Jesus Archives - Rising Above Real Life | Joy P. DahlRising Above Real Life

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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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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Please, No More!

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Joy

Like many of you, I thought this fall would usher in the return of normal work hours in offices and schools, eating in restaurants, and gathering with friends. But COVID-19. It feels like we’ve lost so much this year. How can we move forward into fall when we continue to grieve the loss of so many aspects of our used-to-be “normal” life? Continue reading →

Fun, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Brokenness, faithfulness, great, Grief, healthy, Hope, hymn, Jesus, life, Loss, morning, new mercy, Peace, Power, Pray, rhythm, school, Turmoil, Victory, 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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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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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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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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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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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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Witnesses

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Joy

What comes to mind when you hear “witness”? Recently, I’ve been challenged to step up as a witness. In fact, ALL believers are called to testify as witnesses. Not in a court of law. But in our lives and through our work. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Acts 1:8, Comfort, Connect, Courage, Eternal Life, Eyewitness, Faith and Work, Firsthand Account, God's Word, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Join God, Mission Field, My Story, Power, Prayer, Proclaim, Protect, Story Telling, Strength, Transform, Witness, Work, Workplace
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Sit Among Your Weeds

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Joy

Today I start with a confession: I’ve been struggling. Weeds are the straw that broke the camel’s (my) back, so to speak. The last little burden that became unbearable. But from my weeds emerged a transformative message from God… Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Frustration, Jesus, Pray, Savior, Teresa of Avila, Treasure, Wait, Weeds, Wisdom
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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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Which Way Did He Go?

Posted on January 15, 2018 by Joy

We can’t focus on both Jesus AND circumstances. It’s impossible! If we choose to focus on circumstances, suddenly it’s as if Jesus is gone. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Circumstances, Emptiness, Fear, God's Love, Hope, Jesus, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Storms Of Life
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Who is Jesus?

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Joy

Around the world, people today are laying down their lives to talk about Jesus. Who is He? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Believe, Brokenness, By His Wounds, Faith, Fear, Friend, Friendship, God's Word, Help Me Jesus, Jesus, Joy, New Life, Real Life, Relationship, Rise Above, Rising Above, Savior, Shepherd, Sisterhood, Truth, Who is Jesus
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What Happens To Us When We Die?

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Joy

Many of us aren’t sure what’s next when we die, so we don’t think about it. But in a crazy world like ours, people are starting to wonder. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Believe, Death, Eternity, Faith, God's Love, God's Power, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood
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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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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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This Changes Everything!

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Joy

We’re stuck. In past hurts, loneliness, dead relationships, debt, no hope… But don’t despair, there’s something that changes everything! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Change, Freedom, God Who Sets Us Free, God's Power, Jesus, Jesus Save Me, Loneliness, Love, More than Conquerors, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Path of Life, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Stuck
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Who is God?

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Joy

We have our own thoughts about God. But it’s hard to think about having a daily relationship with the Almighty God. He wants that to change. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Believe, Faith, God, God's Love, God's Word, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Truth, Who is God
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When the Road Gets Tough

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Joy

Keep moving forward! We can’t let fear, doubt, or any other feelings hold us in bondage. We are survivors, given strength to overcome. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Faith, Hard Times, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Strength
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3 Remedies for Spiritual Dehydration

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Joy

Ever feel wilted, like you’re thirsting for more in life? We get weary and need renewal. But we can’t quench our soul-deep thirsts by ourselves. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Brokenness, Confidence, Dehydration, Hope, Jesus, Living Water, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Spiritual Renewal, Truth, Weary, Wilted, Woman at the Well
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What is Saving Faith?

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Joy

We want to believe there’s a purpose in life and we hope there’s a heaven. But we’re skeptical about religion. How can we know what’s true? Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Believe, Brokenness, Emptiness, Faith, God's Love, Healing, Heaven, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Saving Faith, Success, Trust, Truth
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Which Way Did He Go?

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Joy

It’s impossible to focus on both Jesus AND circumstances. We have to pick one or the other. And if we choose to focus on circumstances, suddenly it’s as if Jesus is gone. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Circumstances, Emptiness, Fear, God's Love, Hope, Jesus, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Storms Of Life
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Who is Jesus?

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Joy

We don’t think about ancients like Caesar or Alexander the Great. Yet people today are laying down their lives to talk about Jesus. Who is He? Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Believe, Brokenness, By His Wounds, Faith, Fear, Friend, Friendship, God's Word, Help Me Jesus, Jesus, Joy, New Life, Real Life, Relationship, Rise Above, Rising Above, Savior, Shepherd, Sisterhood, Truth, Who is Jesus
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What Happens To Us When We Die?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Joy

We don’t like to think about dying because most of us aren’t sure what’s next. But with the recent devastation and loss of lives, people are starting to wonder. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Believe, Death, Eternity, Faith, God's Love, God's Power, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above, Sisterhood
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Your Life Story in Six Words

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Joy

Ernest Hemingway’s legendary shortest story “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” Sad and emotional. What if in six words you could spark hope in someone’s life? Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Brokenness, Ernest Hemingway, Forgiveness, Hope, Jesus, Life Story in Six Words, Love, New Life, Oprah, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Six Word Mini-Memoir
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On the Road to New Beginnings

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Joy

No matter where you’ve been, no matter where you are, know that you too can experience the fullness of new life! I’m living proof. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged God's Power, Hope, Jesus, Joy, Love, Miracles, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above
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This Changes Everything!

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Joy

We’re stuck. In real life, past hurts, loneliness, dead relationships, debt, depression… But don’t despair, there’s something that changes everything! Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Change, Freedom, God Who Sets Us Free, God's Power, Jesus, Jesus Save Me, Loneliness, Love, More than Conquerors, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Path of Life, Real Life, Resurrection, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Stuck
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Who is God to You?

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Joy

Everyone has their own thoughts about God. But many of us don’t think about having a personal, daily relationship with the Almighty. God wants that to change. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Believe, Faith, God, God's Love, God's Word, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Truth, Who is God
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When the Road Gets Tough

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Joy

Keep moving forward. We can’t let fear, doubt, or any other feelings keep us in bondage. By nature, we are survivors. We’ve been given strength to overcome. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Faith, Hard Times, Heaven, Hope, Jesus, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Strength, Tough Times
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3 Remedies for Spiritual Dehydration

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Joy

Ever feel wilted, like you’re thirsting for something more in life? We get weary and need renewal. But we can’t quench our soul-deep thirsts by ourselves. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Brokenness, Confidence, Dehydration, Hope, Jesus, Living Water, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Peace, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Spiritual Renewal, Strength, Truth, Weary, Wilted, Woman at the Well
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