Joy in the Morning describes the pilgrimage of Ann Marie Jernigan from her successful pursuit of a career in musical theater through a heartrending family crisis involving spousal abuse, divorce, and the death of a daughter born with physical and neurological disorders. Ann repeatedly cries out to God for answers as she struggles through periods of spiritual turmoil and doubt. Ultimately, her faith is restored when her perspective on life becomes God-centered rather than self-centered. It is then that she discovers God’s plan for her life.

Life for the main character, Daniel Howard, begins with his birth in New Orleans in 1902. His father is a prominent Methodist preacher from a successful and influential Creole family -"the Howard's." the family motto is, "work, save, educate." His mother operates a no-name school for children who cannot attend regular school during the day. His paternal grandmother, Grandma Howard, chiefly commands the Howard family business interests. She is extremely color conscious, preferring the lighter hue and Creole heritage. In his pre-teen years, Daniel Howard is often in trouble for being sighted on Bourbon or Basin Streets tap dancing and yearning to play the piano in the blues clubs and juke joints. Through his lens the reader is introduced to his view of New Orleans to include, the lively scenes in the French Quarters; Mardi Gras; Voodoo; Congo Square; and, life in a vibrant port city among many other experiences. His maternal grandmother, "Nana", heads the maternal side of his family. Nana is a widow and illiterate and resides in a tin roofed former slave cabin outside of New Orleans. She is an extremely religious woman and ekes out a meager living as a maid. She is also the local midwife, and tends to the sick with herb potions. She still grieves that her son, Lester, was dragged from her cabin one dark night and lynched. After graduating from college, he is recruited to teach in a small-impoverished town in the Mississippi Delta where despite his hopes and desire to make a difference, hardships and humiliations await him and his new bride, Miss Emma.

The Joy In The Morning And A New Day Begins is all about healing, positive thinking, joy, encouragement, inspiration, the awareness of autism, peace, faith, hope and love. In this collection the author has combined a variety of poems, some old and many new ones for all to read. Along with the variety of poems the author gives her testimony what inspired her to write. She shares her story about a time that impacted her life greatly that involved her son with autism and two police officers, and how it empowered her to advocate for a statewide training program for police officers to be aware of and recognize persons with special needs. Readers will be truly inspired by this collection of poems. In the poem "Thank you For This Day" the author expresses about healing and begining again. Other familiar poems are "Gathering Stones" "A New Day" "Accepting" and many more. In the poem "The Child That Plays Alone" the author invites you to her personal experiences living with autism as she pleads for a better understanding of her sons uniqueness. Also in this collection the author has a chapter of poems she has dedicated to family that includes "Daddy" "Bryan" "Mother I Thank You." Poems that the author shares about inner peace includes "Gods Peace" and "The Joy In The Morning" and many more. And there are poems the author shares about peace and love in the world includes "What Matters Is Love" and "A Time A Season And Always Love." As you read this collection of poems, may it inspire you to read over and over again, encourage you to share with others and bring you that "Joy in the Morning" we all long for, to have for each and every moment of each and every day. The authors desire hopes is that this collection will bring joy, peace, and much love to all those who read it, and most importantly touch many lives all over the world.

An updated bestseller with expanded content to help women begin and end each day with joy. Every woman could use daily inspiration, and this beautifully packaged devotional offers enough for an entire yearùtwice a day! Each morning offers a devotional thought from bestselling women authors such as Sheila Walsh, Beth Moore, and Lysa Terkuerst, and the evening follows with applicable scriptures to complete the day. Deluxe leathersoft packaging and encouraging content make this book a great gift for women any time of year. This collection of devotions and scriptures addresses relatable topics that women encounter every day such as: changing your focus, paring down your schedule, choosing a positive attitude, serving others graciously, and finding joy in GodÆs love. The beloved original Joy for the Journey sold more than 620,000 copies, and this new morning and evening edition with a fresh, modern cover and interiors is the perfect gift to inspire a new generation of women. Features & Benefits: Fresh, modern cover and interior will bring this devotional to a new generation of women Morning devotions followed by applicable scriptures each evening