Ripple Effect: Rooted in Joy
🎶 Joyful, Joyful, Lord We Adore Thee 🎶
🌿 Scripture in Focus
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength.
💻 Blog Summary
Joy isn’t just an emotion—it’s a source of strength. When life feels overwhelming, we don’t have to manufacture happiness; we can rest in the joy that comes from knowing we are deeply loved and held by God.
💛 From My Heart to Yours
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is often tied to circumstances, but joy? Joy is rooted in something deeper.
I was reminded of this today—right in the middle of navigating life as a neurodivergent person with an AuDHD diagnosis and switching medications (whew, that’s a lot!). To anyone else struggling—whether it’s with focus, motivation, energy levels, or just feeling like life is a lot—I see you. But even better? God sees you.
💡 What is AuDHD?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brains that function differently from the neurotypical “norm.” AuDHD is a term used for people who have both Autism and ADHD, which can make life interesting (read: chaotic, wonderful, overwhelming, and surprising—all at once!). Being diagnosed as an adult has been transformative, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Some days, my brain feels like a web browser with 27 tabs open, a song playing somewhere, and me unable to figure out which tab it’s coming from.
That’s why I cling to joy—not as a feeling, but as a foundation. Joy isn’t the absence of struggle; it’s knowing that even in the struggle, God is present.He isn’t waiting for me to “get it together” before He pours out His love. He’s right here in the middle of my messy, beautiful, neurodivergent reality—offering strength, peace, and grace.
And He’s there for you, too.
📖 A Thought to Ponder
Joy is not about what’s happening around you. It’s about what’s happening within you. Stay rooted in God’s joy, and you’ll always have the strength to keep moving forward.
📣 What’s New?
✨ Coming Soon: My three-part Beatitudes series launches next week! First up: Selective Christianity: Hope Deferred Doesn’t Have to Be Hope Denied(March 11). If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus’ teachings on the Beatitudes are often ignored in favor of “feel-good” messages, this series is for you.
📖 A New Journal is on the Way! Ripples of Grace: Surrendering & Trusting God’s Timing releases in April! More details coming soon.
🌍 Travel Deals & Inspiration:
Looking for a getaway that will bring you joy? Majestic Travels has some incredible cruise deals this month! I’ll share a few of my favs below.
Virgin Voyages
🛳️ Fine dining, spa treatments, & stunning ocean views—save up to 80% on your next escape! #CruiseDeals
Celebrity Cruises
🧳 Pack your bags and set sail—75% off your second guest and amazing savings are waiting for you #CelebrityAdventures
Travel Impressions
✨ From private transfers to exclusive beachside dinners, Iberostar is luxury redefined! Secure your spot today! #AllInclusiveLuxury
🍽️ Healing in the Kitchen
This week, I’m sharing a sweet treat that instantly transports me to one of my favorite places: New Orleans Beignets.
I’ve been reminiscing about my time in Louisiana lately—the food, the culture, the JOY. And no trip to New Orleans is complete without a stop at Café du Monde for a plate of warm, pillowy beignets dusted in powdered sugar. The first bite always brings a smile, and if you’re not covered in powdered sugar when you leave, go back inside and do it again!
Making beignets at home may not be quite the same as sitting in the French Quarter with a rich cup of café au lait, but the joy is still there in every bite.
📝 Full recipe coming soon to Aquifer of Restored Hope!
📩 Final Encouragement
Joy isn’t about everything going right—it’s about knowing that, even when things feel uncertain, God is still in control. No matter what season you’re in, let His joy be your strength.
With love and grace,
S. Tennille