Monthly Archives: February 2026

For forty days we ponder. We ponder the suffering of our Lord Jesus. We ponder the love that led Him to that cross. We ponder His unfathomable love for us. We begin Holy Week walking more slowly. We contemplate our … Continue reading →

Holiness and humanity are one and the same in the eyes of God. Our humanness is transcended in a way by our holy nature. Real matter is in and of this world, i.e. our mortal selves. Maybe a movie reference … Continue reading →

Our Lord gives forgiveness freely, but feeling truly forgiven sometimes comes much harder.    We may have hurt those around us, even people who loved us.  The years have passed and we think those matters have been buried long ago.  Yet … Continue reading →

Can you read Hebrew (the Old Testament)? Can you read Greek (the New Testament)? Can you follow along and understand the King James version of the Bible? For many, the versions with “thee” and “thou” twist not only their tongues, … Continue reading →

Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day which comes wrapped in red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and sentimental cards. It is a sweet reminder to share the “I love you” message to those we treasure most in our lives. It warms … Continue reading →

“Immediately” is the translation of the word that describes the actions of Simon, Andrew, James and John to Jesus’ request for them “to come follow me.”   Immediately, they jumped out of their fishing boats, left their families and jobs and began to follow Jesus. … Continue reading →

Among the advantages of growing up in Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, was that February 12, Lincoln’s birthday, was a holiday.  One of my vivid childhood memories is watching an artist mold a bust of Lincoln out of clay as … Continue reading →

What does itsy bitsy teeny weeny bring to mind? Maybe the childhood rhyme for children about the itsy bitsy spider or perhaps the teen song about the itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini, the song by Bryan Hyland. ( I stood … Continue reading →

Looks like a course you might take! In the Joy family reality, it refers to our oldest member, Grace Hanson. She lives at The Bridge. Her husband Arnold died on her birthday, New Year’s Day 2024. They were married 77 … Continue reading →

Making medical appointments and calling the pharmacy are two things that I do often.  They’re also among my least favorite tasks.  It’s that “Please Hold” message, followed by loud and often unpleasant music.   And then we wait and wait. This … Continue reading →