Author E.B. White once wrote: "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it." At the risk of killing off joy, I'd like to do a little dissecting. I've been thinking about the experience of joy, but what exactly is it? Is it similar to happiness or… Continue reading Dissecting joy
One happy Canadian
It's Canada Day here in the Great White North, and thought I'd pass along the "I am Canadian" rant that always brings a smile to my face. I'm not a lumberjack, or a furtrader, and I don't live in an igloo, or eat blubber or own a dogsled. And I don't know Jimmy, Sally or… Continue reading One happy Canadian
My jedi joy master
I don’t pretend to have anything near omniscience, not even down the street from the ball-park of omnipotence, and I’d just wear out my welcome if I was omnipresent, but I do aspire, in a delusional sort of way, towards omni-competence. I like to be able to do a variety of things and do them well; I… Continue reading My jedi joy master
In the company of others
Joy, no doubt, can be experienced alone. I take delight in things Betty doesn’t (e.g. Monty Python's comedy, Bruce Springsteen’s music, skiing). But I’m noticing how joy becomes wider and deeper and richer when enjoyed in community. I simply find joy more frequently with others rather than by myself (when I’m left to stew on… Continue reading In the company of others
Drenched in joy
Today was one of those perfect summer days in Calgary – sunny, slight breeze blowing, hot enough to seek out some shade but not too hot to be uncomfortable. After a winter that gets stretched out over three seasons, your body starts aching to feel the warmth of the sun. And on a sunny summer… Continue reading Drenched in joy
Jack on joy
I'm not sure of anyone who has reflected longer or deeper on joy than C.S. Lewis (aka. Jack), who considered joy "the serious business of heaven." Here are a few thoughts of his on how joy is really a pointer to a greater glory that our lives are meant for. "All joy reminds. It is never… Continue reading Jack on joy
Compassion and gladness
Ever consider the link between compassion and joy? I love how Frederick Buechner knits the two together. He writes that “Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until… Continue reading Compassion and gladness
The joy of …
In 1931 The Joy of Cooking was first published and set off a movement (and publishing boom) of finding joy in the everyday things of life. Below are real titles of books and blogs about the joy of … Cooking (and do invite me for dinner, except if lima bean casserole is on the menu)… Continue reading The joy of …
I believe in mirth
Joy is a matter of faith. We mostly think joy to be primarily an emotion; it does touch our emotions, but only secondarily. Joy is derivative; it flows from faith. So what do you believe about joy? Do you believe a merry heart is actually possible? A lack of joy is often a lack of… Continue reading I believe in mirth
Roughing up kill-joys
I'm sure you've heard the term kill-joy. This past Sunday Pastor Mike's message explored the kill-joy of more (feeling like you never have enough) and comparison. There's a long list of these joy-muggers: fear, boredom, busyness, suffering. What's the big bully of gladness in your life? The picture in my mind of a joy-killer is a skeet shooter, in which a hunter… Continue reading Roughing up kill-joys
Squinch 