A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” John 20:26-29 (NRSV) Thank you for your peace, Lord. May your tranquility be ever surrounding me. May your stillness calm the storms that rage within and around. May your harmony preside in all my relationships. May your serenity soothe my frazzled nerves and doubting mind. May your peace roll the stone away from my heart so I recognize you are my Lord and my God. . … [Read more...]
Easter Lily Lessons
The front of our church erupted with white-trumpeted lilies this past Easter Sunday. The Easter lily has long been a sign of resurrection for many churches and its white flower symbolizing hope and purity. Legend tells that lilies were discovered in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ died on the cross. Lilies grow from ugly dead looking bulbs. These bulbs are buried in the ground all winter – through terrible storms and cold endless nights. In spring they burst forth with new beautiful life. What a wonderful symbol of resurrection and life rising from death. The tradition of my church is different families purchase a lily for display on Easter in honor or in memory of someone. We did that this year and now that lily is gracing our dining room table. I enjoy this Easter lily three times. Once with my eyes – seeing this flower lifting its petals up in praise. A second time with my nose – a sweet fragrance trailing throughout the room. And third, with my heart … [Read more...]
It’s Spring!
I love spring. The new beginnings – trees spouting green tips, birds caroling from branch to branch, crisp fresh air rushing in from newly open windows and the earth awakening from its dull brown slumber. Spring is God's way of saying, 'One more time!' Robert Orben My Florida friend, Laura, knows I long for spring during the dreary cold Ohio winters. She sent me this quote last week that captures this season: "The snow has not yet left the earth, but spring is already asking to enter your heart. If you have ever recovered from a serious illness, you will be familiar with the blessed state when you are in a delicious state of anticipation, and are liable to smile without any obvious reason. Evidently that is what nature is experiencing just now. The ground is cold, mud and snow squelches under foot, but how cheerful, gentle and inviting everything is! The air is so clear and transparent that if you were to climb to the top of the pigeon loft or the bell tower, you feel you might … [Read more...]
He is Risen!
Once Again – Amazed How God Uses Everything.
God uses everything. Why am I so amazed to realize that once again? We worship a God who loves to surprise us. Did any of you watch 60 Minutes last Sunday? They featured an experimental therapy at Duke University to treat brain cancer and the segment was called “Killing Cancer.” They infect tumors with the poliovirus and in some cases the tumor is gone! Polio- a disease we have fought to eliminate, which is good – I know people today who had polio as children and still have effects. Polio – just the word scared parents in the 1950s. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would hear: polio: cancer killer. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us… Ephesians 3: 20 Isn’t it amazing? God does immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine… Just hold that thought in your heart and reread those words. Immeasurably more than we can ever ask or even imagine. Thank you, Lord! I would never … [Read more...]
The Art of Work – Book Review
Last week I wrote about the connection, the two sides of the same coin, of wishing and working. Part of my thinking more about this topic arose from reading Jeff Goins’ new book, The Art of Work – a Proven Path to Discovering What You were Meant to Do. This is a book I have enjoyed slowly reading, picking different chapters, gaining new insights and leaving more encouraged and inspired. Jeff’s words stir inside of me a courage to state my dreams and take the risk to go after them. This is a book about discovering your life’s work and the task you were born to do. The Art of Work is packed with personal stories, case studies and current research on the topics of what motivates us and if talent is that all important. Each page will lift your spirit and make you think more about your life’s vocation, not just making it to the next pay check or to when you finally retire, but to do what you really want to do. “The process of finding and claiming your calling is a journey, one that … [Read more...]
She Did What She Could – Lectio Divina
Jesus was at Bethany, a guest of Simon the Leper. While he was eating dinner, a woman came up carrying a bottle of very expensive perfume. Opening the bottle, she poured it on his head. Some of the guests became furious among themselves. “That’s criminal! A sheer waste! This perfume could have been sold for well over a year’s wages and handed out to the poor.” They swelled up in anger, nearly bursting with indignation over her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why are you giving her a hard time? She has just done something wonderfully significant for me. You will have the poor with you every day for the rest of your lives. Whenever you feel like it, you can do something for them. Not so with me. She did what she could when she could—she pre-anointed my body for burial. And you can be sure that wherever in the whole world the Message is preached, what she just did is going to be talked about admiringly.” Mark 14: 1-9 (The Message) She did what she could when she could. What a … [Read more...]
Friendship – Embrace the Present Moment
Time stood still for me twice this past week - brief moments of tranquility, gratitude and rare awareness of how precious life can be. I held these treasured memories, took a photo with my heart and tucked the vision away to keep forever. I breathed in friendship this week. I ate my birthday dinner with a friend from sixth grade. We have known each other for more than 50 years – a journey we traveled together transcending life stages and unexpected detours. You can’t put a price on this relationship - so precious. She is a lifelong friend transformed into a sister for me. I looked at her across the table and smiled. I held that moment and said thank you, Lord. I am blessed. On Sunday, ten of us gathered together to share our photos, laughter and recollections of our pilgrimage to the Holy Lands together. Not only do our travels connect us but also our shared beliefs. God’s presence in our relationships adds depth, flavors our conversations and cements our link with one another … [Read more...]