Tag Archives: joy

Friday the 13th in Living Color!

Posted on June 13, 2025 by mitchteemley

Friggatriskaidekaphobia means fear. Not fear of pronouncing the word wrong–that’s inevitable–but fear of Friday the 13th. Many people actually avoid leaving their homes on this infamous calendar date. In a sense, in order to avoid the imagined darkness outside, they embrace … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Popular Culture & Entertainment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Running the Race Set Before Me

Posted on June 1, 2025 by mitchteemley

It’s true, Jesus is my hero. But he’s so much more than that. And, yes, I’m aware that some (non-historian) people believe he never existed. Or that he was only loosely based on an obscure, deluded rabbi. And then later … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Wishing You a Tasty Cinco de Mayo!

Posted on May 5, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week I confess, I’m a gringo. But I grew up in Southern California, near enough to take daytrips into México. Plus, I always had enough friends with big Mexican families to get a taste of—and for—south-of-the-border culture. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

This Is the Meaning of Life

Posted on April 27, 2025 by mitchteemley

I don’t usually get choked up over doctrinal statements. But the first time I read this summary of the purpose of human life drafted by the Westminster Assembly, a gathering of English and Scottish clergy in 1646, something in me … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Is This the Mother of All Colds?

Posted on April 8, 2025 by mitchteemley

Today’s episode of My Real Memoir has been interrupted by Reality One-Oh-No. My wife and I returned late last night from what should have been a joyful trip to L.A. And it was. Sort of. We attended our niece’s wedding … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Memoir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 90 Comments

What Our Creator Has Prepared for Us

Posted on March 23, 2025 by mitchteemley

How much bigger than what we can imagine is what our Creator has prepared for those who love him? There’s a simple formula, actually. Did you see it? It’s… a  x  b  =  c a (what we can imagine) times … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Behold, What Manner of Love

Posted on March 2, 2025 by mitchteemley

I considered my smallness, and said, “Lord, I am nothing. Who am I that You should even notice me?” And a still, small voice answered, “You are the one who asks the question. And that is not nothing.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Quips and Quotes, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Four Steps to Becoming a Superhero

Posted on January 15, 2025 by mitchteemley

1) Choose the right costume (very important). 2) Wear costume no matter how hard it is to put on. 3) Practice being super every day. 4) Choose a Super-name no one else has (very important). Have a Super Year, friends! … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Quips and Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

A Christmas That Lasts Forever

Posted on December 26, 2024 by mitchteemley

Most westerners think of the Christmas season as the period between late November and December 25th. But technically that was Advent. The season of Christmas begins on December 25th. Does it matter? Yes. The reason is in the words themselves: … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Merry Christmas From an Insensitive Boob!

Posted on December 25, 2024 by mitchteemley

When I say Merry Christmas in public, I’m often rewarded with an Oh, that’s right, your generation doesn’t know any better look, and a corrective “Happy Holidays.” Just for the record, I do know better. The Christmases I grew up … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Religion/Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 70 Comments