Monthly Archives: April 2026

In preparing the Spiritual Gifts Class, I read an article “The Four Needs”  by Ken Haugk, the creator of the Stephen Ministry that we use at Joy.  He writes: “Why do people join congregations? What do members need from their … Continue reading →

I recently had a learning experience that has revealed one of my faults. I have a hypothetical list of people that I have labeled freeloaders. These are people in my judgment who: only want to talk and rarely listen, only … Continue reading →

When you think of certain cities, you think of certain foods. Chicago has their hot dogs, and woe be to the one who tries to fake one by forgetting not only the toppings but the order in which they go! … Continue reading →

Perhaps you’ve heard this saying, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough proof to convict you?”  It’s a thought-provoking question.  Is our faith merely professed or genuinely lived out?  Governments throughout history have ruled … Continue reading →

One of the most rewarding moments from my teaching career was watching the “light bulb go on” when a student “got” the math concept we were learning.  My heart filled and I actually felt joy. It was wonderful knowing I was … Continue reading →

One of the most rewarding moments from my teaching career was watching the “light bulb go on” when a student “got” the math concept we were learning.  My heart filled and I actually felt joy. It was wonderful knowing I was … Continue reading →

We live in a world that teaches us to hide our weakness. Strength is praised, independence is admired and if we appear vulnerable, that can be mistaken for failure. Weakness is a hard thing to be happy about. Because weakness … Continue reading →

  Jesus greeted his disciples with this salutation when he appeared in the locked room after His resurrection on the third day. These were the first words that He said to them. Then he repeated them again and added “As the Father has sent me, so I … Continue reading →

“I read in a book that a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about.” Those are the word of Toyohiko Kagawa, (1888-1960), a Japanese … Continue reading →

It was seven years ago that the world looked on in shock as the 850 year old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris was engulfed in flames. The cathedral, the work of medieval craftsmen and artists, was beloved by the French people … Continue reading →