Blog posts by Joseph Thiessen

The Gentle Work Beneath the Surface I have a CD entitled The Unseen Stream by Troy Donockley. Being an instrumental album, it can be difficult to determine what the artist meant by that title. I think of the unseen stream as being the gentle ever-flowing work of the Holy Spirit. Although his work is gentle, almost unnoticeable, it has much power and is very effective in its purpose. The Changing Rhythms of His Work There have been times in my life when the work of the Holy Spirit was visible, not only to others, but to me as well—more like a raging river, cutting out new places both wide and deep. However, I am in a time when the work is silent and almost invisible. Many people are very familiar with this. It seems boring and at times like God is not really present at all. It is true that as we grow older in relationship with the Father we learn to trust whatever He chooses to do, both in the bold and in the weak seasons. So, I too am growing...

I Am But a Sparrow   I am but a sparrow bound to the world below. I dream of flying above the clouds where my frame could never know. Friends round about mock me in jest. They say I am foolish to long for such a quest.   So remain my eyes, fixed on this world around me. I have begun to accept what everyone else can see. But occasionally I have this thought, which surely cannot be mine. What seems impossible to them might simply be divine.   As a young bird, I would hear my creator say, "Come unto me, rest, wait on me this day." I entered into His presence by perching near His altars. He flooded my soul and cleansed me as would mighty rushing waters.   He gave me satisfaction I could never find through any other. Not through discipline, religious activity, nor even my brother. His attention became my only concern. Or at least that’s what I thought. For further down life’s road, I found out it was not.   Growing older brought numerous surprises. Including losing m...