Courage whispered the autumn leaf He, born of spring’s budding hope commissioned for summer’s verdancy yet most glorious in decline Courage urged the autumn leaf As he, in trust and gratitude released his hold once, and for all surrendered into the wind and fell
It is time to draw near again To come home to You, to what is deep within me, and to those who gather around me To watch and to wait; to be open, to surrender, to accept To seek out peace, quietness, meditation, and prayer. For I will be encompassed, consumed As joy and pain…
After a day of rest, Thursday of Holy Week was a full, pivotal day in the life and death of Jesus. The Gospel of John summarizes the beginning of Holy Week in one chapter (John 12) but devotes five and a half chapters to Thursday. Jesus shared the Passover (the Last Supper) with His Disciples,…
(Adapted from a true story…) Yesterday, my neighbors had a baby. A baby girl. I’ve never seen a more beautiful child. That may not sound so amazing, but this family has been through… well… way too much. They had more than their share of problems. (I’m in awe of the dad, and the way he…
My name is Kaole. I live in a small village in southern Africa. I am the youngest girl in my family. I don’t remember my older brothers. They died before I was born. But my sister was around for a while. She was about 14 when she married and moved away. Death has always been…
(continued from A Child’s Loss: Part 1) My sister died on a Wednesday, I think. Not long after … her husband passed away. He died on a Wednesday, too. Isn’t that odd? Yes, death has always been a part of my life. I decided to leave my sister’s village and go back home to Mama’s….
With inspiration from Pilgrims’ Hymn by Stephen Paulus Yes, even before we call on your name Lord, you meet us. Before we humbly ask, In a single branch of Jesse you came, Offering life which darkness cannot mask. Unceasing love, O your unceasing love Falls freshly from your blessed throne of grace. Calling a servant…
My mother said, “He was a pew marker.” Colorful, broad-jacketed shoulders marked the spot, twelve rows back, a Sunday regular, always early, always eager, waiting for the word of God. “In the beginning was the word.” God’s word, his marker. Informing life, expanding vision, building dreams, enabling mighty laughter. A laugh ringing out, From Tubac,…
For the people building of Church of the Resurrection, Wheaton, Illinois, who wrote their names and verses of hope on the concrete floor of the old Alcoa building before it was converted into a glorious worship space. Faceless Saints In black steel and cold concrete God’s people begin with words. Written. Sung. Prayed. Spoken. Marked…