http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/ Sit back, relax with a cup of your favorite tea, and explore Carol's devotional blog. Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:28:01 GMT en-us Copyright 2013 Just Joy Ministries http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/one-in-a-million-dad/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/one-in-a-million-dad/ Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:27:18 GMT This Sunday is Father’s Day which has become a bittersweet holiday for me on two fronts.  Let me explain … My father went to heaven in 2002 and I remember one of the first thoughts...CONTINUE ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-other-women/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-other-women/ Thu, 30 May 2013 16:47:37 GMT When Matthew, our oldest son, was a mere 24 hours old, my husband, Craig, found me sobbing in the hospital rocking chair.  I was holding my new born baby boy and crying my heart out.  Just literal gut heaves …  CONTINUE ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/be-a-prayer-warrior-for-your-children/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/be-a-prayer-warrior-for-your-children/ Fri, 10 May 2013 01:01:55 GMT Happy Mother’s Day!!  I want to share some mothering encouragement with you today…whether you are in the early season of mothering…the season of sending your babies off to college….or holding gra... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/1000-lives-to-give/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/1000-lives-to-give/ Fri, 03 May 2013 19:46:14 GMT Inscribed on a missionary’s gravestone are these words, “If I had a thousand lives, Korea would have them all.” This one woman had more dreams and vision for Korea than one lifetime could accomplish.  I don’t know ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/counting-the-stars-with-god/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/counting-the-stars-with-god/ Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:59:07 GMT Do you feel discouraged today?  Are you wondering where God’s promises for your life are?  Listen in on this conversation between Abram and God that took place over two thousand years ago…and let it sink into your soul ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/you-are-a-valuable-vapor/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/you-are-a-valuable-vapor/ Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:01:38 GMT Do you know how valuable your life is?! The Bible says that “one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day”. Life is a vapor…it passes by with the blink of an eye! BUT, we have the opportunity in one ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/its-all-that-matters/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/its-all-that-matters/ Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:54:38 GMT The cheering, worshipping crowd.   A farewell dinner.   What kind of man betrays a friend?!    Prayers.  Desperate prayers.  Earth-shaking prayers.  Blood dripping prayers.   A trial rigged ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/are-you-struggling-with-busyness/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/are-you-struggling-with-busyness/ Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:48:51 GMT Do you feel like you are constantly trying to keep up with your daily "to do" list?  Are you feeling stressed out?  Listen in as Carol shares a classic Bible story and helps us understand how to get "the good part" out of our ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/waiting-for-spring/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/waiting-for-spring/ Thu, 14 Mar 2013 02:18:29 GMT March is heralded as the month of kites, daffodils and noisy geese flying north. March is the month that trumpets the rebirth of an exuberant spring. March is the month when the world breaks free... Continue ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/have-you-learned-to-tame-your-tongue/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/have-you-learned-to-tame-your-tongue/ Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:34:35 GMT http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/perspective/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/perspective/ Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:14:30 GMT I went to the beach last week!  The beach is my “happy place”! Every morning when I woke up, the first thing that I would do was to walk out on our fourth floor deck and just listen … and then look...  CONTINUE ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-is-your-book-title/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-is-your-book-title/ Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:04:50 GMT What is YOUR Book Title? “The Rooms of a Woman’ Heart” … That was the name of my first book … “The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart”. What a profoundly safe title for a book that truly was geared ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-valentines-day-share-the-love-today/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-valentines-day-share-the-love-today/ Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:44:19 GMT Whether you love Valentine's Day....or hate it - Whether you are single...or married - Regardless of your social status....YOU can share love ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-21-final-day/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-21-final-day/ Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:41:34 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 21 (Final Day!) http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-20/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-20/ Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:40:29 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 20 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-19/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-19/ Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:07:41 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 19 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-18/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-18/ Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:06:54 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 18 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-17/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-17/ Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:06:09 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 17 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-16/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-16/ Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:05:11 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 16 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-15/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-15/ Mon, 04 Feb 2013 20:45:01 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 15 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-14/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-14/ Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:17:28 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 14 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-13/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-13/ Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:23:36 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 13 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-12/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-12/ Sat, 02 Feb 2013 14:22:31 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 12 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-11/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-11/ Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:13:58 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 11 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-letter-to-my-oldest-sons/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-letter-to-my-oldest-sons/ Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:12:03 GMT Dear Matt and Chris, This week you both had birthdays … dates on the calendar that probably mean more to me than they do to you...  Continue ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-10/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-10/ Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:17:04 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 10 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-9/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-9/ Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:16:13 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 9 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-8/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-8/ Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:40:00 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 8 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-7/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-7/ Mon, 28 Jan 2013 02:50:27 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 7 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-6/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-6/ Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:29:01 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 6 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-5/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-5/ Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:28:05 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 5 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-4/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-4/ Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:08:42 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 4 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-3/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-3/ Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:05:04 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 3 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-2/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-2/ Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:04:00 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 2 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-1/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-days-to-beat-depression-day-1/ Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:00:36 GMT 21 Days to Beat Depression - Day 1 http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-do-you-believe/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-do-you-believe/ Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:10:22 GMT What Do You Believe? http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/be-the-christmas-miracle/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/be-the-christmas-miracle/ Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:55:11 GMT Be the Christmas Miracle http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/three-christmas-questions/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/three-christmas-questions/ Thu, 13 Dec 2012 16:36:08 GMT Three Christmas Questions http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-miracle-of-the-season/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-miracle-of-the-season/ Thu, 06 Dec 2012 17:48:02 GMT Miracle of the Season http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/christmas-favor/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/christmas-favor/ Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:57:58 GMT Christmas Favor http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/joy-that-only-thanksgiving-can-bring/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/joy-that-only-thanksgiving-can-bring/ Thu, 22 Nov 2012 17:56:22 GMT Joy That Only Thanksgiving Can Bring http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-grateful-heart/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-grateful-heart/ Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:37:12 GMT What does it really mean to have a grateful heart...not just at the Thanksgiving holiday, but all year long?  Carol McLeod is an author, popular speaker at women's conferences, and hosts her own radio program called Defiant Joy! ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/little-girl-dreams/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/little-girl-dreams/ Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:32:29 GMT When I was a little girl I wanted to marry a pastor …. CHECK! When I was a little girl I wanted to have a lot of babies … CHECK! When I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher … CHECK! When I was a little girl I wanted ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/you-make-me-happy/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/you-make-me-happy/ Fri, 02 Nov 2012 15:03:29 GMT Whatever you are going through in life...whatever your circumstances are...I encourage you to look to the Lord today and say..."Lord, YOU make me happy!" http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/how-are-you-waiting/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/how-are-you-waiting/ Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:59:27 GMT I was waiting in a doctor’s office last week for a routine appointment and was prepared, as always, with my Bible, a notebook, a good read and my smart phone.  I always know that the wait will be long and so I come ready to use my ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/joy-for-today/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/joy-for-today/ Wed, 10 Oct 2012 23:37:27 GMT Autumn must be the most glorious of months.  I look out my window and see the green grass of summer now scattered with the brilliance of red, yellow and orange leaves. The placid geese of the summer that I encounter on my daily walk are ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/two-4-letter-words-about-elections/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/two-4-letter-words-about-elections/ Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:05:44 GMT My Love/Hate Relationship with Presidential Elections It’s an election year.  I have a love-hate relationship with presidential elections. I love it that I live in a country where we get to vote for our next leader.  I ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/summer-reading-list/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/summer-reading-list/ Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:00:35 GMT I love to read in every season ... but there is something about the summer that just calls me to spend every extra minute with my nose buried in a book.  I love reading in a lawn chair on a hot summer afternoon ... I love reading on a ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/doors-that-only-god-can-openor-close/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/doors-that-only-god-can-openor-close/ Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:54:25 GMT I often pray a prayer that starts like this, “God, open a door that only YOU can open!”  How I love the God Who opens doors ... doors of opportunity ... doors of relationship ... doors of ministry ... doors of destiny. But, I ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-mothers-day-2012/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-mothers-day-2012/ Wed, 09 May 2012 18:26:40 GMT I have not been a perfect mom and I am not anyone’s poster child for motherhood.  James Dobson has never had me on his program ... I have never been served breakfast in bed by some world famous chef ... and my name is not written on a ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-tale-of-three-friends/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-tale-of-three-friends/ Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:23:05 GMT Yesterday was a good day ... no ... it was a great day!  I started the day by taking Craig for his annual colonoscopy so maybe I should clarify and say the day was great for me and challenging for him! When I had Craig all settled at home ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-things-to-always-remember/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/21-things-to-always-remember/ Thu, 23 Feb 2012 01:56:44 GMT Most of you know my testimony.  I have five children on earth and five children in heaven.  After giving birth to 2 lively, precious little boys ... we sent five babies back to heaven to the arms and heart of Jesus. Then ... God gave ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/love-365-days-a-year/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/love-365-days-a-year/ Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:08:53 GMT Valentine’s Day ... some folks love it ... some folks tolerate it ... while others dread it! Remember those Valentine Boxes we used to make in Elementary School? We would carefully decorate them with shades of pink and red in the days ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-7-facebook-commandments/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-7-facebook-commandments/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:51 GMT I will be the first to admit it ... I probably spend way too much time on Facebook.  I somehow justify it by saying that it connects me to people or that it is part of my ministry.  But the truth of the matter is this:  most of ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/jolt-of-joy-on-youversion/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/jolt-of-joy-on-youversion/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:48:44 GMT STARTING TODAY, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD "A JOLT OF JOY" ON YOUVERSION TO YOUR SMARTPHONE!  Simply go to your marketplace or app store and search for YOUVERSION.  The app will say Lifechurch.tv and it looks like a brown Bible with the words ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/only-god-moments/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/only-god-moments/ Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:15:29 GMT I have always loved the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.  It’s  a week of lazy leisure with just enough Christmas left to enjoy the peace of the season and none of the stress. For me, these sweet 7 days locked ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/christmas-memories/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/christmas-memories/ Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:40:09 GMT Pulling out Christmas decorations is always a walk down memory lane for me.  It is an experience that is so rich in nostalgia and God’s blessings that I keep a large box of tissue handy for my runny nose and tear-drenched cheeks. The ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thanksgiving-is-a-lifestyle/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thanksgiving-is-a-lifestyle/ Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:30:31 GMT Everybody is talking about thankfulness this week - and I am so thankful for that!  I stand firmly in the corner that for a Believer, thanksgiving should be a lifestyle and not a holiday.  While I am thankful that we live in a nation ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/choosing-joy/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/choosing-joy/ Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:33:12 GMT No one’s life is perfect regardless of their Facebook status.  We all experience life with ups and downs ... goods and bads ... challenges and choices.  I was thinking about this as I scrolled through all of the updates on my ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/its-octobermerry-christmas-yall/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/its-octobermerry-christmas-yall/ Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:19:13 GMT My name is Carol ... and I am a Christmas-aholic!  One of my very first childhood memories ... I couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old ... was looking out the living room window one frosty December evening and seeing the ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-house-we-call-home/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-house-we-call-home/ Wed, 05 Oct 2011 00:11:04 GMT 122 S. Pleasant Street. I’ll never forget the day that I first walked through the front door of that beloved address over 34 years ago. I was visiting my fiance’s family the summer before we were to be married. I was in awe of every ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/ Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:53:18 GMT A blog is intended to be sort of an online diary … where you record your feelings, experiences or opinions.  I have struggled with exactly what to write this week because it has been a challenging week.  My heart's desire is to ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/waiting-on-god-and-other-frustrations/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/waiting-on-god-and-other-frustrations/ Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:46:31 GMT My dear friend, Sarah, had a baby boy today.  His name is Ethan Michael and he weighed 4.5pounds.  Sweet little Ethan, the champion, was born at 33 weeks and 5 days in gestation; a full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.  We were all ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/through-the-seasons/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/through-the-seasons/ Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:41:06 GMT After 3 weeks on the road, I am home again.  We visited 4 of our children who live in different parts of the country and basked in their love and in the love of their families.  Who knew that I could love each one of them as adults so ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/holy-estrogen/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/holy-estrogen/ Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:07:52 GMT Dreams really do come true … God really does answer prayer!  Some things are just worth waiting for! I am ecstatic to announce that I have just signed a publishing contract with Harrison House Publishing Company for “Holy ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/dealing-with-diffcult-people-in-your-life/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/dealing-with-diffcult-people-in-your-life/ Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:34:52 GMT Do you ever wonder why God allows difficult people into your life?  I must admit, my emotions would be 99.9% perfect if it weren't for people!!  Difficult, frustrating people barge into my peaceful world and disrupt my stability with ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/god-sees-your-faithfulness/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/god-sees-your-faithfulness/ Thu, 12 May 2011 13:42:24 GMT God sees your faithfulness! In the day to day ... mundane ... ordinary moments of life - God sees you.   He is aware of how well you serve your family - and He smiles. He observes how you reach out to your neighbors in kindness - and He ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/story/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/story/ Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:29:40 GMT A popular, trendy word right now is “story”. What is your story?  Everybody has a story – some of us love sharing our story.  We tell it over and over and over again.  We repeat it to everyone who wants to ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thanksgiving-in-march/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thanksgiving-in-march/ Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:07:02 GMT I know that it is not the third week in November, but I have been thinking about thanksgiving lately.  Let me assure you that there is no  turkey in my oven, I have not started to make my grandmother's cranberry relish nor have I been ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/iconic/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/iconic/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:11:51 GMT Craig and I were given tickets to the Michael W. Smith-Amy Grant Concert last Friday night.  The name of their tour is “Iconic”.  I looked up “iconic” in the dictionary and this is what it means: “of, or ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/10-reasons/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/10-reasons/ Fri, 18 Feb 2011 22:19:27 GMT A couple of weeks ago, God challenged me not to complain about winter anymore.  (You can read about it in the blog I wrote on January 21 entitled “Winter In Buffalo.”)  God is challenging me to go deeper and higher and has ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-song-in-my-heart/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-song-in-my-heart/ Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:02:56 GMT Did you ever have a song stuck in your brain?  Just a melody that won't stop … it plays over and over and over again.  Sometimes it's a silly little ditty from your childhood, “How much is that doggie in the window ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/me--life-hand-in-hand/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/me--life-hand-in-hand/ Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:59:57 GMT What am I thinking about today?  I am thinking about how I don't like to go to bed at night.  I don't like saying “good-bye” to another day of living life wholeheartedly.  I know that I am past “half-time” ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/winter-in-buffalo/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/winter-in-buffalo/ Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:30:18 GMT I live in Buffalo, NY …. it is January in Buffalo, NY … it snows A LOT in January in Buffalo, NY …. it is very cold and it snows A LOT in January in Buffalo, NY. My middle name should have been “beach”.  I ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/my-mentor/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/my-mentor/ Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:31:41 GMT I met my mentor when I was 24 years old … she was 34.  She was the head elder's wife at the church that was  interviewing my husband for the position of youth pastor and worship leader.  We were invited to their home one ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/beauty-for-ashes/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/beauty-for-ashes/ Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:41:17 GMT What was the very worst moment of your life? Was it a moral failure? Or perhaps someone abused or misused you? For some of us it is the pain of infertility or the crashing of a disastrous marriage or the bitter fruit of our own choices. As ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/where-are-you-christmas/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/where-are-you-christmas/ Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:33:54 GMT Christmas. One word. Two syllables. 9 letters. Yet within this uncomplicated word lies the power of eternity. It's a word of great celebration and of holy anticipation. For others, the word - "Christmas" - holds painful memories of childhood ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/autumn-08-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/autumn-08-devotional/ Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:32:04 GMT Nearly 2000 years ago, a man by the name of Paul, prayed that you would be able to comprehend and to experience the love of God. That’s right ... You!! He prayed for you! You might want to read about it in Ephesians 3: 14 – 19.Paul ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/summer-08-devotional-surfs-up-/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/summer-08-devotional-surfs-up-/ Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:32:48 GMT In case you haven't noticed it yet, life is not perfect and sometimes bad things happen to perfectly good people! If you are anything at all like me, from time to time you have had to ask the questions, "Is bad stuff part of God's will ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/february-08-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/february-08-devotional/ Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:30:05 GMT In case you haven't noticed it yet, life is not perfect and sometimes bad things happen to perfectly good people!  If you are anything at all like me, from time to time you have had to ask the questions, "Is bad stuff part of ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-08-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-08-devotional/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 18:28:32 GMT I, Carol McLeod, being of sound mind and middle-aged body, hereby resolve in the year of 2008:1 - I will keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the storm! I will believe with my whole heart that He is good all the time ... and that I don't need ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/december-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/december-07-devotional/ Sat, 01 Dec 2007 18:27:31 GMT My name is Carol ... and I am a Christmas-aholic! I love everything about the season ... the cooking and the crowds ... the music and the manger ... the bright lights and the busy-ness ... the presents and the packages. All of it just sends my ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/november-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/november-07-devotional/ Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:26:17 GMT I know ... I know ... you are expecting me to write about pilgrims and turkey and thankful hearts because it is November, right?! Well ... actually ... you are one-third right! I am going to remind you (and me!) of the value of a thankful ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/october-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/october-07-devotional/ Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:25:15 GMT David and his mighty men were trouncing around the countryside ... fighting battles ... trying to hear and obey God's voice ... and had left their wives and children at home in Ziklag.The Amalekites, some of David's most ferocious enemies, ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thoughts-on-a-significant-life/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/thoughts-on-a-significant-life/ Sat, 01 Sep 2007 18:24:30 GMT What does it take to be significant to God? How do you get God's attention?Walking through the fire will gather God's attention ... so will the roar of a vicious lion ... and the rise of threatening flood waters. The Bible talks about some ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/august-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/august-07-devotional/ Wed, 01 Aug 2007 18:23:16 GMT Do you ever feel that there might be something seriously wrong with you? If you are like most women, you long to do the right thing ... but something inside of you is ferociously growling and you are not able to contain the savage creature!Or ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/july-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/july-07-devotional/ Sun, 01 Jul 2007 18:22:19 GMT Are you free? Are you truly free? Or do you still struggle with bondage in your life? July is the month when America pauses from its busyness to celebrate freedom! We celebrate with parades and fireworks ... with picnics and brass bands ... ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/june-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/june-07-devotional/ Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:21:19 GMT It's June! The lovely month of June ... the month of brides and graduations ... of honeysuckle and sunshine. This is the month that I wait for all year long - not just because of the weather but also because of the promise.When I look out my ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-07-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-07-devotional/ Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:20:22 GMT I have a confession to make - are you ready? I hope that you will not be disappointed in me! My confession is this: Every single January of my life I have felt like a big, fat failure!! My feelings of nonsuccess are really quite easy to ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/tis-the-season-to-be--kind/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/tis-the-season-to-be--kind/ Fri, 01 Dec 2006 18:19:19 GMT What are your plans for this Christmas season? To bake 12 different types of cookies ... or to send out your Christmas Cards by December 15? Maybe your goal is to not use your credit cards this year ... or to go Christmas Caroling with your ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/november-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/november-06-devotional/ Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:18:28 GMT Do you remember the words to that old Thanksgiving Hymn that we used to sing as children in church?"Come, ye thankful people, come!Raise the song of Harvest home.All is safely gathered in - 'ere the winter storms begin.God our Maker doth ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/october-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/october-06-devotional/ Sun, 01 Oct 2006 18:17:32 GMT If you think that your family is dysfunctional ... have you ever thought about what Joseph went through in life? He was the youngest of a blended family and had 11 older brothers with whom he had to compete, contend, and keep up with through out ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/september-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/september-06-devotional/ Fri, 01 Sep 2006 18:16:24 GMT Don't you just hate the Proverbs 31 woman? She seems to be everything that I am not!! She is Miss America, Condoleeza Rice, Martha Stewart and Mother Theresa all rolled into one super piece of femininity! If she were alive today, I am ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/august-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/august-06-devotional/ Tue, 01 Aug 2006 18:15:24 GMT Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, "Rabbi, who sinned? This man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?"Jesus said, "You are asking the wrong question. You're looking for someone to blame. There ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-day-at-the-beach/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/a-day-at-the-beach/ Sat, 01 Jul 2006 18:14:23 GMT It's July! The month of fireworks and mosquito bites ... of watermelon and family vacations! Craig and I absolutely love vacations - we are known as a family who works hard, prays hard and plays even harder! When the calendar turns to the month ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-magnifying-glass-of-praise/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-magnifying-glass-of-praise/ Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:13:27 GMT I remember when I was just a little girl and I would dig my father's old magnifying glass out of the junk drawer in his desk. I remember the thrill, on a hot summer's afternoon, of using that magnifying glass in great wonder as I inspected ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-mothers-day/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-mothers-day/ Mon, 01 May 2006 18:10:49 GMT I have just returned home from a much-needed vacation and was able to spend an afternoon with a dear friend from college days. Her life is a testimony to the surprises of God ... and the love that he bestows upon His dearly loved children!Joy is ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/whose-hands-is-your-life-in/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/whose-hands-is-your-life-in/ Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:11:24 GMT I have always walked around in blissful trust - knowing that my life is in God's hands. With that firm assurance in my heart, I have rested completely and confidently through every season of life.I have sincerely loved the feeling of security ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/i-think-myself-happy/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/i-think-myself-happy/ Wed, 01 Mar 2006 18:12:05 GMT It was just one of those days for Paul - he was serving God ... doing the right thing ... when once again he was being questioned and tormented for his faith! Paul was being brought before King Agrippa to make a defense concerning the charges ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/february-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/february-06-devotional/ Wed, 01 Feb 2006 18:06:37 GMT Listen to an audio recording of Carol's February '06 Devotional     Sweet February - the month of hearts and chocolate and roses. A season for nostalgically remembering romance and young love and best friends. Do you recall ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-06-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/january-06-devotional/ Sun, 01 Jan 2006 18:03:23 GMT Listen to an audio recording of Carol's January '06 Devotional     Did you know that you serve a good God? He is not mad at you ... He is not going to throw thunder and lightning down from heaven and aim it directly at you ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/december-devotional/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/december-devotional/ Thu, 01 Dec 2005 18:00:14 GMT Listen to an audio recording of Carol's December '05 Devotional The story of Christmas is timeless and eternal - it spans the memories of every generation for over 2000 years. Today, in the twenty-first century, Christmas stirs up ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/an-attitude-of-gratitude/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/an-attitude-of-gratitude/ Tue, 01 Nov 2005 17:40:52 GMT It's time to get on your feet, ladies, and give God a standing ovation with your life! It's time to get out of the whining, greedy, dissatisfied way of doing life - and to set your hearts by the compass of gratitude! For Christians, Thanksgiving ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/why-are-you-crying/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/why-are-you-crying/ Sat, 01 Oct 2005 17:39:59 GMT Mary Magdalene had been forever changed by the power and the love of Jesus. Scripture tells us that she had been set free from 7 demons!! Before Mary Magdalene met Jesus - she was a mess. She probably did not fit into normal society and was more ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-joy-of-the-lord-is-your-strength/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-joy-of-the-lord-is-your-strength/ Thu, 01 Sep 2005 17:38:55 GMT One of my favorite scriptures in the entire Bible is found in Nehemiah 8:10. This powerful verse emphatically states, "Do not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" The joy of the Lord will give you strength in every season and in ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-is-joy/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-is-joy/ Mon, 01 Aug 2005 17:37:23 GMT Allow me to tell you what joy is not! Joy is not flimsy or flowery ... joy is not weak nor is it insipid. Joy is not defined by the words written on some greeting card nor does it smack of religious gimmicks. Joy is not blowing in the wind nor ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-joy-of-the-lord/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-joy-of-the-lord/ Fri, 01 Jul 2005 17:36:31 GMT When you have been touched by the joy of the Lord - something happens in your soul! Joy makes you want to sing ... to dance ... to laugh ... to shout! Our response to joy is not an emotional celebration - our response to joy is called ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-good-of-the-best/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/the-good-of-the-best/ Wed, 01 Jun 2005 17:35:06 GMT Has God ever asked you to give Him something that is precious to you? Maybe it was a relationship ... or a habit ... or an attitude ... or a commitment of time? God is in the business of asking us to sacrifice something that we hold dear - so ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-a-wonderful-world/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/what-a-wonderful-world/ Sun, 01 May 2005 17:33:58 GMT Our two oldest sons celebrate their birthdays just a few weeks after Christmas. They were born two years and two days apart in January, and as children experienced what I like to call "embarrassing abundance"! They had Tonka trucks, Care Bears, ... http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-new-year--or--april-fools/ http://www.justjoyministries.com/a-cup-of-tea-with-carol/happy-new-year--or--april-fools/ Fri, 01 Apr 2005 17:33:06 GMT How are you coming on your New Year's resolutions? You may think that is an outrageous question for the first of April! I find it to be quite valid, actually ... on the first of the year, you "resolved" an issue. You decided to do something ...