But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. James 3:17-18 Wisdom and peace. I cannot think of anything better to pray for … More Wisdom and Peace
Take a step back.One more.Again, one more.This is a good place. Look from here. The world is so big. There is so much of everything.So many people,so many animals,so many beautiful places in nature. Maybe one more step back. People.They are so complicated.So many motives, intentions, fears, avoidances.And always, ghosts swirling around them,voices from the past,helping, … More Forgiveness
… with the eyes of your heart enlightened … — Ephesians 1:18 I was accused of plagiarism in high school after waxing eloquent in a book report on a book I adored at the time (The Great Train Robbery, fyi). There had been no plagiarism; I just loved books and loved words and had let … More Enlightened
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;break forth into joyous song and sing praises.— Psalm 98: 4 There exists, every morning, pretty much everywhere, the perfect fulfillment of this verse. Made by God, wonderful in their beauty and abilities, and quite dear to me personally: birds. They are all over the earth. … More Joyful Noise
Mary is really uncomfortable. Walking makes her have mild contractions. Riding eases her sore feet but causes its own misery. Her body is unwieldy, strange, and she is far from home. Far from all the women she knows — the women having babies, the women helping. She had started young, sneaking into the tent where … More Mary Is Really Uncomfortable
“Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing . . .” – Psalm 126: 6 Even the weeping bear seed. Even the weeping. Unknowingly, unintentionally, they nonetheless bear seed. O God, bless the seed. Bless the weeping. Bring forth the world you so steadfastly envision. Move your spirit through us to … More Even the Weeping
There is a flame. I know there is; I have not forgotten all the teachings. My soul remembers, yet my body labors in the mine, head down, back bent, hands full. The work, poorly lit, is not my best, but I don’t stop. I will not stop. When I lose heart, I will link arms … More There Is a Flame
What is prayer? What is practicing the presence of God? How is my life prayer? How is it not? What is there even to say about this unbelievable time? Everything is exploding. We are losing people to a virus. We are losing people to racism. I can only look at the big picture for so … More Exploding
Such a different Easter from ones we are used to. Such a different way to gather and praise God, to acknowledge and give thanks for what God has done. But it never was about the crowds, really. Easter first dawned in a garden, with only one soul to witness that it had taken place. One … More Easter Nonetheless
The darkest day. The day of complete despair, desolation, hopelessness. Holy Saturday. Did birds sing on this day? Did the sun shine? Were children noisy and playful, or did the whispering of the somber adults quell them into watchful silence? Was there any part of creation that did not know all was lost? Did the … More Holy Saturday
Lindy Thompson 