What We Listen For

“A man and a woman were walking along a crowded sidewalk in New York City.  Suddenly, the woman, who was a zoologist, said, ‘Listen to the lovely sound of that cricket,’ but the man could not hear the sound.  He asked: “How can you possibly hear a cricket, in the middle of all of this noise, and … More What We Listen For

Going Deep

Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, and from Jesus, our Savior, who calls us into deep waters.  Amen. Our Gospel story from the book of Luke is the calling of the first disciples.  These are fisherman.  These are just ordinary guys who are going about their work, minding their own business, cleaning, and repairing their … More Going Deep

You are Favored

I’ve read these scripture passages, probably hundreds of times.  This week, I noticed something new.  This week, I noticed that when the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, to tell her about her upcoming pregnancy, the scriptures say that Mary was “shaken” by the angel’s words.  Other translations use the word “perplexed.”   Mary is shaken not by the presence of … More You are Favored

Choose to Trust

Our community is built on trust.   We trust that our neighbors are going to look out for us.   We trust that when our light at the intersection turns green, the light for the cross-street will turn red.   We trust that our educators have nothing but the best interest of our kids in mind.   We trust … More Choose to Trust

Let the Dog Out

I have a recurring task set up on my computer’s “to-do” program for noon, every Tuesday. At that time, I get a reminder that pops up on my screen that says “Let the Dog Out.” On Tuesdays, before the pandemic, Lori would go all day to the Twin Cities for her work. And because we … More Let the Dog Out

Ponder These Things

The scriptures say: “But Mary treasured these words…and pondered them in her heart.” When I hear this familiar part of our Christmas story…an image comes to my mind.  I picture Mary, holding the baby Jesus, rocking him.  It is so peaceful…she’s smiling… reflecting on this new life in her arms…contemplating the words of the angels … More Ponder These Things

No Filter

Have you ever been a witness?  I mean a real, live, actual legal witness?  Like in a courtroom?  I have.  Years ago, I was on a church summer trip with a bunch of the young people from my congregation when they witnessed a crime.  They did the right thing, and reported it, and the individual … More No Filter

Well Done

Do you remember the first time you felt really, really trusted?  The first time that someone entrusted you with an important responsibility, or a task?  I remember when I was young, probably just in jr. high, and my parents and my brothers had to go out of town for something, and they left me completely … More Well Done