Monthly Archives: December 2019

This will not be what you are thinking or what you expect. Our Gracious God must know that we are inimitably weary of the world’s salacious news. First, a disclaimer, a mea culpa. I am slacking off today. The bulk … Continue reading →

On our liturgical calendar we are in the middle of the Christmas season, about halfway to Epiphany on January 6th. Yet in our homes the Christmas season may look a bit different. The gifts have long since been opened, the … Continue reading →

My Nana, born of German immigrants, made some yummy, memory-sticking foods. Her Pennsylvania Dutch chicken corn soup, stuffed cabbage, beef pot pie,and corn fritters were wonderful tummy fillers, I often try to replicate. Chicken Corn Soup, I have mastered. StuffedCabbage … Continue reading →

Here during Christmas time, my dearest canine friend died. Trudy was over 15 and one half years old and with me all those years. As I shared here before, she brought me through my own battle with cancer years ago … Continue reading →

Remember that question when you were a child, riding in a car with no idea of where you were going or when you would arrive? Remember your own children asking that question or even a friend who was riding with … Continue reading →

The commemoration of St. Stephen, the first martyr on the Day after Christmas always seems out of place. There is a legend that December 26 was the day when the relics of St. Stephen were discovered in 415. Maybe so. … Continue reading →

Every now and then we at Joy Lutheran will use “This Little Light of Mine” as a closing hymn, and when we do, everyone leaves the sanctuary joyful, happy, and ready to meet the week ahead as Christian witnesses. The … Continue reading →

As I think about today and what this “Christmas Eve” day means I have so many different memories and thoughts going through my mind. During my childhood, as I remember it, Christmas Eve was a happy time with family together, … Continue reading →

We’re so close to Christmas. Tomorrow night we will light our candles and reverently contemplate that holy birth in Bethlehem. So close, but not yet time. Think of Mary, almost ready to deliver her child, but not quite. Think of … Continue reading →

There is no way that I’m the only one who does not enjoy the automated answering messages I receive when trying to contact a company/bank/office for assistance. Finally reaching a “live” person sometimes takes many minutes or longer. The long … Continue reading →