Sometimes some non-threatening humour can help us explain some different viewpoints to people deeply convinced of viewpoints that seem unproductive, or even dangerous, to us. ole joyful ... the "joyful" added later - forgot to hit "space" first time written, forgot that makes the previous word disappear ... and didn't notice prior to posting (and had to write "posting" again ... as forgot the penalty for not, again). Rats!

It feels somewhat easier to offer kindness and love than to hate if one has enough self-esteem to feel rather comfortable in one's own skin (emotionally speaking, that is). No disparagement intended on folks who have physical skin issues. ole joyful

The minister of the suburban church has been suffering problems with her neck for most of a year and there's a possibility that it can't be treated sufficiently for her to resume her career. Our former minister, who achieved her doctorate prior to her retirement from this congregation a few years ago, recently made a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain and has referred to it on recent Sundays as she led worship. Recently her sermon titles have been "Joy happens when ..." and today's title was "Joy blooms wild and bright" and she challenged us to build on new and worthwhile, interesting ways of living, and to build in joy while doing so. Guess who was paying close attention. We collected a number of gifts for residents of a local housing complex for disadvantaged people, where their chaplain told us that many of the residents come to stay for a while while they are putting their lives back together, then leave to make room for others trying to achieve stability. Good wishes for embracing some rediscovered joy as you journey through this week. ole joyfuelled

A few weeks ago I thought of a humorous message to offer to strangers in public. I tried it when near a line of folks waiting to check out at a small convenience store in my local village. I asked in a voice a bit louder than usual, "Do you know one of the good things about masks that no one ever tells you about?". When someone asked, "What is that?", I replied, "Nobody can see the wrinkles!". There was some laughter and some smiles. I've tried it several times since, usually in the grocery store, sometimes swinging an arm toward them, with open hand outstretched, or sometimes doing a little jump up from the floor. Usually there's some laughter and smiles, and often someone offers a comment. A few have said, "That's a good one! I'm going to use that." "Go for it - it isn't copyrighted". Sometimes a short conversation ensues. A simple stress reliever during a time that's been difficult for many. I'm more fortunate than many: have been on government pension for 25 years, so have not been sweating blood over discontined paycheque, and have lived alone for over 40 years, so have become rather used to that. Can come here and squawk at you folks when I feel pressured: thanks for putting up with that. ole joyfuelled