Do All Religions “Suck”?

A couple of days ago, I happened to find myself a lane over and behind a compact car that sported two identical bumper stickers which read:  “All Religions Suck.”  I guess the driver wanted to make her or his point twice.  I wished at that moment that I could have stopped the car and goneContinueContinue reading “Do All Religions “Suck”?”

The COVID-19 Pandemic as “a Time to Keep”

A time to keep, and a time to throw away. Eccl. 3: 6 A few days ago, we entertained a couple in our home for dinner—a couple we had not seen in well over a year due to the pandemic.  On the one hand, the experience felt surreal, and on the other, it felt likeContinueContinue reading “The COVID-19 Pandemic as “a Time to Keep””

The Year that Wasn’t

Recently I had the opportunity, after over a year, to visit a friend and have a cup of tea with her.  As we conversed about the ongoing pandemic, she referred to 2020 as “the year that wasn’t.”  At first I thought that was a clever and succinct summary of 2020 when the world was lockedContinueContinue reading “The Year that Wasn’t”

A Reflection on Palms and Lent

In this transitional time between seasons, as the harshness of winter is left behind and the hope of spring begins to bloom, we have journeyed together from ashes to hope. So many faith traditions present us with an opportunity to journey within and assess who we really are at the center of our being whereContinueContinue reading “A Reflection on Palms and Lent”

Thresholds in Life

Many faith traditions and spiritual disciplines offer a time of self-examination, a time of self-reflection to assess where we have been, where we are going, what we can release, and what we can carry forward.  For Christians, this season is called Lent; the same opportunity goes by other names in other traditions.  As I reflectContinueContinue reading “Thresholds in Life”

Being Mindful About Who You Follow

There is an episode in the gospels (the stories about Jesus Christ) in the New Testament of the Bible where Jesus is teaching in a synagogue, and what he says so upsets his audience that they hustle him to a hilltop with the intention of flinging him over the cliff—a handy remedy for discomfort.  However,ContinueContinue reading “Being Mindful About Who You Follow”

Spring Cleaning 2021

During this past year of pandemic and politics, I admit that I have not accomplished the numerous projects I’ve heard other people claim during this “stay at home” time.  I have not repainted a single room.  I have not learned a new language.  I have not come to love cooking, especially after doing it threeContinueContinue reading “Spring Cleaning 2021”

Each New Day

At the beginning of each day,after we open our eyesto receive the lightof that day, As we listen to the voicesand the soundsthat surround us, We must resolve to treat each houras the rarest of gifts,and be gratefulfor the consciousnessthat allows us to experience it,recalling in thanksthat our awareness is a presentfrom we know notContinueContinue reading “Each New Day”

Turning toward Love

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works. Psalm 139: 13-14 “If you never make a mistake, you’re probably not a very good engineer.”  That quotation is attributed to my husband’s formerContinueContinue reading “Turning toward Love”

Enjoy

As I contemplated moving from ashes to hope during this yearly transition between winter and spring, and giving to instead of giving up for Lent, I noticed this sign during a recent beach visit, and it struck me with its mixed message.  Do not take your dog to the beach.  Do not sleep on theContinueContinue reading “Enjoy”