Joy Comes in the Morning by Amanda

Most of the things I do—like 99% of them, is because I love to do them. I love the people who are doing it with me. People will say to me—you do too much… and I say, Yes! But I enJOY all the things I do! So, what could I give up?

 Well, I am here to tell you. I am finding the joy in saying no. Full stop. Complete sentence.   

Learning to say “no” and letting it hang out there all alone in its glory is a small kind of superpower. A JOY FILLED super power— Can’t you just see the leotard and cape? With a big N-O screen printed on the front? 

I love my book club. And we have never read a book. 

However, I think we need more book clubs. We need to read words that will challenge us and THEN we need to talk about it. And zoom and the internet has made this pretty easy to do. 

Join me! Let's read and talk!

But also- find some joy in a book club that never reads books (refer to podcasts on wine and going out to lunch!)

Today’s seating chart that I am talking about is the brain child of Dr. Brene Brown. 

 She is a genius. And a researcher on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. She is courageous and strong; honest and authentic. I have enjoyed everything that I have learned from her and I strive to practice her teachings.

 Especially her teaching about the seating in the arena.

There is JOY in lunch. There is joy in good friendships… and put it together?!? My Oh My! Here’s to the ladies who lunch!

"The Ladies Who Lunch," by Stephen Sondheim from the musical, Company.

Walk--not to close the rings on your watch, but to notice the footprints. To draw closer to nature, your self, to God...

Guest author today, Rev. Stacey Nalean-Carlson! You can read more of her poetry, sermons, and more at www.staceynaleancarlson.com

With the joy of the playlist you can listen to songs that take your brain on journey from 5th grade circa 1988…. to the College Years… to some rap and back again… The playlist is the best—only 2nd to the Mix Tape. 

Today… March 17. Today our 17th podcast! Luck of the Irish, I tell you!

I have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green… drinking green beer… and attending great parities for years! And I am exactly 0% Irish. 

I love that this holiday is all about a celebration. EnJOY!

Today, March 15, 2021, marks one year since our last in person worship in Trinity's sanctuary. Are we doing the right thing? Does it matter? What matters is that wherever we gather, God shows up. Our JOY is in the presence of God. 

Now that we know Zoom, how can we create opportunities that are safe and comfortable so that more people can participate? How can something like this make conferences and trainings affordable? Reduce time and travel? Even accessible to all physical abilities and health needs… 

 I think that the pandemic… that forced us to zoom… actually has taught us an incredible use of communication and opened doors for support and connection.

And reminds us of the opening credits of the Brady Bunch. (BONUS!)

Inspired by the book 40 days of decrease, by Alicia Britt Cole... she writes, "whereas hindsight helps us learn from the past, regret beats us up with the past."

So this new morning… focus only on the joy… the mercy… the sun.