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. 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...