Jesus seemed to have a fondness for small things. Mustard seeds, cakes of yeast, a little trust, scruffy kids. He marveled at growth as much as I do, stunned every summer by the size of a corn stalk whose beginning was one yellow kernel. Not every small thing that grows is good though (I protest) weeds, hate, a deadly virus. Let them … Continue reading Small Things
This is the last 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 Looking Ahead
This is the fourth 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 First Sabbaths
This is the third 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 Manna
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
This week I am beginning 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 Leaving Egypt
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
Reality. It is a stinker right now. We would rather not have to endure this overwhelming stoppage and restriction that has us anxious and impatient, irritable and sad. But now is all we have. It is all we ever have, if you think about it. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow exists only in our imaginations. But “living in the now” seems like a silly statement. Isn’t … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: Being Present
Fasting is an ancient practice that invites us to abstinence for the sake of spiritual focus. I am no expert; you can find information and guidance in books devoted to this practice alone or to a range of spiritual disciplines. My first experience with fasting happened in college when I decided to fast from lunches on Mondays during Lent and to give the money saved … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: (Forced) Fasting
In a time when our emotions seem like a soup with lots of unexpected ingredients, it is tempting to find ways to numb ourselves. It’s too much! Yet ignoring our emotions is not a habit I recommend. It is helpful to turn to the Psalms of the Bible, where the realities of the human condition are expressed vividly. They could help you express your own … Continue reading Spiritual Practice: Writing Psalms
