Monthly Archives: February 2016

“We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.”  This quotation appeared on a plaque on our grandchild’s Facebook page some time after their 2 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia.  It … Continue reading →

This Wednesday is Family Fun Night.  Family Fun Night is a small group from JOY that gathers each month for food, faith talks, and fun.  At January’s Family Fun Night, I asked the group how they would summarize the gospel … Continue reading →

Sometimes we get caught up in worry about what will happen to us.  We get so distracted by the storms in life and focus on the rising waves that we don’t see Jesus standing right in front of us with … Continue reading →

Even though this is Friday, and it was Pastor Ed’s day off, I still planned to post.  Unfortunately, I had technical difficulties getting the post out.  Sorry for the delay! One of the joys of living in the country is … Continue reading →

ORDINARY DAYS February 4th isn’t anything special. It’s not Valentine’s Day or President’s Day or even National Pickled Herring Day. In the church calendar it’s nothing but Thursday after the fourth Sunday after Epiphany. It’s an ordinary day in ordinary … Continue reading →

Have you ever woken up with a song in your head?  Today I have the song “I’d Rather Have Jesus” in my head.  The words are: “I’d rather have Jesus than Silver or Gold, I’d rather have Jesus than riches … Continue reading →

I heard a story years ago about a man standing in front of St. Peter at Pearly Gates. The man was overcome with excitement, jumping up and down and rubbing his hands together. As Saint Peter let him through the … Continue reading →

Yesterday we said farewell to our beloved pastor, and today Pastor Ed begins his retired life.  It is a time for change at JOY Lutheran and, as you know, Lutherans are notoriously unhappy about changes.  We are a church of … Continue reading →