“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” When I hear this Beatitude, my focus immediately goes to the word “pure.” I think about things like sexual purity, using “clean” language, being honest in business dealings. “Blessed are the pure.” Purity is something of a novelty in our culture. I have a…
Today, February 4, is the birthday of Rosa Parks. I used to have a very romantic idea that she was just a poor, tired woman whose weary legs led to a major civil rights victory. But that version of the story does not give Parks enough credit. The truth is that Parks knew exactly what…
O.K. Maybe this is a bit of a stretch for a “prayer practice.” But this morning, during my sabbath time, I made some Valentine cards. Just me in my quiet house with my art supplies. Yes. It was as wonderful as it sounds. I pray you will find time this week to do something that…
Here is a simple blessing based on this week’s Gospel reading: May the Spirit be upon you as you proclaim good news to the poor, release to the captives, sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed. Go with power and go in peace. Earlier today I read over a sermon I wrote based…
Rather than post a particular prayer practice this week, I want to highlight some resources that you might find helpful as you think about the upcoming Lenten season. Here are some available through this very blog: Wilderness Choices: The Way of Jesus in a World of Worry; this is an actual, in-person, retreat at the…
I realize some people count shopping days until Christmas, but we pastors are more likely to count preparation days until Lent. (That would be 20!) So as we look ahead, I offer some links to resources from years past. But first, an invitation! You are invited to join me and others from Peace Mennonite for…
There are so many good words in the air today. Good words from the inauguration. Good words from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I hesitate to add many more words to the mix. I’d rather enjoy the words of others today. I’ve shared a brief reflection on King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” over…
Who do people say that I am?, Jesus wants to know. “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others one of the prophets.” And the disciples here are obviously just talking about the people who more or less liked Jesus. Nobody wants to say, “Well, Lord, people are calling you a drunkard,…
This morning I finished reading and praying through Jan Richardson’s retreat material for Women’s Christmas. I had my colored pencils and art journal ready as I read, and found myself sketching out this picture to accompany a favorite quote: May you sink the roots of your soul Deeper and deeper still into the love of…
I recently saw an article about artist Brent Christensen and the amazing ice sculptures that he creates. Sparkling walls of ice, up to twenty-five feet tall–the sculptures are beautiful. But it wasn’t the sculptures themselves that most impressed me. It was this little bit of information from the beginning of the article: “The hobby first…
Spacious Faith 