Tag: gratitude
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Reflecting on Deuteronomy 8 1-11
In Deuteronomy 8:10, Moses (the speaker) tells the assembled Israelites that “you will eat your fill and you will bless the HOLY ONE your God for the good land he has given you.” Given the context, it may actually be a little less like a prediction, and a little more like Mom saying to our…
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Affirmation
Can we be “on a level” with everyone else, and also be “special”? Important in a way that matters, to other people, and to us? People get really exercised over that question, and confused, in my experience. We’ve all heard those grumpy complaints about how “now EVERYONE has to be ‘special’” in schools on awards…
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Delayed but Grateful
Notes on Ezra will post soonish, I hope, now that I am through being examined by the Presbytery of Ohio Valley and approved for ordination, to a new validated ministry that will involve pulpit supply, sacraments, and governance (i.e., moderating session meetings). This takes place on what I have learned is the feast day of…
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The State of the “Read Me” Project, 2022
T’shua li!! Victory is mine!! In 2021, I at last achieved the dynamic homeostasis I tossed out as a goal so cavalierly a few years ago with respect to my “Read Me” Shelf. More precisely, with respect to the amorphous multi-locational stack of unread books that is a more or less permanent part of the…
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Christmas Books
It wouldn’t really be Christmas without books. Christmas was a much lower key event this year for our family than it has been in years past. This turned out to be delightful. Nevertheless, we did all exchange bookstore gift cards, because that’s the kind of family we are. And we did make the obligatory Christmas…
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Sanctuary
What does it mean to be “close to home”? We’ve been reflecting on the various meanings of “home,” our little congregation, this Advent. And yesterday’s fourth Sunday of Advent focused on the idea of “sanctuary” – “somewhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly.” How we need that. Need that ourselves. And then, can be that…
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Reflecting on Romans 5 1-11
Can we see how Romans 5:1-11 supports “confident hope”? “Confident hope” is allegedly the stated theme of all the texts we are studying this quarter, but Romans 5:1-11 really brings that theme into focus. [Some notes on the text are here.] Here are a few more questions about the text we might want to think…
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Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Call to Worship [Based on Psalm 30] Come, extol the Holy One – Who draws us up and heals us – Who restores us to life – So that our souls may praise God! Come, extol the Holy One – Who weeps with us in sorrow Whose presence is consolation and hope and joy Who…
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Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Call to Worship [Based on Psalm 9] The Holy One is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble; The Holy One defends those who trust and seek God. The Holy One is the remembrance of the needy, the restorer of the life of the poor, calling the mighty to account, calling…
Matters of Interpretation 