(Here is the reflection I shared during worship on New Year’s Day, 2012 ) Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11-14a It’s probably not surprising that I’ve been thinking about gifts this holiday season. Of course, I’ve been considering what gifts to give others and I’ve been enjoying the gifts others have given me. And as one year ends…
It’s been awhile since I participated in this wonderful exercise. Thanks to Sally for posting this one. Blessings from 2011 (Yes, I know I have six for the Friday 5–that’s just the kind of rebel I am) A diagnosis—After years of struggles and frustrations, our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. The diagnosis does…
Last Thursday I was preparing for today’s service of communion and anointing. I pulled out the little bowl—hand-formed and glazed a brilliant blue—that we use for anointing oil. To my surprise, the bowl still contained ashes from Holy Week. So there I was in mid-December, trying to pour the ashes on our lily plants and…
We will be doing the Holden Evening Prayer Service tonight. It is an Advent tradition in our congregation and one of the most meaningful holiday activities in which I participate each year. Here are the scripture readings for tonight along with a brief meditation I wrote. Isaiah 11:1-9 Luke 1: 5-38 The Advent season is…
Throughout scripture, God sends people the message: “Do not be afraid.” To Abram, to Hagar, to Moses, to Joshua, to Daniel, to Mary, to Joseph, to the disciples. “Do not be afraid.” Sometimes, in the midst of my worries and anxiety, I bask in these words that come from the lips of angels, from the…
My devotional scripture reading for this morning was Matthew 11: 28-30: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.…
In preparing for my sermon this week, I came across a beautiful dialog sermon by Martin Marty and his son, Micah. The sermon emerged out of a book they have done together called, When True Simplicity is Gained. The book contains striking photographs by Micah, along with commentary by his father. (My copy is on…
My husband and I went to the library last night to hear the Anasazi String Quartet. The music was beautiful, and it felt like such a luxury for me to sit quietly and listen; to let my eyes close, my body sway, my lips curve up into a smile. I will admit, though, that once…
Kansas governor Sam Brownback and the Republican-majority congress just passed a state budget that will cut funding to public schools by 6% and freeze the wages of public employees at well-below market value. Does anyone else see a problem here? Wasteful government spending is what I call it. Here’s my modest proposal for further slashing…
Last Friday night I led a Lenten spiritual retreat for a small group from my congregation. As a logistical note, let me recommend the Hollis Renewal Center for anyone in the Kansas City area. Our group found it to be a hospitable, Spirit-filled place. (And the prices are quite reasonable as well.) I cannot begin…
Spacious Faith 