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
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
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
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:
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
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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
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
A Pagan died and, much to her surprise, found herself at the Pearly Gates facing St. Peter. He walked up to her and said, “Hello, and welcome. She stared at St. Peter in complete confusion. “Wait a minute,” she said. “I was supposed to end
Reading for All Saints Day: John 11:32-45 Jesus received a message that Lazarus was sick. Jesus did not leave immediately to see Lazarus. He waited for two days before going to see Lazarus. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead and buried for