Peter Speaks!

He said, “Love each other.” I asked, “Where will you be?” Evasive? or just sure we could not make the grade without him? He knew this too, and said, “The only way you can bear fruit is to stay attached to me.”And yet, he went away.Hope died.When he came back hetwirled us into dreamsas heContinue reading “Peter Speaks!”

The Red of Love

Love—deep red love— came struggling through the pressure of the birth canal and landed safe in loving handsthat washed away the bloodand held him close.They did not know, not yet,that Love’s own bloodwould someday spurtfrom lashes to his back,from nails plunged straightthrough his own hands,and through his feet—blood of Life and supreme Lovethat would bringContinue reading “The Red of Love”

Open Home, Open Heart

The travelers walked in the front door, hot and dusty after hours on dirt roads. Mom always found room at the table, one built for her by Dad, big enough to welcome at least a dozen guests. She added another vegetable, salad, bread—done! There was always enough.Then, grown up, it was my turn.I learned toContinue reading “Open Home, Open Heart”

This Mystery

It’s a mystery of unity beyond my understanding: One God, three Persons, One Essence in deep harmony, working together as one to build a home in me and move in permanently!You live in us, each onea piece of your Family,each one with access tothe heart of the Father,the love of the Son,and the intimate realityofContinue reading “This Mystery”

Serve the Word!

This is our calling when we follow Jesus: we are “servants of the Word.” He is the Word! He speaks to us, through Scripture texts (the written Word) and also through his Spirit, our Counselor, our Guide.He lives inside me,makes my heart’s eyessee the highlightshe has stroked acrossthose texts so relevantto me, my life.Do IContinue reading “Serve the Word!”

Keep on Running!

Run! Run! Run! The track is long getting longer not what I expected but this is race to the finish step by step to the goal He put in place. He planned outthe path aheadprepared his runnerwith practice runsand breaks for resttime to eat be refreshedwater for thirstthen shows the pathso run! Run! Run! I’mContinue reading “Keep on Running!”

Our One Hope

This is not what I thought it would be, a quiet safe place with time to rest and peace my constant cup of tea. Instead I toss and turn, my heart churning with yearning for that final resolution of these conflicts,a revolution that turns the worldupside-down, filtering out the eviland cleansing the cup so itContinue reading “Our One Hope”

Power Paradox

When I let go take my hands off lose control then I am weak powerless to influence situations fix the problem do it my way.Then paradoxtakes over:his hands firmlyin controlhe is strongpowerfulable toaccomplishthe miracle required.And there’s a corollary:when I livewithin his graceI have his powerto use for him:the paradoxof mutuality—Christ in me. Have you comeContinue reading “Power Paradox”

Moaning in the Desert

Bleak, dry ground extending to every horizon, sun beating down—no shelter, no way to move forward but step by tired step, feet filthy, sore. No food! I just scraped the last dried scraps from my shoulder bag. My children are crying: where are we going? where is home? not here! Is there really a promisedContinue reading “Moaning in the Desert”

Rooted, Held Firm

When I choose to trust in spite of everything I shoot new rootlets into the pulsing burrowing system that anchors me in Jesus’ love. Living thereI amdrinking inhesed and agapeunendingintimateunselfishempatheticforgivingunretaliatinglove beyondmy understanding.My heart is fullmy veinsare pulsingenergy of lifeand Jesushas becomemy constantstrength and song. There is so much imagery in the Bible about plants! TheContinue reading “Rooted, Held Firm”