Over the years I have frequently reflected on the importance of memories: how they are roses in December, precious gifts to brighten our years as we age. With my mother’s Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis, I’ve also been reflecting on forgetting, how terrible it can be. But recently I have found myself recognizing that there is […]
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Jesus tells us we are to forgive our brothers (and sisters) seven times seven. Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer we tell God to forgive us as we forgive others. But what is it to be forgiven? What do we learn about forgiveness from Psalm 32 – forgiven? Psalm 32 Psalm 32 begins by […]
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There are a multitude of reasons to praise our God. Psalm 30 lists just a few of these. What can we learn about praise from Psalm 30 – I praise you? What do we learn about God? Psalm 30 Psalm 30 begins with words of praise to our God who rescued the psalmist from foes, […]
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What do you give that hard to buy for person on your list? Or what do you give yourself? If I told you there was a gift with a guaranteed positive return for years, where you would get more than you gave, you’d be interested, right? Well, there is. That gift is forgiveness – the […]
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Forgiveness is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight and usually requires time and healing. But what does Scripture tell us about forgiveness? And, what can we learn about forgiveness in the Psalms? Forgiveness is a Process “I’ve given up on forgiving and loving,” the eighty-four-year-old woman claimed as she sat down next to me. I […]
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Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No big expectations or pressure to find the perfect gift. Just a meal with family and friends and a focus on giving thanks. However recent articles about the other side in attendance at the first Thanksgiving, the Native Americans, has left me wanting to shout—don’t mess with Thanksgiving! That First […]
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This weekend we celebrate Valentine’s Day with hearts and flowers and chocolate! It’s a celebration of love. So what do broken hearts have to do with this day? For those who have lost a loved one or are still searching for that special someone, all the talk of love can leave them feeling sad, alone […]
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Psalm 130 is written by someone who has hit bottom. Many are hoping we have hit bottom or will hit bottom soon for the coronavirus. What does hitting bottom look like? Hitting Bottom In addiction treatment they speak of hitting bottom. It isn’t until the addict hits rock bottom that they are ready to make […]
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“The quality of mercy is not strained, it falleth like the gentle rain from heaven,” Shakespeare tells us in the Merchant of Venice. But what is the quality of mercy? Is it simply compassion shown to an offender or victim of misfortune as Webster tells us? Or is it something more as we see in […]
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As I’ve been reflecting on Psalm 103, the song from GodSpell based on this psalm, keeps coming back to me, filling my head with music: “O Bless the Lord, my Soul!” (1a, 2a, 22b) There are many reasons to bless the Lord. First among these are God’s mercy and steadfast love, as recounted in Psalm […]
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