A WORD FROM Dr Veronica…
Ephesians chapter 5 says, “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Always…for everything. These are tough words, especially when we’re in pain. I’m not good at giving thanks when I’m in pain. I am quick to get frustrated, quick to complain and slow to gain perspective. Be thankful always for everything? This is crazy. Impossible! Or is it?
Thanking God always for everything means trusting God’s character more than what we see or what we understand. It means humbling ourselves, because we don’t know everything that God is working out. It means calling out to God for relief and for justice, knowing that He hears us and He cares. It means softening to the realization that God also suffers and relates compassionately toward us in our pain. Thanking God always for everything isn’t about pretending bad doesn’t happen. It means engaging with God about life (the good and bad) more wholly and honestly. As we practice gratitude this season, don’t leave out the pain. Being thankful always for everything drives us to transform in ways we never would have chosen, but in the end will never give up.
Meet Joy!
Joy was one of Envision’s interns and masterly completed the lengthy requirements to move to LPCC!Originally, Joy started in the banking world. But when she and her husband, Howie, (of 29 years!) started having children – 5 daughters to be exact – she became a full-time mom. As the girls grew, Joy got into life coaching. When the pandemic hit and she saw the impact it had on our youth – she knew she wanted to go deeper. She considers going back to school at 50, after raising 5 girls, one of her greatest achievements! What gets her out of the bed in the morning? A true zest for life.
When I asked Joy to describe her role as a therapist – she answered being a confidant and a hope dealer. Joy can deliver and hold hope when her client’s can’t and is a true partner in the process. Two of her favorite types of clients are young adults launching into creating their lives and people suffering with chronic pain or chronic illness. She enjoys the relationship building piece of her work and witnessing the positive change and growth of her clients. Most embarrassing moment? An overly aggressive stomach growl in the midst of a session. So aggressive, it could not go unacknowledged.
Now, let’s get into all the personal stuff. Joy likes to run. She keeps asking us in the office to join her – which then creates a whole list of excuses from us – well from me anyway. Joy also is what one would call “a crazy plant lady”. I asked her for an approximate number for household plants and the answer? Over 30! Some have even been propagated into the office. She has a heart for DIY projects and gardening. Currently, Joy and Howie are in the middle of planning the first (of 5) weddings. If Joy isn’t at work or with a daughter or two – she is with a dog. Either their beloved great dane, Willow, or the dog they are fostering for a soldier away on active duty named Pumba. With a name like Joy, you can imagine all the cute sayings, she calls them Joyisms. Her faves? “Everything is figure-out-able” and “nothing good happens in your comfort zone”. Last tidbit we all needed to know – Joy loves chocolate cake. If it shows up – it disappears rather urgently.
And of course, the closing favorite movie quote…
“Nobody puts Baby in a corner.” – Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing
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