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In her weekly Joy for the Journey blog, Carol McLeod shares honest stories, biblical reflections, and heartfelt encouragement to help you navigate life’s ups and downs with faith. Whether you’re walking through transition, heartache, or celebration, this blog invites you to discover lasting joy in Christ.

Carol McLeod Carol McLeod

Is This What It Means to Follow Jesus?

Recently, I was presented with a very interesting question by a dear friend. This question has been boiling in the crevices of my heart for weeks, and I am not sure if I am qualified to answer this amazing, complicated question. The friend who posed it is a deep thinker, a true disciple and is on a passionate journey to follow Jesus in all seasons of life. Although she is younger than I am – I want to be more like her. This is the question that has simmered in my soul …  

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Standing Firm: How to Fight for Your Child in a Culture of Chaos

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Laine Lawson Craft—a dynamic speaker, author, and woman of unshakable faith. Laine has an incredible gift for reaching hearts with her authenticity, boldness, and deep trust in God’s power to redeem and restore. Whether she’s speaking life over prodigals or encouraging women in the trenches of faith, Laine delivers hope with every word. Her story is one of transformation, and her message will stir your spirit, strengthen your faith, and remind you that with God, nothing is ever too far gone.

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Making Marriage Easier

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Arlene Pellicane—a gifted author, podcaster, and a tireless champion for families. Arlene shares her heart with us this week on how to make your marriage easier. You can learn to love (and like) your spouse for life!

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Gratitude on the Go

In case you have forgotten this important piece of information about my life or have somehow missed it – my daily walks are nothing if not legendary.  I have had numerous divine appointments with needy, hurting people as I saunter along my 3-mile route in the neighborhoods near my home. God has spoken to me through clouds … and through geese … and through the change of seasons … and through my aging body as I trudge along! 

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The Invitation

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Jen Thompson—a gifted speaker, writer, and woman of unwavering faith. Jen has a remarkable way of connecting with hearts through her honesty, wisdom, and deep love for Jesus. Whether she’s teaching from Scripture or sharing her personal story, Jen brings clarity, courage, and compassion to every conversation. Her words don’t just inform—they breathe life, spark hope, and draw us closer to the heart of God.

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Don’t Give In to Doubt

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Tracie Peterson—a beloved author, storyteller, and woman of steadfast faith. With more than 100 novels to her name, Tracie weaves powerful tales of hope, redemption, and God’s unfailing love. Through historical fiction rich with biblical truth, she reminds us that no matter the time or place, God's hand is always at work. Her stories don’t just entertain—they encourage the heart and point readers to Jesus.

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Shout to the Lord

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Darlene Zschech—a worship leader, songwriter, pastor, and woman of unwavering faith. Best known for penning the global anthem Shout to the Lord, Darlene has spent her life pointing hearts to Jesus through music and ministry. Her leadership, authenticity, and deep love for God empower believers to live a life of worship—every day, in every circumstance.

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The Calling of Motherhood

For thousands of years and in a myriad of cultures, women have forged identity, unconditional love, and vast purpose in the calling of motherhood. From Eve to Sarah to Leah to Hannah to Ruth to Elizabeth to Mary, the Scriptures are filled with the stories of the heart of a woman who was given the divine opportunity to raise the next generation by a call of the Father. When I get to heaven, I can’t wait to sit down with the mothers who went before me and ask them the questions that every mother desires to ask.

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Are You the Queen of Stress?

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that speak truth with clarity and compassion. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Nancy Meyer—a dynamic life coach, speaker, and woman of deep faith. She’s a retired chiropractor, successful business woman, and triathlete who learned to swim at the age of 53. Her wisdom helps women overcome fear, align their lives with God’s purpose, and walk in total wellness (mind, body, and spirit).

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Dawn of Grace

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is celebrating voices that share God’s hope and truth with boldness and grace. Today, I’m honored to share the blog space with Jill Eileen Smith.

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The Most Explosive 7 Days in History

“Hosanna!” was the word that began the most explosive 7 days in all of eternity. The 7 days preceding the event known as “Easter” … is a hallowed time filled with remembrances of the most difficult … yet the most powerful days … in Jesus’ life. On Palm Sunday, Jesus was celebrated and hailed as a King. Palm Sunday is a prelude … it is an invitation. Palm Sunday is a prelude to the glory of resurrection … and it is a sacred invitation to worship your King Triumphant.

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You’re Getting Older

A few years ago, when I went for my annual physical exam, my beloved doctor told me some astounding news. “Carol,” he began, as he took off his glasses and looked straight into my eyes, “You are getting older.” I was incredulous! The nerve of this doctor – who I had formerly counted as a friend!


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One Doubt at a Time

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is celebrating voices that share God’s hope and truth with boldness and grace. Today, I’m honored to share the blog space with my dear friend, Niki Hardy.

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Loving Your Neighbor

A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is celebrating voices that share God’s hope and truth with boldness and grace. Today, I’m honored to share the blog space with my dear friend, Rachael Adams.

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