Inspiring Joy
Michelle Ruddell
Author | Speaker
Explore insights and stories that inspire resilience and positivity, even in the toughest times.
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Recent Insights on Finding Joy
The Clouds Roll In
It sneaks up on me every year. There’s a cloud that rolls over my soul right around Thanksgiving. It usually blows in with the first wintery weather. The first few years I was ready. Around the middle of November I would steel myself against the feelings I knew were...
Can You Hear Me Now?
The ping from my phone startled me. My Sunday afternoon nap had stretched into evening."Are you ignoring me? LOL" read the Facebook message from my daughter.The dreaded words searching for service were at the top of the screen. My signal indicator had two bars,...
Joy and Sorrow
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." The Christmas season was beginning, and my heart was torn. The first real Christmas without my son Matthew would also be the first for my six-month old daughter Missy. Part of me wanted to hide from the happiness...
Peace With Everyone?
I fought back tears as I stepped into the hallway. I would NOT let them see me cry. These high school students were having a field day with me, the new teacher. It was my first year in a traditional classroom. It was not their first time testing limits. The classroom...
Just Enough
I held my breath as I made the last round with the lawn mower. I was hoping to avoid going to the store for more gas, which would have meant I would finish the yard by the street light. When the last blade was cut, I turned off the mower with a sigh. I had just enough...
I’d Like to Exchange This Please
In a sideways glance I saw it. A man took his suit jacket and gently placed it around his wife's shoulders. It was such a sweet gesture. I smiled for a second and then it hit me. I was hit by a sneak attack of "poor me." Must be nice...
Rooted
My thumb is definitely not green. You won't find beautiful flowers or lush greenery in my house or in my yard. I do, however, have a plant in my living room that has managed to survive for almost fifteen years. This hearty schefflera was given to me by my friend...
A Sweet Reunion
I am looking forward to a reunion. It might happen tomorrow, or it might not happen for years. I cling to the hope (translated certainty) of the day when I will see my son Matthew again. I know that when we meet again in Heaven, I will never again have to tell...
Unshakable
The lyrics jumped off the screen and into my heart. "Unchangeable, unshakable, unstoppable, that's what you are." The line is from "You Are God Alone" by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I was reminded that no matter how life changes and shakes, God is in control. He is...
If Dandelions Were Dollars
The backyard was a jungle. I stood “face to face” with an army of giant dandelions. I was determined to accomplish the Herculean task of reclaiming my lawn. I had neglected this chore for far too long. “It sure would be nice to have some help around here,” I...
A Time to Dream
Recently I was privileged to share part of my testimony on a program called "A Time to Dream." Here is the link: A Time to Dream InterviewHere is the website: A Time to Dream But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer...
Favorite verses, funny stories, upcoming events, and other random thoughts.
