Blog

“Holy” Smokes!

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC I am told, “People love stories.” Here is one about my experience as a smoker--which lasted less than ten minutes, maybe only five. Way back in time Gary was an occasional, weekend, social smoker. We were driving to McCall, Idaho for a fine READ MORE

A question for God

A question for God By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC I posed a question while praying, “God, is there anything in me that You would like to see changed?” Flash back to nine or so months ago: Our most beautiful tree (shaped like a Y, full of lush, READ MORE

The “Red Lights” of life!

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC In a dream: I am sitting at a table with a team of people chosen to counsel a woman whose driving had caused a death. She was stunned to the core. Her mind could not receive the truth: Her carelessness had taken the READ MORE

Finding God

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Today a friend “listened” as I shared a difficult event in my life. The heaviness of my heart lessened after that “talk.” I felt loved, valued, cherished. Speaking of hearts, mine has “talked back” for months now. Today I will let the doctors READ MORE

What happened to Sarah –An unforgettable story

Sarah's story, shared with me last week: Readers are invited to share their stories here, telling of how you came to value the spiritual part of yourselves. Stories will be different, but please share yours as it could deeply touch and help others. We are three part beings: body, mind READ MORE

Memory loss – one of our greatest fears

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC A friend of mine is experiencing memory loss. I feel sad knowing this affects his life. Recently when it seemed appropriate, I asked, “What is it like as you notice changes that affect your memory?” He thought for long moments before READ MORE

What makes marriage beautiful . . . if only . . .

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC We know marriage is beautiful, starting with the care put into what is usual within the ceremonies. We always hope for happiness. One of the most deadly happenstance within marriages comes with failing to talk it out when a hurtful matter comes READ MORE

God is in the details

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Reading the Bible brings truth to the soul. It holds a lot of wonderful words full of truth and hope--promises that reach deep within prompting love toward God and towards others. The Bible is laden with concepts and conditions that heal our hearts READ MORE

On loneliness and feeling “lost”

On loneliness and feeling “lost” By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ.” This is a quote of Basil Pascal (1625-1662). READ MORE

Want a lift?

By Joy Le page Smith, MA, BCC Some of us are going through what we are sure are the hardest times of our lives. What to do when hopes for a loved one to be healed of cancer seem shattered? What to do when life seems to have READ MORE

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”

One writer’s humble interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5: 3-11 By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Blessed are those who see their significance in God’s sight, while forsaking the need to be seen as significant in the eyes of others. These are people of peace who walk READ MORE

God is in the details

Can we trust the Bible to be true?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Here are the facts. You decide. The Bible has 66 books written by approximately 40-45 authors. These authors lived in numerous places over a 1500 year course of history with varied backgrounds: one was a physician, another was a priest—and one was a READ MORE

How to shut off the “awful stuff”

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Have you ever had something take place that startled your psyche to the point you could not stand to give it space? So you just kept as busy as possible . . . pushing yourself to stay on task, trying to avoid READ MORE

Is Jesus coming back?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC On a recent Sunday morning Gary and I arrived at our church service early. We were nearly the only people in the building. I played with my phone asking Siri, “When is Jesus coming again?” Processing took place . . . she was READ MORE

The softer side of grief

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA On an early Sunday morning, while away from home, I pondered with awe the beauty throughout the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Numerous things there spoke of the power and the presence of God. The hardness of marble altars, stone floors and wooden pews spoke of strength. Then I looked at the people. They were soft. Vessels of earthen clay, yet filled with spirit. Many shy away from being called "soft." But the softness I READ MORE

Our hearts are God’s home on earth

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA The words above came to my mind one morning during my prayer time. Yes, I do get up early, around 5 a.m. Here is the “why” and the “how” of it. During the first few decades of my life, prayer happened for me READ MORE

Global warning— a “Stop sign” we are ignoring?

Global warming— a “Stop sign” we are ignoring By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Some of us may feel our throats tighten while reading the results from a meteorological study on heat waves caused by climate change. Izidine Pinto, researcher and study coauthor at the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute READ MORE

In what do you place your trust?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, Board Certified Chaplain Is it your political party? Your bank account? Your relationships? Or, are you placing your trust in God? If not, all else can fail you. Pray for the peace of God to settle your READ MORE

What’s next after this? What will eternity be like?

By Le Page Smith, MA, Board certified chaplain Take a pencil or pen, make a circle. Now make another and another creating more and more circles around your initial circle. Do this over and over until you want to stop. But, give it a “go” for a READ MORE

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every time we think of God we feel loved?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA Board certified, clinical chaplain Unfortunately, many of us don’t "feel" loved by God. Why? Because our lifestyles, our wishes or our thoughts go adrift. Our soul has a hard time thinking God could love it. Yes, we live in our skin and we know READ MORE

Earth’s creatures—our teachers?

Head shot of a barking owl, ninox connivens, called the winking owl. By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Earth’s creatures—our teachers? Watching rabbits in our yard, here in Arizona where my husband Gary and I have lived for 30-some years, has been a READ MORE

More are close to suicide–than we know

A collection of Semi-Transparent coloured locks overlaid with a outline of a key. Placed over a male and female profile silhouette. By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC After reading the article titled, “Suicide—what can we say,” a reader wrote, “Through your words, I got a glimpse of READ MORE

Supportive book for children – free to view

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, Board Certified Clinical Chaplain Children need to feel supported and able as they face their world. A children’s book, offered at healing-with-Joy.com can help a child gain these strengths. FREE for viewing The book Titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of READ MORE

We are not alone . . . angels encountered!

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC When the evidence of my husband’s second cancer came to our house it was 3 o’clock in the morning. We made a fast trip to the ER, but it was jammed. He was in exceeding pain. And, his agony lasted for 12 READ MORE

Why are we here? What truly matters?

By Joy Le page Smith, MA, BCC While Gary and I were having lunch with our friend, a retired military man, we talked about a book titled Why the Universe Is the Way It Is. Having just read Hugh Ross’ book, my enthusiasm is piqued by this scientist’s findings. Our friend READ MORE

“I’m Going Home”

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC About two decades ago, I met James[1]. He was one of my first patients in hospice. After talking a few moments, he said, “I haven’t been in church for many years. But, I was a Sunday school kid. Every Sunday, until I was READ MORE

Yes! There are gains in going with God

The majority of people on earth innately perceive there is a God A PATIENT ONCE ASKED, "WHAT WOULD BE GAINED IF I SAID 'YES' TO GOD? Chaplain Joy Le READ MORE

One gigantic Gift—Anno Domini

Red heart shaped sky at sunset. Beautiful landscape with road. One gigantic Gift—Anno Domini By Joy Le Page Smith The birth of Jesus, has instigated advantages far beyond what can be quickly put into words. One “for instance,” is the way we mark time: "AD" or Anno READ MORE

Having trouble sleeping?

Most of us have experienced painful events in our life’s journey. Sometimes these are huge and stand out in our minds. We may try to suppress the occurrences. However, the subconscious mind holds considerable sway in our lives having registered these happenstances. If only we could heal this inner angst, READ MORE

Do emotions affect body chemistry and therefore our health?

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, Board certified chaplain Science is telling us that the brain and the organs of our bodies are closely connected. These newer revelations of medical research called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI*) clearly reveal the influence our thoughts, our emotions have on whether or not we READ MORE

Questioning God . . . an answer came

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith Yesterday, after reading more about the war initiated by Russian president, Vladimir Putin, I asked God, “How should I pray about this?” The war is non-comprehensive and incalculable. I, like most people, have felt helpless to make a difference. Immediately, after saying that prayer READ MORE

Why balloons so easily reach our souls

Last Friday morning as thirty-some balloons filled the sky on my drive to work I was awestruck. I felt my heart arise with them. Then while on the job with a grieving family, I asked, “Have you gone outside to see the balloons. Immediately, the “yes” of this family showed READ MORE

Domestic Violence — does it also involve emotional abuse?

By Joy Le Page Smith This opening story of a friend is told with permission. “My husband only hit me once? And, once was enough! "That much I knew--and said, ‘If you ever hit me again, I'll take this baby (pointing to our three month old child who was sitting READ MORE

Tips for teaching children how to identify what they are feeling

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Dr. Gordon Mate, author of When the Body Says No, states that children who hold their emotions in rigidly are taxing their nervous systems. When the adults in their lives discourage their expressing difficult emotions, children have no other recourse than to hold READ MORE

Training for Hospital Volunteer Chaplains

Elements of an Effective Pastoral Care Encounter By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Author of The Chaplain is In: Journal to Health and Happiness Do more listening than talking. Listen in a new way: listen with the heart. (I pray inwardly as I listen.) Sense where the person READ MORE

The ins-and-outs of setting boundaries: with yourself, yes, but also with others

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Someone once said, "If it feels like a kick in the stomach, it's probably a kick in the stomach.” That is true. Yet, you can mentally block the kick as adroitly as one practicing the martial art of Aikido. Once you get the READ MORE

All God’s creatures . . .

One evening as Gary and I were sitting on the patio a little owl showed his presence (maybe her presence). We were pleased and started talking to the owl in low, inviting tones. With big eyes he slowly stepped toward us, stopping every few steps. We kept sending “sweet nothings” READ MORE

A lollipop?

Last Sunday First Communion was celebrated at church. We watched as these little darlings were called up to the altar, two girls and two boys. The children were dressed “to the tee,” with the little girls wearing beautiful white gowns. They were followed to the altar by parents and grandparents. READ MORE

What is the purpose of life?

We arrive on earth as a small tenuous life force. We grow, develop and learn. We experience. We laugh. We cry. And, eventually we die. How long we get to be here is undeterminable which makes life all the more valuable. It is a mystery, one we cannot solve on READ MORE

Is there life after death?

Who has ever lived without this question arising from one’s consciousness from time to time? This little story titled, “Twins in the womb” by an anonymous author that prompts further thought. One day a mother conceived twins. One child was a girl; the other a boy. Months passed, and they READ MORE

Back to School – no matter the age

School has started once again. Do you ever stop to savor those early memories—especially from grade school—noticing again the ones that make you smile, and those that still bring a twinge of pain? My most vivid school memory, while in the third grade, has nothing to do with what happened READ MORE

Prayer, a wondrous mystery

By Joy Le Page Smith, M.A., BCC www.healinglifespain.com While attempting to learn more about prayer, I have made a concerted effort to draw from others their perceptions of prayer. I am receiving three types of comments: 1) those claiming prayer to be a challenging, yet rewarding experience; 2) those stating READ MORE

Let’s face it

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC wwww.healinglifespain.com It took this pandemic for us to get a grasp of what it means to see a full face. Clearly, we know half-a-face is not enough. We feel cheated in only seeing the eyes of the person coming toward us. When READ MORE

What Bangs your Shutters?

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC We want extraordinary things to happen in life. Sometimes these come through a quick story or a timely joke. Truth be known, when our emotions move into that sweet range of joy, hope, even surprise it changes our body chemistry. For READ MORE

Salty people—our unsung heroes?

While working in a big city, a good option came for taking a bus. This bus was crowded. I observed a well-dressed woman who I would guess to be between 40 and 50 years old. She also stood, along with many of us, for several miles on this overcrowded bus. READ MORE

Being free and fully ‘me’

Have you ever felt there were invisible boundaries around you? Limits that would allow you to go so far in achievements and risk taking, but no further? I call this the “confidence barrier” and believe once we can break through we can find our full potential, while also realizing who READ MORE

Flying low and flying high

Nature speaks, when we listen. Perhaps birds can be the most frequent bearers of messages. While in Idaho, walking along a hillside, I met with an Evening Grosbeak. The breeze blew the feathers of his head straight up as he lingered on a bush. But the remarkable moments came while READ MORE

What bangs your shutters?

We want extraordinary things to happen in life. Sometimes it just takes a quick story or a joke to give us that chemical change we need. And, “yes” when our emotions move into that sweet range of joy, hope, even surprise (which excites us) our physiology changes.[1] The other READ MORE

Do we have to ‘see’ to believe?

I have thought myself to be a woman of faith. But in some situations anxiety has been a frequent companion. In those instances, my mind never seems to stop its efforts to “work it out,” meaning, I feel sure I can do something that will be more helpful, thus put READ MORE

Faith can change a child’s life

Some individuals have never known or attempted to understand how God can help them in their lives. I’ve known those who haven’t even tried to find out. Recently, a friend came to me after church and said, “Sometime, let’s talk. I have something to share with you. It’s about what READ MORE

‘Even the smallest words’ hold great power

Words heard as a girl changed my life. I was eight years old, when I first went away to summer girl’s camp in Mc Call, Idaho. It was a Quaker girl’s camp with a tabernacle made of logs and a sawdust floor. We girls had great times of swimming in READ MORE

Broken, but beautiful

The Japanese art form called Kintsugi is one in which “the breaks and repairs of a vessel are treated as a part of the object’s history.” The artist uses a mixture of resin infused with powdered gold to repair a piece, resulting in far greater beauty. Often in life wounds READ MORE

We had best speak up!

Could it be we are on very dangerous ground with God—at least on a slippery slope? Wherever a pregnant woman is mentioned in the Bible, she is spoken of as being “with child.” Isaiah 49:1, gives a word picture for this, “The Lord called me from the womb, from the READ MORE

The ‘Setting’ of the Soul

A showcase of opals lay before my eyes—any one of them could be mine. My father stood watching as I studied them. After Dad retired he learned, through a lapidary shop in Scottsdale how to cut, polish and facet stones. And, here was Dad’s treasure stash, fresh work of his READ MORE

‘I’m going home!’

About two decades ago, I met James[1]. He was one of my first patients in hospice. After talking a few moments, he said, “I haven’t been in church for many years. But, I was a Sunday school kid. Every Sunday, until I was a teenager, I was happy to go READ MORE

Living Ready

I learned to “live ready” very early in life due to having a tendency to form blood clots in my legs and abdomen. From age 18, these would travel periodically into my heart and lungs, bringing me close to death. There were also many hospital stays as my intestines seemed READ MORE

A portrait of the Father–the one who created us

How do we come to know God who is Father and Creator of all? The One who’s vocalized words we have yet to hear? This One who we have never seen? One whose hand we’ve never touched? A little story told by a friend bears a poignant point. A man, READ MORE

Is ‘belonging’ something to seek?

Is ‘belonging’ something to seek? Two appaloosa colts ran about ever so carefree in my father’s pasture. They were beautiful and Dad seemed to have done a good job with them. I recall, here, what my father said back then, while still alive and working in his corral: “You know READ MORE

Good Friday’s impact on life

With Easter on my mind I reminisce of a Good Friday of yesteryears, while Gary and I were raising three children on a tight budget. “Gary the Great” as I sometimes call him is speaking to our household of five. “We need to tighten the belt, here.” Belt? His words READ MORE

The crux of the Cross

I was a high school student the day I met Jaylyn, a young woman that I will remember forever. I only encountered this person on one occasion. The three of us who were visiting had less than an hour with Jaylyn that day, yet, she became an unforgettable person in READ MORE

The soul: Earth’s richest resource

On an early Sunday morning, while away from home, I pondered with awe the beauty throughout the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Many things spoke of the Power and Presence of God. The hardness of marble altars, stone floors and wooden pews spoke READ MORE

Just in case . . .

Many years back, before becoming a chaplain, a friend called saying, “I have end stage carcinoma.” My heart went out to her. Following prayers said for her healing, she assured me, “I want to go.” She was in her 50’s; somehow, I held my tongue. Carol explored various religions, yet READ MORE

Can you relate?

An exasperating experience happened last week while working with an offshore tech about a software problem. Upon calling for help, the cue was looping; I couldn’t get a person. Then upon reaching one, he could not find my account. Forty-five minutes had passed! People talk about “losing their religion. “Rankled, READ MORE

Is this our biggest challenge?

For decades ours has been a “death denial society.” We pretend death isn’t viable for us. It’s “Out of sight, out of mind.” We live on the edge of denial, with death seeming to be something that happens to others. Attending funerals can present elements of inner angst that some READ MORE

A little trip to the ditch . . .

When our son, Ted, was six years old, he was intrigued with the Bible story of Peter walking on water. With childlike faith he headed for the irrigation ditch to give it a try. But born in the space-age Ted knew something about backup systems. He wore his galoshes. When READ MORE

How to be fully human — fully alive!

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC When a person signs up for the military, they sign on knowing obedience will be the center of their lives. They know they are choosing to live their lives in line with that branch of the military. Becoming a Christian when READ MORE

What does “Good Friday” mean?

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Early in my life just before Easter Sunday, I had a vision of Jesus dying on the cross. I was reading the account of it in Scripture when suddenly it was as if I was there! I was “taken back” to say the READ MORE

Power to Heal Opioid and Alcohol Addiction Workbook

NOTE: This site holds physical, emotional and spiritual help for people who are struggling to get clean, stay clean--and free from alcohol. Power to Heal Opioid and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Workbook By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC The entire workbook is offered without charge. Why? Because I care READ MORE

Can a really bad life be turned to good?

By Joy Le page Smith, MA, BCC People speak of receiving “a sign” from God. And, some tell of dying, yet arising to verbalize their experience of the Divine, one-on-one. A young man named Stephen shared this astounding story with me. He has allowed his experience of being a READ MORE

It’s about “getting ribbed”

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Gary and I read Scripture in the early A.M. We were in Genesis reading about God’s interactions with Adam and Eve. I did the reading and after finishing, Gary said, “God uses the pronoun “he”—what about “she?” I said, “Within God’s Word, READ MORE

What does it mean to be inspired?

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Inspiration has been felt by most everyone among us. What is the feeling and where do we learn the most about it? The most inspiring book ever written came to us through 40 men who wrote on scrolls of papyrus READ MORE

An astounding message

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA BCC I awakened the other day with a message that captured my full attention. I do not recall the wording, only the feeling as I had come out of a deep sleep. I knew that something astoundingly wonderful is soon to come and READ MORE

What’s your stool softener in life?

What’s your stool softener in life? By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC Now, don’t get too excited. Our community is majorly made up of senior citizens. So this is a merciful topic. Besides, every organ in the body is sacred—and the Bible speaks of “bowels of mercy.” Further support READ MORE

Astounding factors involving the Bible

Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC The following will help you know why billions of people--those of the past and of those of the present--trust the Scriptures, using them as a guide for their lives. For instance, the Bible has 66 books written by approximately 40 men. These authors lived READ MORE

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC (One writer's humble interpretation of "The Sermon on the Mount?) Blessed are those who see their significance in God’s sight, while Forsaking the need to be seen as significant in the eyes of others. These are people of peace who walk circumspectly READ MORE

Blog

Categories

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Tags