
Get Involved
Use Your Grace Gifts!
How has God gifted you? Where do you feel His gentle nudge to love one another? His Spirit’s tug to get involved? We are always #BetterTogether. Use your grace gifts! Get involved in Chronic Joy today.

WELCOME! WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
At Chronic Joy, we believe every life is vital, precious, and purposed, created by God ‘s Hand and for His glory – every single one of us a treasured masterpiece, together, the Body of Christ on earth.
We also believe that we are always #BetterTogether. Life with chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, or disability can be challenging and difficult navigate. That’s why we are called to live it together.
Use whatever gift you’ve received for the good of one another so that you can show yourselves to be good stewards of God’s grace in all its varieties.
(1 Peter 4:10 VOICE)
Jamie Ivey wrote, “Our gifts are given to us by God in order to serve those around us.”
There is no hierarchy of gifts, each is, instead, a single facet of the infinite grace of God woven into the DNA of His people. Together, we are the Body of Christ. Together, we reflect His glory and grace.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
(Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
WHAT ARE YOUR GRACE GIFTS?
How has God gifted you? Where do you feel His gentle nudge to love one another? His Spirit’s little tug to get involved?
ENGAGE YOUR GRACE GIFTS
1. INTENTIONAL KINDNESS...
...is love in action. Pass It On today by:
- Speaking an encouraging word
- Offering forgiveness to someone who hurt or wronged you
- Writing a review for your favorite restaurant, small group, or non-profit
2. GENEROSITY ...
...is a vibrant expression of Jesus living in and loving through us. Be generous with:
- your time
- your resources
- your unique skills, hobbies, or gifts
3. YOUR VOICE
Did you know that from the comfort of your own home, you can record audio tracks for Chronic Joy posts and page content?
4. #CONNECTBYTEXT
Never underestimate the power of a simple text. In just minutes, you can give the gift of encouragement. Remind someone today that they are cared about, prayed for, and dearly loved.
5. PRAYER
The Prayer Pond is our safe harbor and a precious invitation from God. Today, we warmly invite you to spend a few minutes at the Prayer Pond where you can request prayer and also #PrayItForward for another.
6. WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Brighten someone’s day with a free Chronic Joy Printable. More than 100 to choose from! Grab the link or download, print, and mail a Printable to a friend or loved one.
7. A HEART OF COMPASSION
The word compassion literally means to suffer with or to suffer together. Chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability can leave us feeling isolated and alone, but compassion begins In the Midst of Grief. Spend some time with the wonderful resources on this webpage and then check out our free printable, Verses to Comfort & Encourage.
8. PRAYER SHAWLS
Do you knit or crochet? Prayer shawls are blessings of community, kindness, comfort, and compassion, stitched with prayer and gifted to those who are struggling with illness, pain, anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, or grief, as well as those who are hospitalized, recovering from surgery, or facing prolonged treatments. We offer free downloadable patterns for prayer shawls and face cloths.
9. COMMUNITY
Community is where we learn to “love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22 NIV). What does that look like in everyday life? Start with Radical Community then download our 33 Biblical “One Anothers.”
10. WHAT'S IN YOUR POCKET?
When we each give what we have – willing hands, a skill, hobby, or knowledge, our voice, our time, prayer, or financial resources, together we are bolder, braver, and stronger, and together, God multiplies the impact one precious life at a time. How will you give today?
11. FORGIVENESS
“Forgiveness,” writes Pastor Laurie Brenner, “is an essential ingredient for joy.” Not sure how to strengthen your forgiveness muscle? Our Ministry of Reconciliation printable is a great first step!
12. ACCOUNTABILITY
Becoming an accountability partner is a powerful Kingdom-building and community-cultivating gift. Step beyond the familiar framework with #StepRepPray and Megan Willome’s post, Workout Buddy and Prayer Partner.
13. ASK GENEROUS QUESTIONS
Asking generous questions takes courage, curiosity, and a gentle tenderness, but it also connects us in transformational ways. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got several free printables: Questions of Jesus, 76 Questions for Couples, and Ask Generous Questions.
14. OFFER A SMILE
“Small actions of love are the very definition of humbly serving one another,” writes Pamela Piquette in Love in Action. There’s no better place to begin!
15. DONATE A BOOK
Do you know someone who would be blessed by Discovering Hope, the first book in Chronic Joy’s Thrive study series? Through Gift of Hope they can receive it as our gift, completely free of charge.
16. WRITE A REVIEW
Write a review for your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, small business, Etsy shop, book, blog, podcast, radio show, or non-profit (like Chronic Joy).
17. SOCIAL MEDIA
Share your favorite Chronic Joy posts and spread a little compassion, hope, and joy on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Pinterest. Know someone who’s in need of a little encouragement? Tag them!
18. SHARE YOUR STORY
If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story, we’d love to help. Story Matters is filled with thoughtful questions and helpful tips to get you started. And if you need a little more inspiration, check out Build An Ebenezer.
19. LEAVE A THANK YOU NOTE
Thank your mail carrier, garbage collectors, health care professionals, or neighbors. Looking for a little gratitude kickstart? Download Discovering Gratitude.
20. INVITE A FRIEND...
...to be your Gratitude Buddy.
Author Kara Tippetts wrote, “Gratitude protects our hearts in the midst of suffering.” Link arms with a friend and text, message, or email each other one (or more) things you’re grateful each day. Need a little inspiration? Start with A Grateful Heart and 10,000 Reasons.
21. VOLUNTEER
Dust off your grace gifts and let us know what you love to do and how you’d like to be involved – one time or on-going – from the comfort of your own home. Not sure how to get involved? Connect with Us! Tell us what you love to do, and we’ll brainstorm with you!
22. FRIEND-RAISING
Host an in-person or virtual gathering of friends, neighbors, co-workers, your sport’s team, or small group, and:
- #StepRepPray – Run, walk, climb, bike, dance, swim, jump rope, or hula hoop in someone’s honor or for someone who can’t and let them know.
- Write #PenToPaper notes for those who need a little encouragement in your community or for the growing Chronic Joy community.
- Knit or crochet prayer shawls, face cloths, or bookmarks for our Kindness Boxes.
- Help Us Build Kindness Boxes – Invite participants to donate lotions, chocolates, candles, notepads, pens, and other small items to add to our Kindness Boxes
23. CELEBRATE...
...our young people (children & tweens)
- Donate $6 – One fun-filled envelope for one precious Little
- Donate $12 – Exciting and engaging activity sheets
- Donate $50 – Shareable stickers for our Littles and their friends
24. PASS IT ON
- Do you know of a great book, blog, podcast? Let us know!
- Do you the parents or grandparents of a child, tween, or teen diagnosed with chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, or disability? Let them know about our #PenToPaper program. (Sign-up for You Get Mail! Safe, secure, and free for all participants!)
YOU are our why, the reason we do what we do. We are always #BetterTogether!
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. (Colossians 1:3)
In kindness [God] takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. (Romans 2:4 MSG)
Hover over an image for a brief description.
SERVICE IN A BOX

Simply and creatively serve. Everything you need in one box! When chronic illness makes serving in traditional or familiar ways difficult, Service in a Box is everything you need to simply and creatively serve one another in love in new ways. LEARN MORE.
FRIEND-RAISING

Cultivate. Strengthen. Build. It’s all about relationships. Friend-Raising starts with story – with our why – why we give, serve, pray, and invest our time, talents, and resources in the mission and ministry of Chronic Joy®. And the best part? You only need a few good friends to start! LEARN MORE.
PASS IT ON

Making the journey easier for one another. PASS IT ON! is an invitation to pass on the love and kindness of God – making the journey easier for all of us. Write #PenToPaper notes. Share books, blogs, and websites. Knit prayer shawls. Welcome others into the Chronic Joy community. LEARN MORE.
SERVING

Our hearts are wired to serve, because we were created for community. Chronic illness can make serving in traditional or culturally familiar ways challenging, but not impossible. Discover creative new ways to love God and others right where you are, however you are able. LEARN MORE.
PRAYER SHAWLS
Kindness with Every Stitch • Prayer shawls are blessings of community, kindness, comfort, and compassion, stitched with prayer and gifted to those who are struggling with illness, pain, anxiety, depression, loneliness, loss, or grief – a gift to maker and receiver. LEARN MORE.
TESTIMONIALS

Your words can be a lifeline of hope for all of us on this challenging journey through chronic illness. Has Chronic Joy® made a difference? Let us know! And extend a lifeline to someone today. LEARN MORE.
PRAYER MINISTRY

Your Safe Harbor for Prayer. Share prayer requests, updates, and shouts of praise. It’s safe, secure, and always without judgement. LEARN MORE.
VOLUNTEER WITH US!

What are your grace gifts? You’re invited to dust off your grace gifts, take a fortifying sip of courage, and link arms with us in the mission and ministry of Chronic Joy®. Make a difference, one precious life at a time. LEARN MORE.
#PENTOPAPER

#PenToPaper is a heartfelt ministry of time. A gift of hope and encouragement, and a reminder to someone that they are thought of, cared about, and prayed for. LEARN MORE.
VOICES OF CHRONIC JOY®

The Voices of Chronic Joy are a caring and compassionate team of volunteers dedicating to recording website content, and guest posts, to enrich the lives of those we serve. LEARN MORE.
WRITE FOR US!

Chronic Joy® is passionate about story-telling. Do you see hope in the midst of challenging circumstances? Chronic Joy welcomes guest posts that wrestle with the difficult questions those who are affected by chronic illness experience. LEARN MORE.
CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

Become a Chronic Joy® Creative Contributor. Are you passionate about photography, graphic design, or expressing beauty in unique ways? Invest your time, talents, and heart in the mission and ministry of Chronic Joy®. LEARN MORE.


Creative Ways to Serve
Chronic illness can make serving in traditional or culturally familiar ways challenging, but not impossible. Discover creative new ways to love God and others right where you are, however you are able.
Identify Creative Ways to Get Involved
- What’s in your hand? What skills, hobbies, gifts, or abilities do you have or can you already do?
- What are you passionate about?
- Who can you pray for?
- Who can you encourage?
- When have you felt most deeply connected to God?
- Where did you find your greatest joy as a child?
- What brings you joy today?
- When do you sense God’s pleasure?

Creative Ways to Connect
Looking for creative ways to connect with others as you unpack the Chronic Joy studies? This FREE printable does just that and more!

BLOG POSTS
Kintsugi – Beauty from Brokenness
In kintsugi, the bowl’s brokenness becomes its beauty. Like this art form, God restores our brokenness through the crimson blood of Jesus.
Tiny Raindrops
I love to serve and be available for God, but over the past few years, there have been some necessary changes due to my illnesses. It frustrates me that what I am now able to offer seems like just a tiny raindrop. But I’ve come to see that our tiny raindrops of service can be like a crashing waterfall to God.
Crochet with a Purpose
I call my hobby “crocheting with a purpose” because when I crochet something as a gift, I pray for the recipient. With every stitch, I pray.
BOOKMARK IT!
Order a supply of Chronic Joy’s bookmarks and:
- Tuck them into Little Free Library books in your town or neighborhood
- Slip them into library books ready to be returned
- Include them in #PenToPaper notes, cards, or letters
- Use them as decorative gift toppers
- Gift them to each member of your book club in honor of World Read Aloud Day (February 3), International Book Giving Day (February 14), or International Literacy Day (September 8)
- Give them to your small group
- Surprise your neighbors or co-workers with bookmarks on World Kindness Day (November 13)
- Include them in retreat or conference swag bags
- Give them as thoughtful momentos to your church members for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
- Use them as decorative place setting gifts at your next holiday gathering
SOCIAL MEDIA
Want to make a difference on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Pinterest? Do you have a half-an-hour a week? Get Involved! #PassItOn! Share a few of your favorite Chronic Joy posts each week and make a difference for those affected by chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability.
SPONSOR A LITTLE SONSHINE!
Sponsor a year of encouraging and engaging #PenToPaper mailings for a child, tween, or teen affected by chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, or disability, and infuse a bright ray hope and dark and difficult days.
START A SMALL GROUP
So many in the chronic illness community feel a deep sense of isolation and loneliness. We’re here to equip leaders to foster relationships, build community, and guide small groups for those impacted by chronic illness. LEARN MORE.
GENEROSITY
When you pray, serve, create, or give to Chronic Joy, you speak hope and life to hearts around the world affected by chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and disability. LEARN MORE.

YOU GET MAIL!

ADULTS
We would love to bless you with inspiring images, encouraging words, and the opportunity to share a little #PenToPaper love of your own with others. Our beautifully-designed packets are filled with encouragement and are always entirely free. Sign up today!

YOUNG ADULTS
Young adults, you’re invited to sign up for free #PenToPaper snail mail designed just for you. Thoughtful, unique, and inspiring packets will arrive in your mailbox throughout the year, inviting you to share the love with others. Sign up today. (Safe and secure.)

TEENS
Teens, you’re invited to sign up for free #PenToPaper mailings designed especially for you. Engaging, edgy, and transformational snail mail will wing its way to your mailbox throughout the year. Sign up today and invite a friend! (Safe and secure.)

CHILDREN & TWEENS
CJ Star and the Sonshine Squad want children to know how much they are loved by Jesus. Engaging characters bring laughter, delight, and sunshine to even difficult days. Parents, SIGN UP your child (and their siblings) for free. (Sign-ups are safe, secure and never shared.)

$6
✨ WHEN YOU GIVE...
SPEAK LIFE each month to one precious person who needs to know they are thought of, cared about, and prayed for with a beautifully designed #PenToPaper snail mail packet.

Sponsor A Little Sonshine!
Join Chronic Joy in sending packets of pint-sized fun to kids around the world affected by chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, or disability. CJ Star and his winsome Sonshine Squad encourage our Littles to be brave and kind, to have fun, keep praying, and try something new.
⭐️ Donate $6 – One fun-filled envelope for one precious Little
⭐️ Donate $12 – Exciting and engaging activity sheets
⭐️ Donate $50 – Shareable stickers for our Littles and their friends

$12
✨ WHEN YOU GIVE...
GIVE HOPE each month. Through you, we are able to provide Discovering Hope free to those who request it through our Gift of Hope program.
