Fall is here and manifesting all the beauty of transition. Flowers change from their glorious colors of summer and work instead at the job of spreading seeds out into the world. Leaves change from supple green light collectors into crunchy brown someday-soil scattered on the ground. I love fall. The cool temperatures and brisk breezesContinue reading “Series Intro: Fall Lament”
Author Archives: Gwen Lantz
Blessing: Summer gifts
long hot afternoonsjoint warming heatripe sweet cornjuicy tomatoescampfires cracklesandy beachesmoutain hikescool poolsschool’s outchildhood freedombreezy morningschange of pacean invitationafternoon napslong books eyes focusedon the abundanceof summer. Hoping you experience the blessings of rest and joy this summer!
Comfort: Rest in our Body
“You make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;Surely I have a delightful inheritance.Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;My body also will rest secure.” -Psalm 16:5,6,9 (NIV) Many of us live with disquieted spirits, unsure of our futures. And we are not alone; 40 million Americans struggleContinue reading “Comfort: Rest in our Body”
Comfort: Rest as God’s Provision
“God my Shepherd! I don’t need a thing.” -Psalm 23:1 (The Message) Recently, as my husband and I were in our yard, we heard the cows on a nearby hill munching on grass. They must have been in just the right spot with the wind blowing just so. What a simple, yet profoundly peaceful, moment.Continue reading “Comfort: Rest as God’s Provision”
Practice of Joy: Rest as Self Care
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” -Psalm 91:4 I believe that God looks at us with kindness. Not in a wishy-washy way, just with sincere kindness. Depending on your personality type or the family system you grew up in, you may have more or less successContinue reading “Practice of Joy: Rest as Self Care”
Comfort: Easter Morning
AMEN: Easter Blessing Sometimes in the wintercold wraps around meWhere is God? Sometimes in the nightit’s hard to knowWhere God is. Sometimes weare the disciples waitingin the darkit must have feltlike winterWhere is God? ButEaster morningAlways comes like springbursting through thecold and darkblossoming with possibility Jesus is risenJesus is hereJesus is coming again
Joy: Lent Week 5 – Keep us safe
“And keep us safe.” Matthew 6:13 Maundy Thursday services will be held in many churches this week. These services often include a simple meal sometimes called a “love feast” or perhaps a seder meal. These meals are designed to help recount God’s faithfulness to God’s people over many generations. How has God shown faithfulness toContinue reading “Joy: Lent Week 5 – Keep us safe”
Comfort: Lent Week 5 – Forgiveness
“Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.” Matthew 6:12 There is an ancient Asian proverb that tells of a monk who carried a rich lady across a puddle so her feet wouldn’t get wet. The ungrateful woman did not thank the monk for his kindness. Miles down the road the monk’s apprentice asked howContinue reading “Comfort: Lent Week 5 – Forgiveness”
Joy: Lent Week 4 – Our Daily Bread
Enjoy some bread this week, acknowledging God’s provision for each of us. Do you have a favorite bakery or coffee shop? Find some time to visit and be thankful while you enjoy a yeasty treat. Do you enjoy baking bread of your own when you have the time? Bake some, and enjoy the beautiful scentContinue reading “Joy: Lent Week 4 – Our Daily Bread”
Comfort: Lent Week 3 – Set the world right
“Set the world right;Do what’s best- as above, so below.” Matthew 6:10 (The Message) “So many bad things have been done in the name of God. How do we know we are doing the right thing?” a friend asked during a Bible study. This is such a good question and one that many of us haveContinue reading “Comfort: Lent Week 3 – Set the world right”
some comfort and joy 