This is the second in a five part series, “Unexpected Treasures in the Desert.” It is a sermon series for the congregations I am serving, known collectively as Prairie Faith Partners. This series is provided to help you navigate the COVID-19 epidemic “wilderness” we are experiencing together. For each sermon I am writing my own reflections on the texts, which I like to do in … Continue reading Gift for the Tabernacle
I heard a casual remark the other day that started me thinking about our cultural atmosphere, both right now and before the quarantine measures began. Three months ago we were still in the throes of the vicious political rhetoric that has despoiled public discourse as well as family mealtimes and friendships. Now that we are more than two months into the epidemic, nasty rhetoric is … Continue reading Commentary on an Epidemic
I am Deborah. Named after a woman who lived thousands of years ago. Sage, prophet, tribal mother. Her tale anomalous, her voice a string Yahweh strummed undeniably in desperate times. The impending story unfurled before her as familiar as the line on her palm, insistent as the blood of afterbirth. She was not your typical judge. Deborah means “little bee” and “seeking one.” Some bees … Continue reading The Existence of Other Things
Before I started my blog, I felt a stirring inside to write, I mean writing for others to read. I did not know what form that would take. I wondered if I had a book inside me, or anything of value to offer. I mused aloud to my daughter that I was thinking of starting a blog, but I wanted to wait until I was … Continue reading It’s in the Writing
If Jesus turned the religious world upside down while he lived among us, things did not settle down after he left. It is recorded in The Acts of the Apostles: Pentecost was just the beginning of a revolution. The Holy Spirit blew into the room with the sound of wind, the appearance of fire, and the chaos of several languages chattering at once. Jesus’ friends … Continue reading 4: “…and the Holy Spirit”
Jesus was popular with masses of people not only because he healed some of them, but also because they sensed that he spoke with authority. From our (Christians’) perspective, we know why he had that authority: he is one of the Godhead, the Son himself. Because he is divine, and we believe the radical claim that he became human and lived among us, what he … Continue reading #3: “Then There’s Jesus”
Here in northwest Iowa we have been conducting an experiment for the past few months. A colleague and I started a dialogue group to create a space for gracious conversation about issues that affect everyone, so we mostly talk about politics. Almost everybody I know felt beat up after the presidential election of 2016. It didn’t matter whether your candidate of choice won or not. … Continue reading Succeeding at Civility
“Somebody ought to do something.” How many times have you said that to yourself as you marked yet one more piece of evidence that our society is floundering? I’m just as guilty as the next person of despairing over circumstances, then pushing my anxiety aside, filing it into an overstuffed file of “things I can’t do anything to change.” Except this time we’re not pushing … Continue reading Knock, Knock. Who’s There?
This was originally written for the Spencer Daily Reporter in their Friday, November 25, 2016 edition. Are you a good listener? Think of a recent conversation that had some substance to it. Did you interrupt the other person? Were you preoccupied with waiting for them to finish so you could say what you wanted to say? Then you probably have some work to do on … Continue reading The Gift of Listening
We were babysitting our two young grandchildren while their parents went to a wedding. Rydia, 3 ½, was recovering from a little stomach bug and maximizing the rare privilege of watching endless cartoons. Link was his usual energetic toddler self, alternating between pestering his sister, begging to be held, and investigating the kitchen drawers. I tried to get Link to eat something during the supper … Continue reading Bread
saint sinner seeker 