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...
May 6, 2020 | joy, mental health, nature
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness… Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving. Psalm 100:1-2, 4 (NRSV) I was tired before the pandemic overtook our days, our news, our livelihoods. Far from dancing my way into God’s presence, I...
Dec 15, 2019 | Advent, baptism, joy, nature, prayer
Lead us to the water, O Spirit, calm in a pool or flowing in a river or pounding down a waterfall. Lead us to the water where we can bathe, splash, leap and laugh, rinse and relax, soak for hours, until violence is washed clean from our skin and defensiveness is eased...
