"...Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest..." (Mark 6:31, NIV) These are Jesus's words spoken to his disciples. I think this is his advice to each of us in this present time as well. He is inviting us - me, individually - to an intimate encounter with him, one which requires …
Learning Not to Resist…
"Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you." (Psalm 32:9, NIV) Why might a horse or a mule resist coming to their owner? Because they cannot be reasoned with - they "have no understanding", says …
His Easy Yoke…
"Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me... and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, RSVCE). When I say my "yes" to God's offer of …
How Does “Everything work together for good”?…
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.". (Romans 8:28-29, …
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What are Strongholds?…
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV) "Strongholds" are …
Candles…
"...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire..." (Luke 3:16) I go fairly frequently to Eucharistic Adoration, where quiet prayer and silent worship happens in various chapels and churches. It's a rather extraordinary experience: very moving, where one senses the actual presence of Jesus. While I'm there, just being quiet, I often …
Recognizing Blessings…
"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, RSV) It's easy to see the good things that come into my life as blessings from God. It's 'way harder to recognize the "bad stuff" - problems, frustrations, my own and …
Light for Today…
... even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalms 139:12 (NIV). Over three decades ago when my daughter was in elementary school, I served as her Girl Scout troop leader for several years. I had been roped into this …
The Litany of Humility Revisited…
"...all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:2b - 7 (NIV version)Ever since …
Love And… Politics???
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29, NIV) Much of my family and several good friends are very "pro choice" in their political leanings and can't understand how I'm …
Lessons From Love School 