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

Set Aside Your Mourning Clothes

Posted on April 25, 2022 by Joy

The last two years have been a time of prolonged loss, anxiety, and uncertainty for many of us. And whether or not we remember when we put on our mourning clothes, many of us struggle with when we should take them off. How do we know? Continue reading →

Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Anxiety, Comfort, Courage, Death, Depression, Easter, Good Friday, Grief, Hope, imaginative prayer, Joy, Loss, Mourn, New Life, new season, Overcome, Pain, Peace, Pray, Prayer, Real Life, rejoice, Rise Above, Sabbath, uncertainty
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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No More Masks

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Joy

Masks. We all wear them. We’re afraid to let people see and know the real us. We hide behind our masks and often fake it. But freedom comes when we live out our truth. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged #NoMoreMasks, Confidence, Fake, Forgiveness, Freedom, Hide, Hiding Place, Jesus, Masks, New Life, Pray, Reveal, Safe, Secrets, Seek, Sisterhood, Strength, Truth
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What's Your Superpower?

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Joy

If you were approached by a genie wanting to grant you one wish for any superhero power, what would you ask for? My first thought: ask for something I could use in the battle between good and evil… Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Escape, Fly, Freedom, Hope, Power, Real Life, Renewal, Rise Above, Soar, Strength, Superhero, Superpower
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2018: The Year of Open Doors

Posted on June 21, 2018 by Joy

As we approach the mid-point of the year, most New Year’s resolutions are a faint and distant memory. But what if 2018 could still become “The Year of Open Doors” for you? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Chinese New Year, Community, Corporate, Intercession, New Doors, New Year's Resolution, Prayer, Sabbatical Year, Year of Jubilee, Year of Open Doors
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Consider My Bluebonnets

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Joy

Bluebonnets are to Texas what tulips are to Holland, azaleas are to Augusta, and cherry blossoms are to Washington DC. But what makes bluebonnets so remarkable is that they’re WILD. These words came to mind: “Consider how the wildflowers grow…” Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Bluebonnets, Bristol, Ennis, Faith, God's Love, Hope, Jesus, Relationship With Jesus, Savior, wildflowers, Worry
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A Promise from God

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Joy

Whether our requests are big or small, at some point we all wonder if God hears us. Does the Creator of the universe care about our prayers for a new job, loneliness, a persistent cough, or help paying bills? In a word: Yes! Not only does He care, He promises so much more. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Child of God, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promise, God's Word, Hope, Jesus Save Me, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Where Is God
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The Intersection of Faith and Work

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Joy

We all work. Our workplaces may look different, but they share a commonality: intrinsic value to God’s Kingdom. Your work has eternal value. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Ambassadors, Faith, Faith and Work, God, Work, Workplace, Your Work Matters
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Why “Do Good” For No Reason?

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Joy

We genuinely want to help others. But it hurts when there’s no response or, worse, a bad response to our good efforts. So why keep trying? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Anyway, Do Good, Doing Good, Help, Hope, Love, Martina McBride, Mother Teresa, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood
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Getting What You Ask For and More

Posted on September 18, 2017 by Joy

If a fairy godmother was standing in front of you right now tapping her glittery wand, what would you ask for? What’s your #1 wish? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Sisterhood | Tagged #1 Wish, David, Desire, Fairy godmother, Gifts, Heavenly Father, Life Changing, Love, Need, Pinterest, Prayer, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Solomon, Want, Wisdom
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What Would Your Last Words Be?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Joy

If you knew you were going to die and you could speak to a group of people, what would you say? This is the story of Rachel Barkey, age 37. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Death, Death is not Dying, Faith, Fear, Happiness, Heaven, Hope, Last Words, New Life, Peace, Rachel Barkey, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Salvation, Sisterhood, Strength, Truth
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Treasures in the Lost and Found

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Joy

Have you lost something you loved and couldn’t replace? Favorite things are too precious to easily let go. That’s how God feels about you. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Angels, Celebrate, Fear, Found, God's Love, Guilt, Healing, Heaven, Hope, Lost, Lost and Found, New Life, Party, Prayer, Prodigal Daughter, Prodigal Son, Real Life, Regret, Rise Above, Rising Above, Share, Sisterhood, Treasure
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Want to be Happy? Practice “Happy”!

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Joy

Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” So do this: Practice being happy this holiday season – and it will carry on to next year! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged 10 year 10000 hour rule, Aristotle, Christmas, Excellence, Faith, Forgiveness, Generosity, Habit, Happy, Happy Holidays, Hope, Joy, Love, Patience, Peace, Perfect 10, Practice Makes Perfect, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Smile, Thankfulness
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Past Scars: Stepping Stones to Purpose

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Joy

We can find purpose if we realize our past struggles allow us to help others who are struggling. No shame and no fear of our past in Christ! Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Find Purpose, Healing, Heaven, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Life of Purpose, Love, New Beginning, New Life, Past Scars, Purpose-Filled Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Stepping Stones
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What Are You Doing With Your Dash?

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Joy

When we die there will be 2 numbers: the date we were born & the date we died. Neither matters as much as the dash––our life––in between. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Dash, Emptiness, Epitaph, God's Love, Happiness, Hope, Joy, Life Purpose, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Striving
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Your Life Story in 6 Words

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Joy

Ernest Hemingway’s shortest story- “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” Wow! In 6 words can you spark hope? Yes! Tell us your 6 word story! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged 6 Words, Brokenness, Earnest Hemingway, Forgiveness, Hope, Jesus, Life Story in 6 Words, Life Story in Six Words, Love, New Life, Oprah, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Six Word Mini-Memoir
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Sweet Friendship Refreshes the Soul

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Joy

Sweet friendship refreshes our soul, like beautiful aromas that engage our emotions and warm our heart with good memories. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Aromas, Encouragement, Friendship, Loneliness, Love, Memory, Real Life, Refresh, Rise Above, Senses, Sisterhood, Soul, Sweet
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On the Road to New Beginnings

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Joy

No matter where we’ve been, no matter where we are, we all can experience the joy and richness of new life! I’m living proof. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged God's Power, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Love, Miracles, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above, Rising Above
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Eye of the Storm

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Joy

Eye of the storm: Place of peace where truth & courage meet. No matter what storm we’re in, we can survive & be stronger on the other side. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Believe, Courage, Eye of the Storm, Help, Help Me Jesus, Hope, New Life, Prayer, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Storms Of Life, Strength
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Church: Hospital or Country Club?

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Joy

A healthy church community is for people like you and me – who want to turn from the brokenness of our past as we walk forward to new life. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Acceptance, Church, Fear, Friendship, God's Love, God's Word, Help Me Jesus, Hospital, Hospitality, Love, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood
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