Rising Above 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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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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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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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
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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
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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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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
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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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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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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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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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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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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What Will God Really Do For You?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Joy

Does God care? If the creator of the universe is busy with wars, famine, asteroids, floods and tragedies, how can He have time for us? Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Child of God, Does God Care, God's Love, God's Power, God's Word, Hope, Jesus Save Me, New Life, Overcome, Real Life, Relationship With God, Rise Above, Rising Above, Where Is God
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Celebrating Small Victories

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Joy

When was the last time you celebrated a victory? Sometimes we don’t feel like we have much to celebrate. But that can change! Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Celebrate, Emptiness, Help Me Jesus, Joy, Loneliness, New Beginning, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Storms Of Life, Strength, Victory
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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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3 Steps Toward Good Life

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Joy

We may not be where we want to be or thought we’d be. How can we make the most of new opportunities? Here are 3 steps toward good life. Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Bad Choices, Brokenness, God's Love, Hope, New Beginning, New Life, Opportunity, Overcome, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Turmoil
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Encouragement For The New Year

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Joy

Whether the holidays were exciting or hard, we can be in the pits as a new year dawns. Here’s where we can find encouragement. Continue reading →

Fun, Growth, Hope & Healing, Sisterhood | Tagged Encouragement, Friendship, God's Love, Happiness, Hope, Laughter, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Strength
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Just Stop!

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Joy

How can we be jolly in the midst of a swirl of to do’s, sadness for those missing from our Christmas, and doubts about the coming year? Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories | Tagged Believe, God's Power, Help Me Jesus, Jesus Save Me, Path of Life, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Storms Of Life, Trust, Truth
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A Time to Mourn

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Joy

Some of the darkest hours on this earth are the ones when Heaven is rejoicing, because our loved ones are now in Paradise. Continue reading →

Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged Brokenness, Death, Faith, Heaven, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Mourn, New Life, Paradise, Promises, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Sorrow
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Faith Over Fear: Beyond Life’s Pits

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Joy

I was honored to guest blog in Remade Ministries’ “Faith Over Fear” series (#justdoitafraid). God can remake anyone… Continue reading →

Growth, Hope & Healing, Real Life Stories, Sisterhood | Tagged #justdoitafraid, Believe, Brokenness, Faith Over Fear, God's Love, God's Power, Help Me Jesus, Hope, Joy Dahl, New Life, Real Life, Remade Ministries, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Storms Of Life
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A Time to Laugh, A Time to Mourn

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Joy

I remember the words of a wise man who said that some of the darkest hours on this earth are the ones when Heaven is rejoicing, because our loved ones are now in Paradise. Continue reading →

Unexpected | Tagged Brokenness, Death, Faith, Heaven, Help Me Jesus, New Life, Paradise, Promises, Real Life, Rise Above, Rising Above, Sisterhood, Sorrow, Time to Mourn
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