Recently, Cathy was struck by a simple yet profound pep-talk right before a symphony performance. The director of Skyward Symphony encouraged the members by saying: “As conductor, I’m like the dad of the symphony. I want you to go out there tonight and have JOY.” This reminded Cathy of the scripture, “Men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25), and sparked a reflection on how Heavenly Father might encourage each of us daily to embrace joy, even amidst life’s challenges. Inspired by this sentiment, Cathy chose “JOY” as her word for 2025, setting the tone for a year focused on finding happiness through intentional living.
Joy, as taught by prophets and scriptures, is not about ideal circumstances but about focus. President Russell M. Nelson once explained that “the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Choosing Jesus Christ as the center of our lives enables us to experience joy, no matter what difficulties we face. Whether coping with loss, grappling with disappointment, or navigating the complexities of daily life, focusing on Christ’s gospel allows us to find purpose and hope. Alma’s testimony further underscores this: true joy comes from loving others, serving God, and remembering His mercy in our lives.
To experience joy, three essential principles stand out: First, prioritize Jesus Christ as the source of all joy. Second, embrace love, even when it means facing pain, as the deepest love often brings the greatest growth. Finally, practice rejoicing by expressing gratitude and celebrating the blessings in your life. Gratitude transforms how we view our circumstances, fostering a sense of abundance and hope. As Cathy reflected on her experience with the symphony, joy is not something that happens to us—it’s something we actively choose. By embracing these principles, we can make joy the defining feature of our journey.
What if joy isn’t about circumstances but about where we place our focus? Drawing on personal experiences, timeless scripture, and heartfelt lessons, Jeff and Cathy explore how choosing Jesus Christ, embracing love, and cultivating gratitude can transform your life. Discover how to make joy not just a fleeting feeling, but a defining part of your journey—no matter what challenges you face.
To heal from relationship loss and create more love in your life in 2025, read Intentional Courtship (available on Amazon).
Dive deep into healing from divorce with our self-paced online course: Life Design After Divorce (now available on demand!).
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