The heron took pride of place at the lake this morning. A cool breeze ruffled the blue cornflowers. I listen to the birds calling as I gaze out my window at roses and echinacea and perennial geraniums. Our standard hydrangea tree is just beginning to bloom by the driveway. Yesterday I was treated to visits
Read More“Troubled and helpless,” is the description that resonates with many of us today. That is how Jesus saw the crowd, according to Matthew, and was moved with compassion. Are we also feeling like sheep without a shepherd? That leadership has failed us. I see us, sheep milling around in confusion, unable to make decisions or
Read MoreHearing the same message from a totally different source is always a welcome confirmation for me, both that what I heard is true and that the Holy Spirit is working in God’s people everywhere. So when I saw the excerpt from yesterday’s Center for Action and Contemplation meditation in my inbox, I felt the yes of extending Sunday’s
Read MoreI’m thinking about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. And Elijah. And you, me, us. Jesus and ministries. Our baseline needs are physiological. Food first. God started with Elijah’s hunger- feeding him through ravens, through the widow, through the messenger baking fresh flatbread. Jesus’ relationship to food- his hunger, provision, and thanks- identified him to his followers.
Read MoreI should have read a little further in Elijah’s story. Last week I wrote: solitary with the ravens, pandemic pod with the widow, return to public work. The Lord’s victory over the prophets of Baal through Elijah was resounding. After persistent prayer, the rain returned; the drought was over. But Elijah didn’t ride off into
Read MorePerhaps I was holding my breath. Our transition back into a fully functioning social world is still in process. During the pandemic, we were isolated, like Elijah alone by the Cherith Brook, where the ravens were commanded to feed him. God planned this place of safety, providing for Elijah’s sustenance during the drought. But isolation
Read MoreIn God’s sight, the earth had become corrupt and was filled with violence. The Lord regretted making human beings on the earth, and he was heartbroken. Genesis 6:11&6 In the time of Noah, God was moved to action by the situation humans had created. Our hearts are also broken by corruption and violence. In today’s
Read MoreThinking about the diverse ways that people meet Jesus and live out the gospel faithfully. From mending nets to collecting taxes to chariots to desert roads to prayer meetings by rivers to jailers and earthquakes. This poem speaks of these different roads in our own time. May we recognize and celebrate each journey with Jesus.-Renée Two Couplesby
Read MoreI realized that I am excited. And that I haven’t felt this way in… awhile. God is on the move and invites us to come along. With new musicians and building improvements, the scent of possibility is in the air. Adventure is one name for this journey; we are called to be part of something much
Read MoreOne of the joys that I no longer take for granted is the resumed opportunity to reflect together on the scriptures- what I missed, what revelation transpired, how others heard differently. The process of community wrestling with the message is priceless. We teach each other, receive correction, learn new ways, and go forward changed by
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