Lent 2015: things that make me laugh

I love to laugh but some days it's hard.  We all have days like that I'm sure. I guess that's what makes us human.  Tears and laughter sit side by side in this emotional roller coaster of life. Send in the clowns please. May the rain turn to sunshine. For all of you feeling sad may God send a rainbow, a promise of his favour. May we laugh together again soon.

An Adventure through Lent: joy!

Today is the start of Lent. The start of an adventure! Would you like an adventure or shall we have tea first? Tea is a good thing as it makes us pause and rest for a while. It’s always good to take stock, to look back, and to reflect. It’s also good to laugh at the absurdity of it all. There is lots to laugh about in life but we seem to become much too serious if we are not careful, or is that just me? I’ve been known to dress up as a white rabbit and invite people to church for a Mad Hatter’s teas party before now. It was an induction service where I officially became minister of the church, often a solemn occasion. I wasn’t not taking it seriously I just wanted the community to come and to have fun. Start as you mean to go on as they say!

Last night my comedy writing course classmates and I put on a show. It was a theatric reading of the scripts we had written. I got to play the parts of an estate agent who liked dressing up as a bear, a psychiatrist with some very strange clients, a patient who was advised to make and eat shepherds pie to help with their alcohol addiction, and Henry VIII! Today I found out Henry VIII was crowned at Gloucester cathedral. 

I’ve been reflecting recently about why church has got so serious. There has to be more room for laughter in our services. It’s not about entertainment it’s about being fully human. Jesus laughed. God laughs. I like to laugh a lot! My happy place is fooling around. It’s how I like to connect with people. We are created to experience joy. Philippians 4:4 says, ‘rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!’ Galatian’s 5:22 reminds us that joy is one of the fruit of the spirit. So where’s our joy? What are the things that bring a smile to your face and make you laugh? So often Lent is about giving up things but what about taking something up? What about taking up something that brings you joy and makes you laugh? 

Are you a JOMO?

I learnt a new word today, well acronym, JOMO ‘the joy of missing out’. It’s a good thing. It means being happy with what you are doing. It’s opposite being FOMO, ‘the fear of missing out’. I’m definitely more a JOMO. Being a Jo it seems very apt. I’m quite happy with my own company and have been known to miss the odd party in favour of time home alone watching well, Home Alone. OK, well maybe not that particular film. Actually, I watch most types of films except horror. 

I was asked my favourate film once at an interview. My response was Predator, the original 1987 version with Arnie Schwarzenegger, who along with his team of commandos, is tracking down an Alien who is not easily seen. Do watch the film if you haven’t seen it. It’s one of those films I have to watch if it comes up on TV. I passed the interview despite my dodgy choice. I made them laugh anyway. I should point out here that the interview was part of the selection and discernment process for Baptist Ministry. God moves in mysterious ways! The best part comes at the very end when the alien starts laughing. I’m sure the film prepared me well for ministry. Laughter and the ability to blend in are probably more useful than being able to fire a M134 mini gun. Although there are times….. 

I love to laugh! Singing, laughing, and walking are my stress busters. I have been known to do all three at the same time but more commonly not. So what makes you happy? 

Photo every day, Lent 2016: joy

Today's theme is joy. I have been trying to focus on the good things in life and what brings me joy so it seems a good topic to me. I hope the photo makes you smile..