• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Carrie Stephens

Writer, Speaker, Storyteller

  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Articles
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Books
  • Articles
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Search

my joy made full

Home » General » my joy made full

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” -John 15:11

We have been on vacation in the desert, surrounded by palm trees and mountains. Cool breezes welcome the morning and the hot sun warms the pool for afternoon swims.

I never want to go back home.

It is hard for me to face that feeling, but there it is.

There is trouble, though, even in paradise. Last Wednesday a life guard scooped Boy 3 from the pool after a waterside was more than the child had expected.

He was unfazed by the whole affair, and kept swimming as usual. My eyes refused to leave his cocky grin and dripping hair. My mind memorized the way my love for this adventurous boy makes my heart tread the choppy waters of life more bravely.

I sat in the quiet later that night, and told God I needed Him after the emotional day. I asked for His voice, and I turned to Isaiah 11 in my Bible.

I felt at home again in all the best ways as my soul crawled into that beautiful description of Jesus.

Sometimes I feel that my children are a gift from God to us. Other times I think that Mr. Fantastic and I are God’s gift to them. I suppose both are true, but only because He first is the gift that saves us all from what could be.

Jesus has scooped us all out of dangerously deep waters, where our strength fails us and everything would be darkness without Him.

In my deepest heart, I don’t really want to stay here, away from the stress of our daily life.

Palm trees and pools are lovely, but my faith is set on higher things. My heart has memorized the way His love for me makes me brave, and I step out on the choppy waters, embracing His will and leaving my own behind.

I never want anything but Him.

It is hard to face the difficulty of living that, but then again, there it is: my joy made full.

« Previous
Next »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Site Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • About
  • Articles
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Book Launch Team
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Carrie Stephens. All Rights Reserved.
Website by Stormhill Media
Log in

Sign up for Carrie’s Newsletter

Do you ever just want to open your arms wide to God and laugh at the way life is completely ridiculous? Carrie’s monthly newsletter provides a chance to grow spiritually through a blend of rich devotional teaching and cultural hot take. It’s solidly grounded in the belief that God is generally in a good mood, and the closer we get to him, the more complete our joy will be.