Hello! Welcome to my blog!
My name is Justine Joy and I am a follower of Jesus, a wife, a Children’s and Young Adults Pastor, a runner and a writer from Alberta, Canada.
The written word has been a huge part of my life, ever since childhood. I love books! When I was 9 months old I would ‘read’ word for word my board book copy of Mary Had A Little Lamb to my mom before bed. I knew it so well I would even cry the words when I was sad . . . When I was younger, I read so many books and I would also spend time writing my own stories. Among many other careers (you know, doctor, nurse, artist, teacher) I wanted to grow up and be an author.
In 2010 I headed off to University. While I was pursuing my degree, the church I was attending began to look to hire a Children’s Pastor. I was completely unqualified for that job (you know, a student with very little ministry experience!), but I felt deep in my heart that job was for me. I applied, and to my surprise was hired on staff in 2013. In 2014 I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree, majoring in English Literature. Ministry was not the direction I thought my life would head in, but God had other plans – better plans. It’s best to follow His way! My role at the church has adapted and changed throughout the years, but the journey that Jesus has been taking me on in that has been incredible. I have been working at my church for just over 7 years and last year I was finally able to complete a Certificate in Foundations of Ministry and pass my accreditation exam with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada. All those fancy words to say I can officially be called “pastor” now!
Jesus is the inspiration for all that I write and all that I do. Acts 17:28 says: “For in Him we live and move and exist.” As I seek God, He fixes my eyes and reveals Himself all the more. The more He shows me, the more I want to know. It’s the most beautiful and exciting experience! I want to share it.
Refined Joy is a word that God spoke to me one evening while I was praying and trying to encourage a friend.
An element that is refined lacks all impurities. It is perfect. Joy that has been refined is joy that is pure and lacks nothing. It is a joy that transcends all circumstances. This kind of joy cannot be found in anything but Jesus!
“There I will go to the altar of God, to God – the source of all my joy.” Psalm 43:4
I hope that as you read through my blog that you will be able to worship, learn, be encouraged and blessed in your own personal relationship with God. I feel like God is teaching me so much all of the time – there is so much to learn about Him and about life! I want to take you along with me in the journey.
Refined Joy 