Sheep and cows are not the problem in this story. My title is misleading. But there's a story ahead where the sheep and cows get kicked out of a place they don't belong. So do the people selling them. What's really coming is a look at what doesn't belong in our life and who does the kicking out. Turns out we are unable, unwilling, unconcerned, or unaware of what sheep and cows don't belong but God isn't and he cares enough to send in his whip-weilding passionately loving Son to do the job...
5 months ago • 3 min read
As a writer of words on the internet, I wonder if anyone notices when they don't come consistently. There are all manner of explanations for why I'm prone to inconsistency and being late. It happens in every part of my life from going to work, going to lunch, going to bed, and going to my computer to write words. This makes me feel guilty, sorry, and frustrated. There are strategies to help which I employ. They do not work 100% of the time. They have not worked well in April and I'd like to...
6 months ago • 3 min read
I wonder if you are preparing for a feast tomorrow? I wonder if you are expecting company or going to gather with others for a feast they are preparing? And is the feast a tradition on the day called Easter or is it a time of gathering to remember and receive once again the loving of suffering and loving of living Jesus did for you? Today's reading and reflection are about a feast with Jesus loving people with a miracle, the first recorded. He did it behind the scenes and the witnesses were...
7 months ago • 3 min read
There are a few hills I will die on. One is that Jesus is the author, creator and expert lover of me, of us. The second hill I chose to guard with my life was supper time. I still kinda do. When we had kids at home and they turned into teenagers with places to be at all kinds of hours, I did my best to have dinner together. Conversation over food is the pinnacle of connection. I've heard the 'kitchen is the heart of the home.' I agree, but the dinner table is where love happens. At my house...
7 months ago • 4 min read
Lectio Divina is a way of praying Scripture from the early monastic tradition. It means Divine Reading. Once a month, I am preparing a divine reading for you from the gospel of John to complement the reflection I sent you the previous week. This pay-attention practice may be new for you or a favorite way to engage with the Word. You get to ask questions and notice the word, phrase, image, or interaction which stands out. During the final reading, you rest in the Presence of God with these...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Did you set a resolution or intention for 2024? Are you still practicing it? We set resolutions, start programs, go to classes often to help us change something we know needs changing. Have you ever had a book change your life? The gospel of John did that for mine. John was with Jesus in person. Jesus changed Johns's life too, and he tells us all about Jesus changing other peoples lives too. Here is a reflection on John's gospel as soul food for you this month. Be aware of what get's your...
8 months ago • 3 min read
Happy February! Let's begin this month's Food for your Body with answers to last months question: how to wrap cheese to help it last longer Cheese Paper It's waxed specifically to regulate the humidity and airflow to keep your cheese fresh. and you are meant to wrap the cheese. Thank's Michelle! Elaine also suggests using your food saver bags and sealing the bag after each use. She said this keeps her cheese fresh a long time. I use this simple Food Saver and these multi-size Food Saver bags...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Divine Reading John 1: 14-18 Lectio Divina is a way of praying Scripture from the early monastic tradition. It means Divine Reading. Once a month, I will prepare a divine reading for you from the gospel of John to complement the reflection I sent you the previous week. This pay-attention practice may be new for you or a favorite way to engage with the Word. You will engage in listening and imagination. You get to ask questions and wonder why a particular word, phrase, image, or interaction...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Last week, I sent you food for the soul and have enjoyed conversations about beets, banana bread and wrapping cheese. This week, I have some soul food for you. Have you ever had a book change your life? The gospel of John did that for mine. John saw Jesus. John spent time with Jesus. Jesus changed Johns's life, and he tells us all about Jesus slowly, almost leisurely. Here is John's gospel as soul food for you this year. I'll begin with a reflection. Be aware of what get's your attention....
9 months ago • 1 min read