"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." Joseph Campbell … [Read more...]
Holy Saturday – Quote of the Week
Holy Saturday What is Holy Saturday? A celebration of the sacrament of honest, raw doubt that precedes the resurrection and reigniting of faith. Anonymous What does Holy Saturday mean for you? Can you name your emotions in the in-between day between Good Friday and Easter Morning? Just imagine how the disciples felt. What their future looked like? The word in this quote that jumps into my heart is sacrament - I place my doubt - all of my vulnerable feelings, uncertainties, and fears into God's hands and wait. Wait for resurrection. What for His spirit re ignite my faith. Wait for his coming once again to bring us home into his loving arms forever. The second word that resonates with me is celebration. I don't think the disciples did much partying on Holy Saturday - when they hid in fear, shame and discouragement. So when I face those same emotions I too find it difficult to celebrate. But that is part of the sacrifice to God, isn't it? To come to him, honest and real, … [Read more...]
Palm Sunday Ponderings
We are having a parade this weekend at church in celebrating Palm Sunday. I get to help lead the children in, waving their palms and shouting Hosanna. One of the few times they get to yell in church! I want to find one of those foam “number one” gloves to wear. Jesus is number one! Well at least he was the day he rode into Jerusalem to the praise of the crowds. Before everything changed from cheers to jeers. From hailing a king to crucifying the King. From adoration to abandonment. That finger that pointed heavenly, praising Jesus suddenly became a finger pointing to crucify him. In the midst of celebration and good times, the truth of the rest of Holy Week weighs on my heart. I know what is coming. I wondered about the custom of starting this holy time of year with this story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The celebration of Palm Sunday originated in the Jerusalem Church, around the late fourth century. By the fifth century, the Palm Sunday … [Read more...]
A Letter to Spring
Dear Spring, Welcome back. You were sorely missed, especially after the tough winter we had in the Midwest. I am empty from this past chilly time of year and yearn to see the world come alive. I know you aren’t fully here yet, but I see you tease me of your arrival as you drop hints of your slow emergence. You are my favorite time of year. I learn so much from all the seasons, but find hope when I spend time with you. When you come, I am reminded of the rhythm of life – the seasons change and sometimes are rough, but the cycle of birth and life and death continues. Rain replaces snow and washes away the dirt of winter. Spring reminds me that I am resilient, I can be courageous and even the depth of a cold hard winter, life does go on eventually. Where do I need to be less afraid and take risk right now? I love your light – days gradually lengthening like sleepy Saturday morning when we don’t have to jump out of bed right away. No alarm. Just a stretching yawning of a … [Read more...]
I Cannot Do This Alone – A Lenten Prayer – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I Cannot Do This Alone O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray And to concentrate my thoughts on you; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, But with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, But you know the way for me…. Restore me to liberty, And enable me to live now That I may answer before you and before men. Lord whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised. Amen P.S. Don't forget to enter below the March 13 post to win a $50 Amazon gift card as part of my 5 year celebration. You can enter once each day - spread the word to your friends. You have until Monday at midnight to enter. Thanks for celebrating with me. … [Read more...]
Finally It’s March – I’m Listening for Spring!
Most of the country has experienced a tough winter. I am so ready for spring. Spring is my favorite time of year – a season of awakening, new life and green, green, green. Spring is a transition time, sometimes a volatile changing season, often reflecting the ongoing transformation of our souls. I find hope in spring and like to listen to its lessons. Listening to Spring is a poem by Macrina Wiederkehr and seemed appropriate one to ponder today: How quietly the earth breathes forth new life. How eagerly the sun bleeds forth the spring. I am listening. I am listening to seeds breaking open, to roots growing strong beneath the ground, to green shoots rising up from winter wombs. I am listening to thorns blossoming, to barren branches laughing out new growth, to wildflowers dancing through the meadows. I am listening to the forest filling up with song. I am listening to the earth filling up with life. I am listening to trees filling up with leaves. I am listening … [Read more...]
Who was St Valentine and Why Do We Send Cards?
February 14 is Valentines Day. Made me wonder just who was this St. Valentine and why am I giving cards to those I love? I remember having Valentines Day parties in school. We all exchanged small paper cards. There were certain cute boys I giggled when I getting one from them. My hubby is good at remembering to buy me a card. We don't do much else to celebrate that holiday. One year he sent me flowers on Feb. 14 and then again next month on my birthday. When my son was born nine months later, he swore he was done with flowers.True story. So I am curious and looked up some interesting facts about St. Valentine. I learned his story isn't very romantic at all. In fact sort of tragic: Who was St. Valentine? He was a priest in Rome around third century, a time the church was being prosecuted. The emperor declared an edict that that prohibited the marriage of young people. This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because … [Read more...]
Epiphany
Epiphany - what a fun word to say. Say it aloud. Epiphany. The letters tumble from your tongue. January 6 is Epiphany, a Christmas celebration, recognizing the visit of the Wise Men to the baby Jesus and in some churches, Jesus' baptism is also acknowledged. It can also be called the "Twelve night" as it is 12 days after Christmas. Epiphany goes back as far as 300 AD. The word Epiphany means to appear, manifestation or revelation. Epiphany is when Jesus was revealed as God's son or made known to others. This day celebrates God's revealing or manifesting of Jesus' identity as true God, Messiah, and Savior of the world. It not only commemorates the fact that Jesus appeared to save us, but that God revealed the identity of Jesus to the world. This holiday is celebrated in a variety of ways. When we visited Germany, we would see chalk on the front doorways of homes and business. This marked the blessing of the buildings done each year on January 6th. See the photo above, … [Read more...]