Blog posts by Joseph Thiessen

  Arriving soon in my contacts mailboxes is my latest update newsletter, and soon, I will be emailing those on my list that the PDF is available.  For those not on either list and would like to be, please use the link below to let me know, and I'll make sure you get my updates as they become available. Subscribe to Joseph's Jams

But [Jesus] said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” Being a man having 47, XXY, I have encountered a number of temptations to believe I was less than masculine. While I didn't know about my genetic disorder until after I turned 40, something about my body invited me to think of myself in this way. My goal in writing this isn't to invite answers to where these thoughts came from, rather, I hope to bring to light that a special grace from our Creator is present to help us. While our experience of life is slightly different than other men (in our bodies, in our minds), God has made special provisions for us in scripture, letting us know that we are esteemed in His eyes. Not so that ...

My First Video Update I've made a short 5 minute 29 second video as my update. It encapsulates an overview of 2020 through now. I've had other really cool things happen that I haven't included in this video but hope to do another one soon. If this format works for the majority of us, I may continue to use it. I welcome your kind feedback. (Yes, I know I'm a bit of a dry, even-keeled speaker.) Pray I can learn to be a bit more upbeat. Thank you for taking the time to watch! ( Click the image to watch. )

  Joseph Thiessen struggled for years with a severe pornography addiction, oftentimes even questioning his salvation due to the severity of his addiction and dependence. But in this episode, Joseph shares not only how God is delivering him from its controlling grasp, but how he found a whole new way to see God as our true Heavenly Father. Interview by Love & Truth Network Podcast via: Apple | Youtube Music | Spotify

One summer when I was elementary-school aged, my mom needed to talk to dad who was working in the fields on the tractor and, being our mailbox, a mile from home would be close by we’d get the mail while out too. When we arrived, the mail hadn’t come but she asked if I would like to wait at the mailbox for the mailman while she walked the short distance to where dad was in the field. I gladly decided to stay at the mailbox and wait. Soon enough, the mailman arrived. In addition to giving me the mail, he offered me a stick of gum. What kid wouldn’t accept that?! I opened the wrapper and didn’t hesitate to fold the tasty stick into my mouth. Once the mailman pulled away and I was alone, shame and guilt came over me like a heavy weight. “How could I be so selfish?” I thought. A ritual between my mom and I was for her to offer me a stick of gum but she would rip one in half. One for her and one for me. When the guilt and shame came over me, I realized that I never thought of my dear mother....

  Year In Review What a year 2022 has been for both the ministry of First Stone and for me. FSM's Highlights God's Voice Conference in April - Oklahoma Leaders On Fire at the State Capitol - Oklahoma Family Under Fire Conference - Idaho Multiple speaking engagements in and out of Oklahoma Support Group runs through the end of May 2023. Joseph's Highlights December '21 - January '22 - Home re-piped for natural gas. (Emergency expense) January - October - I participated in a 12-step support group through my church called Re:Generation . While it's quite different than the groups FSM does, I really loved it and have developed friendships with men from my church. April - With a major expense behind me, I hired a contractor to fix my back entry/utility room foundation. Thankfully, it wasn't terribly expensive and I'm glad I didn't try to tackle this myself! I prefer their solution over what mine would have been. The rest of the work I wanted them to do ...

  PERSONAL UPDATE GRIEVING & FAMILY Most of you already know this but my mom passed away on February 12 of this year. While I’m grateful she’s no longer suffering in a frail body, I miss her sorely! She had a rapidly growing cancer that spread throughout her body. Afraid of dying, she submitted peacefully to the doctor’s bad news that there was no more therapy for her. Just a week before passing, God made a way for her to share something on her mind. Her room was filled with visitors and quickly became empty with only Stephen Black present. She propped herself up and confessed that her pursuit of physical health came before her pursuit of making Jesus her first love. Stephen’s unique familiarity in comforting those who are grieving made him the perfect person to pray with her. She asked the Father for forgiveness and His presence filled the room and them both. It was a strong witness that the Father indeed forgave her and was there for her in her own regret and sorrow. ...