Hello, my name is Joseph Thiessen (pronounced TEE-sen). I'm not a prolific writer, but I enjoy putting my thoughts into words from time to time. This blog is a collection of my personal writings, interviews I've been part of, and occasionally, pieces that catch my attention. As someone with a passion for technology, growth in my Identity in Christ, and music, I find joy in exploring a wide range of topics. Feel free to explore and discover what resonates with you. While comments are not typically enabled, I welcome your kind thoughts and feedback. If you'd like to share your insights or discuss any of the content, you can reach out through the Contact Me page on my website Joseph's Jams . To get started, I recommend checking out some of my favorite posts, such as God's Healing through a Stick of Gum? , God Encounters at Waffle House , and Deja Vu of the God Kind . Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy your time here!
When reflecting on how to prepare for lonely days—whether it’s a long weekend, a holiday, or an afternoon after church—my mind races in a thousand directions, considering all the reasons why loneliness is such a challenging emotion. Wisdom (and practical advice) offers many ideas and resources on how to occupy our minds, time, and energy. It would be wise to compile a list of solutions in advance—before sadness deepens into self-pity or depression. As a 55-year-old single man whose parents have recently passed and whose closest connections are now married and starting families, I find that my resourcefulness must be more targeted than ever. This stands in contrast to my teenage years through my late thirties, when I had a wealth of single friends readily available for hangouts, camping trips, and other activities. How we envision and experience Jesus can have either a net-negative or net-positive effect on our relational stability as we mature. For instance, if I don’t challenge my bel...