About

Intro

Hello friend, my name is Joy and I’m so glad you’re here! Due to personal experience of childhood abuse, depression and mental health breakdown, it is my heart’s desire and passion to support those who are hurting. One of the major topics I write about is how to find encouragement in challenging circumstances.

My main writing ethos

I want to show you how to embrace hope if you feel hopeless, to seek after wonder in the everyday, and receive uplifting soul food through my words. I write about how we can find beauty in the midst of adversity and how to discover grace in life’s hard places. Because of the hope we have in Christ, it is possible to experience joy and encouragement despite our painful circumstances.

Background

I’ve had M.E for over 20 years. It has increased in severity over time, accompanied by Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Hypermobility Syndrome, all of which cause profound fatigue, weakness, weariness, limited mobility and constant pain.

Most of the time I am housebound, resting in bed or sitting around, often in my PJs, reading and scribbling out my thoughts. It’s a rather quiet and sedentary life but it does give me great opportunity to write, reflect and pray.

Family and life

I used to be a nurse, running non-stop around a ward most days, as well as taking care of my home and family. Now my sons are married, so I have 2 lovely daughters-in-law and a beautiful grandson to dote on too.

My husband is my carer/house-husband/chauffeur/gardener/general dogsbody/ and all round wonderful hero. I am somewhat limited and constrained by my illness, but it doesn’t define who I am or have the final say on my life. God does.

Interests

As an avid reader, I’ve always got a book (or three) on the go, some of which I review for NetGalley. I also love spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries, series and films on TV, reading blog posts, connecting with fellow writers online, window-gazing, people-watching, and observing the changing seasons.

I enjoy taking snapshots of scenery and flowers, as you can see below. It’s a contemplative photography practice, which frequently inspires my creativity. I’m a keen amateur but one of my sons is a professional photographer. You can check out his artistic work here and his commercial work here.

Goals

I aim to write as regularly as my health permits, which is currently fortnightly to monthly. It will be an eclectic mix of things, including reflections, devotionals, poetry and prayers. Most of my poetry can be found at my Poetry Joy blog, where I focus on sensing the sacred in the secular. You can discover more about my writing life here. I’d love you to join us! :)<3