Redheadedrev

Advent Week 3: Joy

December 15

Isaiah 61: 1-4, 10-11 – The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion – to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns himself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

My youngest daughter has always enjoyed gardening. Every year she plants annuals in our yard, and sometimes she has had potted plants too. This year she had her first garden in a raised bed on our deck. She planted cucumbers, jalepenos, green beans, and sunflowers, and we also had a tomato plant. Early in the summer, she was gone for almost a month. Before she had even been gone a full day, she asked me to send pictures of her plants. Almost every day she wanted pictures, probably as proof of life that I was caring for them, but also because she loved them so much. I would tell her that nothing had changed from the day before, but she wanted a new real-time picture of her garden.

The way she cared for her plants is the way God cares for us. God wants to see our growth, and loves us into that growth. Where we may only see dirt, God sees a place for a shoot to spring up. When it looks like there is no hope, God will “cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations.”

The opposite of joy is despair. It is easy to listen to the news and despair about the state of the world. However, the prophet Isaiah reminds us to rejoice. We are not to fear, but cling to the joy that God has planted within our hearts. The joy can spring up through us as we sing and praise God. Soon we will see the garden that God has planted around us blooming. We may have to look for it the small signs of life pushing through the dirt.

Listen to the poem “Joy Chose You” by Donna Ashworth.

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A post shared by Donna Ashworth (@donnaashworthwords)

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for loving me unconditionally.

December 16

Psalm 126 – When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Bringing joy to others brings joy to us. Steve Hartman is a reporter on CBS who shares feel-good stories. In December 2023, he shared the story of the Secret Santa Club in Phoenix, AZ. Mr. Brown has his class watch videos to spark kindness, and one of their favorites is the “Secret Santa,” the wealthy business man who hands out $100 bills. The students raised $8000 (without help from school or district) so they could give it away. Kids noticed that “the more they gave, the more they got.” One girl said, “their joy, that’s the gift to you.” You can watch the full story here.

We may not have $100 bills to hand out to strangers, but there are many small kindnesses that can spread joy. Joy is contagious.

Frederick Buechner, the Christian writer and theologian, writes definition of faith words in his book Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC. He defines vocation as “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” What brings you deep gladness? When you share it with others, you are spreading joy and serving God.

Read “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rosetti, and/or listen to it sung by James Taylor.

Prayer: Creator, open my heart to opportunities to spread joy today.

December 17

Philippians 1:3-11 -I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in you heart for all of you share in God’s grace with me both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that you love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

For a number of reasons, I went on Family Leave in 2020. As the world got back to “normal” from the pandemic, I began wondering what is next for me in my career. Was it serving a church again? God very clearly told me no, not now. I worked with my spiritual director about the discomfort of not knowing what God was calling me to do next. However, we also worked to discern what God is saying to me for today.

Sometimes we think God’s call is for “big” things, like to become a pastor, or lay leader, or serve on a ministry team at church. However, God’s call comes in all sorts of ways. The tiny tug at our heart to reach out to someone, to smile and offer kindness to a stranger, to spend time in prayer and reading Scripture. In our baptism, we affirm that we are all called by God to be God’s beloved children. Our response is to love and serve God and God’s people. What we do is important, but also who we are and how we choose to be is just as important.

Listen to “Away in a Manger” in Filipino. Then sing in your preferred language.

Prayer: Loving God, use me today to offer love to another beloved.

December 18

Luke 3:7-18 – John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’: for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah. John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear the threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

John the Baptist was Jesus’s cousin. People believed he could be the Messiah, the one for whom they had been waiting. John is quick to affirm that he is not, but One is coming who will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire, not just water.

John could have easily let it go to his head that so many were coming to the wilderness to be baptized by him. He could have charged money, or even preached words that people want to hear. Instead, he calls people snakes. He tells them to prove that they have changed their hearts and lives. He does not let them off the hook, nor does he give them easy assignments. We would do well to take his teachings to heart today.

Could anyone tell by the way we live that we are Jesus followers? How has our faith changed our heart or life?

Listen to “God Rest, Ye Merry Gentleman/We Three Kings” sung by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan.

Prayer: Generous God, give me a heart of generosity and wisdom for how to use it to serve your people.

December 19

Luke 1:46b-55 – The Magnificat – Mary’s Song of Praise

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed: for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His Mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Mary went to visit Elizabeth, who was also expecting. Elizabeth tells Mary that upon hearing her voice, the child within her leapt in her womb. We know that John the Baptist is her son, but Elizabeth only knows that she is pregnant and her husband has become mute. Mary answers with this song of praise.

I can imagine being Mary was not easy. She had to explain to Joseph, and her parents, that she was pregnant. I am not sure her saying an angel of the Lord came to her was any more believable in her day than it would be in ours. I imagine she was taking refuge with Elizabeth. Maybe her parents sent her there. She may have hoped that she would be greeted, but I doubt she was prepared for the joy Elizabeth had for her. Mary’s response has become a treasured song. We too can join in praising God for all the ways that God is faithful.

Listen to “The Magnificat” arranged by John Rutter, English composer and conductor.

Prayer: Steadfast God, we give you thanks and praise for your faithfulness.

December 20

Psalm 98 – O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.

When I was first a pastor, I was a stickler for only singing Advent hymns during Advent. Now, I feel differently. The music of Christmas is full of so much meaning for us. Some of it is nostalgia, some of it is joy, some of it is the shared experience of so many beloved hymns and even secular music.

I invite you today to sing with gusto. John Wesley advises to learn hymns and sing them spiritually, with an eye towards God. Sing alone in your car, or with others. What are some of your favorite Christmas tunes? Listen to one, or several, and sing along!

Listen and sing along to this medley by a worldwide United Methodist virtual choir, then to Whitney Houston’s “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

Prayer: I make a joyful noise to praise you, O God!

December 21

Isaiah 52:7-8 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices together, they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.

How beautiful are the feet of one who brings messages of peace, good news, and salvation!

I admit that I do not find feet beautiful, and I wonder if Isaiah didn’t either. However, if someone is bringing the good news we have been longing to hear, we might think that the feet that traveled to share that message are indeed beautiful. A sight for sore eyes, if you will. No matter the state of your actual feet, your feet could be beautiful! You could choose to be a messenger of God’s hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent season. You could share what God has done for you, and how being a follower of Jesus makes a difference in your life. You could bring love in the form of winter wear, toys, donate food, serve at a shelter. You could give your voice and presence to justice work.

However you choose to live out your faith this Advent season, may you do it with joy.

Listen to this “Angels We Have Heard on High” in Korean. Sing along with the Glorias.

Prayer: Here I am, God, send me.

Advent Week 2: Peace

December 8

Malachi 3:1-4 – See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will set as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Being refined is not an easy process. Materials like silver are heated up and beat with a hammer to remove impurities. Some of us go through experiences where we feel like we are being beaten up or beaten down, where nothing is easy, and we are changed, or “cleansed.”

When I think of a cleanse, I think of a dietary cleanse, like a juice cleanse, or some other elimination diet, where we rid our bodies of what could be causing inflammation, or to provide a reset, or to prepare for a medical procedure. A dietary cleanse is not an enjoyable experience, and yet sometimes the results are worth it. Submitting to God’s refining fire, to let go of habits that may be detrimental, beliefs that may be holding us back, or addictions that enslave us, is probably not going to be an enjoyable experience either. However, we hopefully learn and grow during the process.

Read “The Refiner’s Fire” by Rev. Arthur F. Ingler

Prayer: Cleanse me, O Great Refiner, that I may be pure of heart.

December 9

Luke 1:67-79 – Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The Song of Zechariah is called “The Benedictus,” because in Latin it means blessed, and the song begins “Blessed be the Lord God.” The Angel Gabriel visits the priest Zechariah to tell him about his son, who will be John the Baptist. Because Zechariah questions how it could be, given his and Elizabeth’s age, the angel makes him mute. When John is circumcised and Elizabeth names him John, Zechariah concurs by writing on a tablet. Immediately, his voice is restored, and he gives these words or praise, thanksgiving, and prophecy.

Have you ever lost your voice? Either due to a physical ailment like a cold or laryngitis? Or maybe you lost your voice due to oppression. Maybe you were silenced because of a “non-disclosure agreement.” When your voice was restored, did you immediately praise God and give thanks?

I have rarely physically lost my voice, but I have felt silenced, and turned to God for help. I hope that when voices are restored, they would be used to praise God and give thanks. It would be tempting to use restored voices to “set the record straight” or condemn those who silenced us instead.

Peace comes from knowing that you are doing what God has called you to do. Being who God has called you to be, despite what is going on around you. You may feel wronged, but with God’s help you can focus on what is right and good and not on all the hurt.

Listen to the “Bendictus.” This version is sung by The Priests.

Prayer: Let me be a voice for the voiceless.

December 10

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice! Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are the times we focus on rejoicing as a people of faith. However, this text reminds us to rejoice always. It is when we place our hope in God, that we will receive the peace of God that passes all understanding.

If worrying were an Olympic sport, I would be a gold medalist. Give me a topic, and I can spend days worrying. It is not my best quality. My primary spiritual gift is intercessory prayer. Give me a topic, and I can spend days praying about it. These two contradictory parts of me actually work well together. I turn my worries into my prayers. Every time I don’t let go and give my worries to God and find myself ruminating on my worries, I go back to prayer. Thankfully, God is always ready and available to listen.

Rejoicing is easier for me when I know I have spent time with God in prayer, quiet, and stillness. Reading Scripture and other’s writings on faith and journalling have the same effect for me. I long for peace, and I know that for me, it only comes from God. That peace enables me to rejoice wholeheartedly, knowing that God is the same yesterday and today, and will be tomorrow.

Listen here to “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” sung by Frank Sinatra

Prayer: Unchanging God, give me a joyful mouth to sing your praise.

December 11

Isaiah 40:3-5 – A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all the people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

In college, I was a member of the choir for three years. We had the opportunity to sing beautiful pieces. I can’t read this passage without breaking into song, at least in my head.

To me, this passage is hopeful. Sometimes during the valleys of life, I long for a mountaintop experience, and I know how briefly they last and I’m right back low in the valley. The path I walk is often uneven and it is hard to get my footing. I know with God’s help I will get back on track.

Now when I read this passage I think of justice. Not all of our paths are the same. Some are rockier than others, some are more uneven, while others are paved and flat. It is not fair, and those of us who have privilege have the opportunity and responsibility to help others’ paths become less treacherous. Whether that be through donating, volunteering, building relationships, or working through government to make changes, we can work towards equity and justice. It is not easy, and we may have to leave our paved path in order to help others.

Listen to “Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted” from Handel’s Messiah. This version is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Listen here.

Prayer: God of justice, give me strength to work for equity and justice.

December 12

Isaiah 11:1-10 – A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

The Peaceable Kingdom is often depicted in art. Setting aside their instincts, animals rest calmly together. I wonder how that translates to humanity. Setting aside our greed? The millionaire sitting with someone who is homeless? The legislator wanting to build a wall eating with an immigrant? We tend to surround ourselves with people like us. Whether it be racially, socio-economically, politically, and even spiritually. Social media algorithms can create echo chambers, where we only see content that will go along with what we “like” or “share” or post about. Unless we have a diverse group of “friends” on social media, we can get confirmation bias that everyone thinks like we do, and our opinions reinforced.

The Peaceable Kingdom is the opposite. It is being able to be with someone different; we can have peaceful conversations where we actually hear each other. We can disagree in love. We can stop “othering” and living out of fear and reacting rather than responding in love and care. It is not easy to override our human need to be comforted by being around only those like us. God calls us to risk discomfort and see the God in other humans, and in all creation.

Check out these different depictions of The Peaceable Kingdom:

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Nothing But a Child.” This is Kathy Mattea’s version. Listen here.

Prayer: God of the wolf and the lamb, give me courage to seek relationships with those who are different from me.

December 13

Philippians 4:8-9 – Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in my, and the God of peace will be with you.

I am now nine years cancer-free. The day of my diagnosis, I went from having my first mammogram to a biopsy. As I was lying on the table, the doctor and I chatted while we were waiting to see if the sample was “good enough.” I said, “calcifications mean no cancer, right?” He shook his head, “No. You’ll very likely get a call tomorrow confirming that you have cancer.” I smiled at him.

That smile haunts me. Why did I feel the need to smile and make him feel like the news he gave me was ok? I think about my reaction all the time. I know why I did, thanks to therapy, and it still bothers me.

However, what doesn’t bother me is the peace that I had through it. I felt like I was in the eye of a hurricane. I couldn’t see anything except what was right around me. I knew that it was going to be challenging. It was the day my world changed for sure, but it is not a day that I hate remembering or talking about. It is very vivid in my mind, as is the peace that surrounded me that day, and throughout the entire treatment.

The peace God gave me allowed me to continue life with hope. I could be honest about what was happening, and also know that I would get through it all. I don’t want to sugarcoat the months that followed. They were tough physically, mentally, and emotionally. Spiritually, however, I was at peace.

Peace does not always mean that you are not in the storm. When I think of the first Christmas, I think about how it was not perfect. I doubt Mary felt good riding a donkey in her last few days of pregnancy. I am not sure giving birth in a stable, as a young girl without her mother or aunties or support system was a fun experience. I expect she was scared, and I hope she had God’s peace in the midst of it all.

Prayer: God of Peace, thank you for being with me.

Listen here to I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns with lyrics.

December 14

Isaiah 9:6-7 – For a child has been born for us, a son given to us: authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

The prophet Isaiah promises a child that will be born to us who will be the Prince of Peace. As Christians, we believe Jesus is the child. These verses describe an earthly authority. I am thankful that Jesus is an eternal authority. No matter what is happening in the world, Jesus is still the Prince of Peace. Natural disasters are destructive, human beings are violent, and much of the world seems chaotic. No matter if our political party is in charge or not, or wars rage, we know that no earthly leaders have ultimate control. God does. We put our faith, our hope, our trust in God. We ask God for help to find the peace in the midst of the chaos. We pray for the Prince or Peace to reign in our hearts. We ask God to help us be peacemakers.

I invite you to pray the Franciscan blessing:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

Listen to “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie here.

Advent, Week 1: HOPE

All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

December 1

Luke 21:34-36 – Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

As we begin Advent, we enter a time when the waiting in Church for the incarnation of Christ is not the same as the cultural expectations we have of the Christmas season. It is easy to get caught up in our to do lists, all the parties to attend, and the long shopping lists for gifts, food, and helping others. Eugene Peterson’s modern translation of this passage in The Message warns “don’t get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping.” We can get so caught up in the busy-ness that we forget what we are celebrating. Or worse, we are so stressed out by trying to do everything that we don’t enjoy the season at all.

Advent is the beginning of a new church year. We begin by remembering who we are as Christians: people who believe that Jesus came to us, taking on a human body with all its pains, and living among us. It is good news to have a God that is willing to meet us on our level. Let’s not forget that the waiting of Advent, the hope of this season, is that God meets us where we are. Even if we are overscheduled, over-sugared, and cranky like Scrooge.

Listen to “Come, Thou Long, Expected Jesus.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lwtbnU-1Tw

Prayer: Help me to maintain focus on you this season, Lord.

December 2

Jeremiah 33:14-16 – The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has not been a place of safety for anyone. The Jewish and Palestinian people have lost many lives, and there has been much destruction. It is yet one more time that there is no peace, when we want peace. Now the fighting extends beyond the borders of the country Israel, and even more people have been killed and harmed, and more places destroyed.

Though your media choice may have you leaning support in one direction or the other, the truth is that God’s children and God’s creation is being harmed. Issues are more complex than a soundbite or headline can explain. We long for safety in Jerusalem, throughout the Middle East, and in our world. We pray for world leaders making difficult decisions, and for those innocents who are suffering. Come, Lord Jesus, and bring your peace to our world.

Read the poem “Hope is a Bruise” by Dasha Kelly Hamilton. https://poets.org/poem/hope-bruise

Prayer: Blessed are the peacemakers; make me an instrument of your peace with my words and deeds, O Prince of Peace.

December 3

Psalm 25:1-10 – To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

I put my trust in you, O Lord. I don’t trust this world, or its leaders. I barely trust myself. You are the only One who can save me. I need you, especially when the world feels chaotic and crazy. I need you especially when it feels ludicrous to have hope. Hope is not pie-in-the-sky optimism. Hope is hard work, grit, getting back up after being knocked down.

Show me your ways, O Lord. I want to be like you. When I am following your ways, I trust myself more. When I am living in to who you have called me to be, then I have trust. When I look to the ways of the world, listen to the lies of my inner critic, then I lose that trust and hope. Help me regain it again. Amen.

Listen to “The First Noel,” sung by Pentatonix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5UvnKlCTA

Prayer: Fill me with your hope, O Lord.

December 4

Psalms 16:7-9 – I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.

One of my spiritual gifts is a strong intuition. I know things based on feelings within my body, and my gut feelings about a situation are always right. I get into trouble when I do not honor and listen to them. However, it can be difficult to explain “how” I know. “It’s just a feeling,” does not provide enough evidence for some to trust. I understand. Without feeling the feeling themselves, they are right to be skeptical. Over time, as trust develops, others have learned that my intuition is right. I must be willing to share and follow the feeling God has placed in me.

I believe my intuition is a way I experience the divine, and I feel it as a feminine energy, perhaps because I am female. I believe God has given me this gift to use in my ministry and life. I have had to learn to trust it, to trust God and myself, especially when making decisions. My intuition is a strength, and over time as I have experienced it as always being right, I have learned to be more confident in sharing my knowing with others. It is a gift, and it enhances my leadership.

God’s ways are not always understandable. We often want to put God in a box that we can understand. Sometimes we even want God to fit our desires rather than allowing ourselves to admit that God is a mystery we do not have to solve. I do not assume to know the many ways you may experience God. I am grateful for the gifts God has given me, and I am grateful that God is bigger than our human brains can imagine.

Listen to “What Child is This?” sung by Carrie Underwood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQtgYl_IHcY

Prayer: Help me to have open eyes, ears, and heart to your messages, Holy One.

December 5

I Thessalonians 3:9-13 – How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

My paternal grandma used to sing a song about counting blessings instead of sheep from the movie “White Christmas.” You can listen to the song here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXKxazgio2s

She loved musicals, and when we would spend the night with her, or even an afternoon, we would pile in her bed and watch musicals together. “White Christmas” was just one of the many we watched together. Watching it again brings up all the good memories.

During the holiday season, we think about others. We think about those with whom we only exchange Christmas cards. We think about the poor. We think about who we want to buy gifts for and what to get them. What if we were so focused on others more than just once a year? What if we sent Valentines or Easter cards? What if we gave gifts randomly, just because? We can give thanks for each other year-round, but it is this time of year, that we often take stock and count our blessings.

Prayer: Thank you, God for the many blessings you give me, and help me to notice and appreciate each one.

December 6

Mark 13:24-27 – But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

For many years, people have been talking about the end times. The disciples thought Jesus would return in their lifetime, and when it didn’t happen, then the followers of Jesus had to adjust their faith to the waiting. Here we are in 2024, still waiting. Signs are everywhere, some say. The signs I see are of a broken world that needs healing. Of hurting people that need love and compassion. We have the power, given to us by God, to make our little part of the world a better place. Whether these are indeed the end times, or there are millenia to go, loving God and our neighbor is our privilege and responsibility.

Listen to the Advent hymn “Hail, to the Lord’s Anointed.” This version is by New Scottish Hymns Band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JRvt3d3rJs

Prayer: God, give me a heart full of love for all your children.

December 7

Matthew 24: 32-35 – From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

The fig tree signals summer. The maple’s changing leaves signals autumn. The world keeps turning, day after day, and yet God’s word doesn’t change. People interpret the Bible differently, but God’s word of love is constant.

I am someone who doesn’t mind change. I get bored if things stay the same for too long. However, not everyone feels that way. Change is constant, and yet it is very human to want things to stay the same. God is constant, immutable, unchanging, enduring, and everlasting. Even when everything around us feels off kilter, God is the steady, abiding presence.

Listen to Lauren Daigle’s “Light of the World.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kc-BOC8wKQ

Prayer: Eternal One, thank you for your abiding presence.

Advent Devotion Options

I am so excited to share that my daily Advent devotions are available on my denominational website. I will post them here as well. However, here is the link:

https://www.umc.org/en/content/daily-advent-devotions-hope-peace-joy-and-love

They are divided into four pages for each week. Advent is December 1-24 this year. I invite you to read here or on the link above.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will begin posting Advent devotions here on Sunday, December 1.

COMING SOON

This Advent season, December 1-25, I will be posting a devotion. Each one will have a Scripture, reflection, and then either a link to a song/hymn or poem. If you choose to follow, then they will delivered to your inbox.

Alternatively, you will be able to find the daily devotions at umc.org.

Preaching: Mark 6:30-32

I have been doing some supply preaching this summer. This past weekend, I was back at the Coppertop, FUMC, Duluth. You can watch it on YouTube Here.

At the end I quote Rev. Joanne Harader, who writes at spaciousfaith.com. She is a Pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, KS. You can read the Summer blessing https://spaciousfaith.com/2024/06/20/summer-blessing/

This sermon, in a previous form, is also on this blog under “Rest a While.” However, even though I started with the same premise, a lot has changed since I last preached it. I pulled some of the basic bones of it, but then updated to fit where I am today. It was good learning to know that I am much better at resting, being, and being quiet than I was when I originally wrote the sermon. Ever Onward!

Even though I am a writer, and the writing of the sermon is more fun for me than the preaching, I am very aware that a sermon is an event. The Spirit (thankfully) infuses the preaching, and sometimes what is not on the page comes out. I could see how my original written text fit where I was then, and what I needed to change to update it to now. I was also aware of what all I wanted to say, that was not for this sermon.

I highly recommend Tricia Hersey’s book:

Though I didn’t pull it out to quote it for this sermon, this book has shaped me and how I think about rest. Our bodies are not meant for today’s lifestyle of sitting at desks and being bombarded by the 24 hour news cycle.

On that note, I also recommend Nadia Bolz-Weber’s essay. She writes at The Corners on Substack.

I hope that as we head into this holiday weekend, and the rest of summer, that you will find some time to rest. To be and not do, and to spend some time connecting with God.

A Sermon: Getting to Know You

John 1:43-51 NRSV

⁴³The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” ⁴⁴Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” ⁴⁶Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” ⁴⁷When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” ⁴⁸Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” ⁴⁹Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ⁵⁰Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, NRSV

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
²You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
³You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴Even before a word is on my tongue,
    O Lord, you know it completely.
⁵You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is so high that I cannot attain it.

13 For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
    Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
¹⁵    My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
    all the days that were formed for me,
    when none of them as yet existed.
¹⁷How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
    I come to the end—I am still with you.

Recently one of my friends was having a group of us over for dinner. Another friend offered to pick me up. As we were eating, that friend said, “I wanted to ride together to make sure you came.” We all laughed. These friends know me and know that I can be a fickle introvert, especially in winter. She asked later if it hurt my feelings. It did not! I told her it felt good to be known so well.

Who knows you? Who do you let see the real you? Who do you let see the most vulnerable parts of you? Being vulnerable is easier for some of us than others. Being vulnerable is risky, because it opens you up to being hurt. However, being known is a gift. Sometimes we put up walls and defenses so that people cannot get to know the “real” us.

In this first chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus returns to Galilee after meeting John the Baptist. He calls Simon and Andrew. Then he finds Philip, and invites him by saying, “follow me.” Philip then goes to Nathaniel, seemingly excited because he says, “we have found him about whom Moses in the laws and also the prophets wrote about.” Nathaniel is understandably incredulous. Could Philip have really found this person? Maybe he’s crossed his arms, rolled his eyes. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism, because he is afraid to believe it. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

We don’t know much about Nazareth, other than we think it is a small agricultural town. It is not known for anything, and maybe that is not where Nathaniel is expecting a Messiah to come from. It is never mentioned in the Old Testament. Rather than argue, Philips invites Nathaniel to “come and see” for himself. “Come and see” is the best evangelism tool we have. We invite people to get to know Jesus for themselves. We invite them to come to church to see what God is doing among us. We say come and see, as we invite people to serve alongside us. Then they too can know the joy of being a follower of Jesus and God’s abundant love for us.

Despite his doubt, Nathaniel goes. Perhaps his curiosity is piqued, perhaps there is a part of him that is hopeful. When Jesus sees him, he compliments him, and Nathaniel’s incredulity returns, even if he might have been flattered by the description. “Where did you get to know me?” he asks.

Jesus’ answer is that he saw him under the fig tree, and Nathaniel believes. It made me wonder what happened under the fig tree. I learned that fig trees were often used as places of prayer, especially for rabbinical students. Praying for the Messiah was a regular part of a believer’s prayer life. Does Jesus know that Nathaniel was praying for the Messiah, and that is why Nathaniel believes? Because Jesus knew about his prayer? Under a fig tree is also a Jewish idiom meaning study of the Torah.

If Nathaniel is amazed that Jesus knows him, he will continue to be amazed as he follows Jesus. Jesus basically tells Nathaniel, “you ain’t seen nothing yet. ”There is no end to what God can do, and Jesus tells him that he will see the heavens opened up.

What do you know about Jesus? The Gospel of John is all about revealing who Jesus is. In this brief passage we learn that Jesus is who Moses and the prophets wrote about, Rabbi, Son of God, the King of Israel. We are now in the season of Epiphany, the time between Christmas and Lent, where the truth about Jesus is revealed to us once again. The story of Nathaniel reminds us that it is ok for us to have our doubts, but that does not mean that Jesus does not know us and love us completely.

As we move towards Jesus to know him, Jesus respond to us like he did Nathaniel. He may compliment us. He may tell us something about ourselves that no one else would know. He might use the words from Psalm 139: 1-4: I have searched you and known you. I know when you sit down and when you rise up; I discern your thoughts from far away.I search out your path and your lying down and am acquainted with all your ways.Even before a word is on your tongue, I know it completely.

Do you feel that sense of love and care?

Nathaniel is not named again until the last chapter of John, when Jesus appears to seven disciples. He is not named in the twelve, though some scholars believe he is, but called Bartholemew. Either way, he was a follower of Jesus.

As followers of Jesus, we too can be amazed by what all God can do. As we spend time reading Scripture, praying, serving God and God’s people, we get to experience God’s abundant love. The more we get to know Jesus, the more we learn about ourselves. It can be difficult and also amazing to think that God knows every little part of us, all our thoughts, even the not-so-nice ones, and still loves us completely. That kind of love is hard to come by in the world, yet God offers it to each of us freely.

God knows you completely, won’t you continue to spend time with God to get to know God even better? Will you be willing to draw near to Jesus and be filled with the loving power? Are you willing to invite others to come and see?

You are known, from the beginning to the end of your life. You are loved and cared for. You are God’s beloved, precious child.

I want to close with a prayer from Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes, who writes at unfolding light.net.

God, forgive me for thinking I am a stranger to you.
You have known me from the beginning; you fashioned me.
You see me from the inside; you know me better than I do.
And you love me.
You see my preciousness when I cannot.
You know my goodness even when I betray it.
You know my brokenness and my sin,and you heal and forgive.
You hold me in your delight.
Though my trust is flimsy,
I entrust myself to you and your grace.
May I never be a stranger to your love.

Christmas Spirit

The girls participated in a cute Christmas pageant at church, called “a Mixed-up Christmas pageant.” The premise was what if kids wore Halloween costumes. Mary was Wonder Woman, Joseph was a construction worker, they rode on a dragon instead of a donkey. Herod was Voldemort, Wise men were kings and scientists, and the shepherds and animals all arrived. Angels were dressed as angels, and there was even a star. It was adorable, and a fresh retelling of the beloved story.

First, I love being in a church where the noise and chaos of all ages of children are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Second, I appreciate that my kids as youth still get to participate in events like the pageant. Finally, I am thankful that I was not in charge!

It was nice to be able to laugh and enjoy the story, because the world seems so heavy right now. Bethlehem is in Palestine. True, it is in the West Bank and not Gaza, but it is still Palestine. It puts a new twist to the story when you think of Mary and Joseph, this Jewish couple, traveling to Bethlehem, in Palestinian territory, when the two sides are fighting.

Since the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, so many innocent people, including children, have died. My heart grieves with the mothers on both sides of the conflict. How scary it must be to be in Israel and Gaza right now. How scary it probably also feels in Bethlehem. I have never called myself a pacifist, but I am not sure war is the answer. This land has been fought over countless times. Open the Bible, there it is. As humans, we want land, money, power, and are always “othering” people to justify our actions.

Jesus entered the world during the Roman occupation of Israel. It preceded his birth, and continued after his death. Jewish people were allowed to practice their religion, but Herod was the Roman-appointed King. As the girls’ pageant depicted, he is the villain of the story. Living under occupation is not something most Americans have experienced. We take so many of our freedoms for granted. Now, so much of what is on TV, the radio, or even in print is fearmongering. Sadly, politicians and others keep trying to divide us further with their rhetoric. Consistently, we are being fed messages of exclusion and fear, all from an “Us v. Them” scarcity mentality.

The message Jesus was born to bring is the opposite of that. Jesus is literally Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus came to show us love. He teaches us that we should feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit the prisoners in Matthew 25. In Luke 10, in the parable of the Good Samaritan, he teaches that we should show mercy to one another. John 14:15 instructs that if we love Jesus, we will keep his commandments. It is a tall order. None of this is easy. Meeting everyone with eyes of love is not easy, especially when many are cranky from the stress they are under this time of year.

I am thankful that the Jewish couple about to have a baby found shelter in Bethlehem, even if it was in a lowly stable. I am thankful that Jesus’ birth was not what was expected, and that to this day, God reveals Godself in unexpected places. I am thankful that if this Christmas isn’t perfect, or even like the “ones we used to know,” it will still be the day we celebrate the Incarnation of Jesus. I am so grateful that “God so loved the world that he gave” us Jesus (John 3:16). I am grateful to be able to read the stories of Jesus when he walked among us, about how he endured pain and suffering.

This Christmas, I am praying for the people of Israel and Palestine, who are not living in peace. I am grateful for the peace in my heart, that comes from God, even though I am troubled by much of what is happening in our world. I am thankful that God accepts our imperfect selves as offerings of love. I am thankful that in the little town of Bethlehem, we sing that “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Contentment as a Spiritual Practice

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines being content as “feeling satisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation.” What if, as my spiritual director suggests, being content is the most faithful way to live?

For over a year, I have practiced being content. In this world of “more,” it is counter-cultural to no longer buy into that way of living. I realize that I am speaking from a place of privilege, where I do not have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, or how I’ll pay the electric or gas bills, and more than my basic needs are met. I am speaking to those in similar situations. It is a privilege, and another time we can talk about the inequities and injustices that having more than enough can cause. For the purposes of today, I want to focus on the desire to want the next thing, to need more, to have the best/newest/brightest whatever. I want to focus on the mentality of “keeping up with the Joneses” instead of being content.

Christmas is coming, and wish lists are out. Commercials want you to believe that getting a new car or a new diamond ring is what you should want. Retailers fill your inbox with sales and gift ideas. We want to give gifts to each other, to show love and appreciation. For some people, that is very meaningful. For others, it is just stuff. Shopping is a joy to some, and an obligation to others. When gifting becomes an obligation and there is no joy as we see the bank account dwindle, is it even worthwhile? My privileged children do not need another Lego set, yet they each have several on their wish lists. Both had a hard time coming up with anything they wanted this year, which I count as a win. They are spoiled, yes, but somehow maybe I have been able to share this wonder of contentment with them.

Being content is about more than just stuff. It is also about every aspect of your life. I have spent much of my life working for the next achievement, or as a pastor, working towards the next Sunday. I found it more and more difficult to be present as my mind was always focused on the future. One day I realized that I had a hard time being, because I was always doing.

These last three years of not working have given me space to reclaim being, and now I have been practicing contentment. Not to brag, but I love my life. I am saying no to things that bring chaos or unhappiness. I spend more time alone. I read, go for walks, and nap. To some, my life might seem boring, but to me, my spiritual life is rich because I am practicing contentment.

The result of contentment is peace. My life is very peaceful. Again, it is a privilege that I can choose to read the news or not (I cannot stomach watching it). Our hearts were not meant to be inundated with the 24 hour news cycle. I feel too much to be able to deal with all the pain all the time. It is a privilege to choose what we let in to our lives. I am very choosy with my time, and as an introvert, I am very content being alone. I am also very aware that my time with my girls at home is ticking away. I want to give them the best of me, which means I do not have much to share with others. After years of giving myself away, this is a shift that brings me peace. I do not resent putting those with whom I live first. For right now, it is a joy and a privilege to be able to do so.

The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13, NIV

I think the “secret” Paul refers to is that being content is a practice. It does not always come to us naturally or easily. It can take work to see abundance instead of scarcity. To be able to claim “enough” instead of striving for the next thing. Despite the busyness that is the upcoming holiday season, I wish you peace and contentment. May you look around at least once during this month and realize that you are content with something exactly as it is.

Writetober, Part 2

With everything happening in the world, these #50wordfiction stories have seemed frivolous. I appreciate the #writetober2023 prompts, but this year I had a difficult time staying focused. It was easier for me to write the two version of the same word at one time, rather than on separate days. Sometimes I had to use the dictionary to know different definitions. Thanks to those of you who read.

FOG

The fog hangs heavy over the valley. I curl up in my favorite chair with a cup of tea, a new mystery, and a blanket. Today is a good day to relax. Honestly, I need the respite. My mother is dead. Two months later, and I still can’t believe it.

Brain fog is real. I keep telling my husband this, but he keeps making my loss for words a joke. I am not using it as an excuse; it is really frustrating that my brain doesn’t work like it used to. I feel slow and stupid, and no longer smart.

GRAVE

I know it creeps some people out, but I find walking in the cemetery peaceful. Before I am halfway down the first path, an intense sharp pain stabs my side. I kneel down, breathing through the pain. Then I notice the grave in front of me bears my own name.

“You have made a grave mistake,” Mr. Jeff spits, turning on his heel and stomping away. The townspeople look at one another, hoping his words are not a threat. Doc Martin steps forward. “Tick will follow and make sure he gets gone and doesn’t return. You can all sleep tonight.”

BOW

Mother helps me into my fancy dress. I love the lace trim, but my favorite part is the blue bow. “Don’t get into anything before we leave,” she warns. All I want to do is twirl, and admire myself in the mirror. I am excited to be a flower girl!

Jerry hits the final high note of his performance. He sees the crowd leap to their feet, clapping and cheering. After taking a few bows, Jerry exits the stage. His manager ushers him to his dressing room, where his nurse has his IV waiting for him. One more show completed.

CURIOUS

“You are re curious like a cat,” Mammaw said to Joey. “I can’t predict what you’re going to do next.” Shaking her head, she closed Joey’s bedroom door. He hated disappointing her, but he never knew what was going to get him into trouble, and what would be a great discovery.

Looking out the window, I see two strange cars in the Nelson’s driveway. They almost never have company, and both must have arrived overnight. I will keep monitoring the curious situation; I don’t know if I should walk over and check on them, or if that would be too nosy.

TIME

Celia taps her toe to keep time. Playing in a band is her dream, but she had underestimated how challenging it would be. She does not want to miss her cue, and she especially doesn’t want Brian to yell at her. Focusing on counting, she doesn’t notice Brian watching her.

“What time is the party?” Dad asks, “because I don’t get off work until 5, and I also have to pick up Olivia.” “Oh it doesn’t start until 7, so there’s plenty of time,” I reassure him. I know he doesn’t want me to go to my first boy/girl party.

SKULL

Dave set out the skull by the candy bowl. Most people used fake skulls, and his trick or treaters probably thought this one was too. Little did they know about his collection in the barn. Would he choose a new one tonight? No, too risky; others could know their plans.

“Get it through your thick skull! I am not going to the dance with you. I am never going on a date with you. I don’t even like boys!” Sara screams at Jay. She is tired of him following her around. Being nice has not worked, so maybe meanness will.

NIGHTMARES

“Mama? Can I sleep with you?” my preschool son Tyler asks.

“what’s wrong, sweet boy? Did you have a bad dream?” Tyler nods, as I scoop him up. His nightmares seem to overwhelm him every time he sleeps. Holding him close, I feel his heart thumping out of his chest.

“Navigating rush hour is a nightmare. This is why I never go anywhere,” Susie complains to her husband. “We’ll make it in plenty of time, he reassures her.” Susie doesn’t want to make it at all. She hates dinner parties, especially fancy ones where she has to wear a gown.

ONCE

“I would like for you to think about my feelings for once!” Deirdre slams her bedroom door. What had happened to our sweet girl? She was not even a teenager yet, but we can do nothing right in her eyes. Toddler tantrums were easy in comparison to tween angsty emotions.

“Don’t you think you’ll remember once you are there?” my sister asks. “Like muscle memory, I think it will just come back to you.” I am not so sure. I have not been back to the town where we lived as children in over fifty years. How much had changed?