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 seven 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, singing (badly), 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 a couple of years ago, but I’m wearing my Vibram Five Finger shoes and using my BoomYah! Nordic walking poles. While I don’t see myself becoming an athlete any time soon, I’m enjoying walking to the rhythm of The Oak Ridge Boys, Beach Boys, Chris Tomlin, The Archies, Vince Gill, and others. I love my Nano!
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 year’s 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.
Besides writing, I own and operate Social Media Infusion. As a social marketing manager, I help my clients get noticed and connected. I’m also an author coach part of the time.
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 opportunities. 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 web page as well as out on www.amazon.com. I’m in the process of formatting the children’s books into e-books. As a huge fan of Kindle, I am delighted to discover more parents are introducing their children to e-books. The thing about this technology is this: for people who are adults now, this is a new thing. For people who are kids right now, it is the way things will always be. My adult books are either in the Kindle format or in the process. This proves you can teach a 50-something woman new things.
Statistics show that blog readers like lists. Here’s one about me. . .
~I met Jesus when I was 15, and have never gotten over Him.
~Jon DeKok is the love of my life.
~I’m a dog lover. We have a ferral cat who wanders our land, and I love him too.
~Nature fascinates me and teaches me about God.
~I love flowers, dragonflies, and the wind.
~I read a lot, and enjoy old movies.
~Words fascinate me. So do all things connected to social media.
~TV-wise I’m a fan of NCIS, The Closer, The Mentalist, Castle, and Lie to Me. I am not a fan of commercials, so we watch them all on video – we’re a year or so behind the rest of the world, but it works for us.
~If the Oak Ridge Boys, Donny Osmond, or Elivs sing it, I love it.
~A few of my favorites: hot buttered movie popcorn, Chevrolets, box kites, Tom T Hall songs, oatmeal, holding hands with Jon, rides on our John Deere Gator, praying, time with our families, the island of Kauai, family stories, walking, wildflowers, tree frogs, bullfrogs, and crickets singing in the night, weddings, Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, long talks with my mom, earrings that match my outfit, coffee with my brother, lunch with friends, Bible study, my husband’s eyes, photography, doodling, watching the birds, Twigs restaurant, my dad’s smile, Glutten-free food, time with friends who write, church, and dancing when no one is looking.
I’d love it if from time to time you share some of your favorites with me. Feel free to leave comments on the blog or use the contact me form. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for stopping by,
