Sometimes, doing exactly what we want is the path to destruction. But sometimes it’s the path to joy. I don’t feel like writing a blog post today, so I will be brief. I’m much more joyful this holiday season than I have been for a while. I’m not really sure why, but that’s how I feel. Other people are not …
Joy in a Time of Tension
For some, Christmas is a joyful time; for some, it is not. Amid the lights and parties, there is a lot of pressure to be happy, to wear a smile whether you feel it or not. There is also a lot of stress with buying presents and decorating and travel. Everything has to be just so. It has to match …
Rejoice! (Plus: A Note from the Board!)
People might not guess that I suffer from depression because I laugh a lot. In fact, I know a lot of depressed people who laugh a lot. Perhaps a bleak outlook makes us really appreciate the moments of joy. We wring out every drop. This week of Advent is dedicated to joy. As I’ve mentioned, Advent is a time of …
Tears and Laughter
One of the traditional purposes of the church is to proclaim the word of God. Judging by current trends, maybe that’s harder than one would think. My preaching professor told us a story of a young minister who found out ten minutes before a service that he would be filling in to preach. He had never preached before and certainly …