I often used to say "Choose Joy." It was a life motto in a sense that I recited frequently...until I faced challenges that made me wonder...

"...but how?"

In the darkest of circumstances and most uncertain of seasons I began to discover that it wasn't as simple to "choose joy." Joy was less of a choice or a light switch I could flip on and off. Joy was a blessing, a gift, and a state of being that needed to be deeply rooted in something far more stable than my fragile willpower to choose. If my hope was rooted in my motivation to "choose joy," well there wasn't really going to be much hope there. I needed hope and joy rooted in a faith and a peace that surpasses all understanding, because sometimes in life we face challenges that we honestly just don't understand.

So what is "Joyful and Rising?"

When this brand initially launched, my hope was that it would be a small source of light for people in all walks of life. What I didn't realize is that the mission to be a light in the midst of darkness would be truly put to the test not long after I initially launched this page. You can read more about our family's story if you click the tab below, but if you're wondering what you'll find in this little corner of the internet, here's a quick summary:

- honest posts about grief, mental health, and medically complex motherhood/parenthood

- vulnerable posts about parenting and how our faith inspired us to pursue a gentler path for our kids

- faith rooted encouragement

- lifestyle posts and much more...

Come and stay a while, friend. You are loved, valued, and welcome in this space.

I hope you'll find a little bit of joy here.

With love and gratitude always,

Hillary