Category Archives: Uncategorized

“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 →

P.E., physical education, gym class, not my happiest hour in school.  I’ve mentioned my lack of athleticism in my blogs before. I had/have a very good attitude for participation, but coordination for sports wasn’t my “thing.” Eighth grade was a nightmare … Continue reading →

What would we do without the weather to talk about? It always gives us a great opportunity to exclaim in happiness or growl in dismay. I bet that weather is the number one topic of conversation among friends and adversaries.  When I was in the 8th … Continue reading →

I’ve known around a half-dozen missionaries to Japan, all very admirable people. It’s a tough place to work. Christianity hasn’t taken hold in Japan the way it has in places like Korea. It’s difficult to be a missionary in Japan, … Continue reading →

At one of our recent early services I had an unusual first-time experience while receiving communion.  The communion assistant presented the tray to me with the traditional verbiage.  I remember removing the cup of wine from the tray.  And then … Continue reading →

We often find ourselves limited by how much we can alter our environment. The Pastor Art persona sees this in worship. Some are putting that sweater around their shoulders while others are fanning themselves. Some like to chat with their … Continue reading →