“You transform the ordinaryYou make a way when there seems to be none.And I am waiting. And so may I not only know,But also practice believingWhile I am waiting.” -Sherah-Leigh Gerber excerpt from Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent There is still time to receive Comfort and Joy to guide you through theContinue reading “Blessing for Waiting”
Tag Archives: inspirational
Advent is coming…
No matter how you are approaching this Advent season, there is good news. The words of scripture, written long ago, demonstrate again and again that God is at work. God is present. God is always surprising God’s people by moving and making something new. In the midst of a weary world and fragile hope, weContinue reading “Advent is coming…”
An invitation and practice for election day
“While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ” – Luke 24:15 (NRSV) Dear Community, Anxious or restless, passionate or unplugged, there are many intense feelings and concerns within our country, communities, families, and even within ourselves as today, the US election seasonContinue reading “An invitation and practice for election day”
Comfort: Beauty is a gift
“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” – James 1:17 Beauty is a gift The lumpy brown and red soilIs silent. The night closes in. Death waits. Time slowly rushes by. AContinue reading ” Comfort: Beauty is a gift”
Joy: Beauty as a counterweight to despair
In Monday’s reflection Sherah-Leigh reminded us of the powerful counterweight beauty can be in the face of despair. With intention choose an activity this week that activates a joyful response to the beauty you are experiencing. Here are some ideas, but the possibilities are endless! May the beauty found in God’s creation renew your spirit!Continue reading “Joy: Beauty as a counterweight to despair”
Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God
Spend time today with a form of sacred beauty. Perhaps it’s a beloved scripture passage, a song that makes your heart swell, or taking a walk in a place that brings peace to your soul. Consider the places and spaces in which you feel the presence of God. In the face of limitations, whether thatContinue reading “Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God”
Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection
“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8 Often the best memories come from the times when things didn’t go to plan. At least we’ll haveContinue reading “Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection”
Comfort: Childlike Wonder
“O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” – Psalm 8:1 I clearly remember taking my two-year-old son for a walk down a gravel lane. I had a time oriented goal and place in mind. While he’s now a middle schooler, it seems like a short time ago that weContinue reading ” Comfort: Childlike Wonder”
Joy: Imagine Healing for a Friend
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’’‘ -Luke 5:20 Do you have a friend who is sick or troubled? Take some time today to pray for them. As you pray, imagine complete healing for them or their situation. Pray for God’s wholeness and reconciliation in your friend’s circumstance. IfContinue reading “Joy: Imagine Healing for a Friend”
Comfort: Faithful Friends
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven you.’’‘ -Luke 5:20 Tucked amidst the account of Jesus’ calling of the disciples are a few stories of healing. Likely the intention of the writer was to illustrate the unique and impressive power that Jesus possessed. Yet within a theologically dense passage aboutContinue reading “Comfort: Faithful Friends”
some comfort and joy 