Joy

Still thinking about the January 1940 edition of the Leo High-Lights newspaper. These kids put a lot of work into it. Advertisement from the entire area, also Fort Wayne. They distributed it to all schools in the area. They made a real difference to the people of our community

There are many things that students can contribute to their home towns and their area. Western Ohio has beautiful small towns, and soil from the Black Swamp, some of the most fertile ground in the world. I enjoy writing in the West Bend News, and getting to know the Steiners. As you know I started writing after I retired, which was a fur piece ago. 

I enjoy writing and I sincerely hope you get a bit of enjoyment reading. I’ve been wondering if Jesus ever laughed. Jesus was a high priest, and the priests were known for being sober people. What was it like to be around Jesus. Yeah I found at least six references of Jesus being joyful. We know he attended weddings and parties. 

I still remember the first Bible verse I learned. It was John 10:10 “Jesus wept.” He had emotions just like you and I. In Hebrews 12, Jesus sacrificed himself, for the joy set before him.” In Matthew 18 He rejoices. In Acts 2 and Psalms 45 he had gladness. John 15:11, that my joy may be in you.”

Joy is an important part of the Christian life. My King James Bible talks about joy over 200 times. But perhaps this is different than partying all night. This is real satisfaction, the peace that passes understanding. This is truth and love and a good life. This is the true Joy I get out of writing and getting to know the publishers of West Bend.

We are living in a chaotic time. Perhaps every time in history has been a chaotic time. Perhaps we are either adding to the chaos or helping to solve the problem. Being of the older set, I see many places where young people could help. Look around and see if there’s something that you, or your group could do. You won’t have to look for to find a problem that you might be able to help.

—James Neuhouser