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It's Melinda Joy

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Becoming Me is a course for women who want to maximize their potential. Learn how to identify your gifts and use them to bring truth, beauty, and goodness to the world!

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Sign up to receive Melinda’s newsletter and receive your free copy of her essay: Experiencing Silence from God—A Letter to My Sisters. This letter was featured on Darla Trendler's popular podcast Spiritually Minded Women, Episode 3 Released on October 21, 2020
~PDF includes five printable quotes~

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Saturate yourself in Light.

melinda.joy

Fourteen years ago, my third graders were out at r

Fourteen years ago, my third graders were out at recess when we received the message that there was a bomb threat at our school. We rushed to gather our children from their football games and monkey bar climbing and jumprope jumping so we could evacuate them from the school grounds. We lined them up, counted them, took roll call, and counted them again. Then we led them like ducklings to the church next door and waited, and played games, and waited, and comforted, and waited some more—for information, for the all clear, for parents to be allowed inside to take their children home. In the end, we were safe. Nothing came of the threat. We all went home—every child returned to their parents and brothers and sisters and grandparents and neighbors and pets and bedrooms that day.
But the flags were flying at half mast today as I dropped my kids off and picked them back up after school.
I cannot fathom experiencing the sheer terror of what happened at Robb Elementary School yesterday. I can’t imagine the scene—it is horrific to even try. It is pure evil. It is beyond my comprehension.
I spent a lot of time in stillness today, thinking about the children, the teachers, the families, the community whose lives were shattered yesterday. I sat in my anger, my sorrow, and my fear. I researched the statistics and figured out who to call. I cried over the photos of the children who were killed and the teachers who gave their lives trying to save them. I read emails from my children’s principals and reached out to their teachers. I tried my best to keep it together as I talked to my children about what happened—but I still fell apart. I reassured them that they are safe at their schools. I hope I am right.
Because what we have done to stop this from happening again and again and again is not working. It’s not enough.

The Man of the Gadarenes. I love him. I love what

The Man of the Gadarenes. I love him. I love what Jesus did for him.
I was talking to a friend the other day and she said it so well. “This story shows Christ’s radical love for the people who are even so broken that they can’t seek Him...He goes to THEM.” (I’m lookin’ at you, @cristineofgreengables 👀).
My favorite part is in verse 15. “They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been demon-possessed, sitting there, dressed, and in his right mind” (CST).
Dressed.
In the version of this story in Luke 8, we learn that the man had not been clothed for a long time, he was living in the tombs, he had been bound in chains and shackles and kept under guard until even the guards abandoned him, and he could be found night and day screaming among the tombs and cutting himself with stones.
It doesn’t mention this, but according to the Law of Moses, if a man happened to touch a grave or a human bone, he contracted defilement. But Jesus went into the burial place anyway. He cast out darkness and poured Light into the man through the cracks of his broken soul.
And then—Jesus dressed him.
As a father would dress a child.
As an older brother would dress a younger brother.
Can you imagine this man’s wonder?
I like to imagine Jesus walking through the graveyard with a bundle of clothes under one arm seeking out this man. We know He didn’t do anything else while He was in Decopolis at this time. He just came to find this man.
I’d like to think that Jesus had clothes ready for him because He wanted to show the Man of the Gadarenes not only what He could do for him, but what He wanted to do for him. What He wants to do for all of us.
The man begged Jesus to let him stay with Him, but Jesus sent him home to tell the people what great things the Lord had done for him—for the mercy He had shown him. So that’s what the Man of the Gadarenes did. He proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.
The next time Jesus went to Decopolis, the people were ready to #hearHim.
#Startingtoday, I will do the same. Because His Light and mercy stream through the cracks of my brokenness too—because He continually seeks me out & continually finds me.

I used to look at scenes like this and think every

I used to look at scenes like this and think everything was dead. But now I look at it and realize that all of it is still alive—it’s just waiting for the light to return.

Day 22/100 Days of Real She sleeps surrounded by h

Day 22/100 Days of Real
She sleeps surrounded by her best friends and biggest fans. She carries them around on her biggest adventures in the backyard. She knows all of their names. Sometimes, she lets her little brother choose one to sleep with.
The first time she saw Build-a-Bear, her eyes lit up. And when she made a wish on the heart that made that newly fluffed dog come alive, she squeezed her eyes shut so tight! I hope that wish comes true ✨
She is sunshine and radiance. Our Daddy’s Girl and little hurricane. Childhood is slipping away, but moments like this help it live forever.
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #100daysproject #daysofreal #childhood #magicalchildhood #100daysofreal

21/100 Days of Real Hope in the world is finding t

21/100 Days of Real
Hope in the world is finding tucked-away tree forts in the middle of winter.
#100daysofreal #raisingandwriting #sharegoodness

21/100 Days of Real I mean... (...don’t judge m

21/100 Days of Real
I mean...
(...don’t judge me 🙈😷⚡️)

Introducing StoryBoards Christmas 2020 Paper Colle

Introducing StoryBoards Christmas 2020 Paper Collection🎄
StoryBoards are foldable, portable dollhouses for children 🏠 Take your Imagination Everywhere!
(Link to shop in bio!)

20/100 Days of Real Thank you. Thank you for your

20/100 Days of Real
Thank you.
Thank you for your words of love and encouragement and grace in the comments and DMs of my last mental health post. I sat on that post for a while, scared of what people would say or think, scared of the stigma, scared of the vulnerability of being known—
But I feel stronger.
I am not defined by my brokenness. I am not my mental illness. I’m just the same old Mindy that came into this world hungry for humanity and experience and connection. The same Melinda Joy in need of grace every single day.
Thank you for allowing my humanness. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience. Thank you for the connection we share.
I see all of you. And I am so grateful that you see me too.
Xx, MJ
#breakthestigma

019/100 Days of Real It took me a long time to get

019/100 Days of Real
It took me a long time to get on medication. I didn’t want to go through the process of finding the right medicine—the right drug, the right dosage, the right cocktail. I didn’t want to gain weight. I didn’t want to be dependent on a pill to keep me from thinking about killing myself. I didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t beat my mental illness without medication. I didn’t want to admit that my condition was most likely going to last a lifetime.
I was wrong.
These five pills + several accurate diagnoses have changed my life.
First came the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder + social phobia diagnoses. Then came the body dysmorphia + eventually an eating disorder diagnosis. Throw in the history of childhood sexual abuse, PTSD, self-harming behavior + suicidal ideation and it’s easy to understand why I’m so grateful for these five little pills.
I thought I could work my way out of the depression if I just did everything the doctors, specialists, therapists + google articles recommended.
I was wrong.
Did you know that trauma changes the way a brain functions + that childhood trauma changes the way a brain develops? I didn’t.
At the suggestion of my therapist + encouragement of a few close friends, I began taking medication before delving into trauma work. That was a really good call. Once I got over the worst of the trauma work, I began to feel better. I was sure I was over the worst.
Once again, I was wrong.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder. I know—most people with BPD don’t volunteer that information. I am very much aware of the stigma. But I don’t know of any other way to #breakthestigma than by talking about it. So I am braving the wilderness and talking about it—because I do all the things @brenebrown tells me to do. Plus, I relish breaking molds—so let me at it.
I am in the middle of transitioning from antidepressants to mood stabilizers + though I’m only a month or so into the process, I am starting to feel + see myself come back.
Medication has given me the gift of life, the gift of light + the gift of myself. I’ve never been happier about being wrong in my life.

Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I

Words cannot even begin to describe how excited I am to share my latest project with you. It has been years in the making—almost a decade—and though it is a very tiny step forward, I am just so happy to be putting my heart out into the world for you.
Introducing itsmelindajoy.com 🎉
This website has become a place for me to share my ideas and dreams with you. Inside, you will find my short stories, courses, and the idea I have been sitting on forever—StoryBoards.
There is so much more to come, and so much more left to do, but for now, the site is open, one product is listed, and it’s ready for you to download for your family to start playing with today.
Endless thanks to those of you who have encouraged me, taught me, cheered for me, befriended me, helped me, and believed in me. If you are seeing this message, you are one of those people 💛 Thank you again, and again, and again.
Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases, the Happiest of Holidays, and the Best of New Year’s to come 🤗🎄😘
xx, mj

COMING SOON!! I have been working on something, an

COMING SOON!!
I have been working on something, and I’m really excited to share it with you 🤗 Stay tuned!!🎄🎄🎄
#itsasurprise #christmas2020 #raisingandwriting

018/100 Days of Real “The three boys.” My youn

018/100 Days of Real
“The three boys.” My younger brothers—Nate, Cameron, and Spencer. Three of my very favorite men on earth.
I get emotional thinking about these guys and the influence they’ve had on my life and now my childrens’ lives. They are sweet and tender and funny and fierce. They love. They work hard. They listen. They observe. They make me laugh so hard. They compliment my cooking. They go on walks with me. They share their lives with me. They would do anything for me and my family.
I feel so fortunate to have them in my life. It has been so lovely to have them with us this Thanksgiving 💛💛💛
#givethanks #raisingandwriting #100daysofreal

017/100 Days of Real We paused work, cleaning, sch

017/100 Days of Real
We paused work, cleaning, school, and play to sit on a rug strewn with toys.
The prophet is going to speak to us.
We watched it on my husband’s phone in case the Littles got rowdy.
He began to speak and all was calm.
Tears. Peace. Solace. Comfort.
Soon, little hands on our shoulders peaking through to see their prophet.
Gratitude. So much gratitude.
For God. For life. For family. For friends. For toys strewn on the rug and a good man to kneel with as we listened to a prophet of God pray for the world—a prophet of God pray for us.
I awoke the Master on the ship and cried out Carest Thou not that we perish? And He arose and calmed the storm.
Gratitude.
Gratitude is the language of love and peace and healing and hope.
Gratitude is the inoculation we all need.
@churchofjesuschrist #givethanks #sharegoodness #raisingandwriting #100daysofreal

Just about everyone I know could use a message of

Just about everyone I know could use a message of light and hope right now. I’m looking forward to tuning in tomorrow with millions of people worldwide. I hope you’ll join me.
#sharegoodness #saturateyourselfinlight

016/100 Days of Real Hi. How is it already Wednesd

016/100 Days of Real
Hi. How is it already Wednesday? This weekend flew by and the first few days of the week followed in its tailwind. We celebrated a birthday, ate two batches of Rice Krispie treats, watched movies, skipped school, and collected leaves to press.
These flowers were given to me by my five year old. Her daddy put them in some water so they would last a little longer. They’ve been on our table ever since, reminding me of how beautiful the simple things in life are.
I’ve been trying to soak in my children lately. Trying to be present with them, look up from my work when they start talking to me, read that extra book to them at bedtime, make Rice Krispie treats for no reason at all, hang out in their Mystery Machine tent with them.
I’m nowhere near perfect at it. I ignore arguments, my house is kind of a disaster, my children have been watching Wild Kratts nonstop while I finished a project, and I am in desperate need of a shower.
The days are long and the weeks are short. But there are flowers on the table, which means everything in life is exactly as it should be.

015/100 Days of Real Saturday Morning Chores. Some

015/100 Days of Real
Saturday Morning Chores. Sometimes we do them, sometimes we don’t. Today we did.
The resistance is strong, but the payoff is great. My children go from hating their lives (and their parents) to being proud of what they accomplished and giving us hugs. In our family we say, “Every blessing comes with a little bit of work—or a lot a bit.” I am hoping 🤞🏻 these simple mornings of dusting and mopping and gathering garbages and raking leaves and cleaning toilets will pay off in the long run. But if not, at least my house is clean(er) today 🙌🏻
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #welcometomymess #100daysproject #daysofreal

014/100 Days of Real The Littles have been Wild Kr

014/100 Days of Real
The Littles have been Wild Kratting it up lately. I found a $3 PDF of Creature Power Discs on Etsy and they colored them and cut them up as soon as they were printed. Since then, they have been requesting more animals every day, which I just create for them on Procreate.
The best part is that they stick the power discs down their shirt in order to become the animal 😂 The discs are light enough that they just stay in place, and if they fall out, they just jam them down their shirt again. It’s brilliant, really.
#3 keeps her discs in a large seashell
#4 keeps his in a small cardboard box
Children’s play is absolutely fascinating to me. If I were to go back to school, hands down, that is what I would study.
Best $3 I’ve spent in a long time.
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #welcometomymess #100daysproject #daysofreal #childhood #magicalchildhood #oldfashionedchildhood #pretendplay #letthemplay #letthekids #letthembelittle #imagination #simplechildhood #simplicityparenting

013/100 Days of Real A Krispie Kream opened up les

013/100 Days of Real
A Krispie Kream opened up less than a mile from our house. So. I mean. His face says it all.
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #welcometomymess #100daysproject #daysofreal

012/100 Days of Real Today is my parents’ 40th W

012/100 Days of Real
Today is my parents’ 40th Wedding Anniversary. They’re in Florida this week enjoying some well-earned time together. But my mom and my #2 have a little Book Club going on, and she still met with him today to read a chapter and discuss it.
It’s one of the many reasons why I adore my parents. I hope one day my kids know how lucky they are.
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #welcometomymess #100daysproject #daysofreal

011/100 Days of Real She sleeps on a pink unicorn

011/100 Days of Real
She sleeps on a pink unicorn surrounded by Halloween spiderwebs. I sing You Are My Sunshine to her every night before she drifts off to sleep. In the morning, she will climb into bed with me and walk me out to the end of the driveway. She’ll wave to me as I head out on my walk and tell me I’m the best mother in the universe! I’ll call her my Sunshine Girl and we’ll wave goodbye until we can’t see each other anymore. She’ll be waiting for me with a hug and a kiss when I get home. I’ll make us some blueberry oatmeal, and we’ll eat breakfast together. And then the day will begin.
#raisingandwriting #sharegoodness #motherhood #reallife #beautyinthedaily #writersofinstagram #writer #writing #motherhoodrising #honestmotherhood #welcometomymess #100daysproject #daysofreal

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