Debts or Trespasses?
Do we forgive our debtors or those who trespass against us? I have wondered this from a young age, probably stemming from the moment of mortification when I said “trespasses” and EVERYONE else in the sanctuary said “debts.” Who knew that people memorized a 2000 year old prayer differently? I mean, there are quote marks. […]
Reaching Beyond
“God’s love reaches beyond my mistakes, my fears and my sin” I like that image, created by Elizabeth Veldboom, author of the Upper Room meditation for today. A love that reaches beyond boundaries, even those that are indeterminate, whose margins are poorly defined, perhaps invisible to the naked eye. But all things are possible for […]
Notions over-flowing
They needed help with craft supplies for a summer camp at a local elementary school. Pipe cleaners, yarn, craft foam…and buttons. Buttons I’ve got, in all shapes and sizes. I pull out the button tin and begin to go through the contents. Many are still in their tiny envelopes, often nestled next to a bit […]
Hidden Writing
Displaced from my usual writing spot at my desk and even my special springtime spot on the front porch, I settled (grudgingly) onto a picnic table on the back porch. The writing surface is a bit grimy and uneven so I brought out some lovely place mats to smooth over my discomfort. No go. When […]
Making sense is for amateurs
To be a witness means to live in such a way that one’s life would not make sense if God did not exist. ~ Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water, Reflections on Faith and Art I often need reminding that the only person whose behavior I can control is my own. Same goes for thoughts, actions, […]
Trespassers will be forgiven
When I google “trespassers will be,” I get these hits: Trespassers will be … They mean to say, this is private property. We don’t want you here. Gone are the days when cutting through your neighbor’s yard to get to your friend’s house is okay. We know not to trespass; there will be consequences. I […]
If it’s so good for us, why don’t we do it?
If exercise is so good for us, why don’t we do it? A parent asked me this as we walked off the training field on Saturday, the kids all smiles having just spent two hours running and stopping, sweating and breathing hard. Playing, in other words. (Don’t tell them it’s exercise.) The parent was a […]
Following the rules is so high school, grow up already
My name is Wendy and I am not a rule-follower. I just discovered this about myself. Call it an epiphany. All these years I thought I was a person that lived according to the rules. But no. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t go around looking for rules to break and havoc to wreak. I’m not a […]
Where was Jesus on Marathon Monday?
So, “where was your Jesus on Monday afternoon?” a critic might ask. And so might I. I mean the Bible records Jesus’ words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (16 Bible references just from Google). And “I will be with you to the end of the age.” (4 or so more.) So, where […]
Who would turn away the bread of life?
“Oh no, I couldn’t,” my neighbor says to my offer of a fruit tart. “You’re SO disciplined,” my other neighbor comments, as she helps herself. I have invited them to my house to share the tarts. I have made them especially for the occasion. Prepared them lovingly, presented them carefully and attractively, included only healthy […]