Love this, Joy. I gave up Facebook and Instagram back in August and only sometimes miss it. If you’d make a video on “American Christianity” I’d love to watch it. I’ve been praying for revival since we seem to have just lost our way.
It seems that many people want this kind of video. I will prayerfully make it. Stay tuned. I really do NOT like "ruffling feathers" per se, but I do feel strongly on this topic and I am so blessed that many of you do as well. Thank you Leslie!!!
I can only imagine it getting too big and end up being a LOT of hard work. If that's the case, maybe Joy can reccomend a charity/organization she feels does good work in Uganda?
I gave up Instagram one year ago. Won't be back on social media...ever...even if it means being the most out of touch person! I am happier. It IS overwhelming and one-dimensional. Many prayers for your lovely family. ♥️🇨🇦
It’s good to see your lovely face and hear your beautiful heart. I left IG and FB before Christmas. It was just so overwhelming and political and ugly, and it made my heart so heavy bc I was bombarded with all the junk. Add in all the discontentment that came with it....it just wasn’t a place I needed to be any longer. I be love your perspective on how living simply allows us room to be generous. That is such a blessing on both ends.❤️ Looking forward to seeing you here a little more often. God bless!
Amber, you just spoke my heart, yes to political and ugly and yes, heavy. And I prayed and prayed about my role there, but in the end, I felt it was more damaging than helpful. So I am so happy to be here in a happy, safe space! And I look forward to connecting with you more!!
@@JoyForney Also, since I’ve been off IG, I didn’t know about your son walking across America. I hope you keep us updated here bc that’s something fun to follow!!
I am so happy you're well!!!! So glad to hear from you!! Thank you for sharing a snippet of your journey. Love all the things you share to encouragement and inspire. American Christianty is like a sock in the gut when I come across it and I live in America it makes me so sad and makes me pray even more for those falling for it. Love the joy you illuminate from your simple life!!! Blessings!!!!
Wonderful update, Joy! I agree with so much of what you’ve shared. The Lord has called me to a grocery store ministry each week, similar to what you’re talking about. This is why I’ll never use Insta-cart or any grocery pickup services (which I believe are useful for some but also another way to keep people from connecting with one another). The encounters I’ve had with strangers could only be lined up by God and for that I’m grateful and very encouraged. I too have removed myself from all social media and started my RU-vid channel again! 🤷🏼♀️ Blessings sweet Joy, from NY!
Oh this makes my heart so happy!! Yes, God-ordained meetings in the grocery store! You just gave me chills! Thank you for serving your precious community in this way!! Amen!! Being the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we are is the thing!! Love it!!
Joy, you have so much wisdom to share about JOY and contentment! I have struggled staying joyful in my role as a stay at home mom, and a supporter to my husband in his job as a cop. The climate of the world in relation to cops is so awful, and he is constantly taking on new roles in his job so he spends a lot of time away. I will go back your old videos for inspiration
Oh sweet Michelle. Tell your husband thank you for his work. It cannot be easy right now, and we appreciate his service to his community. Praying for you right now friend.
So glad you are back! I completely understand your point about sharing Jesus in the Bible vs what some churches have become. Studying Galatians in my Bible study group and we have been discussing this. What a blessing your ministry is 🙏🙏🙏
You look so beautiful Joy with that hair and that dress suits you so much. You and your family are so thoughtful and you are changing peoples lives by giving them an opportunity to have education at the first place. It's sad to see you go in instagram because I love following you and your journey. Hope you upload frequently. You just remind me to be humble and to be grateful for what we have :)
Yay! A new video from my favorite youtuber!! ❤️💕 I too have quit Instagram and am SO enjoying the peace I am having. So appreciate your honesty and how the Lord has used you as a part of leading me to a simpler, more content life
Love you Joy! So glad to see you back here on YT! You know I can't wait to see your Ten Item Wardrobe, but more than that I love the perspective that you give us and your example of contentment. There is definitely not enough of that on any social media outlet, so thank you for being that voice! Big hugs to you my sweet sister in Christ! 💛🤗💛
Have always loved your videos and your perspective Joy. Also trying to stay off socials, they can really tear down your mental health so quickly. Thank you for this video ❤
I loved this update so much, thanks for sharing! And I feel super similar about Instagram, etc. so I’m thankful that hopefully you’ll be continuing with videos! I couldn’t agree more about “American Christianity” not being the same as Christianity, and of course that doesn’t mean that there aren’t faithful American Christians. -It’s more about the skewed attitude that the American flavor of Christianity is what everyone should adopt. Anyways, it’s a complex topic and I would be very interested if you ever had time to touch on it. But I so appreciate all your videos and everything you and your lovely family are about!
Great to see another video, Joy! I left social media a back in November and have had such peace of mind since. I was going to ask about donating to the students in your area, and I would still very much be interested in doing that... but your video has also reminded me that there is so much need even within my own community that I often turn a blind eye to. I don’t do it on purpose, but it feels harder, scarier even, to reach out to those around me. It doesn’t have to be though, I just get into my own head in those situations.
LOVE. ALL.OF. THIS!!!! I am trying to be minimalistic too, and I am off social media (but I do use my husband’s account for Facebook marketplace and a community group with our neighbors,) and it’s been A BLESSING!! Would LOVE to connect with you more if possible😄
Hi Deidre!!!! How are you??? I am so glad this resonated with you. I would love to connect more with you! you can email me anytime!! jforney@maf.org and I am trying to get back to making videos...hopefully soon. I didn't even get to see your parents this summer (always a highlight for me!) when we were back for just a short time in Oregon. Love and hugs to you sweet sister!
You have just filled my heart with joy, hearing you speak about your life. ❤ So many Americans, myself included, need to hear these things about how life is elsewhere. I plan to look up the two books you mentioned about helping not hurting. Thank you for this video. ❤
@@JoyForney I am from Pennsylvania. I am a Christian wife and mom of 4. We homeschool and do a little bit of homesteading. I am on an ongoing quest to simplify and minimize our life. I am working toward a deeper relationship with Christ right now through personal bible study and by reexamining various parts of my life and adjusting them as needed. I have watched your channel for a few years now and have always found it to be a bright spot on the internet and I appreciate your videos. That was a whole lot about me! Haha!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Joy. It’s still touch and go in France but after having your update & chit chat, I’m reminded that I live an truly blessed life. If your your son journaling/vlogging his journey and ever wanted to share his experiences, I’d be there in an instant! Btw, don’t ever feel pressured to reply. I know exactly how it is to find yourself being distracted from real life. Your videos and words of wisdom are more than enough of a blessing to my soul. Have a great weekend Joy. God bless you and your family.
You guys are actually living the lives that is supposed to be lived on earth until we go home to paradise. I think your kids are blessed to grow up in your world of serving and simple living.what is your email bc love to connect with you.
Hi Sanyu, I’m Kimberly nice to meet you too! Congratulations on your dual citizenship. Sending you love from the US❤️ Thank you for the update & I’m glad y’all are doing well. I’m doing ok, things are slowly but surely going back to normal here in Texas. I live simply too & it opened up endless opportunities for me. I’m in the process of removing IG for the same reason & I feel much better. I’ve been off FB for a few years now...Looking forward to your upcoming videos😇
Aw Sanyu says HI KIMBERLY!! She was so excited that you said hello to her! :) I love the line you used about how living simply has opened up endless opportunities for you. I SO agree with that sentiment! It really does! I'd love to hear more about you and your life in Texas. :)
It was such a pleasant surprise to see a new video from you! I always enjoy listening while I do household chores; you are so inspiring! I am glad to hear you and your family are doing well. ❤️
I know this is an old video, but I just heard you say that your daughter Hannah is going to Liberty. MY daughter Hannah is going to Liberty in the fall! I’m nervous it’s very far for us, we live in Alaska. But I keep hearing Gods prompt saying that it is where she is supposed to go. Thank you Joy!
How exciting Rebecca! First off, where in Alaska do you live? We used to live above the Arctic Circle in a little village called Allakaket (our Hannah was born in Fairbanks!). If you email me at thegracefullmama@gmail.com I will share with you the dorm where Hannah is a resident shepherd and share her contact so she can welcome your Hannah well!
I am always happy to see a new video from you Joy. You share from your heart and continually strive to practice gratitude and contentment. You are a blessing 🌹
Hi Angie! So nice to see you too. How are you doing this Covid year+? Is your family healthy and well? I am praying so. Look forward to knowing you more. :)
Thank you Joy! Something led me this AM to check in on your account. I've been taking extended breaks from social media for similar reasons. I miss it is and less. Because it was a habit and time suck, am pushing myself to find more fulfilling or productive ways to use that time.
I'm glad to see another video from you. The book "When Helping Hurts" is such a good one, and they have so much good advice. My family is currently in the US (normally in West Africa.) I have found that even spending money on food and other necessities can be hard to do after being used to seeing such poverty. It does change your perspective!
Joy! I want to start by saying I've been thinking about you recently. I too have went off social media and am loving it. Lastly, a huge thank you! I needed the conviction. 💕
Isn't being off of social media such a GIFT??!!! I am so calm and happy!! I love it! I am so happy to have you here with me Erica. Now tell me about YOU! How are you doing during this Covid year plus plus?
@@JoyForney I almost feel guilty saying that my family (2 smalls kids, husband and myself) have had an amazing year. My husband was off for several months, we bought a camper and have made some great memories. I realize this has been a tough time for most. I am so grateful to have had this time. We will officially start homeschooling this year now that my oldest is 5. So many fun things going on! Once again, thank you for being a huge source of encouragement. I only have 1 lady in my life to glean encouragement from. So thankful for the internet. But that is a love/hate relationship, right?! 😉
So awesome to see you and hear an update on your life! We prayed for your family and husband when he had his accident. I have also deleted my Instagram and only keep FB for marketplace, to sell and buy used. Life has been a bit difficult but it’s always great to have perspective; thank you for providing that.
I'm so sorry to hear that life has been difficult for you. Praying right now. Thank you so much for praying for Dave during his accident. Praise God for the great things HE has done in our life!! Thank you for being here! I look forward to chatting with you more!
So good to see you. You are a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how much we have and what that requires of us. Thank you! Praying for your sons safe travels.
Hello Joy and Sanyu! Loved seeing this video today! I’d love to see some food ideas and eating inexpensively even when you were in the States. I’m really thinking maybe I need to get off of social media as well. Ugh! I can’t wait to see new videos soon!
Hi Heather! Sanyu says hi and that she is so happy that you love her too. ;) I am so happy to be back on this platform and love the camaraderie we have here. :)
I’ve missed you! Great video, Joy. We’re still traveling in the RV full time, in the PNW for summer. Our middle daughter had to have surgery and physical therapy, so we’re bopping around here and praying for direction beyond that. It’s crazy how even in the rv, I find myself being influenced to purchase things. Space saving things, make rv life easier things, personal care things, special food things...it all feels like too much sometimes. I like what you said about eliminating the chatter and noise. I think that’s what I’m needing to do. 💜. I hope you are having a wonderful week! How hot is it in Uganda this time of year?
so fun to "catch up" with you here, sweet friend! Been Praying for you all and especially for B as he walks. I LOVE your heart for those precious children to be in school and I love how you shared about it. You inspire me to love other well, as Jesus did. xo
Lovely to hear more about your life in Uganda, it’s so sad that so many can’t afford school! Yes life is getting back to normal in England, under 18’s and the vaccinated no longer have to isolate if they’re in contact with covid just take a test every day for ten days and there’s no social distancing rules. Masks are optional but advised in crowded areas. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the schools go back later this week. Love your heart for the Lord, keep up the good work ❤️
So excited to "see" you this morning! Always so encouraged by your heart. I sent you an email about sending kids to school. Thank you for sharing your heart
Joy!!! Sanyu has changed so much this past year. Praise be to God that the immigration is final. So glad to get an update. Missed you! I’ve felt so much peace and clarity of mind since leaving IG. Your hair looks great 😉 How are you feeling these days?
So glad to hear your update! I love to hear your perspective on life. And I want to be more ready to share Jesus with those around me. You encourage me to look deeper at my level of commitment to Christ. I’ll be watching whenever you’re able to make a video. ❤️
Hi Sanyu. My name is Cindy. My daughter and I saw you today. Her name is Hope and she turned 5 yesterday. She says 'Hi' to you. We live in Oklahoma in the United States. It is nice to meet you.😊
Hi Cindy and Hope! Sanyu is happy to say hi to you. Sanyu means JOY in Luganda, so we have happy to have friends that have special names like hers, Hope and Joy are so close to the same thing!!
So good to see a video from you. I deleted my Facebook and Instagram and I am so glad I did. Thank you for letting us know how your doing. Yes they need the real Jesus amen!!!
Oh Katie!! I'm sorry I ditched you!! It just got so overwhelming and I have LOVED the hours I have back in my brain and my life! But I've missed you! Please email me at thegracefullmama@gmail.com and catch me up on you!
I hope you keep making videos😊😊😊🌸🌸💐. Just a couple of days ago I stopped using instagram and Facebook too. I felt I was comparing my life to other people's lives.
So nice to see you back! I have been feeling the need to simplify and re-think priorities and here is this video. And I agree 100%...people need Jesus, not an American version of Christianity. Not all American believers are off-track, of course, but there are many churches that are.
I love your heart ❤️ What God is doing through you is so inspiring Also, I love what you said about how the Christianity of American culture is not the Christianity of the Bible, please do a video about that, if you're able.
Hi Joy! So appreciate you! An awfully personal question...you do not need to reply. I was curious if you changed your mind about going grey? When you had Instagram I thought I recalled you making a choice to go grey. 💜
Wonderful to see another video from you!! I have kept my Facebook, but culled it severely. It is now only real friends & family & groups I wish to interact with. Everything else I unfollowed. I have never had Instagram or Twitter or the rest. I agree with you about people needing Jesus, not western Christianity. I think we have moved a long way from the example Jesus set for us in the Gospels. I also seek to live a simple life and I thrift pretty much everything (clothing, furniture, housewares). I take care of what I own, but try not to let anything own me.....
Hi Joy, I am trying to reach you. I would like to help you fund more children in Uganda to go to school. Where is the GoFundme or some method for me to send you money? I felt a strong tug in my heart this month to send money to your cause.
I thought of something I wanted to ask you.....could I possibly write you a letter and send it in the post? Hopefully by my profile photo on the left here that you recognise who I am. Katherine.
Girl, yes, it shows up as you! Post takes forever, but I'd love to get mail!! My address is Joy Forney c/o MAF PO Box 1 Kampala, Uganda :) Also, if you ever have time please email me at thegracefullmama@gmail.com I've been missing you!! :)
Your talks are always humbling! $50 for a kid to go to school! We (Americans) blow $50 on nothing and don’t even consider what could be done with that $!!
