Prayer Holy One, We give thanks for water when we are thirsty, Strength when we are weak, The promise of building again what has broken down. Teach us to love our neighbors and to serve you, That we might be part of this rebuilding. Amen. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:9-12 Then you shall call, and the … Continue reading
I believe it’s Woody Allen who is credited with saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” I always found this to be a little condescending. (Morgan Freeman’s God character in Evan Almighty really does just laugh at him when Evan mentions his plans). Nevertheless, it communicates a truth I’ve seen … Continue reading
“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” ~Exodus 20:12 At the church I serve, we are studying our way through the Ten Commandments in weekly worship. This past week, I had the opportunity to preach on the fifth … Continue reading
My son, when he first learned to talk. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” As a generally good girl, I spent most of my life trying to pretend to the outside world that this scripture did not apply to me. Sure, I knew my sins, I knew my … Continue reading
The last few plums just fell from our plum tree. A few years ago, when we first moved to our current home, we realized we had not one but two plum trees planted by a previous owner. I couldn’t get over the fact that we had our own fruit, provided by our very own yard. … Continue reading
I am writing this post on the bottom step of my front porch. I am enjoying a cool drink, cold watermelon, and a warm, evening breeze as I hear my two kiddos and their neighbor friends chanting, “Lemonade, Water, Cookie Stand!” “Lemonade, Water, Cookie Stand!” “Lemonade, Water, Cookie Stand!” …over and over and over. We’ve … Continue reading
Last night, after a busy day of bike riding in the heat, the family was laying around the living room chatting and having a little “screen time.” My daughter, age 9, found a funny little emoticon—a maniacal smiley face with flames coming out of its head. “Mom,” she said, “use this for Pentecost!” We laughed … Continue reading
Scripture reading: John 5:1-9 Reflection: Biblical healing stories are tricky business in our family right now. Our 6 year old friend Nolan recently died of brain cancer and our family felt crushed. We had prayed, cried, even begged to God for his life. But his healing came in the form of death, which to my … Continue reading
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13 Scripture Reading Ideas Have three candles set out and light one candle each time Jesus resists a temptation Read through the story with Lego illustrations at the Brick Testament Memory Verse: “Worship the Lord your God and serve only God.” Luke 4:8 Prayer: Holy God, You are with us when things are … Continue reading
