Welcome to my life. It’s great to have you here. I’m told this “about Joy” page is important – that there are readers out there who want to know me. As a relational person at heart, I like this, but I also find it humbling. So, if this describes you, thank you – I’m honored by your presence on this page.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be married, have children, and write. I’ve been Jon’s wife for 34 years and have 7 books in publication. While I didn’t get to be a mom, I have twenty plus nieces and nephews, love their children, and our friends kids.

We live on 35 acres of woods and field just south of Pine Island. I love driving our John Deere Gator all over the land watching the wildlife and spending time talking to God.

I also love to walk and that’s been a challenge recently. I tore the meniscus in both knees over a year ago, but I’m wearing my Vibram Five Finger shoes andusing my BoomYah! Nordic walking poles. While I don’t see myself becoming an athelete any time soon, I’m enjoying walking to the rhythm of The Oak Ridge Boys, Beach Boys, Chris Tomlin, Vince Gill, and others.

We have 20 apple trees and Jon makes the most delicious apple juice I’ve ever tasted. Right now we’re watching the fruit ripen anticipating fresh juice soon. We’re still drinking last years juice – he freezes it and we drink it all year long.

Our dogs, Sophie & Tucker, are great company and provide us with lots of love and laughter. You’ll get to them much better on the blog in the coming weeks.

I spend my working hours building my author coaching business (Author Infusion), writing, reading, and preparing to teach writing classes. I get as excited about my client’s and student’s successes as I do about my own.

My personal time is spent with Jon, our families, and friends. I love long breakfasts or lunches with girl friends.

Life is full of challenges and blessing. After my first cup of coffee in the morning (ground and brewed by Jon) it’s easier to choose to be thankful for the harder things and see their potential as opportunties. When I combine a 2nd cup of coffee, some time in the Word, and the song Everyday (by The Oak Ridge Boys) played with the volume turned up, I’m usually good to go.

I’m also a believer in Jesus. I love Him deeply and desire to live for Him fully. I fail and fall. Then, by His grace He helps me get back up and on the path we’re walking together. He hears my prayers, sees my tears, knows my secrets, forgives my sin, and loves me completely. He’s my Savior and He calls me friend.

I mentioned the books I’ve written earlier – you can learn more about them here on the webpage as well as out on www.amazon.com. Check out the special offer on the 3 kid’s books. If you order them from me, I’ll include a video book Jon and I did of Raccoon Tales at no charge.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me better. I hope you’ll let me get to know you by leaving comments on the blog posts or by emailing me at joydekok@pitel.net.