My friends, As I've meditated on these Scriptures from John, I've learned much. Here are some of my "takeaways" from this study. Jesus gives the kind of peace that this world so desperately needs. Philippians 4:7 calls it the peace that passes all understanding. We are commissioned. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Church, that’s you. That’s me. The time to move is now. We need the breath of the Holy Spirit upon us. We need to invite the Holy Spirit into our liv

Again, Jesus offers, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And then the Scriptures say that Jesus BREATHED on them and said “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Whoosh! Jesus breathed on them! And just as sure as peace had entered the room with the words of Jesus, so the Holy Spirit landed with a breath! For in a whisper, a breath, the Ruach of the Lord, came the most important of all commissioning. The Holy Spirit. Friends, we need the Holy Spirit in our lives. W

Our journey in this short series continues with John 20:20. “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.” Did Jesus KNOW His friends would need proof. He had lived among them, they witnessed many miracles, they were His followers. Why do you think Jesus was compelled to show His friends His hands and side? Was this to prove once again, who He was? John says they were glad when they saw the Lord! As if th

In John 20:19., we find the disciples caught in a web of fear. “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews…” RSV Fear of the Jews. Fear because things didn't go as they had planned. The One they were ready to crown as their earthly king had just been crucified. Fear they could be next. Questions racing through their minds. Were they trying to remember the words of Jesus? Wer

Scriptures Set the Stage While I was out to study about forgiveness and learn from Scriptures, Jesus surprised me with so much more! Please read John 20: 19-23. In my Bible, the title for this section is "The Apostles Commissioned." Will you join me as we glean from these verses? We will take a hard look at the words of Jesus and allow them to challenge us. May the Living Word-transform us. In John 20:19, we see the disciples gathered in fear, behind a closed door. They were

As I waited for my next assignment, I admired her office chair. It was cushy, comfortable, supported in all the right places. Good for her! I thought. And then I remembered my old office chair. As I write this, many of the emotions from nearly 25 years as "just a secretary" at a local high school, overwhelm me. Most of the years were good, but it's the hurtful experiences that have clouded my memories. And yes, admiring my friends chair seemed to bring it all back to me. Plea

I came across this story from 2017. Just thought I would share it again. Please enjoy! Carol Lund had just challenged the room of 3000...

As I walked along the path, these roots caught my eyes. I’m a seasoned woman. Ok, so I’m old …. likely, older than you! But I prefer...

Look over the horizon. As far as you can see the sky stretches out into eternity. I wish you could see that blank canvas that is your...

This story begins when my sister, Diana,myself, and our parents returned from a trip with our parents. We were about to drop them off at...

While visiting with my girls, Jessie and Sarah, their children playing around us, my little Lilly didn’t miss an opportunity to speak...

Does anyone else ever play the comparison game? Or am I alone? Several years ago I found myself in a funk. Seemed everyone else had a...

There is a place to grow and learn. To step into a new beginning as you let go of your past. It's a place of refuge and peace. It's a...

The assignment was to bring a dish to break. We were going to learn the Art of Kintsugi. I wasn’t about to break any of my precious...

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalms 103:2 I don’t know about you but sometimes I need to be reminded of...

Deuteronomy 33:12 Moses is blessing the tribes of Israel. Of Benjamin, he said, “The beloved of the Lord, he dwells in safety by him; he...

Swiftly confusion swept in and changed the trajectory of our week-end. Instead of the refreshing, catch your breath week-end, we were...

For many years, I have enjoyed beautiful sunrises from my 2nd floor office. I love working in the brightness of its rays, and being...

“Just say no!” My voice was firm, as I gave this advice to my busy daughter. It was easy for me to say, a twinge of guilt runs through...

“But no human being can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we...