“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder works in vain.” Ps. 127: 1 We are busy people. We just finished our glorious Easter Celebration AND the Spring Yard Sale. The Mother’s day Tea is this month. Vacation Bible School is just around the corner. And practically right after that is the Heritage/Homecoming Sunday on […]
“Oh, Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made…” How Great Thou Art, UMH #77 Driving up the coast road. What a blessing to be so close to the ocean. The great ocean. What is that song? I Hope You Dance: “I hope you still feel small […]
“My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Psalm 22: 1 Having just tried Several times to fill out and print an application for health insurance, and not being successful either in sending it in via email, nor in printing it out, I have given up. Again. I expect I’ll have health insurance (thank […]
“I can do all things, through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) It’s been a whirlwind couple of months: two Annual Conferences, both with their own struggles and triumphs. Two powerful Children’s programs, week-long, loving, Christ filled, fun, intensive. Nearly overwhelming. But I know that when I turn my life over to God; when I […]
No wonder so many of us are at the ends of our ropes. Reminded of the Message version of the Beatitudes: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” This actually translates from the Greek like this: “Blessed are the […]
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God…” (Romans 8:28) There is a saying in America, an anonymous saying that is not actually in scripture, (that I know of), that says, “There is a reason for everything.” In Ecclesiates there is a scripture that says, “To everything there is […]
“Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28-30) It’s […]
“The heavens are telling the glory of God.” (Psalm 19) The seasons are changing. Even here, in this most serene of places, there are changes. The air is cooler at night. The days are a little shorter. There is more moisture in the air: God willing, there will be rain enough to heal the land […]
“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?,” (Mt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22), with the story of the Prodigal Son. That loving story with these words of despair from the cross? How do they fit? Jesus was a great teacher. Even from the cross, He taught. He taught that as the psalmist did, […]
“Woman, here is your son…Here is your mother.” (John 19:26d, 27b) Family. Adoption. Belonging. “Woman, here is your son…Here is your mother.” Jesus’ loving words from the cross. The lectionary scripture of Luke 13: 1-9, about people dying horrible deaths, may seem to be unconnected: “Do you think these people were worse sinners than any […]