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Welcome to the Blog.
Welcome to JoyFull blog! Here you will find inspiring stories, helpful tips, and joyful moments to brighten up your day.
We hope you enjoy your time here and leave feeling uplifted and inspired.
"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)


The Israel Series: Bringing the Bible to Life One Photo, One Place, and One Bible Story at a Time
I had the privilege of traveling to Israel in 2018 and again in 2023. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing photos from the places we visited and hearing a little about what we learned along the way. Whether you've never been to Israel but hope to go someday, or you know you'll probably never have the opportunity, I'd love to take you along on the journey. One of the greatest gifts of visiting Israel is seeing the places where so many events in the Bible took place. It has
lesliesousa65
Jul 191 min read


The Weight of a Mother's Sorrow
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. Isaiah 53:4 NLT My two sons and I were abandoned by their father when the boys were just two and a half and five. The most painful thing I have ever had to do was to tell my sons that their father wasn’t coming home. They had asked where he was for a few days before I could bring myself to tell them. The oldest one’s reply pierced my heart like the building brick that had pierced my foot the week
lesliesousa65
Jul 183 min read


The Gift of Mercy
Years ago I took a spiritual gifts test, and my strongest gift was mercy. For a long time, I thought it was more of a burden than a blessing. Feeling other people's pain so deeply can be heavy. Honestly I wished I could turn it down a little. But now I see it differently. My son said something recently that I'll never forget: "Mom, when you combine your writing with your gift of mercy, it becomes your superpower." I loved hearing my son say that, but it also made me think. Ma
lesliesousa65
Jul 82 min read


My Aslan
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 NLT My dog had died a couple of years earlier, and I desperately wanted another one, but then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting a new dog had to be put on hold for a while. There would be treatments and surgeries to recover from. My husband often reminded me that a new puppy would not be a good idea until I was on my way to recovery
lesliesousa65
Jul 72 min read


The Refresh Your Soul Summer Giveaway starts today! ☀️🎉
Could your soul use a little refreshment this summer? If you've been longing for rest, God's peace that surpasses all understanding, or simply more time with Him, this giveaway is for you. I've partnered with 7 other Christian creators to bless one winner with a beautiful collection of books and faith-filled resources designed to encourage your heart, strengthen your faith, and draw you closer to the Lord. I'd love for you to enter for your chance to win! Just click the link
lesliesousa65
Jun 291 min read


Revitalize Your Prayer Life: Tips for Deepening Your Connection with God
There have been times in my life when I have had a hard time praying. Sometimes I was in too much emotional or physical pain, and I couldn’t utter a word. Other times, my prayer life became repetitious, and I was bored. As much as I hate to admit it, there have been moments when I didn’t think praying would make a difference. I was down and discouraged. Today, I want to share what I have learned from anointed Bible study teachers, Christian podcasts, and God’s Word that has b
lesliesousa65
Jun 214 min read


It's Still Mother's Day
Mother’s Day can feel very different depending on where we are in life. Sometimes it’s filled with laughter and hugs, but other times it’s quiet, reflective, or even painful. When the usual celebrations change or the people we expect to be there are missing, it can feel like the day has lost its meaning. Yet, just like other holidays that evolve over time, Mother’s Day remains a special moment to honor the role of mothers, no matter the circumstances. Years ago, a shift happe
lesliesousa65
May 93 min read


Big News
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting my writing. For as long as I can remember, encouraging others through my writing has been my heart's desire. But there have been some hard moments that left me second-guessing myself and my abilities as a writer. I was just about to give up, when I was invited to the Sierra Valley Writing Retreat. In that quiet mountain setting, I spent time with a treasured mentor who truly believes in me. Her encouragement helpe
lesliesousa65
May 82 min read


Upheld by His Righteous Right Hand
It was the beginning of 2020, and I was preparing to go on "The Footsteps of Paul," tour with my church. It was exciting to think I would...
lesliesousa65
Jan 31, 20256 min read


On the Wings of a Hummingbird
Have you ever experienced an Angel on Earth moment that left you in complete awe? I invite you to walk beside me as I tell you about a...
lesliesousa65
Jan 31, 20253 min read


How to Keep a Spiritually and Emotionally Healthy Lifestyle
Have you ever wondered how you can stay spiritually and emotionally healthy during a serious health crisis? Or how to stay joyful in...
lesliesousa65
Dec 16, 20245 min read


Finding His Will in the Crossroad
I stood at a crossroad Not sure what to do Life had thrown me a curveball But nothing is a curveball for You. I took a step forward But...
lesliesousa65
Nov 13, 20241 min read


Honoring my Brother on Veteran’s Day
Dedicated to my brother who fought in the Vietnam War and died last year. Robert Alan Hilligoss 2/2/1948 - 8/19/2023 The Light that Comes...
lesliesousa65
Nov 11, 20242 min read


Start your day by Looking Up
I have read a devotion along with my Bible every morning for years. I find that adding a devotion can be thought-provoking, encouraging,...
lesliesousa65
Oct 30, 20241 min read


"The Carnival Man: A New Book soon to be released by Leslie Sousa - What Can Readers Expect?"
In a world brimming with stories, there are tales that transcend generations, capturing the essence of love, hope, and the relentless...
lesliesousa65
Oct 16, 20243 min read


My Story in Honor of Pink October
Upheld by His Righteous Right Hand by Leslie Sousa It was the beginning of 2020, and I was preparing to go on "The Footsteps of...
lesliesousa65
Oct 12, 20246 min read


"Celebrating 4 Years Cancer-Free Today: Reflecting on God's Goodness and Gratitude"
As I sit here on my front porch, basking in the gentle warmth of the sun's rays, I can't help but reflect on the whirlwind that was my life just four years ago. It was February 2020 when I received the diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer after a routine mammogram. My head started spinning - there was no history of breast cancer in my family, yet here I was, facing a battle that seemed daunting. Because of the type of cancer it was, I was told I would have to have
lesliesousa65
Jul 17, 20243 min read


Abiding in Christ: Finding Peace, Strength, and Victory in His Presence
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, finding peace and strength can often feel like an unattainable dream. But what if I told...
lesliesousa65
Jul 5, 20242 min read


"Was the Kind Stranger at the Post Office an Angel? Exploring Divine Intervention in Everyday Life"
Have you ever experienced a divine intervention moment that left you in awe? Let me take you on a journey through a heartwarming...
lesliesousa65
Jun 29, 20242 min read


Unveiling "The Carnival Man" by Leslie Sousa: A Story of Unwavering Determination and Identity - Coming soon...
As "My Name is Hope" prepares to grace bookshelves worldwide, it beckons readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
lesliesousa65
Jun 29, 20243 min read
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