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July 2026  by

It’s Not What, It’s Who

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12

When someone asks you what joy is, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Is it a place, an object, or a person? Maybe it’s your pet or your favorite comfort food.

While those things can certainly make us happy, they do not produce everlasting joy, and here’s why.

Your favorite meal can come out burnt. Your favorite vacation spot can close for renovations. The people you love can disappoint you.

Happiness is often determined by what is happening around you.

Joy, however, is different.

Joy isn’t determined by what is happening to you.

It is determined by Who is with you.

Wisdom Shared: Learning From Others

A pastor’s wife and friend of Sheologie, Alyssa Pirolo, shared about the struggle she has faced in choosing joy when life doesn’t go as planned…a struggle I think we can all relate to.

She had us consider David and the circumstances surrounding Psalm 51 as she gently reminded us where true joy comes from.

Externally, David was grieving the loss of his son.

Internally, he was crushed by the weight of his own sin.

His heart was broken over the consequences of his choices.

Yet in Psalm 51:12, David prays: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

The word restore means to turn back or return.

Alyssa beautifully pointed out, “David was not asking for something he never had. He was asking God to restore something his sin had clouded. That means your joy doesn’t have to rise and fall with your circumstances because it’s not rooted in your circumstances. It’s rooted in what Christ has already done for you.”

What a comforting reminder.

Sin, suffering, and sorrow may cloud our joy, but they do not have to steal it forever.

Our joy is secure because it is anchored in Christ and His finished work; not in the changing circumstances of our lives.

Choose Joy

Joy is NOT the presence of perfect circumstances.

Joy IS the presence of God!

No matter what we face, His presence remains our constant source of hope, peace, and joy.

Alyssa challenged us with these questions:

  • What external or internal circumstances am I allowing to rob me of my joy?
  • Is there something I need to confess?
  • Do I need to lean on Jesus for the very first time?

She then encouraged us to ask God to restore our joy and to expect Him to meet us; not just once, but as we continue choosing His presence today, tomorrow, and every day after.

Because, as Alyssa reminded us:
“Choosing joy is seeking Jesus every single day.”

Until next time, shine bright, sisters-
Not for praise, but for the One who saves.
Bailey

About the Author

Hi, I'm Bailey- married to my high school sweetheart, mama to two sweet kiddos, and loving Jesus with my whole heart. My faith is anchored in Him, trusting that wherever life carries me, His hand is always there to guide and hold me (Psalm 139:9-10). As if we were sharing coffee and conversation, I hope that through my writing about everyday moments, you are reminded that God goes before you and is always with you, no matter the season.

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Madison Newcomb

Sheologie Director

Madison was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was a hopeless sinner saved by His sweet grace. Her passion is to see other women's lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sheologie changed her life, and now her prayer is that every woman, no matter their age, finds purpose, belonging, friendship, and their own God-given identity here. Her heart is to minister and love on every woman she crosses paths with. Madison loves walking through gardens and spending time with her soon-to-be husband, Landan. She enjoys trying new coffee shops, and brunching with her friends and family. Madison's office door is always open for a quick "hello", a SoPo coffee run, for prayer, and anything in between.

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Chloe Valdez

Bible Study Coordinator

Chloe was born in Albuquerque, NM. She has a heart for seeing women's lives transformed by God's Word and coming alongside ladies by locking arms and discipling them. God has forever changed her life, and she loves seeing women's lives transformed as well. In her free time, Chloe enjoys playing board games, building Legos, hiking, and spending time with her husband.

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Rayleen Ortiz

Sheologie Special Events & Office Coordinator

Rayleen was born in Las Vegas, Nevada but raised in Albuquerque, NM. She has a passion for seeing woman grow in their relationship with the Lord through His love and mercy. Her goal is to use her God-given gifts of empathy, kindness, and spiritual sensitivity to plant the seed of God's perfect love in the hearts of woman who are lost, broken, or who are struggling to obtain a relationship with the Lord. Rayleen finds joy in spending time outdoors to admire the beauty of nature by discovering new hiking trails or camping with her family.

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Hi, I'm Lenya Heitzig, founder of Sheologie where we encourage women to step boldly into their God-given calling. Whether that’s at home, in the workplace, the church, or wherever God leads, we believe your influence matters.

There is an undeniable art to being female. And I want to personally invite you into something very close to my heart: Sheologie. At its core, Sheologie is a movement of women choosing to live fully alive in Christ. It's a space where your soul can breathe again. A space where we encounter the living God in ways that ignite a holy passion to transform our everything.

Sheologie was born from a desire to create a place where women from all walks of life can encounter truth, beauty, and purpose. Whether you’re searching or struggling, healing, or celebrating, we want you to know that you belong here. We believe that God has written something sacred over your life. And we’re here to help you uncover it.

So, what does Sheologie offer? We host Bible studies that dig deep into God's Word paired with breakthrough groups, so you never have to walk alone. Our seasonal events are designed to refresh your spirit.

We show up with purpose on social media to be a light in the scroll, offering truth and beauty in a place that often feels dark. And we'll send you a weekly devo to help you pause, refocus, and lean into God's presence.

There's always space here for worship, laughter, healing, and restoration. No judgment, no performance. Only Jesus.

We've seen lives changed. Marriages restored. Healing begin. Friendships formed. Purpose awakened. That's the power of community. That's the power of God's Word. And that's the heartbeat of Sheologie.

So, if you're wondering if there's a place for you, there is. If your heart's been whispering "there has to be more", you're right. If you’re ready to become all God created you to be, this is your moment. Come with your questions. Come with your faith, or your doubt. Come with your whole, beautiful story. There’s a seat for you. There’s a sisterhood waiting. There's a God already calling you closer. And here at Sheologie, we can't wait to walk with you.

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Destiny Garcia

Social Media & Brand Coordinator

Destiny was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has a heart for encouraging and ministering to women, helping them discover their identity in Christ and reminding them that they are deeply loved, seen, and valued by God. Through creativity and the gifts God has given her, Destiny hopes to inspire women to embrace who they were created to be and walk confidently in His love and purpose for their lives. When she has free time, Destiny enjoys reading, working out at the gym, spending quality time with family and friends, and seeking out new adventures and experiences.

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