I believe that Jesus invites us all - young and old alike - to walk a Simple Path. As parents Emily and I realize that we are representatives of Jesus to our children, and we take seriously the task of not passing on a rule-bound faith. But of course we would go crazy without some rules around our house. One of those rules is that Dominic can pour his own milk as long as he is careful and stops pouring before the milk spills out of the cup and overflows all over the counter! Needless to say, Dom… Continue

Here are some ideas/observations I encountered today regarding the concept and practice of Sabbath. Just some stimulus for thought, and I may continue to post these as I think they might be of interest to others.

There are many things that were considered holy in the Israelite cult, but only a few things that are called ‘holy’ by God. Not even humans does God call holy, though we can become such as the image is perfected. But the Sabbath is one of the few things that God himself actually design… Continue

Borrowed from: http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/wiesel.htm

Every year, as I approach the new one, I sense a renewal of call, vocation and ministry. Elie Wiesel, holocaust survivor and activist, gave this impassioned speech in the East Room of the White House on April 12, 199… Continue

...perhaps, for the best depending on one's perspective?
Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10

Our First Sunday of Advent texts are all about waiting and what's ahead. I must be honest that, before a re-reading of these texts, I gave little time or attention to the "why and "how" of waiting. In the past, patience has never been my strong suit.. When I wanted something, I desired it, worked at it and considered it mine even before I got it. Some might say that t… Continue

Wendell Berry
from Window Poems


"Poem 7"

Outside the window
Is a roofed wooden tray
He fills with seeds for the birds.
They make a sort of dance
As they descend and light
And fly off at a slant
Across the strictly divided
Black sash. At first
They came fearfully, worried
By the man’s movements
Inside the room. They watched
His eyes, and flew
When he looked. Now they expect
No harm from him
And forget he’s there.
They come into his vision,
Unafraid. He keeps
A certain dist… Continue

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/business/energy-environment/19WALLS.html

Lectionary for November 15, 2009:
Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-25
Mark 13: 1-8

Starting to prep for preaching this coming Sunday and share my thoughts on the texts as I move through the week.

Look forward to my next entry!

John

O Lord, who reigns over all, on this day we celebrate the goodness of the saints who have gone before us. May their example, in life and work, remind us of our own weakness and strength. May their deeds infuse in each of us a life of virtue and character. May we take pleasure in hearing the voice of Your Spirit through them.

In the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen