Image by irBri via FlickrMy two-year-old granddaughter’s frequent line is “Mine. Kyla do it.”I smile and accept this is the language of an immature, but growing toddler who has a long way to go yet in life.Yet her tone of voice and words sound vaguely familiar. Then I recognize it.“Mine. I will do it. Me-me-me” echoes my prayers.My prayers lately have been very me-centered. Though I have pitch up prayers for others like icing on the cake, deep down my words are pretty much – me-me-me and mine- mine-mine.I wonder what all of our collective prayers to God sounds like to Him. Reminded of this scene from Finding Nemo and the seagulls:Our prayers may start out sounding beautiful and even musically, but the chorus of me-me-me is never far away. I love the Muppets and this video illustrates my point:Remember the scene in Bruce Almighty when Bruce is overwhelmed with hearing all the prayers.God smiles and accepts each of our efforts in talking with Him. I know He lovingly understands our human … [Read more...]

Image by UW Digital Collections via FlickrI have been watching the live video streams this week from the ELCA Churchwide Assembly taking place in Orlando Florida. While listening to debates over policy makes my eyes glass over, the committee reports brim over with inspirational passion. Story after story is shared of making difference in lives of people suffering from malaria in Africa to tornadoes in Missouri. Powerful stuff.Each day a communion worship service takes place. I have stopped all my activities and worshipped in my office, virtually transported to Florida.  Bishop Mark Hanson’s sermon the first day still lingers with me. He read from Luke’s gospel the story of Mary being told she will carry God’s child. Hanson asked the question:Like Mary, are we ready to be moved by the power of the Holy Spirit?Am I ready?   Am I ready for God to interrupt my routine and expectations?Am I prepared to let go of my feeble attempts to control my future and really trust in His care?Am I … [Read more...]

I paid no attention.It was routine as usual.My mind scurried ahead, planning my next half hour and really, the rest of my day.Grabbing my second cup of coffee, I casually walked back to my office ready to write this post.But God jumped in and surprised me with a surprise serendipity.Passing by the window, movement from my garden caught my eye.A tiger swallowtail butterfly danced on my flowers.Grabbing my camera, all my plans disappeared. I knew this was a moment to capture.Amazingly I crept so close, I thought this delicate creature might land on me instead of the flowers.God dipped into his paint well for colorful details. Look at His workmanship in the tiny joints and beady eyes.Intrigued, I wanted to know more. Take a look at these fascinating details about butterflies. Imagine how complex and perfect is God as Creator. ·      There are about 24,000 species of butterflies·      Butterflies “smell” with their antennae and “taste” with their feet. Butterflies have one pair of … [Read more...]

                                       Image via WikipediaA guest preacher at our church this past Sunday told the following story:When it is 1:00 pm in the Eastern Time zone, it is only 7 am in Hawaii. That makes for some interesting television.The preacher has a friend who lives in Hawaii and loves football. When Monday night football is being shown live here, it is played later as a tape delayed in Hawaii.The friend told the preacher that when his favorite team plays, he will listen to the game live over the radio, then watch it taped later that evening.  “The fumbles and missed tackles and penalties aren’t so bad when you know the final results. I watch the game with an entirely different perspective because I know who wins,” he said.Say that last line slowly to yourself.Powerful, isn’t it?I watch the game with an entirely different perspective because I knew who wins. Wow, what a statement.As Christians isn’t that how we should try to live?We know Who has already won the battle.  … [Read more...]

I am so grateful for God’s creation. Some days God’s palette of color overwhelms me.After all, He could have made the world black and white.Or said,“Let’s keep it simple and only use primary colors.”I love the springtime pastels and the fall hues set ablazed. But one of my favorite times of year is when God turns Ohio golden.The ripen fields of wheat snuggle against a deep green of early corn.Then the Artist scatters swatches of orange as the Tiger Lilies spring up wildly in the ditches. These colors grace us with a glimpse of heaven.I bet God takes delight as we discover and enjoy His palette.Do you have any idea how many colors there are in the world He created?Scientists estimate we can see about 1000 levels of light-dark, 100 levels of red-green, and 100 levels of yellow-blue for a single viewing condition in a laboratory. This means that the total number of colors we can see is about 1000 x 100 x 100 = 10,000,000 (10 million). But that is within a laboratory. Color is affected by … [Read more...]

Image by Giant Ginkgo via FlickrIs having routine spiritually healthy?Lately I have rejoiced in the return to routine in my life. After months of much of my time not being my own, I now have days to write more.Each morning is blessed with time with God – in His Word and listing in His presence.I have time for that second cup of coffee and have even started once again some exercise by walking each morning.Ahhh, routine.There is a certain comfort to having known patterns in life, isn’t there?I fly on automatic pilot in my morning shower, brushing teeth, and drying hair. I know without thinking which cereal to grab with my handful of blueberries on top. My to-do list is doable with some wiggle room to grab unexpected spontaneity. I am snug in my comfort zone.So I ponder routine.1.  Is routine good? It does reinforce good habits.2.  Is routine not so good? It also preserves bad habits.3.  Is routine something I should really desire? It brings comfort after times of trial and provides a … [Read more...]

Image via WikipediaI had an “off’ day yesterday. Couldn’t focus. My to –do list slept untouched all day. I fiddled with unimportant busy work to outright vegging in front of the television.To make matters worse, I am a “three” on the Enneagram, which means my personality thrives on accomplishments and concentrates on goal achievements. A day of doing nothing looks like failure.By the time evening came around my internal critic raced at full force.What is wrong with me?You are so lazy!What a waste of precious timeYou SHOULD have accomplished somethingI finally gave up the day. Take it, Lord, I certainly didn’t use it much today.Then I heard a quiet Voice within me whisper, “Be gentle with yourself.”But, Lord, I wasted today. I took Your gift of time and squandered it.  I don’t deserve more days or warrant any mercy.“Be gentle with yourself,” He persisted.I could whine, feel sorry for myself, and linger longer in disgrace. Or I could turn my heart to God, listen to Him, breath in His … [Read more...]