Tag: Joy
-
Fake It to Make It
“Turn that frown upside down.” How many times have you not felt like smiling, you were mad, vexed, disturbed, sad … ? You just didn’t want to smile. You were NOT happy. But you gritted your teeth and forced a smile. Is it helpful? Will forcing such an expression help your mood? Can you fake…
-
Wonder & Amazement
This time of year is full of wonder and amazement. We are in awe of the lights, the huge displays, the smiles on children’s faces. As I grew, I wondered about the magic of Santa … How does Santa get all around the world in one night? What does he do if there is no…
-
Joyful > Seriousness
To those who read my blog, I thank you. And you personally know the wonderful nuggets of wisdom, deep theological truths, and powerful practical insights that are posted with every – single – post. (Typed in jest, some days I look back and scratch my head as to what was I thinking, lol.) But this…
-
It’s the Most Loneliest Time of the Year, but Only for a While
For many, this is a time of joy, celebration and exaltation. For others, it’s a reminder of how lonely they are. My mother called yesterday. I call her regularly, but she reached out this time. And through the normal chitchat and catch up, she was obviously in a deep struggle with loneliness and depression. Tears…
-
People are Happy and Really Hurting
There are so many joyous things in this world. Things that bring smiles, elicit laughter and make one feel the warmth of the goodness in the world. New born life (My son became an uncle. My youth pastor’s wife had her child.) Job promotions. A kiss from ones’ wife first thing in the morning. Families…
-
Where’s All The Joy Gone?
Have you ever had one of those days? weeks? Maybe even years? You know what I’m talking about – demands at work are piling up, school assignments are past due, your body feels empty of energy, people keep pushing your buttons – or worse, it seems nobody cares. You feel worthless and abandoned – all…
-
Seasons … Which one Are You In?
As we wrap up this year, well, this decade, I shared with some yesterday about seasons. Living in a community surrounded by farmers, they grasp the reality and the importance of knowing seasons. But seasons are more than just weather related. We go through seasons of life too. Dry seasons, stormy seasons, seasons of deluge,…
-
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Some songs have journeys that are amazing. Such is the case for Baby, It’s Cold Outside. This song has had some really big highs and some really big lows. Written in 1944 by Broadway legend Frank Loesser, the original intent would surprise people. It was written to be sung at their housewarming party as the…
-
I’ve Waited for This … the Newest iPhone
I watched the Apple Event. I fiddled with my cracked, scarred, and beat up iPhone 6 as I watched. I pondered if my present phone was jealous … or elated that he could finally be put to rest. And I enjoyed the presentation for the 11. But what was it about the 11 Pro that…
-
Paper Airplanes in Worship
Being a preacher’s kid, church services as a kid were often … underwhelming. It wasn’t the worships themselves, it was the fact I was a kid that got easily distracted. Plus, I had to listen to that preacher all week long (not complaining dad, just saying). So I looked for things to keep my attention.…
Muddy Shoes by Todd 