| When I saw this video online a couple of weeks ago regarding a group of dads in Louisiana it resonated deep within me. I strongly believe that the absence of a father’s presence and love has a traumatic impact on children. I believe many of our societal issues would be resolved if we could resolve the issues of fatherlessness. Many of the teens we’ve worked with here at The Joy House have suffered because of the lack of a father’s love.
I’m filled with hope when I see the actions these dads took and the results. It is simply profound. When they stepped in, not only did it benefit their own children, but all of the students in this high school were encouraged, protected, held accountable, and order was restored. None of this is to discount the role of a mother, but so many times it is the father that is absent. Both a father and mother are instrumental to the complete development of a child. We need strong fathers and men in our lives.
For my fellow fathers out there, please realize your importance to your own children and how badly they need your love and encouragement. Please also realize the profound impact you can have on children who are missing a father. This is the reason we see God’s heart in scripture for the orphan and fatherless. We need the love of a father.
Please take time to view this short video below and may you be inspired and challenged to make a difference like these dad’s did. May their tribe increase.
|
|
| It was a picture perfect day at Bent Tree Golf Course on Tuesday October 19th as we gathered for our annual golf tournament. We broke records this year for the number of sponsors who supported this year’s event. Because of their generous support we realized more funds to continue sharing Christ’s hope and healing with those we serve. Let me share a few of the highlights from our day.
A new wrinkle for this year’s tournament was a $10,000 prize hole for a Hole-In-One. No one holed it this year, but it added a level of excitement. We had some of the best prizes ever for our contests, raffle, and door prizes. We gave away a great putter & driver, had some great door prizes for local restaurants and entertainment, and of course The Big Green Egg. There was genuine joy and excitement for our friend who won the Egg.
We’re blessed to have many sponsors and teams who support this event year after year. We are truly grateful. We recognized all of our sponsors the week leading up to the golf tournament and just after on our Facebook page. I hope many of you will go there and see the great companies that support The Joy House and consider supporting them.
I’d like to specially recognize our high-level sponsors once again. Special thanks to Southeast Restoration Group for being our Presenting Sponsor. We’re also grateful for these other high level sponsors: Flag Sponsors – NJ Wilbanks Contractor and North Georgia Christian Academy, Bag Sponsor – DayStar Apparel, Towel Sponsor – Kiker Wealth Management, Hole-In-One Sponsor – Cheshire Heating & Air, and Putting Contest Sponsor – Woodstock Church – Jasper.
You can experience our day through pictures by following the link below to pictures from the golf tournament.
We host our golf tournament every year in October. If you’ve never participated I hope you will consider joining us next year to Tee it Up for Teens.
|
|
| In most cases, kids screaming at the top of their lungs indicates there may be an emergency or serious issue; however, when you’re all at the local fair, those sounds are expected and even welcomed! The girls’ house went to the Cumming Fair earlier this month and could not have had a better experience. Lots of rides, shows and good food filled the day with amazing weather to cover it all.
Upon attending the magic and illusion show, R.C. got to be part of the act as a volunteer! As well, she loved riding the Cyclone, though as with any good fair ride, it made her just a little sick as she stumbled away from her seat. R.F. loved the circus, particularly the dog show where she was amazed at how they jumped through hoops. She also thoroughly enjoyed the trapeze act. J.W. enjoyed riding the bumper cars, a classic staple of any fair or carnival. We also saw displays and shows such as the Native American Village, where the girls got to see authentic Cherokee historical sites, as well as viewing Native American tools used by the Cherokee and learning how those items were made. The petting zoo had a variety of animals, including several breeds of chickens (some looking most bizarre), as well as llamas, turkeys, goats, horses, pigs and more. Wolves of the World was also entertaining and educational as the audience learned about a variety of wolf breeds and the positive impacts these animals have on the environment when their numbers are protected.
The girls beat the heat throughout the day with slushies and lots of water, as well as a lunch break under the shade of a tent. With a drink on the way out of the fair that afternoon and having had a day full of fun and fresh air, we couldn’t call the experience anything other than perfect. We very much enjoyed our experience at the Cumming Fair and can’t wait to go again! |
|
| We’re excited to welcome Heather McGinty to our staff as a counselor in our Counseling Center. This is special for me because Heather was a part of the youth group I led 20+ years ago at Talking Rock 1st Baptist when God was shaping and birthing the vision of The Joy House. I had the privilege to baptize her and officiate her wedding. She has pursued a career in Christian counseling and I’m delighted circumstances have worked out for her to become part of our team here at The Joy House. She is a great fit to our established culture.
Please read more about Heather in her bio below.
Heather joined our team in 2021 as a counselor in the counseling center. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Kennesaw State University in 2006. She later received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University in 2018. In her undergrad, Heather worked as a Juvenile Probation officer in Cherokee County for 4 years. Postgraduate, Heather has gained experience working in the Private Practice setting as well as the Public School setting as a Community Based Therapist.
In her youth, she received an invitation to Talking Rock First Baptist from a friend. It was there that she started her walk with the Lord, was baptized, and where she first heard of Steve Lowe’s vision of the Joy House. Since that time, Heather has grown in her walk with the Lord, and she has developed a passion for helping those in need.
Heather has been married for almost 16 years. She and her husband, Andrew have two children. Heather and her family are active in their church, always looking for ways to serve. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, running, and hiking. Heather has a compassionate and friendly presence, which helps those who are hesitant to try counseling feel more comfortable and at ease. |
|
|
|
|
