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Day 346 | Sunday, 28 February 2021
It is time to say goodbye to the month of February and prepare to welcome in March. The assigned Scripture lessons for this the second Sunday in Lent are Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25 and Mark 8:31-38. Genesis is God’s covenant with Abraham and the change of his name from Abram to Abraham. The Romans passage emphasizes how Abraham’s promise is received through faith. I am sharing the passage from Mark from The Message. I would encourage you to read the passage from several translations if you have them. 31 He then began explaining things to them: "It is necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive." 32 He said this simply and clearly so they couldn't miss it. 33 But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. "Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works." 34 Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. 35 Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. 36 What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? 37 What could you ever trade your soul for? 38 "If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels." “This is the first of Jesus’ passion predictions. For Jesus, his role as Messiah is inseparable from his suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. In contrast to his silence regarding his messianic role, he speaks of his passion and resurrection quite openly.” Depending on the translation, Jesus refers to himself as the Human One or Son of Man. This is a reference to Daniel 7:13 “one like a human being”. “Peter rejects Jesus passion prediction. If Jesus endures persecution, rejection, and death, the shame of these punishments, and perhaps the punishments themselves, could also fall upon his disciples. Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Now Jesus calls Peter Satan, perhaps because Peter tempts Jesus to abandon the suffering that he will have to endure. Peter sees things from a human perspective; God's perspective is very different. Jesus’ followers must be willing to give up all the things that they thought important. ‘Take up their cross.’ The cross was a Roman symbol of terror. Crucifixion was considered the worst way to die, not only because of the victims prolonged agony, but also because of the total humiliation of the victim and, by extension, his or her family and friends. It was a punishment for slaves and political rebels. Although Jesus words could be thought of as a call to martyrdom, it is more accurate to think of them as a demand for a total reordering of commitments. Jesus followers must be willing to embrace hardship, shame, and suffering for him. Jesus will be ashamed of those who are shamed by his death on the cross.” CEB Wesley Study Bible p 1265 Lord, as we continue our journey through these Lenten days, help us focus on our commitment to being a follower of Jesus in the truest sense. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen
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Day 345 | Saturday, 27 February 2021
This past week we surpassed over 500,000 deaths in our country due to COVID-19. I so appreciated that our President and Vice President and their spouses took some time at the White House the other evening for a brief candlelight vigil and prayer time to help us remember these souls who have died. It certainly was an act of compassion. I have been reading a book that was given to me as a gift, titled “The Book of Joy”. It is a book based on a dialogue between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu written by Douglas Abrams. I want to share some of the quotes from the book on compassion. The word compassion literally means ‘suffering with.’ Not all people are compassionate or empathetic in their lives. I believe that those who are compassionate are people who are not self- centered. “Too much self-centered thinking is the source of suffering. A compassionate concern for others well-being is the source of happiness.” page 47 Dalai Lama “When you become so inward looking, so self-regarding, you are going to end up a shriveled human being.” Page 268 “The Book of Joy” Archbishop Tutu “This being on earth is a time for us to learn to be good, to learn to be more loving, to learn to be more compassionate. And you learn, not theoretically. You learn when something happens that tests you.” P 91-92 Tutu “Compassion is a sense of concern that arises when we are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to see that suffering relieved. Compassion is what connects the feeling of empathy to acts of kindness, generosity, and other special expressions of altruistic tendencies.” P 252 Jinpa “We fear compassion because we are afraid of experiencing the suffering, the vulnerability, and the helplessness that can come with having an open heart.” P 259 “Compassion and generosity are not just lofty virtues- they are at the center of our humanity, what makes our lives joyful and meaningful.” P 266 “You need other people to be human.” P 270 "When you show compassion, when you show caring, when you show love to others, do things for others, in a wonderful way you have a deep joy that you can get in no other way.” P 293 Jesus was very compassionate and certainly took on the suffering of those around him and for all of us. Matthew 9:36 36 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Mark 6:34 34 When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things. Romans 9:1515 He says to Moses, I’ll have mercy on whomever I choose to have mercy, and I’ll show compassion to whomever I choose to show compassion. (Exodus 33:19) Our gracious God, please help us be compassionate in our lives so that we might take on the suffering of others as best as possible. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen Day 344 | Friday, 26 February 2021 From The Church Mouse Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we are all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free…and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. I Corinthians 12: 12-14 (NIV) Continuing the theme of unity or one for all and all for one, today’s story will be about Meerkats. They are such great animals and among my favorites. Meerkats live in southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. They live in dry, open plains, savannas and grasslands. They live 8 years in the wild; up to 13 years in zoos. A member of the mongoose family, meerkats (also known as suricates) have grizzled gray and brown colored coats of fur with dark patches around their eyes, which help protect their eyes from the glare of the sun. They also have a dark tip on the tail. Meerkats have powerful foreclaws for digging. Their pointed snout helps enable them to excavate prey from narrow trenches. Meerkats' slender bodies are 10 to 14 inches long and their tails are almost as long as their bodies at 7 to 10 inches. Meerkats are the very best examples of selfless unity. With meerkats, there is safety in numbers. A “kat” is not a “cat” when it’s a meerkat, a vital, clever, and amazing weasel-like animal. Most people know meerkats from the character Timon in The Lion King animated movie. However, instead of spending all their time with a warthog, most meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups of up to 40 individuals called a gang or a mob. For meerkats, there isn’t just safety in numbers—there’s also companionship. The mob is made up of several family groups, with one dominant pair that produces most of the offspring, but they don’t have to be related to belong to the same group. Meerkat mobs spend a lot of their time grooming and playing together to keep the family as a tight unit. This community existence helps the meerkats survive. I think we could learn a lot from meerkats. Although they are excellent diggers, meerkats usually live in burrows dug by other animals such as ground squirrels. These burrows have an average of 15 entrance and exit holes, with tunnels and chambers at several levels, some as deep as 6.5 feet. The deeper tunnels stay at a constant, comfortable temperature, whether it's hot or cold outside. A meerkat mob has several burrow systems, complete with toilet and sleeping chambers, within its territory and moves from one to another every few months. Meerkats have scent pouches below their tails and rub these pouches on rocks and plants to mark their territory. The territories of different groups often overlap, resulting in constant disputes. When the two groups meet for a face-off, the results can be tragic. Meerkats are vicious fighters that often kill each other in these skirmishes. Knowing the high cost of an all-out war, they try to avoid serious conflict if possible. Usually, a lot of aggressive posturing and bluffing precedes any physical contact. These wars can look a bit like the human battles of yesteryear: both sides line up across a field and, at the right moment, charge forward with leaps and bounds, holding their tail rigid and straight up in the air. Every third or fourth leap, they arch their back and thrust their rear legs backward like a bucking bronco. Whichever side has the most threatening display in their charge may “psych out” the opponents. Yet meerkat groups have been known to accept outside individuals into their mob, and they sometimes share their burrows with yellow mongooses. Again, we could learn something from meerkats. Does our mob share our spaces with others different from us? Unfortunately for meerkats, they are a tasty treat for larger carnivores, especially jackals, eagles, and falcons. However, meerkats have developed a way to forage in relative safety: adults take turns acting as guard while the others can look for food without worries. The guard climbs to the highest rock, termite mound, or bush he or she can find, stands upright on two legs, and then announces the beginning of guard duty with a specialized call. A low, constant peeping, known as the watchman's song, is made when all is well. Individuals rotate sentinel duty throughout the day. Fortunately for meerkats, they seem to be doing all right in the wild at this time. Yet movies and television shows have brought meerkats lots of attention, with many people wondering if they can have a meerkat as a pet. Although they may look cute, meerkats—like all wild animals—do not make good pets and are illegal to own without the proper permits and licenses. Instead, head to your local zoo to enjoy these small creatures in action. They’ll be scanning the skies and watching for you! (The Buffalo Zoo has meerkats)      ay 343 | Thursday, 25 February 2021
Some time ago I heard a story about a gentleman who was bragging that he knew what was in every book in the Library of Congress. Someone who overheard the bragging gentle man responded – “oh, what’s that?” The gentleman responded by saying “words”. Words – they can be uplifting, supportive, affirming, reassuring or they can be harmful and hurtful. Words can make us laugh or cry. Words can instill in us peacefulness or turmoil. Some individuals are able to communicate very meaningful thoughts using few words while others like to hear themselves pontificate thinking they are impressing others with their self-importance. I am reminded of a story about a young country man who went off to seminary to continue his studies to become an ordained minister. During his class in Theology, he was busily taking notes when suddenly he interrupted the professor and said “Prof, taking notes from you is like running behind a manure spreader with a bushel basket.” Quite often a few carefully chosen words are all that is needed to relay a clear message. I am not one who quotes scripture but there are some phrases that hold a world of meaning. If you are lonely, remember Jesus’s promise: “I am with you always.” (Mt. 28:20.) When worried, hear Jesus saying: “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). Often, we might pray “Not my will, but yours” (Luke 22:42). [add your own to these] Here is that meaningful hymn – “Wonderful Words of Life” by Philip P. Bliss, 1874 Verse 1: Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life; Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life. Words of life and beauty Teach me faith and duty; Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life; Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life. Verse 2: Christ, the blessed One, gives to all Wonderful words of life; Sinner, list to the loving call, Wonderful words of life All so freely given, Wooing us to heaven; Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life; Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life. Verse 3: Sweetly echo the Gospel call, Wonderful words of life; Offer pardon and peace to all, Wonderful words of life. Jesus, only Savior, Sanctify forever; Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life; Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life. Amy Grant wrote a favorite as well in 1984 based on Psalm 119:105 “Thy Word Is a Lamp” Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. 1. When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still you’re there right beside me, and nothing will I fear as long as you are near. Please be near me to the end. Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. 2. Now I will not forget your love for me and yet my heart forever is wandering. Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side, and I will love you to the end. Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. The book of Hebrews says that Jesus holds everything together through His powerful words. Some days all we need are a few of Jesus’ words to hold us together. Amen! Day 342 | Wednesday, 24 February 2021
Loneliness has been very much a part of our journey since COVID interrupted our lives. Many of us have not been able to physically be with our family members for over a year. I believe we have all had moments of loneliness. We are looking forward to the day when we will be able to socialize again with friends and family. I read the following recently. It comes from “Our Daily Bread” and was written by Lisa M. Samra “Never Alone Two are better than one. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Ecclesiastes 4:8–10 The Message: 8 a solitary person, completely alone - no children, no family, no friends - yet working obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering to ask, "Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? And who cares?" More smoke. A bad business. 9 It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. 10 And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough! 11 Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. 12 By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped. ““It can be an affliction more harrowing than homelessness, hunger or disease,” wrote Maggie Fergusson in The Economist’s 1843 magazine. Her subject? Loneliness. Fergusson chronicled the increasing rates of loneliness, irrespective of one’s social or economic status, using heart-wrenching examples of what it feels like to be lonely.” “The hurt of feeling alone isn’t new to our day. Indeed, the pain of isolation echoes off the pages of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes. Often attributed to King Solomon, the book captures the sorrow of those who seem to lack any meaningful relationships (4:7–8). The speaker lamented that it’s possible to acquire significant wealth and yet experience no value from it because there’s no one to share it with.” “But the speaker also recognized the beauty of companionship, writing that friends help you accomplish more than you could achieve on your own (v. 9); companions help in times of need (v. 10); partners bring comfort (v. 11); and friends can provide protection in difficult situations (v. 12).” “Loneliness is a significant struggle—God created us to offer and receive the benefits of friendship and community. If you’re feeling alone, pray that God would help you form meaningful connections with others. In the meantime, find encouragement in the reality that the believer is never truly alone because Jesus’ Spirit is always with us (Matthew 28:20).” Reflect & Pray “How might you reach out to someone who’s lonely? How have you experienced the blessing of God’s Spirit with you when you’ve felt alone?” “Heavenly Father, when I feel lonely, give me courage to reach out to others with an offer of friendship.” Amen Today: Those suffering from loneliness. Day 341 | Tuesday, 23 February 2021
This past Sunday, our Director of Music at Christ First UMC sang “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley” as an anthem. After listening to this appropriate anthem for the first Sunday in Lent, I thought I would share it with all of you. I invite you to concentrate on the words and use them as part of your Lenten journey of meditation and reflection. Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley Verse 1: Jesus walked this lonesome valley; He had to walk it by himself. Oh, nobody else could walk it for him; He had to walk it by himself. Verse 2: We must walk this lonesome valley; We have to walk it by ourselves. Oh, nobody else can walk it for us; We have to walk it by ourselves. Verse 3: You must go and stand your trial; You have to stand it by yourself. Oh, nobody else can stand it for you; You have to stand it by yourself. “The origins of this folk hymn, appropriate for Holy Week, are shrouded in obscurity. It first appeared in U.S.A. hymnals during the second half of the twentieth century. Its frequency of inclusion increased by the end of the last century and continues into the current one. Although listed as an American folk hymn in most hymnals, it appears that its origins may be found in a conflation of the Appalachian folk song tradition and the African American spiritual. The song, known as part of a group under the theme of “journey songs,” appears in The Faith We Sing as one of many variants, much simplified and adapted both in text and melody.” By C. Michael Hawn “An extra three verses by Jack Schrader were included in Worship and Rejoice (2001, Hope Publishing Company), which focus the song on Jesus resurrections:” Verse 2: “Jesus prayed for His disciples; He prayed alone for you and me. Oh, nobody else could bear such sorrow; He prayed alone for you and me.” Verse 3: “Jesus died on Calvary’s mountain; He died alone for you and me. Oh, nobody else could die for sinners; He had to die for you and me.”. Verse 4: “Jesus rose from death’s dark prison; He lives again for you and me. Oh, nobody else could could bring us victory; He is alive to set us free.” Lord, Our God, as we journey through these days of Lent in 2021, there have been some lonesome valleys this past year. We know that we have not walked these valleys by ourselves. We thank you for walking with us and helping us walk through the valleys. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen Today pray for those who are walking in lonesome valleys and who feel like they are alone. Day 340 | Monday, 22 February 2021
From the Church Mouse John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” With spending time this past week thinking about how vital it is that we, as Americans, affirm that we are one America, realization came that we must present a united front to the world. Our safety as a constitutional republic depends on it. Perhaps if you are an eternal optimist, you could be biting off more than you can chew. About one third of Americans are living in an alternative universe, adverse to truth, data, and reality. It seems impervious to any of the above. Somehow, this alternative universe has been created for them, and some prefer to live in it for all sorts of complicated reasons far above my pay grade (as is most everything). It is, however, all around us: in our neighborhoods, our towns, our villages and our cities, in our churches, our businesses, in our media, in our agencies, and in our families. Right now, for starters, I’m praying for everyone. At our ages, we probably can’t do a lot, but we all can do SOMETHING! I’ll start with prayer. If I’m of use, the path will be shown to me. Now…to my story for today on the theme of a united front. The first thing that came to me was the behavior of ants: Every ant has its duty, and it’s all for one and one for all. Then I remembered high school and reading Leiningen Versus the Ants, a short story by Carl Stephenson. That did not end well….so I thought about honeybees: sweet, great to watch, give us honey and each honeybee has its duty, and it’s all for one and one for all. Great, but no funny story to tell you. So, it’s on to yellowjackets. “Dolichovespula is a small genus of social wasps distributed widely throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The yellow and black members of the genus are known by the common name yellowjackets in North America, such as Dolichovespula norwegica, along with members of their sister genus Vespula. In a study on the nesting biology of Dolichovespula, a colony of D. maculata with 771 workers was reported as having the largest recorded population count.” Wikipedia. Each yellowjacket has its duty, and it’s one for all and all for one…and I have a funny story. When I was a young woman, my son, David was old enough to be given a paying job of picking up papers at my Uncle Bob’s landfill. Since he was young enough to require supervision, I went along with him and his sister, Sue, to help him. We were at the base of a huge landfill heap picking up the loose trash. At the very top of the heap was one of my Uncle Bob’s workers in a bulldozer. He had a complete view of us as we worked. I bent down to pick up a large piece of cardboard. Did I mention that yellowjackets build their nests in the ground? Well, they do, and they do not have the best interests of humans at heart. My kids watched as I slapped my arms, legs, and head in horror as I looked down at what was stinging me. Looking back, I’m sure my macarena dance was surely attracting the attention of the bulldozer driver on the hill, but he wasn’t my focus at the time. I realized that the yellowjackets had found their way up under my loose-fitting summer top. I pulled it over my head and used it to swing away at the wasps doing their duty. I heard my son saying, “Mooooom” as I danced around in my bra. All he could think about was me being seen by the dude at the top of the hill. I replied to him, “I don’t care. I don’t know him.”(This was the same child that called me an idiot years later in France as I waved my arms at the biggest bull we had ever seen.) I did escape, with my top restored, and with my children, returned home to benedryl and my grandmother’s home remedy: Remove stinger gently with tweezers. Squeeze the venom out with little tools like a credit card or a similar object. Apply ice water or soap on the affected area for 20 mins after the stinger is completely out. This would help you get rid of the pain and swelling at least for a few hours. Look for a ‘base’. The burning sensation from a sting results from an acidic influx. Still remember chemistry class? You need some “base” here to neutralize the acidic venom. Most common ones you can easily find, include: baking soda, vinegar, or toothpaste. Apply some ice water. Thank the Lord I’m not allergic to bee stings. Day 339 | Sunday, 21 February 2021
The assigned scripture readings for this the first Sunday in Lent are Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22 and Mark 1:9-15. Mark 1:9-15 Jesus is baptized and tempted CEB 9 About that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 While he was coming up out of the water, Jesus saw heaven splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. 11 And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.” 12 At once the Spirit forced Jesus out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among the wild animals, and the angels took care of him. 14 After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, 15 saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” The Message 9 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. 11 Along with the Spirit, a voice: "You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life." 12 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. 13 For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him. 14 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: 15 "Time's up! God's kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message." The Hymn that goes along with this scripture is “Lord, Who Throughout these Forty Days”, words by Claudia F. Hernaman, 1873. 1. “Lord, who throughout these forty days for us didst fast and pray, teach us with thee to mourn our sins and close by thee to stay.” 2. “As thou with Satan didst contend, and dist the victory win, O give us strength in the to fight in thee to conquer sin.” 3. “As thou didst hunger bear, and thirst, so teach us, gracious Lord, to die to self, and chiefly live by thy most holy word.” 4. “And through these days of penitence, and through thy passiontide, yes, evermore in life and death, Jesus, with us abide.” 5. “Abide with us, that so, this life of suffering over past, an Easter of unending joy we may attain at last.” “Claudia Frances Ibotson Hernaman’s hymn, “Lord, who throughout these forty days,” signals the beginning of Lent and is often sung during Ash Wednesday services or throughout the season of Lent. Forty is a number with special biblical significance. It rained for forty days and nights when the earth was overtaken by floodwaters, and Noah waited another forty days before opening the window of the Ark. Israel wandered in the desert for forty years. Jesus was seen on earth following the resurrection for forty days. In this case, Christ’s forty days in the wilderness provides the primary paradigm for the forty days of Lent.” “As is the case with many hymns, Christ’s life becomes a model for how his followers should confront temptation. The first two lines of the stanzas focus on a response of Christ when he faced temptation; the last two lines encourage Christians to model their behavior on Christ’s example. This is a familiar pattern for children’s hymns from the days of Isaac Watts. It obviously strikes a chord with adult believers as well.” By C. Michael Hawn God journey with us these days of Lent and help us to make this year a very meaningful journey. Lord, hear our prayers. Amen Day 338 | Saturday, 20 February 2021
Before you get into today's offering, let me say how stunned and humbled Judy and I are to have been declared COVID heroes by the Chautauqua County Executive on Thursday, February 18th. There are no words to express our gratitude for this nomination and acknowledgement. We have done what we would just normally do over these 338 days because of our nature and our calling. The video clip was certainly unexpected but appreciated. To God be the Glory. COVID-19 update from 2/18/21 at 2:30pm – total number of cases is at 7,368 with 186 active cases, 542 in isolation and 135 deaths. There have been 1,906 cases in the Jamestown zip 14701 and 296 in Lakewood, 1,355 in Dunkirk and 880 in Fredonia. In the USA we are close to 500,000 deaths and 28 million cases. Prayers are certainly needed for Texas. Winter has dealt the people there a severe blow to their already COVID existence. Lent “The season rolls around again. Deep calls to deep. Settle down. Look within. Be quiet. Listen. Are you on the right path? Are you drawing closer to God? Are you more loving? Now is the time to reflect and pray. Now is the season for silence and giving. Thank God for Lent. Thank God we journey not alone.” Lenten Prayer of Invocation “Now that we are on the threshold of Lent, O God, prompt us to re-evaluate our spiritual lives. We would worship you sincerely, follow you carefully and grow in grace and holiness. May we be bold in our faith and daring in Christian service to the end that your name be honored on earth even as it is in heaven. Hear our prayer in our Savior's name. Amen.” Lenten Prayer of Confession “God of day and God of darkness, all our time belongs to you. Yet how often we fail to notice your nearness, feel your presence, trust your guidance. We desire only good times, happy moments, and miss your work in the shadows. We avoid conflict with others and fear looking deep within ourselves. Sometimes it feels we have no place left to run no place left to hide. Loving God hold us during these Lenten days so we can look at ourselves, our relationships, our openness to you. In brightness or darkness, let us always know your healing, freeing, guiding presence. Amen.” Lenten Prayer “Walk with us, loving God, on the path to Easter. Take us slowly through this season so we may truly feel, clearly see and tenderly know the depths of your love that you shared with us in the life of Jesus. Let us take a step to see our own denials, the way we miss seeing you in the presence of those different from us. Let us face our own fears and angers, our fear of being alone, our anger that erupts like Peter's sword. Let us face our own betrayals of those who are close to us. Loving God, walk with us through pain and searching, be with us through doubt and despair and lead us to the joy of Easter. Amen.” Lenten Blessing “God sent Jesus not to condemn us, but to save us. Know that God loves the world so passionately that he gave his only Son, and that everyone who believes in him may have the gift of eternal life.” Day 337 | Friday, 19 February 2021 From the Church Mouse Lately, as I was doing my part to be a good citizen, I watched the events of the impeachment trial. As I watched the vote count, I couldn’t help but think of a quote by Winston Churchill before the start of the Second World War: “He who feeds the crocodile can’t help but hope that he is eaten last.” That’s all I’ll say about that. I did feel the need to laugh and poke fun for a while. To that end, I would like to share with you a greeting card I found at Runnings. The card is put out by Leanin” Tree which is made in the USA and has been an American tradition since 1949. The card is made from recycled paper by Earth Friendly Cards. The original art is by Mike Scovel. Since his first card debuted with Leanin’ Tree in 1978, Mike Scovel’s artful depiction of everyday life has been a part of American tradition through millions of cards and other gift products. From bowlegged crusty cowboys to feisty, flirty women to cliff-hanging horses, Scovel’s easily distinguished style of “fine art cartooning” has established his role as an anchor in contemporary western humor. While his humorous paintings can be found in many private and public collections, Scovel’s serious side is portrayed in his award-winning sculpture. Working in a variety of mediums, Scovel has created several monumental sculpture pieces for cities, private foundations and major corporations. “Knowing that my artwork brings emotion from people, whether they’re weeping at a Veteran’s Memorial or laughing at a crusty old codger…it’s knowing the art makes them feel something that matters,” Scovel says. “Seeing people react to my work…that’s the real paycheck.” Now check out his card: Top 10 Advantages to Getting Older 10. Your clothes have come back into style…twice. 9. You can no longer be cut down in your prime. 8. There is nothing left to learn the hard way. 7. Plenty of time to catch up on your reading…in the bathroom. 6. In any hostage situation, you’ll probably be released first. 5. You repeat yourself without knowing it. 4. You’re allowed to take a nap to get ready for bed. 3. You repeat yourself without knowing it. 2. You’ve made a lot of good memories even if you can’t remember them. And the number one advantage to getting older…It beats the only alternative!  |
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