some comfort and joy

Joy for Fall: Pumpkin Pie (Psalm 126:6)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

He who goes out weeping,
carrying seeds to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 NIV

This week consider choosing an activity that evokes the season for you:

Take the time to bake something pumpkin or maybe apple
Perhaps light a candle with a fallish scent
Pick up a warm drink and pay attention to the smell
Enjoy a family campfire this weekend

As you engage in one of these activities take a few moments to focus on the aroma of fall and be reminded of the balance of the holiday season. Sometimes it will be wonderful, and sometimes it will not. Remember that God is with you through life’s ups and downs.

In our family it’s not really fall without pumpkin pie. Here is a family favorite from my mother, Catherine Ramer Stoltzfus.

Pumpkin custard pie

1 cup cooked pumpkin or butternut squash (my mom prefers the squash)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
2 cups milk scalded
3 eggs separated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Pastry for 1 (9 inch) crust

Measure and blend egg yolks, sugar, salt, spices together. Then add milk and vanilla. If you choose to, separate eggs beat whites till they’re stiff then fold them in pumpkin mix.

Pour into unbaked pie crust.

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes or until custard is set.

On your mobile device click the link below and listen to our podcast on your favorite platform. If you’re reading our blog in your email while on your desktop computer and want to listen; please head to our webpage www.somecomfortandjoy.com and click on today’s post. When you view the blog on our website you’ll have access to podcast at the bottom of the post.

Joy for Fall: “Setting aside our doing”

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“God, brilliant Lord,
Your name echoes around the world.” Psalm 8:9

Setting aside our doing to be with God

Sunset whispering pink threaded with blue and yellow
What human might
What effort
Could out-do this temporal painting?

Waves returning to shore
Swaying an ancient rhythm
Vast
We cannot control the sea.

Stars prick the night sky
Limitless universe
We bow beneath
The weight of God’s glory.

Our to-do list melts
Under Your holy gaze
Pass by here, Lord
So we can catch a glimpse
Of your might.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: God’s artwork (Psalm 8:3-5)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?
Yet we’ve so narrowly missed being gods,
Bright with Eden’s dawn light.” Psalm 8:3-5 The Message

The Psalmist reminds us that we are part of God’s beautiful, creative work. Writer Emily P. Freeman refers to us each as a poem written by God. Each of us with gifts to share and connections to make it this world. Each of us – a work of art.

For me, creating connection means slowing down to listen to my children when they speak. It means taking time for coffee and stories with others, and checking in with lonely friends in a more intentional way. Becoming God’s work of art in the world isn’t only sharing the good news with words, it is also forging and maintaining connections with people around us. What a comfort to know that even everyday caring and connections matter in the Spiritual realm.

In what ways do you foster connections for yourself, your family members and for others in your community? Who might God’s Spirit lead you to hold dearly?

God of connections, Hold us closely in your arms. Give us diligence and endurance as we seek to be faithful enactors of your love and co-creators of life poems. We ask for creativity and inspiration to share Your love in our walk today. AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: Autumn Praise (Psalm 19:1-4) NIV

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

The autumn season is filled with burgeoning excitement. The air is crisp and the sky is blue. The holiday season is upon us and the recent fresh starts of the school year still hold us in the hope of all things new. Fall also whispers of winter. Our gardens are mostly harvested and the days are cooler. Leaves spiral off the trees with a burst of color and then turn brown. The air feels both full of death and possibility. How do these hold the same space?

The Psalmist declares that creation tells us of God’s ways. What might the fall season, the change of weather, the dying, ending and transitions of autumn reveal to us?

Death and resurrection. Endings and new beginnings. Perhaps fall can bring us this comfort: out of our sometimes painful changes, Christ can bring new life.

God, Some days the mystery is too great for us to comprehend. Thank you for the wonder of autumn that reminds us of the beauty in change. Help us to embrace the mix of death and resurrection that surrounds us. Continue your work of transformation in our lives, we pray! AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: God’s Inevitable Kingdom (Psalm 54:1&7)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“For your sake help me!
Use your influence to clear me.
Listen God – I’m desperate.
Don’t be too busy to hear me.
. . .Thank you God – you’re so good.
You got me out of every scrape,
And I saw my enemies get it.” (Psalm 54: 1&7) The Message

Reading this Psalm almost made me laugh out loud. David reminds me of a petulant child who isn’t hearing the answer he wants, or certainly not soon enough. David isn’t afraid of God in his moment of need and is comfortable laying out his calamity. He doesn’t talk of other world problems that are much bigger or the worry about the greater good. He is honest with God and pleads for God to finish off his enemies.

Sometimes, perhaps it is just that simple. We don’t need to bring all our answers to God and explain the best way to solve the problem. We won’t have it all figured out. God’s kingdom will come anyway – that is inevitable. It doesn’t rely on us to have the perfect path forward. It doesn’t rely on our good works, perfect attitudes, or solutions.

Instead, may we like David, remember to lay our petitions before God, knowing that He loves us and that His kingdom is here now and coming again soon!

God, thank you for hearing each of us. Help us to lay our complexities aside, at least occasionally, and place our sincere petitions before you. AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Fall Comfort: Cry for Help (Psalm 116: 1 & 12-13)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:1, 12-13

Years ago the members of the adult Sunday school class I was a part of in my home congregation, took turns sharing their personal testimony with the group. We were pretty young at the time, but we still had varied life stories. The common thread in the stories that were shared was the realization of God’s faithful presence and work in each of our lives. Amazingly, some of the toughest stories revealed, the strongest voices declaring God’s goodness. God was beside me when my child was stillborn. God was with me when I fled an abusive husband. God guided me from one career change to another.

Often when I get angry with God I am looking at a situation or story from far away. Perhaps a world tragedy or a story of a friend of a friend. But when I hear someone’s own recounting of a personal trial, I am surprised by their words of declaration: God has been good to me through this difficult time.

Life will never be always, completely good or perfect. But as we pause to reflect and look back over our shoulders, we can sometimes catch a glimpse of God’s good work in our lives over time.

Where have you experienced loss in your life? When you look back on times of pain and transition what do you see?

God, How can I repay You for Your goodness to me? I will lift my voice and call on the name of the Lord! AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Practice of Joy: Soul Sisters (based on John 11)

“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.” -John 11:20

As we track with Mary and Martha through the gospel accounts we see the dance of relationship. Sometimes in conflict, other times in alignment. Gifted in with different skills and interest, but both with a heart for hospitality and following after Jesus.

While not all of us have biological sisters (and even if we do, it doesn’t mean we have a close relationship) we all find sisters of the heart throughout our lives. The best kind of sister-friend isn’t necessarily someone just like you, but someone who appreciates who you are and supports you in your gifts and calling.

Who are the sisters of the heart in your life?

Take a few moments today to reach out to these women (send a text, email or use the cards provided in the May Comfort kit). Today, offer a prayer of gratitude for the friendship and support of these soul sisters.

Comfort: Sisters in solidarity (John 11:21)

“‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know even now God will give you whatever you ask.’” John 11:21 NIV

Mary and Martha were sisters who lived in the same house. They worked side by side each day completing a myriad of tasks. The list was unending by all accounts – no dishwashers for starters!

It is also clear through various stories in the New Testament that Mary and Martha, while sisters, had very different approaches to life. They did not always get along or agree with each other.

The thing that brought them together was a shared belief that Jesus, God’s Son, could change their lives. In the scripture story above Martha’s declaration is shortly followed by Mary declaring the same thing. Both sisters in their despair declare, “If you had been here my brother would not have died.” With like minded determination they both lay their lament before Jesus.

Chicken sisters! My sister bought us matching chicken shirts. We are both happy chicken owners. Even though we do many other things in life quite differently we do share a love of Jesus – and chickens!

One of the great gifts of being a woman is the kinship we gain with other women. Our differences overcome, through our journeys together. Mothers, sisters, and friends, biological or by choice, one of the Creator’s gifts to women is the ability to hold our sorrows and joys before God in solidarity.

Thank you God for the women in my life. The influencers of my faith. Thank You for the kindred souls that help me grow and stretch closer to You. AMEN

Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit to reflect on the faith influencers and sisters of the heart in your life. God’s provision is sometimes in the form of people! What have you learned or how have you grown through Christian sisterhood?

Reflection of Joy: Deep breathing

I often find the everyday small things the hardest to maintain. The big projects and important things, the things I feel passionate about, are easier to accomplish with a joyful heart. The dishes, reminding my children without losing patience, weeding, and vacuuming I do with less happiness.

It has been helpful to find small, repetitive breath prayers for these mundane and sometimes trying moments. Remembering that holy, God-moments can arrive, and most often do, in the middle of our everyday lives and change our mindset.

Here are some to try out:

“In this moment, God sees me.”

“You are our refuge, and our strength.”

“Both day and night, are Yours.”

Use the watercolor sticker pictured above and included in the May Comfort Kit, as a reminder of God’s presence with you in all the moments of your day. Place the sticker somewhere in your home as a visual cue and blessing.

Comfort: How Can This Be? (Reflection on Luke 1)

“Mary said to the angel, “How can this be?” -Luke 1:34

After the shepherds arrive and share with the new parents the angelic message they received, Mary ponders. It’s striking to me that her response is not rejoicing but reflection. She is beginning to understand the complexity of how can this be.

When Joseph and Mary arrive at the Temple and dedicate Jesus, I wonder if her ponderings from those first nights of motherhood came back. Simeon’s words “a sword will pierce your own soul.” More information for Mary to hold; an ever sharpening picture of how can this be.

As she raised Jesus and bore witness to his growth, maturing and development, I wonder how often she thought to herself: how can this be?

But we know in our own lives, how this can be. We know how things grow, change, evolve. How there is bud then bloom and then burial. It’s through so many small things. Little gifts, lessons, tasks and moments that all contributed to Mary’s participation in the big thing. Dishes washed, tunics mended, loaf after loaf shaped and baked. Conversations about the mundane and the significant. Sleepless nights of worry. All part of the ministry and reality of how this can be.

God, in my faithfulness in the small things may I continue to trust that the effect will be for your glory. Amen

Use the journal included in the May Comfort Kit as a place to reflect on today’s Comfort reading.

Joy for Fall: Pumpkin Pie (Psalm 126:6)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Joy for Fall: “Setting aside our doing”

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: God’s artwork (Psalm 8:3-5)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: Autumn Praise (Psalm 19:1-4) NIV

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: God’s Inevitable Kingdom (Psalm 54:1&7)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Fall Comfort: Cry for Help (Psalm 116: 1 & 12-13)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Practice of Joy: Soul Sisters (based on John 11)

Comfort: Sisters in solidarity (John 11:21)

Reflection of Joy: Deep breathing

Comfort: How Can This Be? (Reflection on Luke 1)