CAN’T TOUCH THIS!….. 07/07/2021……. Wednesday Welcome

What are some of the things you know not to touch? A hot stove! A roaring fire! Poison ivy! Poisonous creatures!

In King David’s day, according to 2 Samuel, this list included the Holy Ark of The Covenant. (Think Raiders of the Lost Ark) It was feared and yet also desired as it was considered to bring the Presence and Power of Yahweh to the people where it rested.

Many years later, Jeremiah reminds the people, who are now living in exile, that God can and will write the Covenant- the promise of relationship between this Holy One and all of Creation- upon their hearts. It doesn’t matter where they are or where they go.

Many more years later, Jesus tells his disciples that they are able to worship in Spirit. Any where, any time, we are welcomed into the Holy Embrace.

God is here even in crazy circumstances:

Popeye, the Sailor Man, with Spinach……… July 2, 2021 … Friday

Do you remember Popeye? When he needed strength, he popped open a can of spinach and poured it in. Paul makes a similar statement that he is fine when people call him weak because that lets the power of Christ show through him.

For the celebrations of Independence Day in America, I am grateful and also reminded of the responsibility that goes with freedom. I see so much that is good and also that which is destructive. Knowing that the power of Christ makes a difference through me gives me hope.

Have a great 4th of July! And be safe. Blessings!

GRACE: IT’S IMPORTANT!… 6/30/2021 … Wednesday

I have known a few people who have had mental breakdowns because they knew that they didn’t match the standard of perfection which they felt was demanded of them by their religious beliefs. Yesterday, I read a document that brought forth those feelings in me. I finally turned off the computer and turned on college baseball.

This morning, I realized what bothered me so much about what I was reading; there was no mention of living in Grace!

Grace is important. We need to give ourselves grace. I’m not meaning ignoring where we have messed up. I’m talking about acknowledging it, making needed changes, and getting up to bat again.

Grace is especially important in the Christian faith because that is what it is all about. Christ died to show us how much we are loved, to roll out the welcome banner for us, to give us the opportunity to start over. Receiving Grace is what inspires us to offer it to others.

Paul reminds us in II Corinthians 12 that he had some thorns in his life that he prayed about. And he found strength in knowing that God’s Grace is sufficient.

Here is my morning prayer:

Daughters of the Holy One… 06/27/2021….Sunday Home Communion

“Woooohoo!” That was me yelling last night as my friend’s college team won the Baseball championship. It was a great game and both teams played their hearts out, but one team now gets to claim they are number one for a year.

It is interesting how much rank means to us. People laugh when I say that I am shy because I’m not in many situations. However, when it comes to making a phone call or being around someone that ranks above me, I have to take a deep breath and say a prayer.

Jesus reminds us over and over again that in The Holy One’s eyes we are all beloved daughters and sons who are welcomed equally to the Great Love.

At The Table, wherever it may be, we are all made welcome:

I AM HERE….. 06/23/2021 …..

Paul tells the Corinthians, “Do you want to be the best in something? Do you really want something to brag about? How about being best at generosity, like you said you wanted to be?“ Paul doesn’t even say to give everything away, just to give as you are able. Develop the gift of generosity. (II Corinthians 8)

This morning on our town Facebook page, a young woman asked if there was somewhere to get utility assistance. She had a 2 month old and her water was about to be cut off. As I clicked on the comments, I was amazed at the number of people who personally offered to pay the bill for her. They didn’t know her. She didn’t ask for that. But they gave from the generosity of their hearts.

Years ago, I had a funeral for an incredibly generous man. The chapel was standing room only filled with people who loved him and people he had helped.

Having a spirit of generosity is a reflection of the generous blessings poured into our lives every day.

With gratitude, I pray to develop this spirit within: