Dandelion blowing in the wind

Pennies from Heaven

I found a penny today, just laying on the ground; But it’s not just a penny, this little coin I’ve found. Found pennies come from Heaven, that’s what my Grandpa told me; He said that angels toss them down-Oh, how I loved that story!” He

Dandelion blowing in the wind

Joy in the Moment

My partner and I watched as our two youngest daughters were baptized on a calm, warm summer day. The music played, the quartet sang and the minister shared with us about renewal and rebirth. We watched with a peaceful calm in our hearts as they

Dandelion blowing in the wind

Joy Does Not Come Easily

Joy does not come easily. The day begins with the caller I.D. warning against picking up the ringing phone. The breakfast bowl sees measured portions – rations – of store brand cereal and milk. Miss the bus. Spend the day with unhappy customers. Ensure bus

Dandelion blowing in the wind

A City of Joy

You can see almost anything in my town. You can see poverty and plenty, sorrow and happiness, but my town is seldom known as a place of great joy. It is a place where people work, live, and perhaps celebrate, but it usually not simply

Dandelion blowing in the wind

Untakeable, Unshakable Joy

So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (John 16:22) This great promise comes from the lips of Jesus Himself. So many people in our world do try

Dandelion blowing in the wind

Joy in Joyless Times

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind:

Glasses resting on Bible

What Do You Say?

Garden of Grace United Church of Christ, Columbia, S.C.  Readings for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Luke 17:11-19 Let’s begin this morning with a little song: If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands If you’re happy and you know

Old-style microphone

Episode 16: ‘Asphalt Jesus’ Author Eric Elnes

Read the related article The sixteenth podcast, or “Godcast” from Whosoever: An Online Magazine for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Christians, features an interview with Eric Elnes about his new book Asphalt Jesus: Finding a New Christian Faith Along the Highways of America, which chronicles

Child laughing holding Bible

The Taxi Driver and the Minister

A minister dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy who’s dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter addresses this guy, “Who are you, so that I may know whether or not