I recently did this very popular episode on joy. The topic came up because some lovely ladies were watching my video series on youtube. They submitted several questions that were pretty stellar. Below, as requested, are the written answers that we address in the podcast. This is my email response.

Wow.  Such great questions!  I love this.  

Taking into consideration that, in terms of defining words, the buck doesn't stop with me. Definitely an elusive word or idea, like Hope or Faith. Perhaps all the very best things are difficult to put in the box of only one word .  But in my brain, here's how I believe it all to be:

Why must we homeschool with joy? I'm going to place this question again after I've answered the others.

How do you define joy? Father Mike Schmitz defines joy as an abiding sense of well being.  I feel that joy is the "human emotion" manifestation of beauty.  To choose to seek living in contentment and peace and see the good.  

Is it the same thing as happiness? In my vocabulary, happiness is a feeling.  Joy is an attitude.  For example...a clean house makes me happy.  Joy finds the happiness, regardless of the state of the house.  So joy is not sought, nor does it wash over us like happiness.  It is cultivated and chosen. It is not to be grasped at, but comes in the letting go.  

Is it a virtue to be cultivated or perhaps, the result of virtue bravely cultivated?   I don't consider joy in and of itself a virtue, but so accurate, of virtue bravely (or perhaps diligently, cheerfully, constantly practiced in small ways, of an openness to letting the Holy Spirit be a part of every moment, decision, judgement, reaction.  

Why did you choose it? At least above all other words, such as....order, peace, simplicity, or holiness. Perhaps this is the very best question.  Because joy can exist where there isn't order, peace, simplicity or holiness.  It is a result of being okay with what's happening, or who we are in this very moment in time.  It seems to me that joy is the sum total of these things.  Order and simplicity can exist without joy.  Peace and holiness are joy's partners, mentors, mentees.  Sometimes we come to understand and practice "holiness" before we understand "joy".  But the further down the path we go on either of these things, we will stumble over the other. 

Why must we homeschool with joy?  Consider the alternative: homeschooling without joy. If God wants us to love him and be filled with His peace, what kind of example are we giving if we are joyless?  We shouldn't just homeschool with joy, but accept all that is with joy, whether that be housework, hosting, discipline, eating a meal, juice on the floor or any crisis you can imagine.  But that is a journey.  We have to start small.  Also, for me, when I speak the word "homeschooling" it is a direct translation of "mothering" or "fathering."  I homeschool, I raise my kids - it's the same thing.  And finally, because Our Lord desires this for us:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. —James 1:2-3

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. —Romans 12:12

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! —Philippians 4:4

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” —John 15:11

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. —Isaiah 49:13

 And now, I have a few resources I'll share (because you need more...haha)

I hope this helps to clarify some of my ideas!

Do something that brings you joy.

Something that brings you joy, part two.

Joy and kindness are simply good habits.

Building resilience, cultivating joy.

Surprised by Joy, CS Lewis

Love and blessings to you and yours!  Bonnie