Mark 8:31-38 Then Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. […]
Some of you may have encountered “The Marshmallow Test” which was an experiment conducted in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s by Stanford University psychologist Walter Mischel. In essence, the experiment on delayed gratification in children used a simple marshmallow that was placed in front of a school age child. The child was instructed not to […]
One of the things that I hear all too often is “…I know you’re busy, but…” I might hide it on the outside, but inside I let out a huge sigh whenever I hear it. I’m not angry at the person speaking; I’m disappointed with myself. To me, hearing that means that I’m sending off the […]
Mark 1:9-15 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, […]
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” ― Desmond Tutu Here in Virginia, it has been a snowy week with a lot of voiced frustrations about snow, school cancellations, and freezing cold temperatures. It’s easy to get grouchy when you feel […]
When was the last time you learned to do something completely new? Even if it was years ago, there is likely one thing that stands out: the need for practice. For me (and I suspect for others) there are two truths about practice: 1) I tend to avoid it; and 2) I get impatient with […]
We all have words. Words may be spoken, or written. Words may remain stuck in our own heads, or form in images and dreams that we can only hear when we still our bodies and quiet our thoughts. Words may come easily and profusely to some. Words are measured and carefully constructed for others. It […]
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. –Book of Common […]
What would you do if you had forty days to live? Would you give something up? Would you add something to enrich your spiritual life? Would you change how you spent your time? Would you reach out to people you love, sharing yourself and your time? This season that we call Lent is a symbolic […]
Lectionary Reading for Palm Sunday The week begins: the palm branches are waving and the cries of “Hosanna!” can be heard resounding. We can get caught up in the crowds, the celebration, the hope of glorious salvation. But the triumphant entry is only the first step of this journey that we begin together through Holy […]
Sacred Space 