Advent

It sure is easy to let things slide when you are busy. This blog is one of the things that I let slide. I will try and do better next year.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I love that this holy time begins in the darkness. The reading from the gospel today is one of the apocalyptic readings from the gospel of Luke. Jesus is warning folks that terrible things will happen in the world. I love that the Gospel gets us started this week with images — not of swaddling clothes, twinkly stars, and fleecy lambs — but of the world as it really is, here and now using prophetic language, roaring seas, distress among the nations, people fainting in fear. Sounds like our world today… Gorgeous, fragile, and falling apart. There is so much to get through before we can get to this. We need to really look around us, look at our world. Look at the world that is getting ready to birth a baby once again. So join us as we travel through Advent on this amazing journey toward the light...

Inside and Outside

In our scripture reading for this coming Sunday, Jesus tells the Pharisees that it is what comes out of the body that defiles, not what goes it. This is in response to the Pharisees accusing the disciples of eating without following the purity laws. So I have been doing some research and thinking about these thoughts. If we are to take Jesus seriously I think we need to honestly look at ourselves and who we are and how we respond to things. What is it that influences us? What is it that lies behind our motivations? Are we doing the things that we really want to do for the right reasons. Are we doing them to find glory and power for ourselves. So many questions. Many things to ponder before I can write a sermon this week. What is it that comes from you that defiles you? Are we as careful as we should be about what we say and do? I'm not sure I am. There are many times I say or do something and immediately regret it. I hope I am courageous enough to stand up and admit that I have done something wrong. Remember when it comes out of your mouth, you can't put it back. What has been heard has been heard. So take some time this week and ask yourself these questions. Maybe journaling about them will be helpful. I think that is what I will do.

Have a great week!

Mother's Day

On this mother's day I am so filled with gratitude for all the women in my life who have influenced me. My mom, Janet, who is wise and wonderful. She has taught me so much, part of which is to be a generous, loving human being who cares about others. I read a saying the other day written by Susan Eckert which says all that I want to say about being that person. Here it is...

It is called "That One"

Be that one. That one who forgives when deep offense has been committed. That one who loves when no one else does. That one who gives kindness to those who are mean. Be that one who looks past the insult, instead seeing the pain that motivated it. That one who shines light upon those who sit in darkness. Because the impact of being that one runs far and wide. It brings healing to the wounded, joy to the sad and hope to those in despair. Be that one.

This is who my mom taught me to be. Thanks to my mom and to all the moms out there who have inspired others to be the best they can be.