Monthly Archives: May 2025

Yes, Lord!  These words come so easily in times of joy. We celebrate the birth of a new child; yes, Lord – this is a preciousl moment.  We pause to gaze at a particularly beautiful sunset – once again, yes … Continue reading →

I believe it’s possible to be both. It does not have to be an oxymoron. Here at JOY!, we crafted a vision to be “a spiritual community sharing Christ in a challenging world”. This is what the “nones” and the … Continue reading →

She sat at the curb in the early morning, perched on a small suitcase. Packed and ready to go, she waited. She was my daughter and she was only five. Her Grammy had invited her to visit for a few … Continue reading →

My two sons both have Biblical names: Timothy and Andrew. ( I love their names without shortening them to Tim or Andy.) Are you familiar with the name Silas?  At our church, our Music Director’s name is Silas.  I knew his was … Continue reading →

Each Thanksgiving we share a very special day of hopefully expressing our gratitude for all we have been given. This does not mean that we shouldn’t do this every day of our lives, but perhaps Thanksgiving reminds us we should. … Continue reading →

It’s been a busy couple of weeks with Easter, concerts, company and other tasks that took up not only physical time, but time in my head. So, this week starts a cool down period before we leave for the north … Continue reading →

Every pastor has had this happen. Ten minutes before the service starts, you’re trying to pray with the assisting minister and two rambunctious acolytes. Someone rushes up shouting, “Pastor, the toilet is overflowing in the ladies’ room!” What are you … Continue reading →

Disney and all its many avenues of entertainment spell magic and success. In Disney’s movie, Toy Story, an award winning song was “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” explaining the relationship between Woody and Andy and the toys of this … Continue reading →

Most of us know someone who is depressed. Hopefully we have progressed beyond such unhelpful sayings as “snap out of it”, “count your blessings”, “get involved” or “you don’t realize how good you have it”. They need presence, even if … Continue reading →

“Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”  Psalm 29:2 The beauty of God’s holiness – just thinking about these words is an overwhelming experience.  There is no end to … Continue reading →