“Do difficulties, detours, distractions, and delays steal my joy? They try, but fail. The journey to joy was long and worth every moment.” K.L. Hale
“Thank you, Father, for difficulties, detours, distractions, and delight! Keep me teachable so your light shines no matter what.” My posture of praise and attitude of gratitude is ONLY because of Christ Jesus. My journey to joy has been jubilant because of what its produced.
How do I navigate my joy journey?
My road map and handy atlas can’t predict every detour or unexpected accident. My guidebook, the WORD, though, provides wisdom and applications for these! I wrote a letter to my ten-year-old self last night. In it, I shared the differences between happiness and true joy. My journey to joy has included loss, love, and lots of learning. Wishing on a star,carrying a good luck charm, staying positive, and even being in nature will never be the TRUE SOURCE of my joy.
Just as hope, peace, and love. 💚
Who or what is my source of joy?
Jesus, you are the source of my real joy! Thank you for being a hiking friend and my forever traveling buddy. You giggle at goofs, forgive my faults, and hold me when I cry! Because of you, I’m alive! Your indwelling advocate, the Holy Spirit, living in ME, provides peace, love, hope, and JOY. I truly have the “joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart … Because of YOU, I can sing. What about you, friends? Will you sing along?
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Have hope, keep the faith. You are Loved.❤️
K’s Catch-Up–
My heart and prayers are with dear blogging friends and loved ones who have experienced tremendous loss. To those who are alone during this season–May God provide comfort and friends offer support! Life isn’t easy, but I know a God who wants to walk with you in sunshine AND storms. To have joy in unspeakable circumstances proves the source is greater than us! All of you are blessings to me! Your stories of your journeys, love, losses, and wins inspire me. Let’s continue to lift one another in truth, love, humor, and prayers. Prayer warriors, will you please pray for my son, Jarrod, as he spends Christmas in Japan, away from his family? Thank you to all who serve and have to spend holidays alone! A fun story–my daughter-in-love, Brooke, left Alaska yesterday with her two precious kiddos (my lovely grands) and her Mom. My youngest son, Jay, my other daughter-in-love, Cierra, and precious 3rd grand, Whitley, were flying home from Washington. What are the odds of ALL of them meeting at the Seattle airport? What a great boost to my evening! My little world travelers all together at the airport! THAT’S DIVINE!
My journey of NET continues. This week two nurse navigators (God bless you Reagan and Michelle) helped me acquire oxygen for SIX MONTHS! After another appointment this week, I will continue monitoring bone pain and stay on current treatment. I can’t say thank you enough for ALL the SUPPORT, love, and prayers! Many of you know I’m struggling with my eyes, hands, and balancing responsibilities. I KNOW that we ALL HAVE STRUGGLES, so THANK YOU for your grace and understanding! If you or a loved one suffer from chronic disease, cancer, or anything that HALTS your habits, know that you are NOT alone.
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Bummer! No write-ins for the survey. I would have put All Is Well as #1. Merry Christmas Karla!
Thank you, Brent! Merry Christmas, my friend! I appreciate you!
This survey wouldn’t allow a write-in~ bit when I first made a “ranking” survey, it DID allow a write in! But it took me ALL day to get this made and when I lost that survey, I improvised and made the simple one!
Great post on joy, Karla. Yes it is quite distinct from happiness. Reading this put into my head a song from years ago. The lyrics spoke deeply, richly to me over the years of great progress and great setbacks.
Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road.
Along the road
Your path may wander
A pilgrim’s faith may fail
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Darkness obscures the trail.
Cursing the quest
Courting disaster
Measureless nights forebode
Moments of rest
Glimpses of laughter
Are treasured along the road.
Along the road
Your steps may stumble
Your thoughts may start to stray
But through it all a heart held humble
Levels and lights your way.
Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road
This song, Dan Folgelberg’s “Along the Road,” always helped to put the setbacks and heartaches into perspective. I would change some of the lyrics if it were to be fully accurate of my life, for the grace and mercy of our God in my union relationship with Him plays prominently in all of the progress and setback moments.
Perhaps I might work on that….
Again, great work. Hugs to you and the Finn!
Tim and Rascal, the frozen chosen on the frozen tundra.
Thank you, dear friend, Tim! You understand this journey so well.
The progress and the setbacks ~ I understand.
I love this song by Dan Folgelberg. My playlist contains many of his songs!
Like you, the Lord would be reflected in my lyrics too.
In my letter to my young self, there’s a phrase I repeat that you will appreciate~ it’s about breaking bondage and freedom in Christ alone!
You could rewrite it! I see a future song 🎶!
Rascal~ you and Tim stay warm! The frozen chosen in the tundra! Love it! lol!
Christ’s love and hugs to you two! You’re such blessings! Thank you!
What a unique species is this thing we know as Joy Karla. The true miracle of joy is that God gives us Joy even in the midst of sadness. It doesn’t always replace our other feelings or even mix with them. Joy is a gift and a pillar to lean on in both hard and good times.
Thank you, Gary. “The true miracle of joy is that God gives us Joy even in the midst of sadness.” I’ve experienced this, my friend. You don’t know until you know? Once you experience it, there’s no other explanation but God! Thank you (and your girls) for your prayers and friendship🙏
Oh Karla, you are my joy, the pep in my step, the reminder that life is beyond anything that could ever happen to you and to keep on truckin no matter what the cards say or how many obstacles come your way, little sis. You are a bring shinning star of Gods love and we are all better because of you. Look at those cute faces ready to tackle the world. Love to you, your son, your parents and all that sustains you. Life is better with you in it. Love you so much~! ❤️🎄
Big sis, C~ what a heartwarming and kind message! I hear you say each word and feel your loving spirit!
I can speak for my family that we all appreciate the love and support!
Aren’t those precious ones little experienced travelers? Boots and backpacks~ and bundles of joy!
I’m so happy we’re doing life together. I love you so much!💕❤️♥️🙏🥰🥰
I’m so glad you received the love and word healing to tuck into your heart my friend. I love it all.. thanks for your message and love for me as well.. xoxxoxoxo ❣️
Keeping you and your beloveds in my prayers!!! Wishing you Christmas blessings!
Linda, how are you, my friend? Thank you for stopping by and sharing your blessings and prayers! You’re a gift! I wish and pray for you and yours tons of blessings! Merry Christmas!
Thank you!!! All is well and Christmas will soon be here! I have some last-minute things left to do…more baking for sure! Somehow, the last few days before Christmas go by so quickly! Merry Christmas!!!
You’re welcome!! Merry Christmas 🎄 💚💚💚
Your post has me singing the “old” song by Michael Card: “Joy in the Journey”. Amen.
Yes, Jane!! How wonderful! Amen! Hugs, love, and peace my friend. I appreciate you! ❤️🙏
I am glad you have found your Joy, Karla. You have shown us all how to face adversity. Happiness is short term and fleeting, while joy come from who we are within. Keep the faith and enjoy your family during this Christmas Holiday. “Jesus is the reason for the season!” Merry Christmas!
Amen, Dwight! Thank
You dear friend for your vet humbling words and kindness.
Joy is everything! It doesn’t mean I won’t feel sadness~ but the joy? It’s permanent just like the Spirit in me!
I hope you and the entire Roth crew have a miraculous season!❤️🙏
:>) thank you!!
Pingback: Journey to Joy – QuietMomentsWithGod
I’m glad that the detour and distraction of blogging hasn’t stolen your joy, because I enjoy reading your posts.
My favorite song on that list is, by far, Silent Night. I also like Silent Day. I like silence. Sometimes, when my wife is gabbing at me, I hum Silent Night to myself.
I am praying that your son, in Japan, will receive a Christmas bonus check of $1,776.00.
I don’t know why you’d be struggling with balance issues, as you seem to be one of the most balanced people I know.
I hope you and your family have a fantastic Christmas!
Tippy, you bring such smiles to me! Thank you for being an encouragement to me these years! And for all the giggles and fun (and puns!).
I’m glad you enjoy reading them! I’m behind 25 chapters on yours! Yikes! I enjoy yours too!
O Holy Night is my favorite and Silent Night is up there too! It’s so hard to choose one! I also love…silence lol! I’m sure you hum Silent Night when she’s saying, “Tippy! Take out the trash! You’re lollygagging!”
I expect you to play Silent Night on the piano! 🎹
That bonus check for Jarrod would be great for him! That number makes perfect sense!
Thanks for boosting my balance, Tippy. I hope you and yours have an amazing Christmas too!!
The words I dread most from my wife: “Honey, can you help me?” Talk about distractions. But after I grumble, and then help her, I’m always glad I did. Because if she had done it, it would have been a disaster.
Yes, I can play Silent Night. And when I play it, those listening really, strongly wish they had a silent night.
You doolally! C, help! You should hear me giggling. 🤭
My mind goes to every moment in humanity where a loved one learns a new instrument! So glad you didn’t take up the drums! Yikes!
A joy to read and the images are just so happy ~ L <3 VE … Merry Christmas Karla <3 to you and yours 😀 !!! and may those joys multiply x 2026 !!!
Aww love to you too, Sirius Sea!! Your images are always amazing, so thank you for your kind words! May you and yours be blessed this season and joys multiplied too!! ❤️♥️🙏☺️💕
I am always inspired by your upbeat and positive attitude dear friend. How awesome that chance meeting in Seattle airport for the children. Stay blessed and happy holidays my friend
Thank you, precious Sadje! You’re so kind and thoughtful.
God is so good! I don’t say that as a cliche, but because of how HE gives me so much joy despite …everything!
That meeting will always live in my heart!
Stay blessed and I just prayed for you and your family my friend ❤️🙏💚
Thank you dear friend! God is always kind and merciful. It is us humans who lack faith.
Amen, Sadje! ❤️💚🥰🙏🙏
♥️♥️♥️
And thank you so much for your kind prayers. 🙏🏼💖🙏🏼
You’re welcome ☺️ 💚🙏♥️
💞💞💞
So beautifully said. You are in my prayers.
That’s precious, J.K. Thank you! ♥️🙏 I just prayed for you.
Stay strong Karla! Sending you positive vibes and prayers this Christmas season and beyond!!! 🎄🎄😎😎
Thank you, Brian! I appreciate you!! Sending the same to you and yours!!! 🎄🙏🙏🥰
You are so right with the love that is in the air at this time Karla. What are the odds of them all coming together at the airport. Troopers one and all, even your son in Japan. And they all know the love coming from your heart my friend, it is special as only the love taught you by Jesus can be ❤️🙏
And yes to many that are in a moment of deep loss in this moment. My heart goes out to them all, especially a lovely lady who at the moment is going through a grief beyond words. My heart goes out to her, her family, and pray that His love will hold them all through this ❤️🙏
And it appears Karla that your journey has asked for more oxygen in your treatment. I hope and pray for only just a while as you go through a stage of healing too. Your love is holding you on that climb to the mountain top. so I pray for you and family so that their energy will lift you up for the Christmas season and gift you with that Joy as only it can 🤗🥰🐾🦓❤️
Big hugs to you, family (Finn family too 🤣), and hope for a wonderful Christmas and a delight in seeing them all to help celebrate this time of year 🤗🥰🤣😂🦋🎄🎅🎶🎁🕊️🦌☃️🐾🦓❤️🙏
Oh, and I think…Little Drummer Boy…Silent Night…O Holy Night 🤗❤️🙏
Isn’t it amazing they met, Mark? I had just shared with someone that all of them were closer in “air” than by land for brief moments~ and then to be at the same airport lol! 3 little cousins unite~ if only for burgers and fries (and a good happy cry from me!). They make my heart grow 3 sizes!!
Yes, our special friend. I was gutted to hear the news. Her faith inspires me, Mark. To have that happen at this time. I hope she feels our love.
Little Drummer boy! Love that one!
Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement to me and everyone who is blessed to know you!
Finn and I send our love and hugs (and how about some chocolate? It’s been a while since we sent some!). Take care, dear friend 💚🎄❤️🙏🎶🎄⛄️🥰 🦓 🎁 🥰🤗🤗🤗
Thank you Karla, for sharing His love beautifully kind lady. It is a treasure for many, me included 🤗🦓❤️
Chocolate would be gratefully received fair lady, I’ll send the couriers over 🤣 I sound like one of the kids, you offer chocolate and the eyes light up, their world has just changed immensely haha 😂 Ok, I’m a big kid 🤗🥰🤣😂❤️
And yes, many loving prayers for her during this, and that we are thinking of her kind lady ❤️🙏
You and Finn take care too kind lady, may the love ever around your heart light all you do 🤗🥰🤣🎅🦌🎁☃️🐾🦓🎄🕊️❤️🙏
thanks Karla: I enjoyed this warm, inspirational post esp ‘who or what is my source of joy’. I have bookmarked this: too good to lose. Cheers. and hugs. John 🙂
You’re welcome, John. Thank you for supporting and encouraging my journey! Cheers and hugs to you! I’m so happy we’re on this journey together! We’re miracles! Take care my friend. 🥰🙏
Karla, your words always remind me what it truly means to have joy in Christ, even through the storms. Your faith, gratitude, and perspective are a light that inspires all of us. Thank you for showing that joy is not found in circumstances, luck, or fleeting moments, but in the unshakable love of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
I’m praying for Jarrod, for your family, and for continued strength and comfort for you as you navigate each day.
Seeing your little world travelers together at the airport really does feel like a small glimpse of God’s divine orchestration, what a wonderful Blessing…
Your journey teaches all of us to praise, to trust, and to keep walking, no matter the detours or delays. Thank you for lifting us with your words, your story, and your faith.
Willie, you’re a dear soul, brother. Your words are evidence of your precious heart! Thank you!
Do you know that you inspire me? Just as you write of my remembrance of the Holy Spirit in us, you too, hold this unshakable love and power. Beyond your circumstances! You know! You believe and live it!
It touches this Momma heart that you pray for my son and rest of family. Thank you! I will tell him! Willie, I pray God will continue to work in you~ you are a light and vessel of wisdom and grace!
Let’s keep sharing and supporting together! You and yours are so loved! God bless you!! Merry Christmas!
Dear Karla, what a blessing it is to read such an honest journey of faith. Thank you for reminding us that Joy is not just a feeling, but a steady anchor amidst the storms. This season, may the joy you wrote about wrap around your heart like a warm flannel blanket—quiet yet powerful. Merry Christmas, Karla! As we step into the New Year together, may every heartbeat become a melody of gratitude, and every step a testament to His infinite love. Our prayers are with you.
Livora, your words are so beautiful! It’s such a blessing to share about the anchor that we both use to keep us grounded in love!
Thank you for wrapping me with these words of encouragement and love! Just like his joy!
“…every heartbeat become a melody of gratitude and every step a testament to His infinite love.” Amen 🙏
I’m praying for you and yours! Merry Christmas, precious friend 💚🙏
Love the Mother Teresa quote
❤️❤️❤️
God bless you Karla. Thanks for such an uplifting post. I must have missed your survey, though I read carefully. My favorite modern Christmas song is Rose in Bethlehem by Selah.
Thank you, Pastor Pete, for being such an encouragement to me! It’s my blessing to share and walk this journey with you!
I love watching you sing with the residents and hear your stories!
I’m going to check out that song! 🎶 have a blessed Friday and weekend!
Karla, I love this post! Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is dependent on our faith in our Heavenly Father!
I know your heart was full to have all 3 grands in the airport at the same time. How amazing was that?!
I love you and keep spreading joy all around, it is contagious!! Will email you soon ❤️✨🙏🏻🎄🎁❤️
I’ve been thinking and praying for you, Pam! Your support and prayers mean so much to me!
I couldn’t believe the little reunion at the airport! It will forever warm my heart. I have very few pics of the 3 of them all together~ so this one I will print out to cherish!
Jot beyond circumstances ~ you understand this well! I love you dearly! ♥️🙏💚🎄🥰🥰🎶🎶
Such Joyful & inspiring insights into drawing closer to God, Jesus our Savior! Thank you for sharing all the gifts, perspective and visi
Thank you precious, Sue. That’s my prayer~ for Christ to reside in us, to provide life, strength, and wisdom. HE was born and paid the ultimate price for us. Our Lamb!😭Merry Christmas to you and all your lovely family! ❤️ I love you!
Much love and healing prayers to you this blessed Christmas, Karla. You are being held in the palm of the most powerful hand in the universe! Never forget that.
So much good news — especially the airport coincidence and the oxygen. Oxygen is good.
Thank you, MAK! We love you 3 huge! 🥰 🐾 🏔️ 🥾
Karla, your strength thru adversity is inspiring… Truly you are being held gently in the palm of His hand! Many prayers are being said on your behalf. You are so loved!!
Thank you, precious friend! I give God the glory!
When I’m having those tough moments, I’ll think of that group pic of you all, and everyone here, surrounding me with prayer. It means so much to me!
I pray for all of you too!💚🙏❤️
Love ya, Karla! God has a plan that’s too big to comprehend. We’ll trust & live our way through is as God lovingly (sometimes tough love) through our journey. Xoxo 🥰Sent from my iPhone
Amen, Sue. I love and appreciate you, dear friend! XO ❤️♥️🙏
How wonderful the way your kids and grands met up so unexpectedly in Seattle! Prayers for Jarrod, and for you as always, Karla. Yes, I will sing along. And thank you for continuing to take Jesus serious when he says, “You are the light of the world.” Merry Christmas, dear friend❣
Merry Christmas, Karla! You are a beacon of joy and hope, which spreads to us. Thank you for that!
Karla, you are so in my prayers ❤️❤️❤️. And I can never thank you enough for bringing so much joy and gratitude into my world. Let’s keep looking up and living with joyful hope even when the storms are raging. As I read this week, we can only experience the love that comes from being held in a storm if we are actually in a storm. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Merry Christmas, Karla!
You’re a shining light of joy and hope that brightens us all. Thank you!
Thank you, K! You are so kind and thoughtful! Happy New Year, my friend! Many blessings!!
Of course I will pray for your son, and for you too! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Amen! And love you, sister! 🙏🏻🤗💕
Praying for you, that your cup of joy may be filled to overflowing in 2026! 🙏❤️
Karla, I am catching up to his inspiring testament. It’s hard to believe that two months have come and gone in this year. I’ve reached 70, but the clock and the calendar sometimes try to leave me behind. No worries, Jesus will keep me on His pathway. Praying for you with each day. May God’s presence continue to refresh your faith and strengthen your hope.