Yvette Walker's Blog

Photo by Andre Furtado on UnsplashIn this week’s newsletter

Feeling off? Come to Fall Faith Day!

Last chance: Signed book giveaway!

The Bookshelf

Support the ministry

Are you feeling off — spiritually, emotionally, or even physically? You’re not alone… and you don’t have to stay stuck.

That’s why I’m inviting you to Fall Faith Day, a free online summit happening Tuesday, October 14, from Noon–5 PM ET.

And there’s no pumpkin latte required, unless you love it!

You’ll hear from 18 women who’ve walked through loss, anxiety, shame, illness, and doubt — and discovered God’s hope and healing. And I’m one of them!

Our stories and strategies will help you restore peace, purpose, and faith from the inside out.

Here’s just a glimpse of the sessions:

12:00-12:10 ET Opening Session & Marnie’s 911 with Marnie Swedberg

12:10-12:20 ET Three P’s of Perseverance with Angela Mackey

12:20-12:30 ET Rescued from Shame, Repurposed for Good with Lori Gasca

12:30-12:40 ET The G.R.A.C.E Lifestyle with Jenn Dafoe-Turner

12:40-12:50 ET One Breath at a Time with Linda Rondeau

12:50-1:00 ET Anchor Your Thoughts in Truth with Dawn Damon

1:00-1:10 ET Unlock Holy Boldness Through the Power of Story with Sandra Hartlieb

1:10-1:20 ET How Knowing You’re Loved Changes Everything with Danielle Bernock

1:20-1:30 ET Overcoming Awkward with Stephanie Winslow

1:30-1:40 ET A.R.I.S.E. with Julie Rebboah

1:40-1:50 ET G.P.S - God Provides Strength with Carmen Moore

1:50-2:00 ET J.O.Y. Just One Yes with Yvette Walker

2:00-2:10 ET The W.H.A.T Acronym with Janice Samuel Powell

2:10-2:20 ET Girl, Get Your Groove On! With Cheri Strange

2:20-2:30 ET There’s Power in the Intentional Pause with Katie Graham

2:30-2:40 ET Another Great S.O.B.E.R. Acronym with Michelle Stephenson

2:40-2:50 ET H.A.L.L.E.L.U.J.A.H. with Angela Chambers

2:50-3:00 ET H.O.P.E. with Rayna Neises

3:00-3:10 ET S.O.A.R. Through the Silence with Susie Lewis

3:10-3:20 ET Share Me: Share You with Erin Moore

3:20-3:30 ET FYI with Dr. Dana Johnson

3:30-3:40 ET Where God Guides, He Provides with Georgina Verzal

3:40-3:50 ET T.R.U.T.H. with Rachel White

3:50-4:00 ET S.O.U.L. with Rev. Cheryl Hurley

4:00-4:10 ET Seeing Disaster & Hearing Jesus with Michele Wilson

4:10-4:20 ET Turn your Pain into P.E.A.R.L.S. with Linette Rainville

4:20-4:30 ET Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified with Diana Fritz

4:30-4:40 ET We Don’t Pitch Tents! With Kristi Laskie

4:40-4:50 ET H.E.L.D. with Jackie Freeman

4:50-5:00 ET Closing Session with Marnie Swedberg

🌟 Grab your spot!

Not sure you have the energy for a summit right now? That’s exactly why you need this. Just 5 hours could save you months of discouragement. Plus, the live chat makes it interactive and personal.

I can’t wait to soak it in with you.

PS – Don’t forget to mark your calendar! Tuesday, Oct 14, from Noon–5 PM ET. Save your seat now.

Your sister in Christ,

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

LISTEN: Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy! This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen!

CONTEST: Last chance to win!

I’m giving away a signed and stamped copy of the new Guidepost anthology “Living the Word,” with MY chapter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, short,s and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveaway once you have liked and subscribed to all three, and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

THE BOOKSHELF

Exciting Reads! Hop into the season of renewal with our Book Sale! We are celebrating with a basket full of unbeatable book deals. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you’ll find the perfect book to enjoy. Don’t miss out on our limited-time offers; grab your favorite titles at a discount before they hop away! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Searching for your next Transformational Devotional? Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of devotionals specifically aimed to enhance your life. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Photo by Austin Chan on UnsplashIn this week’s newsletter

URGENT: Last day for free e-books and low-priced print!

Author Elizabeth Jane goes from broken to brave.

Signed book giveaway!

Support the ministry

URGENT: Don’t miss this!

It’s the last day for my crime series on e-book, “Sixty” and “Trial of the Heart” FREE on Amazon as part of the Fireside Book Cafe Book Blast!

Plus, my crime series paperbacks are slashed by 60% for the day, too, while they last!

WATCH: Broken, but healing to become brave

In this episode of the Positively Joy podcast, Yvette Walker speaks with author Elizabeth Jane about her personal journey through divorce and the tools she developed for self-leadership and emotional healing. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in personal growth and resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys and find strength in vulnerability.

Takeaways

Divorce can be a catalyst for personal growth.

Emotional healing requires acknowledging and processing feelings.

Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships.

Gratitude can lead to greater abundance in life.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing.

Go to our podcast for more everyday stories of faith.

To tell your story, or to suggest someone else’s, email us! Also, we would love to pray for your needs. Go to the positivelyjoy.com contact page.

Join our Facebook Group for bonus live stories and everyday living.

Your sister in Christ,

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

LISTEN: Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy! This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen!

CONTEST: Chance to win!

I’m giving away a signed and stamped copy of the new Guidepost anthology “Living the Word,” with MY chapter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, short,s and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveaway once you have liked and subscribed to all three, and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

THE BOOKSHELF

Exciting Reads! Hop into the season of renewal with our Book Sale! We are celebrating with a basket full of unbeatable book deals. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you’ll find the perfect book to enjoy. Don’t miss out on our limited-time offers; grab your favorite titles at a discount before they hop away! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Searching for your next Transformational Devotional? Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of devotionals specifically aimed to enhance your life. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

In this week’s newsletter

Leah Chrest’s grief turned into joy

Giveaway!

Come see me, in person or virtual

The Bookshelf

Support the ministry

LEARN: Leah Chrest’s grief turned into joy

In the latest episode of the Positively Joy Podcast, author Leah Chrest shares her profound journey of grief after losing her husband. I found significance here and a connection to those of us who have lost marriages.

She discusses the complexities of navigating loss, the importance of faith in healing, and how to find joy amidst sorrow. Here’s an excerpt:

Yvette Walker: So when I met Leah, I learned that she was not actually divorced, but she lost her spouse. And we were talking about how there is a certain grief and loss that we can find a kinship in between women who have lost marriages and actually lost people.

Leah Chrest: My husband passed away four years ago yesterday. And so, I didn't date or anything for about two years after that. And then God pretty much kicked me into dating. The first couple of months after he died, I wanted so badly to get back out there and just date right away.

Yvette: Wow.

Leah: I wanted the distraction, but I knew that wasn't the wise thing to do. And then I got into it to a point where I was like, you know, maybe this isn't the best thing. I'm happy single, I'm a mother, I can focus on my kids, and I can focus on ministry. Maybe this is the best. But I found my current husband, and we’re coming up on a year of marriage. I am a mother of two, a stepmother of two, and a special education teacher. I've written two books. One of them is on grief recovery. It's called It's Okay to Be Okay.

My background is that my first husband was an alcoholic, and his health deteriorated to the point where he died from cirrhosis of his liver. He did have a couple of months of sobriety at the end. And for those of you on the channel who may have gotten a divorce because of substance abuse, I've had close friends tell me who have been in the situations say that, and their spouses have said it's what saved their lives because it forced them to hit bottom faster and to save themselves.

Yvette: My husband was not an alcoholic, but my father was. And my mother stayed with him, and he did not die of that, but it's a lot to go through. And so I just want to say, not that I'm applauding you or not trying to put you up on a pedestal, but I understand how that must have been so difficult to see him deteriorate because you love this man. So I'm so sorry that that happened.

But I was happy to hear that he did have a little bit of sobriety at the end, where he could love you and have your love before he got too sick.

Leah: Thank you. He did. I was so grateful for that, and the kids got to see their dad emotionally healthy, and that was really, really good. And I think he forgave himself, and self-forgiveness is so important. So there was so much healing that happened in the last couple of months, and I will always be grateful to God for that gift of time that we had. ⁓ Yeah. So, the grief recovery for me is almost entirely faith.

I wasn't content with just surviving. I wanted even in that year to thrive because I trusted that God was gonna hold us. Maybe this wasn't God's original plan, but he could redeem it. He could bring good from it. And I was relying on that. And I also knew I could grow from it. Yes, grief is very difficult, but it also pulls the rug out from under us and forces us to rely on God entirely.

And when you come to it, that's really where our happiness comes from. Our happiness isn't out there. It isn't a spouse. It isn't even any other close friendship. It's love, know, love cumulatively, but it isn't a person, and it isn't a thing or something to be achieved. It's an inside job because our Holy Spirit lives within you. And so...

Yvette: Girl, you are speaking my language.

Leah: So, you know, if you're grieving from divorce, look at this as an opportunity to draw closer to God than you have ever gone before. And I can tell you, and this is gonna sound crazy, but that year was the best year of my life so far.

Yvette: Really? How?

Leah: What made it the best year so far was that I developed a relationship with God that blew my mind. And I had that peace that goes beyond understanding. By the end of that year, I had witnessed and experienced the love of God to such a depth that I was forever changed. And so it is an invitation when you're going through grief, you know, there's a beautiful image of there's a hole in your heart, right? When we experience grief, one idea is to plant a garden around that hole, right? And you can plant that garden by looking at the joy in every day.

Listen to the rest of the episode here or in the player below.

Takeaways

Grief can be a pathway to deeper faith.

Self-forgiveness is crucial in the healing process.

Finding joy in small moments can help in grief.

Community support is vital during times of loss.

Surrendering to God can lead to healing.

Your sister in Christ,

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy! This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen!

I invite you to the Well

And don’t forget … you can see me in Lee’s Summit, Mo., on Sept. 26 either in person or online:

This is a virtual OR in-person opportunity. If you are in the Kansas City Area, check out Women at the Well, I’d love to have lunch with you! If you aren’t local, get a virtual ticket for just $25. My paid Substack subscribers will be entered to get a free virtual ticket! There are sponsorship opportunities as well! DON’T MISS THIS!

New chance to win!

I’m giving away a signed and stamped copy of the new Guidepost anthology “Living the Word,” with MY chapter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, short,s and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveaway once you have liked and subscribed to all three, and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

THE BOOKSHELFMore FREE Book Giveaways

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of novels and nonfiction books. Available for a limited time.

Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of books specifically aimed at enhancing your life. Available for a limited time.

Ready for a book that speaks to your soul? Discover these FREE powerful books from authors, coaches, and creators who care about impact. These transformational reads will inspire you to grow, lead, and live with purpose. Available free for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Photo by Matt Ragland on UnsplashIn this week’s newsletter

New giveaways

I’m a lifelong learner, are you?

Come see me, in person or virtual

The Bookshelf

Support the ministry

Lifelong learner

Probably like you, I’m seeing all the first day of school photos of cute and adorable tykes. I won’t post (maybe), but my first day back to school after years and years in Sept. 2! And, it’s seminary! I’m majoring in Public Ministry.

Why, at my age, am I going back to get another advanced degree? I have been so inspired to speak the Lord’s message of joy (you know that will be my thesis!!!) that I want more. I want to learn more deeply of his Word, Biblical history, and how it all affects our world today. So, I applied and was accepted at the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University (where I got my undergrad degree in journalism).

What does this mean for you? First, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, AT ANY AGE! Second, I hope that I gain more wisdom to share here and elsewhere. It will always be what God puts on my heart, but through the lens of scholars and knowledgeable work.

I don’t plan to drop big words often, like exegesis (critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture) and hermeneutics (the study of interpretation), but I do plan to learn and apply them to my passion in helping women find joy of God after grief, separation, divorce and loss.

I ask for your prayers for this and another big project I’ll share later.

Thanks for reading, and remember — you are loved and worthy of good things.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

Come hear me speak in KC, Sept. 26!

This is a virtual OR in-person opportunity. If you are in the Kansas City Area, check out Women at the Well, I’d love to have lunch with you! If you aren’t local, get a virtual ticket for just $25. My paid Substack subscribers will be entered to get a free virtual ticket! There are sponsorship opportunities as well! DON’T MISS THIS!

Book winner and new chance to win!

Congratulations to Jennifer Galindo, who won NaKedra Rodgers’ books. But YOU have another chance. I’m giving away a signed and stamped copy of the new Guidepost anthology “Living the Word,” with MY chapter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, shorts and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveway once you have liked and subscribed to all three and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!

This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!

THE BOOKSHELFMore FREE Book Giveaways

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of novels and nonfiction books. Available for a limited time.

Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of books specifically aimed to enhance your life. Available for a limited time.

Ready for a book that speaks to your soul? Discover these FREE powerful books from authors, coaches, and creators who care about impact. These transformational reads will inspire you to grow, lead, and live with purpose. Available free for a limited time.

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Photo by Matt Ragland on UnsplashIn this week’s newsletter

New giveaways

I’m a lifelong learner, are you?

Come see me, in person or virtual

The Bookshelf

Support the ministry

Lifelong learner

Probably like you, I’m seeing all the first day of school photos of cute and adorable tykes. I won’t post (maybe), but my first day back to school after years and years in Sept. 2! And, it’s seminary! I’m majoring in Public Ministry.

Why, at my age, am I going back to get another advanced degree? I have been so inspired to speak the Lord’s message of joy (you know that will be my thesis!!!) that I want more. I want to learn more deeply of his Word, Biblical history, and how it all affects our world today. So, I applied and was accepted at the Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University (where I got my undergrad degree in journalism).

What does this mean for you? First, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, AT ANY AGE! Second, I hope that I gain more wisdom to share here and elsewhere. It will always be what God puts on my heart, but through the lens of scholars and knowledgeable work.

I don’t plan to drop big words often, like exegesis (critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture) and hermeneutics (the study of interpretation), but I do plan to learn and apply them to my passion in helping women find joy of God after grief, separation, divorce and loss.

I ask for your prayers for this and another big project I’ll share later.

Thanks for reading, and remember — you are loved and worthy of good things.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

Come hear me speak in KC, Sept. 26!

This is a virtual OR in-person opportunity. If you are in the Kansas City Area, check out Women at the Well, I’d love to have lunch with you! If you aren’t local, get a virtual ticket for just $25. My paid Substack subscribers will be entered to get a free virtual ticket! There are sponsorship opportunities as well! DON’T MISS THIS!

Book winner and new chance to win!

Congratulations to Jennifer Galindo, who won NaKedra Rodgers’ books. But YOU have another chance. I’m giving away a signed and stamped copy of the new Guidepost anthology “Living the Word,” with MY chapter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, shorts and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveway once you have liked and subscribed to all three and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!

This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!

THE BOOKSHELFMore FREE Book Giveaways

Searching for your next favorite story? Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of novels and nonfiction books. Available for a limited time.

Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of books specifically aimed to enhance your life. Available for a limited time.

Ready for a book that speaks to your soul? Discover these FREE powerful books from authors, coaches, and creators who care about impact. These transformational reads will inspire you to grow, lead, and live with purpose. Available free for a limited time.

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Searching for your next transformational book?

Above The Sun is happy to present this powerful selection of books specifically aimed to enhance your life. Available for a limited time.

This week I’m sending a different kind of newsletter, and I beg your time and attention. It’s been nine months since I birthed the new Positively Joy podcast, focusing on separation and divorce.

And to celebrate, I have a special offer and a gift for you!

My Heart for Positively Joy: Faith & Divorce

This ministry is more than a podcast. It’s a multifaceted space — with this newsletter, books, free resources, and free community — where Christian women navigating shame, grief, or loss can:

Learn and grow together

Pray for and encourage one another

Find a digital home where they truly belong

I believe God is preparing this space to be full of life-giving lessons and conversations, and I want you to be part of it.

That’s why I’m offering a Founding Members Discount — 50% off forever.

FREE: To celebrate, everyone can get a copy of my Spiritual Growth workbook that was originally offered only to members at my Spiritual Growth workshop.

👉 Become a Founding Member

Why Become a Founding Member?

I know there are countless creative communities and subscription options out there, and I understand if a paid membership isn’t right for you right now. You are always welcome here, whether you join as a paid member or not.

But… if you’ve been encouraged by what I share and want to help bring this vision to life, here’s why joining matters:

Build the foundation – Help spark conversations and cultivate the culture of encouragement and faith in this space.

Invest in your faith and growth – Access a growing library of practical resources, plus spaces to unpack podcast topics with others.

Shape the community – Your voice will help set the tone for a vibrant, uplifting atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

👉 Upgrade Here

What You’ll Get as a Founding Member

50% off forever on yearly Founding membership

The “Beautifully Loved” e-book, when it launches this year

Free access to future audiobooks

Creative soul-care resources with each podcast episode

Ability to contribute to community chats (comment + start threads)

Discounts on future workshops + events

Plus, exclusive perks:

Queens Showcase – Be among the first featured in monthly spotlights, guest posts, or live conversations.

Founding Members Meeting – Join me on Zoom beginning in early 2026 for a face-to-face connection, to share your journey, and help shape future offerings.

👉 Become a Founding Member Today

You are what makes this community so special, and I’m deeply grateful for you. Thank you for choosing to invest in a place where faith, healing, and creativity come together.

If you have any questions about becoming a founding member, just hit reply or send me a DM — I’d love to connect.

Until next time, don’t forget to listen to this week’s episode and share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

And even if you can’t join as a Founding Member today, you can still get the FREE Spiritual Growth workbook.

Blessings,
Yvette

What else you’ll get in this week’s newsletter

Last chance to enter the book giveaway!

What my tagline is all about

This week on the Positively Joy podcast

The bookshelf

Support the ministry

Leanne: Divorce and dating in 16 episodes

I really like comedian Leanne Morgan. She’s Southern, sassy, and really funny. So, when I saw she had a new Netflix sitcom — she’s already had comedy shows on the streaming channel — I decided to watch it.

I had no idea it would be about divorce, in 20-minute segments.

Now, I could complain that it’s unrealistic, moves too fast, and is not what divorce is really like. But you know what? It’s funny and might be just what someone going through the hurt needs right now.

Is there enough God in it? Leanne talks about growing up in church in her comedy shows, and she and her TV family attend church in this new show, but I guess 20 minutes doesn’t leave enough time for faith once you make room for the anger, fear of moving on, and “baby mama drama.”

Still, that didn’t bother me. I saw this show for what it was, and I found myself laughing and binge-watching. I got through the 16 episodes in 5 hours on one weeknight. To be honest, I can’t wait for season two.

What the show gets right:

After a long marriage, infidelity just plain hurts.

Divorce happens when couples don’t talk about what’s wrong in a marriage.

Even when one spouse wants to come back, sometimes it can’t work.

Having family to help through the pain is a powerful remedy.

Depending on where you are in your journey, “Leanne” might be a salve, or it might scratch at the scabs. Be ready to laugh or to cry.

But I will say this: if you need to get away from your own drama for 5 hours, give it a try.

Thanks for reading, and remember — you are loved and worthy of good things.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

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Book giveaway: Last chance to enter!

You have until Sunday to enter! How to win: Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, shorts and podcasts for you to enjoy!

Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveway once you have liked and subscribed to all three and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

Yes, you are worthy

I end my columns with this: “Thanks for reading, and remember — you are loved and worthy of good things.” Have you noticed? This month, the wonderful Melanie Redd of Hope Ministry asked me to write for her blog, and I wrote about that. It’s a Biblical reminder and it’s something that both Jesus, Paul, and James said in the New Testament. Read my guest post to learn more.

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!

This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!

THE BOOKSHELFTransformational Books Giveaway

Ready for a book that speaks to your soul? Discover these FREE powerful books from authors, coaches, and creators who care about impact. These transformational reads will inspire you to grow, lead, and live with purpose. Available free for a limited time.

Whether you're looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you'll find the perfect book to enjoy during the long weekend. Don't miss out on our limited-time offers—grab your favorite titles at a discount! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

What you’ll get in this week’s newsletter

Interview with Oona Metz of 5 stages of divorce

Book giveaway!

This week on Positively Joy

The bookshelf

Support the ministry

FEATURED BOOK THIS WEEK

Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women

Unhitched inspires women to use their divorce as a transformational opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Whether making the decision to end a marriage, coping during separation, dealing with the rollercoaster of emotions, coparenting, or navigating life after divorce, this book guides you forward. Click here.

The 5 Stages of Divorce with Oona Metz

Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, often filled with complex emotions and uncertainty about the future. I spoke with therapist and group leader, Oona Metz, who has developed a compassionate and practical model outlining the five stages of divorce grief.

About 15 years ago, Oona faced her own divorce, which sparked a desire to find supportive community and guidance for herself and other women in similar situations. When she found few resources available, she took the initiative to create her own.

Divorce Grief: A New Model

While many people are familiar with the Kubler-Ross model of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance — Oona found this framework didn’t quite fit the unique emotional landscape of divorce. Instead, she developed a new model based on her clinical work and real-life stories from women in her support groups. This model breaks down the emotional journey into five stages:

Heartbreak

The Roller Coaster

Mending

Letting Go

Moving On

She encourages women to use this five-stage model as a flexible guide rather than a rigid checklist. Some may find certain stages resonate more than others, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to recognize where you are on your journey and to find ways to nurture yourself through each phase.

One powerful insight Oona shares is the importance of doing the “work of grieving.” Avoiding or rushing through grief can lead to depression or repeating unhealthy relationship patterns. Instead, embracing the grief allows for self-awareness, healing, and growth. Watch or listen to this episode to learn more.

Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved and worthy of good things.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

Book giveaway!

How to win! Like our Facebook page, subscribe to our YouTube channel and subscribe to this newsletter! On YouTube, we have more than 100 videos, shorts and podcasts for you to enjoy, like this one! Email yvette@yvettewalker.com with the subject line book giveway once you have liked and subscribed to all three and I’ll enter you in the giveaway.

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!

This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!

THE BOOKSHELF

Whether you're looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you'll find the perfect book to enjoy during the long weekend. Don't miss out on our limited-time offers—grab your favorite titles at a discount! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

These mysteries and suspense novels feature an array of authors, including my bestie author, Liz Bullard! I’m in there, too!

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on UnsplashFEATURED BOOK THIS WEEK

From Trauma to Triumph: Kim Cottrell's Journey of Faith and Healing: “Other" Side” is more than an autobiography of abandonment and abuse; it is a beacon of hope for anyone overwhelmed by life’s trials. It encourages readers to seek a brighter, more joyous existence, reinforcing the belief in unconditional divine love. Click here!

When our leaders divorce

This week I wrote a column for The Kansas City Star about the divorce of Kansas governor, Laura Kelly. That same day, I learned that the wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Angela Paxton, is filing for “biblical reasons.” Angela is in the middle of a heated Senate primary.

I believe that while they are public figures and owe their constituents honesty and transparency, divorce is a personal and private matter, even when our leaders decide to end their marriage.

Kelly and her husband, retired physician Ted Daughety, divorced in October 2024 but officially announced it last week:

“Throughout my time in public office, I’ve always guarded my family’s privacy. It’s been my policy to keep my personal life separate from my public one to the extent possible,” Kelly said in the statement.

She said it had “come to my attention that my marital status has become a topic of some speculation, so I will share that Ted and I divorced in October of 2024.

“It was amicable and mutual, and we both continue to share in the lives of our family.”

I wish these couples well, knowing how life-changing divorce can be — even when done amicably. As we pray for good governance, let us also pray for their families.

Our leaders are human, like the rest of us. God loves them as he loves you and me.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16

Thanks for reading, and remember—you are loved and worthy of good things.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.

DM’s always open on Instagram.

Connect on Facebook here.

Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.

If you liked receiving this, like and comment!

Share

I’m on YouTube, please subscribe!

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel! We have more than 100 videos, shorts and podcasts for you to enjoy, like this one! Like, subscribe and share.

Latest podcast episode

The Positively Joy Podcast helps Christian women through separation and divorce. This is a tough subject for many women in Christian settings. God put it on my heart to talk about my divorce and help women find joy!

This is NOT an anti-marriage podcast. LISTEN AND SHARE this message and HELP my new audience find it! Let's amplify this message! Listen on positivelyjoy.com, Spotify, Apple and wherever you listen!

THE BOOKSHELF

Whether you're looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you'll find the perfect book to enjoy during the long weekend. Don't miss out on our limited-time offers—grab your favorite titles at a discount! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

These mysteries and suspense novels feature an array of authors, including my bestie author, Liz Bullard! I’m in there, too!

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Want news with a Christian perspective?

Try The PourOver. Each news report is followed by scripture or a Christian comment.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry

Photo by Oscar Coronado on Unsplash

Celebrating the Fourth of July is always fun, but it’s important to remember our freedoms. As a teacher, I always shared the five freedoms of the First Amendment with my students: speech, press, peacefully assembling, right to petition government for grievances, and religion.

That last one is not least important, to be sure.

Around the world, people are prevented from practicing their religion, and in many countries, that religion is Christianity. According to World Population Review, the 5 countries where Christians are most persecuted are: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea and Yemen.

The fact that you and I can pray openly and worship in our churches is a blessing. I thank God for my freedoms, and I pray that these countries will become safer for Christians.

Remember this while you light your sparklers and enjoy your hot dogs. Celebrate, but pray for our sisters and brothers around the world.

Your sister in Christ,

THE BOOKSHELF

Whether you're looking for heartwarming stories, thrilling adventures, or inspiring reads, you'll find the perfect book to enjoy during the long weekend. Don't miss out on our limited-time offers—grab your favorite titles at a discount! Perfect for gifts, or just treating yourself to a great read.

These mysteries and suspense novels feature an array of authors, including my bestie author, Liz Bullard! I’m in there, too!

Searching for your next favorite story?

Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books. Available for a limited time.

Support the ministry!

Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator, and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this blog, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy.

Consider giving to support the ministry. For as little as $7 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.

Or, you can subscribe through Patreon, too!

Your support helps continue this ministry and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!

Support this ministry