Habits That Secretly Steal Your Joy (And How to Stop Them) Part 2

Podcast Summary

Ever wonder why your joy feels stuck—even when life’s not that bad? In this episode, I share three sneaky ways we sabotage our own joy (and peace!) without even realizing it. From everyday comparison to being controlling or allowing ourselves to be controlled, we dig into the habits that quietly erode our spiritual and emotional well-being.

This episode is the second in a two-part series, so if you missed last week's episode you'll want to listen to that conversation, too!

These two episodes are about awareness and simple, powerful shifts backed by Scripture. I share real-life stories, including one involving the moment I was confronted by my own need to control. (Spoiler alert: you might recognize yourself in my story!) and practical tools to help you reset your mindset and renew your joy.

If you’re ready to stop the joy stealers in their tracks, this one’s for you. Let’s grow together!

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones.

Xo,

Donna

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!  And be sure to rate and review the podcast so more listeners can find helpful Christian content just like this. 

Listen in to learn more:
(00:17) Breaking Free From Comparison and Control

(13:44) Finding Freedom From Comparison and Control

 

Donna’s Resources:

 

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

 

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

 

Donna’s speaking schedule:

 

https://donnajones.org/events/    

Habits That Secretly Steal Your Joy (And How to Stop Them) Part 2 Podcast Summary
Ever wonder why your joy feels stuck&mdash;even when life&rsquo;s not that bad? In this episode, I share three sneaky ways we sabotage our own joy (and peace!) without even realizing it. From everyday comparison to being controlling or allowing ourselves to be controlled, we dig into the habits that quietly erode our spiritual and emotional well-being.
This episode is the second in a two-part series, so if you missed last week's episode you'll want to listen to that conversation, too!
These two episodes are about awareness and simple, powerful shifts backed by Scripture. I share real-life stories, including one involving the moment I was confronted by my own need to control. (Spoiler alert: you might recognize yourself in my story!) and practical tools to help you reset your mindset and renew your joy.
If you&rsquo;re ready to stop the joy stealers in their tracks, this one&rsquo;s for you. Let&rsquo;s grow together!
And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones.
Xo,
Donna
Don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe so you don&rsquo;t miss a single episode!&nbsp; And be sure to rate and review the podcast so more listeners can find helpful Christian content just like this.&nbsp;
Listen in to learn more: (00:17) Breaking Free From Comparison and Control
(13:44) Finding Freedom From Comparison and Control
&nbsp;
Donna&rsquo;s Resources:
&nbsp;
Order a copy of my new book -&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
It is available anywhere books are sold&ndash; here is the link on Amazon.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you&rsquo;ll want a copy of my book, <a href="https://seekmeetinggod.com/">Seek: A Woman&rsquo;s Guide to Meeting God.</a>
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!
&nbsp;
Connect with Donna&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.donnajones.org">www.donnajones.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Donna&rsquo;s speaking schedule:
&nbsp;
<a href="https://donnajones.org/events/">https://donnajones.org/events/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged.

Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you.

 But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

That's Just What I Needed Podcast

If you’ve ever had a conversation where you’ve walked away thinking, “Wow! That was just what I needed”, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor’s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving “that’s just what I needed” conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she’ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna’s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

If you&rsquo;ve ever had a conversation where you&rsquo;ve walked away thinking, &ldquo;Wow! That was just what I needed&rdquo;, you know you felt encouraged, learned a thing or two, laughed, and maybe even felt a bit challenged. Author, national speaker, and pastor&rsquo;s wife, Donna Jones provides life-giving &ldquo;that&rsquo;s just what I needed&rdquo; conversations to help you know, love, and follow God in the midst of real-life--the one with daily demands and crazy cultural chaos. Sometimes she&rsquo;ll welcome a guest we can learn from; sometimes the conversation will be just her and you. But, Donna&rsquo;s hope is that each conversation will be exactly what you need.

That's Just What I Needed

Habits That Secretly Steal Your Joy (And How to Stop Them) -  Part 2

Have you ever looked up and thought, Where is my life going… and am I even living it?

In today’s episode, I’m kicking off the new year with a powerful reminder: you can be busy and still be disconnected—from your purpose, your people, and even from God. 

Through the lens of scripture, we’ll identify what matters most when the noise dies down. 

If you don't want to miss your one and only life, listen in!

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about noticing more, slowing down, and living the life God intended.

Xo,

Donna

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Listen in to learn more : 
[0:02:20] The Foundation: Relationship with Jesus
[0:04:00] Loving God and Loving People
[0:07:30] The Value of Time and Living with Intention
[0:09:29] Practical Steps for Intentional Living



Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website:  www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule: https://donnajones.org/events/   

Have you ever looked up and thought,&nbsp;Where is my life going&hellip; and am I even living it?
In today&rsquo;s episode, I&rsquo;m kicking off the new year with a powerful reminder: you can be busy and still be disconnected&mdash;from your purpose, your people, and even from God.&nbsp;
Through the lens of scripture, we&rsquo;ll identify what matters most when the noise dies down.&nbsp;
If you don't want to miss your one and only life, listen in!
This isn&rsquo;t about doing more&mdash;it&rsquo;s about noticing more, slowing down, and living the life God intended.
Xo,
Donna
And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>. And don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe so you don&rsquo;t miss a single episode!
Listen in to learn more : [0:02:20] The Foundation: Relationship with Jesus [0:04:00] Loving God and Loving People [0:07:30] The Value of Time and Living with Intention [0:09:29] Practical Steps for Intentional Living 
Donna&rsquo;s Resources:
Order a copy of my new book -&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
It is available anywhere books are sold&ndash; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">here is the link on Amazon.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you&rsquo;ll want a copy of my book, <a href="https://seekmeetinggod.com/">Seek: A Woman&rsquo;s Guide to Meeting God.</a>
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!
&nbsp;
Connect with Donna&nbsp;
Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Website: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.donnajones.org">www.donnajones.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Donna&rsquo;s speaking schedule: <a href="https://donnajones.org/events/">https://donnajones.org/events/</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

Don’t Miss Your Life: How to Live With Intention

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/0e36479b-231e-4791-a1ca-b3d1013cb425/transcript

If you’re in a challenging season—or walking alongside someone who is—this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this hopeful and honest episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jeannie Jones to talk about their new book, How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Living With Hope While Making Sense of Life. Together, they share the real-life pain that shaped this message (cancer, miscarriages, foster care, and ongoing health challenges), and the seven anchoring truths they repeat to each other when suffering feels overwhelming.

This episode is full of steady, biblical comfort—without clichés—and it will help you reframe suffering through the lens of eternity, hope, and God’s character.

If you're hurting, this episode is your lifeline.. Don't miss it! 

 

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Xo,

Donna


Listen in to learn more : 
[0:04:22] Personal suffering story 
[0:07:35] The 7 truths they repeat during suffering: 
[0:11:42] Truth journals (remembering God’s redemption): 
[0:16:32] “You don’t know what tomorrow will bring”: 
[0:17:22] Fix your focus (looking at Jesus): 
[0:23:36]Why suffering produces endurance → character → hope (Romans 5): 
[0:26:43] Eternity changes the scale of everything 

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my latest book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

 

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.

 

Connect with Clay and Jeannie

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ 

Website - https://clayjones.net/ 

Purchase the book   -https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT 

 

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: www.donnajones.org    


Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/ 

If you&rsquo;re in a challenging season&mdash;or walking alongside someone who is&mdash;this conversation will meet you right where you are.
In this hopeful and honest episode, I sit down with Dr. Clay Jones and Jeannie Jones to talk about their new book, <a href="https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT">How Does God Use Suffering for Our Good? Living With Hope While Making Sense of Life</a>. Together, they share the real-life pain that shaped this message (cancer, miscarriages, foster care, and ongoing health challenges), and the seven anchoring truths they repeat to each other when suffering feels overwhelming.
This episode is full of steady, biblical comfort&mdash;without clich&eacute;s&mdash;and it will help you reframe suffering through the lens of eternity, hope, and God&rsquo;s character.
If you're hurting, this episode is your lifeline.. Don't miss it!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>. And don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe so you don&rsquo;t miss a single episode!
Xo,
Donna
 Listen in to learn more :&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">[0:04:22] Personal suffering story&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:07:35] The 7 truths they repeat during suffering:&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:11:42] Truth journals (remembering God&rsquo;s redemption):&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:16:32] &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know what tomorrow will bring&rdquo;:&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:17:22] Fix your focus (looking at Jesus):&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:23:36]Why suffering produces endurance &rarr; character &rarr; hope (Romans 5):&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">[0:26:43] Eternity changes the scale of everything&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Donna&rsquo;s Resources:
Order a copy of my latest book -&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
It is available anywhere books are sold&ndash; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">here is the link on Amazon.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you&rsquo;ll want a copy of my book, <a href="https://seekmeetinggod.com/">Seek: A Woman&rsquo;s Guide to Meeting God.</a>
&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to deepen their confidence in their faith.
&nbsp;
Connect with Clay and Jeannie
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWymIngKlc1CtKBZ4aMLCHQ</a>&nbsp;
Website - <a href="https://clayjones.net/">https://clayjones.net/</a>&nbsp;
Purchase the book &nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT">https://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/books/how-does-god-use-suffering-for-our-good-9780736992237/?srsltid=AfmBOoqAUBs3q3Pf-0zQ_Xc3Y0z8NYWvM2TFRFPGxOQtrfUZaxtIrxIT</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Connect with Donna&nbsp;
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.donnajones.org">www.donnajones.org</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 Donna&rsquo;s speaking schedule:
<a href="https://donnajones.org/events/">https://donnajones.org/events/</a>&nbsp;

When Life Gets Hard: Finding Hope in Suffering with Clay Jones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/18f9c446-5fad-417e-843d-b3cb00355c63/transcript

As we step into a new year, I wanted to do something sacred and intentional—pray Scripture over you. 

In this special episode, we walk through powerful biblical prayers from Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Numbers, explaining why these prayers matter and how they shape a faith-filled life. These aren’t rushed or performative prayers; they are grounding, relational, and deeply personal. 

Prayer isn’t about getting God to cooperate with our plans—it’s about deepening our relationship with Him. This episode offers peace, clarity, endurance, and blessing as you begin a new season, anchored not in resolutions, but in God’s Word and presence.

May God bless you and keep you. May He direct your every step. And May God fill you with His peace as you step into the new year, my friend.

Xo,

Donna

And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at @donnaajones. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode!

Listen in to learn more : 
(03:20) – Why every new beginning should be undergirded by prayer

(08:45) – Grasping the depth of God’s love changes everything (Ephesians 3)

(14:30) – God brings to fruition what faith prompts (2 Thessalonians 1)

(20:10) – Praying for wisdom, endurance, and spiritual strength (Colossians 1)

(27:40) – Receiving God’s blessing, peace, and shalom for the new year (Numbers 6)

Donna’s Resources:

Order a copy of my new book - 

Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret. 

 

It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon. 

If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.

It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!

 

Connect with Donna 

Instagram: @donnaajones    

Website: 

www.donnajones.org    

Donna’s speaking schedule:

https://donnajones.org/events/    

As we step into a new year, I wanted to do something sacred and intentional&mdash;pray Scripture&nbsp;over you.&nbsp;
In this special episode, we walk through powerful biblical prayers from Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Numbers, explaining why these prayers matter and how they shape a faith-filled life. These aren&rsquo;t rushed or performative prayers; they are grounding, relational, and deeply personal.&nbsp;
Prayer isn&rsquo;t about getting God to cooperate with our plans&mdash;it&rsquo;s about deepening our relationship with Him. This episode offers peace, clarity, endurance, and blessing as you begin a new season, anchored not in resolutions, but in God&rsquo;s Word and presence.
May God bless you and keep you. May He direct your every step. And May God fill you with His peace as you step into the new year, my friend.
Xo,
Donna
And remember, I'd love to connect more on Instagram, where you'll find me at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a>. And don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe so you don&rsquo;t miss a single episode!
Listen in to learn more : (03:20) &ndash; Why every new beginning should be undergirded by prayer
(08:45) &ndash; Grasping the depth of God&rsquo;s love changes everything (Ephesians 3)
(14:30) &ndash; God brings to fruition what faith prompts (2 Thessalonians 1)
(20:10) &ndash; Praying for wisdom, endurance, and spiritual strength (Colossians 1)
(27:40) &ndash; Receiving God&rsquo;s blessing, peace, and shalom for the new year (Numbers 6)
Donna&rsquo;s Resources:
Order a copy of my new book -&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
It is available anywhere books are sold&ndash; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating/dp/1400243998">here is the link on Amazon.&nbsp;</a>
If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you&rsquo;ll want a copy of my book, <a href="https://seekmeetinggod.com/">Seek: A Woman&rsquo;s Guide to Meeting God.</a>
It&rsquo;s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!
&nbsp;
Connect with Donna&nbsp;
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/?hl=en">@donnaajones</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;
<a href="http://www.donnajones.org">www.donnajones.org</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Donna&rsquo;s speaking schedule:
<a href="https://donnajones.org/events/">https://donnajones.org/events/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A New Year Covered in Prayer: Letting Scripture Shape Your Next Season

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/d36f6fa5-b03a-4a47-ada4-b3b8011efc7c/transcript

Habits That Secretly Steal Your Joy (And How to Stop Them) - Part 2

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