Last Sunday we celebrated the Trinity at church. “O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” ends the collect for the day. The unfathomable, unknowable, ever present and loving God. We practice devotion and know some how that the Trinity is one.
Our Prayers of the People began with: “God who is unknowable and yet as close as our breath, help us to see you. ” Yes, God, open our physical eyes and the eyes of our heart to know and see and experience you.
I have been taken lately by tiny diagrams. The above was on our bulletin cover.
Using the Grateful Living challenge I have noticed that a tiny image is used in the corner of each daily practice. This little line drawing summarizes the challenge of the day. Oh I wish I could draw like that!
Superhero
Sharing joy
One playful joyful way to stand up
Share joy with others
And perhaps that is how our Trinity one God does things. Simple line drawings, opening doors for us to share with others. As humans we complicate almost everything having to do with God. Jesus taught us simplicity. Will we cling to that simple way of knowing, being known, loving and loving others?
May you know the Trinity as One. May you see the path before you as well lit and as something you can follow. Look to the One who loves you best and take the next step!
I don’t know about you, but my ‘seasonal allergies’ have decided to afflict me year ’round! Climate change is likely to blame, but gosh. I am using up tissues as fast as I can find them.
If I go out and sneeze, I will invariably need a tissue within minutes! If I stay in the house and sneeze, better have a tissue close by. The other day I actually purchased tissues at a store because some how I had used every packet from my purse and not replaced it. Ugh! It was either that or sniff continuously through the store.
I just need to NOT run out of them!
Even the beagle gets runny eyes and a Benadryl helps her clear that up. And sneeze? Oh my can this beagle sneeze! Reverse and otherwise.
My husband says I sneeze louder than anyone he knows. I have to wave at him if we are in the car and I feel a sneeze coming on. Otherwise, he gets startled. Certainly do not want a car wreck over a sneeze! I do not understand people who do little tiny sneezes. I never function that way.
Itchy eyes, headaches, sneeze upon sneeze.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says: Allergies and viral infections can cause rhinitis. The word rhinitis means “inflammation of the nose.”
Rhinitis! Yep I feel like a rhino when my nose goes off! Here is the least offensive diagram of rhinitis that I could find.
Yep, I’ve got it all!
So the next time you hear someone sneeze say, “God bless you!” Because only “Bless you” does not get it. And if you have a clean one, offer them a tissue.
Our church was gifted with a young priest for about 2-1/2 years. His name is Brad. He did all sorts of things that enlivened our faith and our walk. Recently it was time to tell him good-bye. He was given a job across the river in Northern Kentucky to be head rector at a church there.
On his last Sunday with us our Pastor, Roger, called all the kids up to lay hands on Brad and pray over him as he moves to his new church. Three of the kids are his very own children and one is a family friend.
It was a powerful moment. Have you ever had children pray over you? There is nothing quite like it!
I plan to forward the photos to Brad for his remembrance of that holy moment. By the way, folks at our church know that photos are taken during the service. There is not a problem posting these, especially since I am not naming the children.
Pray for the children. Pray for those moving into a new position of leadership in the churches. Pray for all church leaders. May the Lord bless us, his children and the sheep of his pasture.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
3 Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100 RSV
Last week at church I kept thinking I could hear his voice among the congregation. Another parishioner told me she expected him to walk around the corner at any moment. We will miss him. We came to love him and that made letting go all the harder.
My new project entails gathering the object lessons the Lord has given me over the years to encourage me and keep me walking the road laid out before me. I will likely post of few of these during the coming months. The following is entitled “Called At the Beach To Write More.”
How does an object lesson usually come to you? Mine can jump up any time I call upon the Lord for guidance. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3 NRSVUE
While walking the beach in Florida we were searching for shells. I came upon this one. It is called Sunray Venus Clam.
It reminds me of lined paper. (College ruled is my favorite).
Then I came upon this one.
Atlantic Pen Shell
That got me thinking about ink wells, and fountain pens. Oh my, this was a call to write more!
Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. Habakkuk 2:2 NRSVUE
Years ago a cousin older than me gave me the above verse to hold to. I was not certain she heard right. Time has shown she evidently heard exactly right for me!
The shells comprised another confirmation that I am to write and keep telling what God is doing in my life and can do in the lives of others. I keep these shells around to remind me, lest I ever doubt the call again. Or for the times I get just plain lazy about it. Lord, prod me with the shells and forgive me for being lazy, I pray.
Often the veil and the curtain are mentioned in the Scriptures. I have had this on the brain for a couple of weeks. The veil usually refers to the lack of understanding among the Hebrew population regarding the Messiah. The curtain is the fabric that was hung between the courts of the temple and the Holy of Holies where humans, (and only priests) were only to enter once a year, on the day of Atonement.
When Jesus was hung upon the cross, as he died the curtain was torn from top to bottom in the Holy of Holies. Thereby signifying the full access of man to the Father, bought by the blood of Jesus, our sacrifice.
This quote reminded me of that and the need for us to see the value and significance of ‘each other’s human plight.’
My wish, indeed my continuing passion, would be not to point the finger in judgment but to part a curtain, that invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence, each other’s wonder, each other’s human plight.
EUDORA WELTY
Jesus parted the veil between people and the Father. Jesus also parts the curtain between us and other humans if we are willing to see with his eyes, the eyes of compassion.
Eudora reminds me that when I point the finger at others there are more fingers pointing back at me.
Searching for this image there were SO many images of our President pointing his finger at others. Sad. “That invisible shadow that falls between people, the veil of indifference to each other’s presence and plight.” I fear this has infected the entire nation at this point.
Lord, may we learn to fold our hands in prayer to you, not pointing at others. Open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of our fellow persons. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us realize the access for good that you have given us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Use us for the good of others. Amen.
When we drove across the country a few years ago we often saw fields of yellow in the distance. Once we asked a farmer-type of person what those yellow flowers were. His answer, “Damn yellow cross pollinators.” That was a variety I had never heard of !
Driving through our vicinity recently I saw a yellow field. I told Bob I wanted to get a photo to see what the plants were.
On a sunny day, which we have not had many lately, these were glowing in the distance!
It looked as if the folks at this construction site had sewn the seeds for this plant.
Sure looks like damn yellow cross pollinators!
“Hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous) is a native European weed. It’s indigenous to the Canary Islands and North Africa, but has spread throughout the world. Its saffron-colored flowers are a common sight in fields and pastures. The plant gets its name because it has hairy stems and leaves.” https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Ranunculus_sardous.html
That nifty app lets you upload a photo and it identifies. How did we ever live without the internet? Oh I remember, farmers who told us things like “damn yellow cross pollinators” for identification!
Enjoy your yellow fields if they appear in your vicinity! Call them whatever you like!
“When we are grateful, we want to share, to reach out, to tell others of the goodness of our benefactor, to bring hope, healing and happiness to others.” M. Basil Pennington
When I go to the Convent for retreat there is always a card on the bed with quotes and a photo. This was one of the quotes on the card my last visit.
Benefactor is sort of an old fashioned term. Rarely do I think of God as my benefactor. Merriam Webster says a benefactor is someone or something that provides help or an advantage : one that confers a benefit.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5 RSV
Oh yes, my benefactor has benefits. This is just a partial list. Read it again. Have you known any of these benefits? Do you bless the Lord’s holy name with any regularity? When was teh last time you reviewed the benefits the Lord offers you?
I was weighed down with concern over a few loved ones. The Lord reminded me that the Holy Spirit hovers over them 24/7. My concern is to be first and foremost to bless the Lord. My soul forgot and became entangled in the what-ifs and if-onlys. God reigns over this universe, even the universe of me and my loved ones. My job is to bless and exalt that same God.
How are you doing with recognizing your benefactor? As Pennington wrote, are you bringing ‘hope, healing and happiness to others’?
During Bible study in the room where we do not usually meet I saw a tiny figure of Jesus on a high window sill. I was curious where that came from and who climbed up there to position it.
When we went to the Smoky Mountains the motel we stayed at had the same figures lined up on the computer monitor where we checked in! She told me the story about the man whose idea it was. She said if you read his story online he will send you some for free. I read it, did not find how to get any for free. I did find how to order them from Amazon. I decided, why not?
Recently we went to a liquor store in Northern Kentucky where the selections are much larger than the local stores in Ohio. I put some figures in my pocket.
There was a Banana Pudding man, selling his homemade desserts. I approached him with my hand closed saying, “This is a southern thing.” He put his hand out, palm open saying, ” I’m southern.” I placed the Jesus figure in his palm. I spoke, “We can all use a little Jesus.” He loved it!
When we got to the cash register I told the young man who rang up our order, “I saw your cross.” I gave him one. He turned to his friend as we were walking out and exclaimed with excitement, “Look what she gave me!” His friend took it in his hand and began to walk away with it.
“Hey, that’s mine! Give it back! I’m going to show Susie!!” He was very indignant.
I returned to his register saying, “No need to fight boys. There is enough Jesus to go around.” I gave him 2 more. Now when my computer was letting me type this up it put Hesed in place of Jesus. Yes, there is enough hesed to go around, too! (Hesed: a Hebrew word that encompasses a range of meanings including loving-kindness, mercy, and covenant loyalty, often describing the faithful and generous love that God has for His people and the love that individuals should show to one another. It is not just a feeling but an action that reflects deep commitment and kindness.) Was God using my keyboard there?
In the parking lot was a woman with large cross around her neck. I gave her one saying, “Here is a reminder we all need a little Jesus.” She was enthusiastic about Jesus and told me her Jesus is MUCH larger than this. She declared she needs a lot of Jesus! I assured her my Jesus is much larger than this plastic piece.
Some of you might object to the tiny dolls that say Jesus loves you. I would have to say that anything that sparks this much positive conversation about the Savior is just fine with me.
What have you done lately to share your faith in the Savior? Was it this pleasant for all?
Simply put mahalo means thank you. We saw it on the flap of garbage cans, seeming to say thanks for putting your trash here.
When we were in Hawaii I bought a sticker to remind me of this word. Recently I set up a new keyboard case for my iPad. When I affixed the sticker to the outside I noticed the wrapper said, “Mahalo means to be in the presence of the Divine.”
WAIT! That means so much more than a trash receptacle!!
“Mahalo predates Western contact with Hawai’i. The word appears in the earliest Hawaiian-language dictionaries compiled by missionaries in the 1830s. Its roots connect to the broader Polynesian language family. In Maori (New Zealand), the cognate “maaharo” means to think or wonder. In Tahitian, “maharo” means to think or reflect.
“This linguistic connection reveals something about the original depth of mahalo. It is not just a transactional “thanks for the coffee.” It carries an element of reflection, of pausing to recognize what was given. The Hawaiian value of gratitude runs deep. In traditional Hawaiian culture, reciprocity was a core social principle. Receiving something obligated you to give back, and mahalo was the verbal acknowledgment of that cycle.
“The word also appears in the Hawaiian translation of Christian hymns and prayers, where it took on the additional meaning of praise and admiration. Missionaries translated “Give thanks to God” as expressions using mahalo, reinforcing the word’s association with reverence.” https://www.hawaii-guide.com/mahalo-meaning
“The word mahalo is more than just a thank you in Hawaiian thinking. It is a divine blessing on a spiritual level with a deeper meaning. This is used in everyday life and also on special occasions like the birthday of an elder or for sacredness like prayers or single-word blessings. Use this word respectfully.” https://thewordcounter.com/meaning-of-mahalo/
“A divine blessing on a spiritual level with a deeper meaning.”
So I utter, “Mahalo,” to you the readers of this blog. Your comments and encouragements promote me to write more. If it were not for you my writing might just be entombed in my private journals.
Mostly, Mahalo to our creator who does wondrous things beyond my imagining!
This has become to me a perennial song. Perennial typically describes things that are permanent, constant, or repeated. At times I am compelled to sing it. Sometimes multiple times in a row.
Me, too, Lord! I want what these lyrics speak. Here is the video followed by the lyrics (in case you don’t like jumpy words.)
Abandoned
Benjamin William Hastings
Somethin’ isn’t adding up This wild exchange You offer us I gave my worst, You gave Your blood Seems hard to believe You’re tellin’ me You chose the Cross? You’re tellin’ me I’m worth that much? Well, if that’s the measure of Your love How else would I sing?
But completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored My one-life endeavor to match Your surrender To mirror not my will, but Yours Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned
Oh, I surrender all
I just can’t get over it What kind of self-control is this? When You had angels at Your fingertips But on the Cross You remained And I can’t repay that kind of love But I can praise with everything I’ve got Since death had all of it’s power robbed Then just like the grave
I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender To mirror not my will, but Yours Oh, I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned
Oh, I surrender all I surrender all I surrender all
The whole of my heart, the best of my soul Each phase of my life, each breath in my lungs Consider it Yours, Lord Consider it Yours, Lord The failures I hide, the victories I don’t The battles I fight, each crown that I hoard
Consider it Yours, Lord Consider it Yours, Lord All the glory forever, the grave that You won The praise of the Heavens, the kingdom to come Oh, consider it Yours, Lord Consider it Yours
I’m completely, deeply, sold-out, sincerely abandoned (hey!) I’m completely, freely, hands-to-the-ceiling enamored Oh, my one-life endeavor to match Your surrender To mirror not my will, but Yours I’m completely, deeply, don’t-care-who-sees-me abandoned
Oh, I surrender all
No, You’ll never leave me abandoned I surrender all
Written by: Cody Carnes, Benjamin William Hastings, Brandon Lake, Christopher Michael Davenport
I had to ask who is Christopher Michael Davenport?
“Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader Chris Davenport has been a quiet fixture within worship music for years.
“Through his contributions with UNITED like “Another In The Fire,” “Grace To Grace,” and “Seasons,” as well as collaborations with artists like Phil Wickham (Hymn Of Heaven), Brandon Lake (Too Good To Not Believe), and Cody Carnes (Be Glad), Chris has established himself as a unique, authentic, and influential voice within the worship community.” Now we all know more about him.
Make sure we never abandon God! “My one life endeavor to match your surrender…”
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 