May 21, 2024 | joy, Pentecost
O Wisdom, how diverse are your works! In the great sea alone, there are countless creeping critters and all sizes of living things! Humans build ships to cross it, but you form Leviathan to play in it. – Psalm 104:24-26 (adapted) I’m sitting at the end of a...
Dec 17, 2023 | Advent, joy
Light the lamp of gladness. Burn the fire of freedom. Bring candles aplenty so that no one in despair lacks comfort. Fuel thanksgiving like a beacon for praise. Spark goodness for warmth when the night runs too long and cold. Testify to joy, now and always, until...
May 13, 2023 | discipleship, joy
When Jesus came to the [sycamore tree], he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to the guest of one who...
Apr 21, 2022 | Easter, joy, worship
Praise God with trumpet sound, with lute and harp! Praise God with tambourine and dance, with strings and pipe! Praise God with clanging cymbals; praise God with loud clashing cymbals! – Psalm 150:3-5 (NRSV, adapted for inclusive language) I grew up in a quiet...
Oct 22, 2021 | discipleship, joy, nature
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? O taste and see that the Lord is good. – Psalm 34:12 & 8a (NRSV) The sounds of rain on the pavement and wind through the trees outside my window wake me up. The sun is content to bide its...
Aug 16, 2020 | blessing, joy, prayer
Sweet, sweet, sweet, O God, is the smoke that clouds the air with the prayers of the wayfarers and the downtrodden, with the songs of grief and hope, protest and sacrifice. Sweet, sweet, sweet, O God, is the oil that blesses the heads of the ancestors and pours down...
