayers, Purpose, rock climbing, ropes, safety, Strength, Stress, students, Success, thoughts, Trust, Truth, uncertainty, workers
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Finish Strong Day-By-Day

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Joy

The start of your life journey doesn’t define you, and it will forever remain behind you. Our “finish” has yet to be written. Finishing strong begins with one good, God-centric next step. Start here: What do you want your “finish” to look like? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Believe, bills, Boston Strong, boxing, Community, Dark, Desire, Despair, diet, Failure, Family, Finish Strong, God, Guilt, Hurt, Jesus, marathon, Money, nourish, Relationship, Shame, Soul, strong, Struggle, Vegas Strong, what others think, Work
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Our Greatest Work

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Joy

As we continue to emerge from a long season of uncertainty and isolation, we eagerly look ahead and begin envisioning new goals and even new dreams. How do we find re-energizing purpose in our everyday life, regardless of circumstances? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Circumstances, Dream, everyday ministry, experience, feed, Gifts, glory, goals, Hope, Isolation, Jesus, Join God, mission, new year, Prayer, Purpose, resources, Talents, uncertain, Work
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No Room in the Inn

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Joy

The angel affirmed, “Nothing is impossible with God!” Yet Mary gave birth to God incarnate in a barn because there was no room for them in the inn. God chose not to make room for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in comfort. Why… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged angel, birth of Christ, blessing, celebration, Christmas, Comfort, Gift, God, grace, hard, Jesus, Joseph, manger, Mary, no room, Power, shepherds, Treasure
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Thankfulness As Our Purpose

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Joy

As the calendar winds down on another unprecedented year, we gladly enter this joyful season of giving and thanksgiving. Many of us feel a gentle nudge toward understanding God’s call to purposeful daily life. Have you ever asked God about His will for your life? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Circumstances, Encourage, Fruit of the Spirit, give thanks, God, God's Will, Happy, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, joyful, Love, Pray, Prayer, rhythm, season of giving, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving
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Lies in Dark Chocolate

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Joy

Research affirms that our happiness increases when we feel seen, heard, and loved. As women, we have an innate desire to belong. But finding community and cultivating new friendships with people who “get” you and welcome you without judgement––can feel near impossible. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged belong, BFF, commit, Community, Encourage, Fear, Friend, Friendship, Happiness, invite, Isolation, Jesus, lie, Mourn, one another, Pray, Real Life, rejoice, seclusion, Share Life, sister, Sisterhood, Trust, Work
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The Secret to Beautiful Feet

Posted on August 23, 2021 by Joy

These days, we have access to more foot products than ever before. But feet aren’t judged on the way they look. Feet are judged on the message they carry. So what’s the secret to beautiful feet? Beautiful feet bring… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Beautiful Feet, Believe, blessing, boldly, go, Good News, Gospel, Healing, Hope, Jesus, Love, Messenger, Peace, Purpose, secret, tell
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Women & Work: A Critical Crossroads

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Joy

All of us have experienced change and transition recently. But whether yours has been a season of loss, new beginnings, or both, one constant remains: you have been created for, and called to, purposeful work in your everyday workplace. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged ambassador, Barna Group, circle of influence, collaborate, Community, crossroads, Encourage, flourish, God's Word, Gospel, Image of God, Jesus, Loss, Meaning, new beginnings, one another, Pew Research, Purpose, support, Theology of Work, together, women, Work, Workplace
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Our Power Source

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Joy

Difficult days of uncertainty and depletion lead to the question: What’s your power source? Consider light bulbs. Without a power source, they’re merely glass and metal without purpose. Once connected to their power source, they shine. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged beacon, Comfort, Connect, depletion, Encourage, glory, Hope, Jesus, Light, light of the world, light-bearer, Power, power source, Pray, Purpose, shine, together, uncertainty
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Don't Be Anxious?

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Joy

Living our best life––or at least a life characterized by peace, joy, and healthy rhythm––has never been more difficult for many working women. Myself included. Are we doing something wrong? How do we experience peace in anxiety-riddled days… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Anxiety, apostle Paul, Breathe, Encouragement, Fear, Fruit of the Spirit, Jesus, Joy, kindness, Love, meditate, meditation, mindfulness, New Life, Patience, Peace, Power, Pray, Strength, Work, working women, worship
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Cultivating Friendships & Female Allies

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Joy

Listen to the nightly news, read just-released statistics, talk to a few friends––and you’ll hear over and over again the hard realities of mandated isolation, increased challenges in daily life, and mounting obstacles as working women navigate the lingering effects of this pandemic. Now more than ever we need to forge bonds of sisterhood with the women in our circles… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged acts of kindness, allies, authentic, build, care, Community, compare, compassion, compete, competition, condemn, Courage, cultivate, Encourage, female, flourish, friends, Friendship, Hope, judge, no fear, Prayer, Relationships, Strength, strong, support, women, Workplace
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An Audience of One

Posted on February 22, 2021 by Joy

Whether in person, online, or on social media, we spend a lot of time performing for other people. If we center our lives on pleasing others, living out each day gets harder and harder. It can feel impossible to create a new life script. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Audience of One, Change, dance, expectation, Faith, Heavenly Father, Hope, Jesus, life after death, Love, Peace, Performance, Pray, uncertainty, who am I
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Daring to Hope in 2021

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Joy

No one misses 2020: the ultimate year of loss for our generation. But as the chapter page turned to 2021, I wondered how I could muster up hope. So I decided to go back to the basics of spiritual renewal: creating and committing to a healthy rhythm of life. We all have different passions and interests, but the need for healthy rhythms remains universal. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged 2020, 2021, Community, Courage, Delight, discouraged, Exercise, flourish, forward, God's Word, grow, Hope, Loss, meditation, New Beginning, Physical Health, Rock of Christ, season, solitude, Spiritual Health, Work
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The Last Mile of Life

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Joy

Everyone faces life and death crossroads. And everyone’s experiences differ. This year in particular has impacted many of us as we or a loved one walk the last mile of life. Today my emotions remain raw while this season of incredible loss for me and my family wears on. I don’t have facts and figures to try to make sense of it all. Instead, I’d like to share a few thoughts from my heart. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged advocate, afterlife, assurance, Comfort, Death, die, glory, Heaven, Hope, hospice, Jesus, kindness, Loss, Love, Mourn, Peace, Pray, stand, Struggle, suffering
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Life in the Rearview Mirror

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Joy

There’s nothing normal as we head toward the end of 2020. We long for “normal.” We want things to go back to the way they were in February 2020, or October 2019, because no matter how hard things were then, at least we understood our known normal. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged forward, Hope, Hopeless, Isolation, Jesus, Journey, mirror, normal, Perspective, Promise, road, Struggle, Tomorrow, Unknown
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A Message for Weary Souls

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Joy

As this over-the-top-difficult year wears on and hopes for a summer reprieve or a maskless fall fade, my mind can struggle to muster up positivity. I’ve heard I’m not alone. Apparently many of us wrestle with the lack of normalcy, inability to plan a way forward, and uncertainty of how long “this” will last. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged above all, core, Courage, Covid-19, exhaustion, guard, health, Heart, Hope, life-giving, mind, normal, pandemic, plan, Pray, Soul, soul care, spiritual practices, Struggle, Weary
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Sheroes of the Bible

Posted on June 22, 2020 by Joy

The last two months unfolded like an archeological dig. Week after week, I joined a group of women to unlock stories of the past, dust off musty translations, and peer into golden lives of unlikely sheroes. Who are these sheroes? Women easily overlooked, discounted, and even scorned. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Bible, broken, Courage, Deborah, Do what I can do, El Roi, Encourage, Faith, God, Hagar, Jesus, Love, Mary, Mourn, ordinary, Pray, Rahab, Shero, Sheroes of the Faith, stand, support, Tamar, trial
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Robbed of My Right of Passage

Posted on May 27, 2020 by Joy

In this Covid-19 time, there’s a group of celebrants who feels the loss of their special day more than others: Graduates. With no stage, no diploma in hand, and no procession, it’s hard to feel the same sense of accomplishment and closure. How do I know? I’m a 2020 graduate. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged 2020 Vision, achievement, celebration, Covid-19, Disappointment, expectation, graduate, graduation, Jesus, New Beginning, Praise, right of passage, well done
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The Week After Easter

Posted on April 17, 2020 by Joy

The Easter message––that Jesus came to set us free and give us new life––does not change. Even in the confines of a pandemic. No one could have foreseen the magnitude of coronavirus strife. Except Jesus. Jesus knew that days like these were coming. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged bad news, Celebrate, Covid-19, Cross, Easter, Fear, Freedom, God, Good News, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Pain, pandemic, Resurrection, Sorrow, Struggle, uncertainty
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Your Christmas Wish

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Joy

Each year growing up, I made a list of things I wanted for Christmas. “A horse” always topped the list. I knew I had to be nice, not naughty. Looking back, that’s probably why I never got the horse. Anyhoo… Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Christmas, Freedom, Gifts, invitation, Magi, Messiah, Pray, Promise, Three Wise Men, Treasures, Wish
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Running the Race of Life

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Joy

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are gearing up for our favorite running day of the year. Even non-runners love the annual Turkey Trot which leads to a guilt-free feast. Whether or not you run, we’re all called to the race of life, and we all need encouragement along the way… Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged alone, Boston marathon, challenge, cheer, Courage, distraction, Encourage, Fear, hurdles, Jesus, obstacle, Obstacle Course, Personal Record, PR, race, race of life, Running, setback, team, Temptation, Thanksgiving, together, Turkey Trot, Wisdom
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Waiting Out the Wait

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Joy

We’re not good at waiting. We live in a culture of instant response and immediate gratification. “Right now” has become the norm and expectation. Unfortunately, at different times in life, we all have to wait. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Active Waiting, all things come, best things in life, Charles Schulz, control, Excellence, good things come to those who wait, goodness, grace, Hope, Passive Waiting, Patience, Snoopy, Wait, waiting, Woodrow Wilson
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What CAN I do?

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Joy

We experience seasons of illness and injury that engulf us like a suffocating suffering. We want to hope for complete healing. What CAN I do? I’ve pondered the depth of this question. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged beauty, Depression, doubt, emotional, Fear, Fight, Frustration, Grief, Happy, Hope, I Can, Illness, Injury, meditate, Mourn, Pain, Perseverance, Power, Pray, relational, renew, Run The Race, Running, Soar, spiritual, Strength, Struggle, suffering, suffocate, uncertainty, vocational, walk and not be faint, Weary, wings like eagles, You Can
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Sometimes There Aren't Words

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Joy

Sometimes there just aren’t words. But in those times there is Someone who speaks… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Abba, Betrayal, Comfort, Darkness, Despair, Fear, God's Word, Grief, Hope, Jesus, Refuge, Savior
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Welcome to My Messy

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Joy

My life is messy. Of course, you wouldn’t know my life is messy just by looking at me. Most of us don’t want others to see our behind-the-scenes messy truth. And whether we recognize it or not, we live in a constant battle for self-worth, fighting against isolation. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged burden, Child of God, doubt, Fear, Friend, Hope, invitation, Jesus, Journey, life is messy, New Life, normal, Prayer, Real Life, self worth, Shame, spiritual, Strength, Trust, Truth, welcome
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Your Life through the Keyhole

Posted on June 24, 2019 by Joy

How we view our life each day is like looking through the keyhole of a big old door. It’s as if we’re looking at ourselves, other people, and circumstances through a tiny window. Our vantage is severely limited. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged faith not sight, Follow Me, Hope, New Life, Perspective, turn to Jesus, Worry
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How Not to Hate the Wait

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Joy

In our world of one-click shopping and on-demand streaming, much of life no longer unfolds over time. We want what we want when we want it. We require instantaneous life. Unfortunately, God often asks us to wait. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Be still, Courage, grow, hard, Hope, Love, Mount Up On Wings, New Beginning, New Life, Patience, Power, Praise, Renewal, Strength, Wait, Walk With God, wings like eagles
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Unanswered Prayers

Posted on April 18, 2019 by Joy

When someone dies, we struggle with the “why”. Why didn’t God answer our prayers? As Easter approaches, the “why” questions of the disciples mirror our own. How can we continue to trust God? Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged confusion, Cross, Death, Easter, God the Father, good work, grace, Grief, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, Jesus Save Me, Love, New Life, Power, Savior, Strength, Sufficient, Weakness, Why, work on earth
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Who Do You Say I Am?

Posted on March 25, 2019 by Joy

Many of us know the greatest stories ever told. And often our focus is on the action or players or outcome. But the stories of the Bible have another purpose. A.W. Tozer said, “What you think about God is the most important thing about you.” Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Author of Life, Empty Tomb, Escape, Follow, God the Father, Greatest Stories, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Moses, Noah, Pray, Tozer, Trust, What you think about God, Who is Jesus
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Fear or Faith at Work?

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Joy

It’s no fun living like a double agent with different personas at work v. home. How do we overcome fear of living out our faith at work? Do we have to talk about Jesus in order to be a witness at work? Here are 3 critical truths. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged evangelism, Faith, Faith at Work, Fear, Holy Spirit, Pray, Transform, Witness, Work, Workplace
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Why Work?

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Joy

The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why” (Mark Twain). If we’re honest, we all want to know the why… Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged ambassador, Christian work, Dorothy Sayers, Faith, Image-bearer, Mark Twain, Meaning, Purpose, Truth, Why Work, Witness, Work
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