Do you ever look out the window in amazement at the trees, wondering how they know to grow and become? I do. Do you ever look in awe at the various shades of green that encompass your backyard, grateful for many hues? I do. Do you ever get the urge to look up and then… Continue reading Earth
Tag: spiritual
Resurrection
Thursday evening during the Holy Thursday service we sang Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy. This line stood out to me: “Come ye weary, heavy laden, lost and ruined by the fall; if you tarry till you’re better, you will never come at all.” Jesus didn’t spend time with those who had it all together… Continue reading Resurrection
Knowing
Yesterday Bob Goff posted this quote and image on Instagram: This got me to thinking a little more about the reality of what Jesus experienced during those last few days. Sure, I’ve heard the story every year – I know the order, I know who did what. But today I’m thinking about him – about… Continue reading Knowing
Reflections
I intended to write about our travel day yesterday, but when I started writing in my journal this reflection came forth. I think this is sufficient for today's reflections. Sitting on the balcony -- ocean breeze keeping me comfortably cool from the sun's rays rising over the ocean -- palm fronds bending to and fro,… Continue reading Reflections
Abundance
Spring is progressing along nicely here in Indiana. We had that false spring in February that concerned me a bit, but I think we’re finally into the real thing now. On Tuesday, it was so beautiful out, I couldn’t resist getting my hands dirty for an hour or so. I decided it was time for… Continue reading Abundance
Turn
We don’t have a fenced in backyard, so for the last two-and-a-half years we take Denali out on a leash each time she needs to go out. Since I’m usually up first, I take her out most mornings. We go out the basement door, cross the deck and into the backyard. Often I just stare… Continue reading Turn
Sorrows
Since returning from my sabbatical, I’ve started sitting in the back of the sanctuary. For the 8.5 years prior to that, I sat in the middle section in the first third of the sanctuary. It feels strange sitting in a new pew, in a different part of the space. But, at the same time, it… Continue reading Sorrows
Anointed
When I started in my position at North as youth minister almost 9 years ago, I kept some of the traditions but also added my own touches. One of the “sacred cows” of their youth ministry is the Lenten retreat. Every year in early March all of the youth – 6th-12th grade – go on… Continue reading Anointed
Retreat
I imagine that for many people, when they hear the word “retreat” they think of relaxing in a quiet space for reflection. I think of that too. But the reality of “retreat” for me is work – very little relaxing, even less quiet space and, if I’m lucky, some reflection. Why? Because when I go… Continue reading Retreat
Marked
…did you not know what the Holy One can do with dust? So let us be marked not for sorrow. And let us be marked not for shame. Let us be marked not for false humility or for thinking we are less than we are but for claiming what God can do within the dust,… Continue reading Marked