Your greatest joy
As you look back over your life, what gives you the greatest joy? I saw an interview in which an old pastor described his final interaction with an old pastor…
Sympathy +
“I’m so sorry.” “I’m sorry for your loss.” “You have my sympathy.” I’m sure you recognize those statements, and you can probably picture a very common setting where they are…
No fear of bad news
You can’t escape it. Bad news is everywhere. Open the newspaper or turn on the TV, and the bad news will come at you with full force—about the economy; a…
You are forgiven
A woman distraught over her sins finds Jesus’ love and forgiveness at the cross. She sits across from me. Hunched over. Shoulders slumped. Hands covering her face. Sobs convulsing her.…
WELS podcasts: Little Things
Podcast: Little Things Hosts: Amber Albee Swenson, a Time of Grace writer and blogger Description: “Amber Albee Swenson will help you navigate through some of life’s challenges and struggles by…
Live in Easter joy
The hope and joy of Easter is for us as we live in this turbulent world of sorrow and pain. At some point, our lives will return to normal. That…
The old has gone, the new is here!
“[Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we…
My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital
A hospital stay during Christmas helps a pastor focus on real Christmas joy. “Please, Lord, please let next Christmas be different.” On Dec. 12, 2020, I was admitted to the…
Don’t turn away
Journeying with Jesus to the cross is not a pretty sight. It’s uncomfortable. It’s necessary. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. As a school-aged girl, I attended a passion play with family…