Real Life 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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

When Enough is Never Enough

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Joy

When was the last time you had everything you wanted? Splurge to lift your spirits. Save for something big. What is enough, really? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Desire, Enough, Envy, Give, God's Love, Money, Need, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Treasure, Trust
Post a Comment

Cross the Starting Line - Just Start!

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Joy

Is it harder to cross the starting line or the finish line? We often don’t move forward because we’re too afraid of the unknown. Just start! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Dream, Faith, Fear, Finish Line, Hope Just Start, Just Do It, Love, New Beginning, New Life, Pray, Purpose, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Starting Line, Step of Faith, Unknown, What If
2 Comments

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

I Am Second

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Joy

We push hard to be first but we’re broadsided by reality. Life can stink! New life is possible once we stop trying to control our destiny. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Broken Dreams, Brokenness, Dreams, Fear, Help Me Jesus, Hope, I Am Second, Loneliness, Love, New Beginning, New Life, Pray, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

Love Notes from God

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Joy

Until recently, I never realized how many love notes God sends us every day. He speaks. We have to be ready to look and listen. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged God's Love, God's Power, God's Word, Love Notes, New Life, Prayer, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Smile
Post a Comment

Wallenda’s Praise & Prayer at 1500'

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Joy

Nik Wallenda crossed the Grand Canyon on a tightrope. No net, no harness. Wallenda’s peace and courage came from Jesus. Ours does too. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Courage, Fear, God, Grand Canyon, Help Me Jesus, High Wire, Hope, Joy, Overcome, Peace, Praise, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Trials, Wallenda
Post a Comment

Not Everything Happens for a Reason

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Joy

“Everything happens for a reason” suggests there can be a good twist. Even terror, murder & abuse? No! Not everything is good or from God. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Bad Things, Everything Happens for a Reason, Evil, Faith, God's Love, God's Power, Good, Help, Help Me Jesus, Holy Spirit, Hope, Praise, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Survive
Post a Comment

When Plans and Dreams are Shattered

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Joy

When our lives come to a screeching halt because of bad surprises, how can we hold onto faith? We can’t just pretend everything is fine. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing | Tagged Broken Dreams, Dreams, Faith, Hope, New Life, Plans, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Shattered, Sisterhood, Surprises, Survivor
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

Mud Puddles of Life

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Joy

Where are you stuck? Fear? Isolation? Shame? Depression? Worry? Mud puddles of life bring hopelessness. But one new step leads to new life! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Bad Choices, Brokenness, Depression, Emptiness, Guilt, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Loneliness, New Life, Real Life, Regret, Rise Above, Rising Above, Shame, Sisterhood, Strength, Washed Clean
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

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
Post a Comment

Feeling Fruity: It's a Good Thing!

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Joy

Everyone’s life produces something. How do we get out of the weeds and live a joyful life even in the midst of trials? We grow good fruit. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Fertilize, Fruit of the Spirit, Fruity, Garden, God's Power, Good Soil, Holy Spirit, Living Water, New Beginning, New Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Sisterhood, Truth
1 Comment

Take Your Stand

Posted on October 12, 2015 by Joy

No one wants to be attacked, but we are. Self-worth cracks. Shame and regret haunt us. But God gives us armor and weapons to take our stand! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Armor of God, Battle, God's Power, God's Word, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Strength, Sword, Sword of the Spirit, Temptation, Truth, Warrior
Post a Comment

Breaking Free and Staying Free

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Joy

We’re stuck in circumstances or bound by guilt, regrets and wounds of the past. We don’t believe we can break free. But we can! Here’s how. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Believe, Break Free, Breaking Free, Chains, Freedom, God's Word, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Set Free, Sisterhood, Stay Free, Stuck
1 Comment

5 Steps On the Right Path Forward

Posted on August 17, 2015 by Joy

When it comes to life, most of us aren’t where we think we should be. But there’s a path of life marked out for you – and you can find it. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged GPS, Help Me Jesus, Move Forward, New Beginning, New Life, Overcome, Path of Life, Perseverance, Persevere, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Run The Race, Sisterhood, Temptation
Post a Comment