Listen “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” (James 1:5, NRSV) Reflect It is Wednesday morning. The day ahead is long and full. As I move my feet from my bed to the floor I say a breath prayer, “Lord, be […]
ROL: Preparing the Way for the Bridegroom
Listen: “They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him. ‘” (John 3:26 NRSV) Reflect: God’s perfect timing: Yesterday my husband and I moved to a new place. Leaving our family home […]
ROL: Trusting the Potter
Listen: “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, Why did you make me like this?” (Romans 9:20) Reflect: Paul’s ridiculous question reminds me of a parenting principle we used with our children when they were younger. The idea is that […]
ROL: Celebrating the Splendor of God
Listen: “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty.” (Psalm 104:1, NRSV) Reflect: Enthralled By God’s Splendour.I have been isolated and quarantined a few times in the twenty years I lived with chronic respiratory diseases. These were some of the most challenging periods […]
ROL: Moving from Fear to Confidence
Listen: “But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” ( Luke 12:7, NRSV) Reflect: I stare out my window at the orange-tinted smoke-choked landscape. Ash from the nearby wildfire falls lightly like snow and covers my deck with debris. I check my […]
ROL: Experiencing God, He Knows My Name
Listen: “But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: ‘Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine’”. (Isaiah 43:1) Reflect: What would it take for us to believe that God is truly in control and that nothing this year which seems […]
ROL: Laying Down Pride
Listen: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29 ) Reflect: A child (as I once was), is told by her parent to do something. It’s not easy. Every part of her wants to do something else, […]
ROL: Relying on His Strength
Listen “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Reflect It’s the start of a new academic year here in France, and where we live there’s been a peak in Covid infections so we all have to wear masks everywhere. And I hear God say, do not be anxious about […]
ROL: Advancing His Kingdom
Listen “At the same time, pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word that we may declare the mystery of Christ for which I am in prison.” (Colossians 4:3) Reflect “I am in prison!” This is how I’ve felt at times this pandemic year. Sometimes I feel like I […]