Day 93  |  Saturday, 20 June 2020

 Today is the first day of summer according to the calendar.  I guess what we have been experiencing is just the tail end of spring.

 As I have planted our garden and as I continue to plant more seeds, I could not help but think of the parable of the sower.  It is one of the few that is in all three of the Synoptic Gospels.  I have quoted it from The Message.

Matthew 13:3-9
3 Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories.
4 As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it.
5 Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots,
6 so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly.
7 Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds.
8 Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
9 "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
 
Mark 4:3-8
3 "Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed.
4 As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it.
5 Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots,
6 so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly.
7 Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it.
8 Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.
9 "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
 
Luke 8:5-8
3 "Listen. What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed.
4 As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road and birds ate it.
5 Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots,
6 so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly.
7 Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled among the weeds and nothing came of it.
8 Some fell on good earth and came up with a flourish, producing a harvest exceeding his wildest dreams.
9 "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
 
There is a lot that could be unpacked in this parable.  First, we need to remember that in his teaching, Jesus was preparing the people for the coming of the New Age.  The seed in the parable is not all going to grow.  Its growth faces many obstacles – read, birds, gravel, lack of deep roots, sun, weeds and then the good earth.  Even though there are obstacles and challenges, God will usher in the New Age.  Even today, the mysterious work of God goes on in spite of obstacles.  I was thinking of the planting done around the pond on June 2nd.  That was terrible soil and yet, the 70 plants are surviving with one struggling to stay alive.  Then I was thinking of my garden – there have been some issues with a small four-footed critter who apparently likes very young radish plants, and very young spinach plants.  He is also digging holes in the lettuce bed.  More thoughts on this parable later so keep it handy.

 Lord of the Harvest, we never know how effective the seeds we sow will be.  Help us to realize that your mysterious work goes on in spite of our efforts.  Nurture the seeds with your care and love.  Lord, Hear our prayers.  Amen.  
​
Today: farmers who sow and reap for others.
 

​Day 92  |  Friday, 19 June 2020 From the Church Mouse
What is quinoa?
​
In case you have not encountered quinoa yet, it is a pseudo cereal that grows near the Andes in South America. Pseudo cereal means that it is grain-like, but it's technically not a grass like wheat. Quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah.

Quinoa is very nutritious—it is full of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, including manganese, magnesium and folate. Quinoa’s health benefits are really too long to list here, but the key point is that quinoa is remarkably dense in nutrients, and worth including in your diet. You can buy quinoa in most grocery stores these days, usually in the health section or near the rice. You can also buy Quinoa online at Amazon.

 Here's the trick for perfectly fluffy quinoa: Use twice as much water as quinoa, as usual, then cook uncovered until the quinoa has absorbed all the water. The cooking time will vary based on quantity.

Once the water is all absorbed, remove the pot from heat, cover it and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes.  That's when the quinoa pops open into fluffy quinoa perfection, and that is how to cook quinoa properly.

 Perfect Quinoa

• Prep Time: 2 mins Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 22 minutes Yield: 3 cups
• Category: Staple Method: Stovetop Cuisine: Peruvian

 INGREDIENTS

• 1 part uncooked quinoa (e.g. 1 cup quinoa—any color will do—you will end up with three times as much cooked quinoa)
• 2 parts water (e.g. 2 cups water)
• Salt, to taste (around 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of dry quinoa)

 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Rinse the quinoa: Pour the quinoa into a fine mesh colander and rinse under running water for at least 30 seconds. Drain well. This step removes any bitterness on the outside of the quinoa (caused by naturally occurring saponins).
2. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat a bit to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 10 to 20 minutes (small amounts of quinoa will be ready closer to 10 minutes; larger amounts between 15 to 20). Reduce heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer.
3. Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. This step gives the quinoa time to pop open into little curlicues, so it's nice and fluffy. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork.

Season with salt, to taste, unless you're proceeding with another recipe as written.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Stir a drizzle of olive oil and clove of garlic into warm quinoa for extra flavor. Other options include chopped fresh spinach or arugula, or massaged kale. Fresh herbs and/or dried spices are nice, as well as grated or crumbled cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, pitted and sliced olives, etc.

 STORAGE SUGGESTIONS: Leftover quinoa keeps well, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before covering and chilling.
 
Favorite Quinoa Salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 side salads
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stove top
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

This quinoa salad recipe is the best! Everyone loves this healthy quinoa salad made with quinoa, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, parsley and lemon. It's vegan and gluten free, too! Recipe yields 4 medium salads or 8 side salads.

 INGREDIENTS

• cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed in a fine-mesh colander
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 3/4 cup chopped red onion (from 1 small red onion)
• 1 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley (from 1 large bunch)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 INSTRUCTIONS

1. To cook the quinoa: Combine the rinsed quinoa and the water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the quinoa has absorbed all of the water, about 15 minutes, reducing heat as time goes on to maintain a gentle simmer. Remove from heat, cover, and let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes, to give it time to fluff up.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, onion and parsley. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and salt. Whisk until blended, then set aside.
4. Once the quinoa is mostly cool, add it to the serving bowl, and drizzle the dressing on top. Toss until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Season with black pepper, to taste, and add an extra pinch of salt if necessary. For best flavor, let the salad rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
5. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for about 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

 We had visitors last night, Ricky Racoon, Sammy the Skunk.

 Lord give us patience as we readjust our way of living.  Help us to keep in balance and to be prepared.  Surround us with your grace and peace.  Lord, hear our prayers. Amen

 Today: food for your soul.
 

​Day 91  |  Thursday, 18  June 2020
 
It was good to see so many of us out yesterday at noon.  I do not recall just how many weeks we have been gathering to offer this prayer, but it is an inspiration each time.

 It’s Thursday, so it is time for a couple more translations of the 23rd Psalm.

Psalm 23 – The Voice Translation (VOICE)
  “The Eternal is my shepherd, He cares for me always.  He provides me rest in rich, green fields beside streams of refreshing water. He soothes my fears; He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name. Even in the unending shadows of death’s darkness, I am not overcome by fear. Because You are with me in those dark moments, near with Your protection and guidance, I am comforted. You spread out a table before me, provisions in the midst of attack from my enemies; You care for all my needs, anointing my head with soothing, fragrant oil, filling my cup again and again with Your grace. Certainly, Your faithful protection and loving provision will pursue me where I go, always, everywhere. I will always be with the Eternal, in Your house forever.”

Psalm 23 – New Life Version (NLV)
 “The Lord is my Shepherd. I will have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass. He leads me beside the quiet waters. He makes me strong again. He leads me in the way of living right with Himself which brings honor to His name. Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me. You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.”

The mark of a sheep it its ability to hear the shepherd’s voice.  The mark of a disciple is his or her ability to hear the shepherd’s voice.  That’ s why we are anointed for service.  Of course, we do have to keep listening.  As I have often said, that is why we were created with two ears and one mouth.  Right about now, we might enjoy some luscious green grass instead of the crisp brown grass around our homes.  We probably would enjoy a nice pool of cool water as well.  We need rain as the doves have been calling for it.  Keep the prayers coming.

Great Shepherd of us all, speak so we might hear your voice calling us to respond.  Continue to take us to rest in green pastures.  Give us quiet waters.  We want to be in harmony with you each and every day.  Anoint us for your service with others so that we my share your goodness and mercy.  Lord, hear our prayers.
​
Today: restaurant staff who are opening their doors.
 
Delayed this morning due to x-ray and lab work that took way too long.
 

Day 90  |  Wednesday,  17 June 2020

 Noon gathering for the Lord’s Prayer and catching up –
 As of June 17th,  the COVID cases in the county were at 110 with 31 now in our battalion and 1 additional death.
 I thought today I would share some thoughts on happiness that come from the Wesley study Bible that I use under the title Wesleyan Core Term Happiness.

 “God made human beings for happiness and holiness. The happiness God wants for us is not simply pleasure or feeling good, and in fact we can be led away from true happiness by seeking pleasure in the wrong things. Genuine happiness comes from living the life God wants for us, seeking God's wisdom, and living in justice and righteousness. Every aspect of the way of salvation brings us to this fulfillment. God alone satisfies our deepest desires, so we are truly content only when we seek God above all else. We gain this happiness through a disciplined life, which we cultivate through practices such as worship, Bible study, and social action. Happiness and holiness, then, are connected to each other. The deep fulfillment we have through our relationship with God is not threatened by life's difficulties if we depend on God to help us through them. Although we feel sorrow, we can yet be fulfilled in God.” CEB p 575

Since we have been living in a COVID-19 world since February, it might be safe to say that on June 17th we may be suffering from a lack of happiness and maybe even holiness.  It is hard to have a sense of joy when there is so much distress in the world today.  How is your state of happiness right now?  Do you need a booster to bring your spirit back to a happier place and time?  And how about your holiness, where are you now as compared to earlier this year? 

​A hymn that I want to share today is one that reminds us, I think, of both happiness and holiness.

“This Is My Father’s World” words by Maltbe D. Babcock, 1901; music: traditional English Melody; adapted by Franklin L. Sheppard, 1915.

 1.   “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.  This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.”

2.   “This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise.  This is my Father’s world: he shines in all that’ fair; in the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me everywhere.”

3.   “This is my Father’s world.  O let me ne’er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.  This is my Father’s world: why should my heart be sad?  The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  God reigns; let the earth be glad!”

 God of our happiness come fill our spirits and lift us up to the joy we have in being part of your world.  We hear the songs of the birds.  When the wind blows, we see the movement of the trees.  We awaken to bright sunshine and retire after beautiful sunsets.  This is your world, why should our hearts be sad.  Hear our prayers.  Amen

 Today:  Name at least one source of your happiness.
 
 

Day 89  |  Tuesday, 16  June 2020

 The word that I have heard lately is Fatigue.  I have heard it in relation to COVID-19.  It is summer.  The weather is nice.  People want to get out and resume what they used to do in the summer.  However, we continue to hear caution about activities as positive cases are on the rise again in many areas.  Fatigue!  People want to hear some positive news about COVID-19.  We want to hear that the hot zones are cooling.  We what to hear that people are taking the precautions that are needed to protect against exposure to the virus.  We want God to just Zap the world and take away this pandemic.

 Fatigue may be affecting us because of having to wear a mask.  Yes, it may be inconvenient, but the benefit outweighs not wearing one.  Fatigue around following the stay at home order.  Some of us have become so accustomed to staying home that we may have developed a fear of leaving our houses.  Do I really want to go out and be exposed by people who are not taking the COVID-19 guidelines seriously?

 Fatigue from not being able to travel to visit family members.  Fatigue from not being able to go to our favorite restaurant and sit inside to be served a special meal.  Fatigue from not being able to go into our houses of worship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

 Is our fatigue becoming replaced with impatience?

 How often in the scriptures to we read about the Israelites being impatient with God or God’s leaders?  Moses caught a lot of grief from the people.  They were so impatient that while he was on the mountain, they created a visible, touchable “god” as the focus of their worship and attention.

Proverbs 14:29 29 Patience leads to abundant understanding, but impatience leads to stupid mistakes.
Wherever you find yourself in this dilemma of fatigue or impatience, please remember that our God will walk with us and lead us.  As the psalmist often wrote, “Your faithful love lasts forever, Lord!”  Also “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

O Lord our God, as we struggle daily with fatigue over all the changes calling for our personal adjustments, be patient with us your children.  We know that you love us.  We know that you care about us.  We know that your Spirit leads us.  Lord, quiet our fears and fill us with inner peace.  Lord, Hear our prayers.  Amen
​
Today: Help for those whose fatigue is overwhelming them.
 

Day 88  |  Monday, 15 June 2020     
    
One  more COVID case in our battalion over the weekend

 I trust that everyone had a good Lord’s Day yesterday and that you were able to connect with worship in some way.  I also trust that each one of you is maintaining a healthy spirit – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Today, I am copying the commentary on Nehemiah from “Our Daily Bread” for June 15, 2020.  I seemed appropriate.  As you read the scripture and the commentary, reflect.  Are we as a country in need of rebuilding?  We have been trough a lot since February.  As a community, we will also be going through a rebuilding process.  Whatever the process is, we must seek God’s guidance to get us through it all.

 Today's Scripture & Insight: Nehemiah 2:11-18

“11 When I reached Jerusalem and had been there for three days, 12 I set out at night, taking only a few people with me. I didn’t tell anyone what my God was prompting me to do for Jerusalem, and the only animal I took was the one I rode. 13 I went out by night through the Valley Gate past the Dragon’s Spring to the Dung Gate so that I could inspect the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down, as well as its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 

 14 Then I went on to the Spring Gate and to the King’s Pool. Since there was no room for the animal on which I was riding to pass, 15 I went up by way of the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I turned back and returned by entering through the Valley Gate.  

16 The officials didn’t know where I had gone or what I was doing. I hadn’t yet told the Jews, the priests, the officials, the officers, or the rest who were to do the work. 17 So I said to them, “You see the trouble that we’re in: Jerusalem is in ruins, and its gates are destroyed by fire! Come, let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we won’t continue to be in disgrace.” 18 I told them that my God had taken care of me, and also told them what the king had said to me. 

 “Let’s start rebuilding!” they said, and they eagerly began the work.”  “It was nighttime when the leader set out by horseback to inspect the work that lay ahead. As he toured the destruction all around him, he saw city walls that had been destroyed and gates that had been burned. In some areas, the vast debris made it tough for his horse to get through. Saddened, the rider turned toward home.”
​
“When it came time to report the damage to the officials of the city, he began by saying, “You see the trouble we are in” (Nehemiah 2:17). He reported that the city was in ruins, and the protecting city wall had been rendered useless.”

“But then he made a statement that energized the troubled citizens: “I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me.” Immediately, the people replied, “Let us start rebuilding” (v. 18).”
“And they did.”

“With faith in God and all-out effort, despite enemy opposition and a seemingly impossible task, the people of Jerusalem—under Nehemiah’s leadership—rebuilt the wall in just fifty-two days (6:15).

“As you consider your circumstances, is there something that looks difficult but that you know God wants you to do? A sin you can’t seem to get rid of? A relationship rift that’s not God-honoring? A task for Him that looks too hard?”

“Ask God for guidance (2:4–5), analyze the problem (vv. 11–15), and recognize His involvement (v. 18). Then start rebuilding.”

By:  Dave Branon

“Reflect & Pray:” “What are a couple of “destroyed wall” situations that are troubling you? How will prayerfully asking for God’s help and guidance help you start the rebuilding process?”

“God, I need Your help. I can’t fix these problems alone. Help me to understand the situation, and then to seek Your help and guidance in resolving the challenges before me.” Lord, hear our prayers.

Today: Those helping guide us through the rebuilding process. 

Day 87  |  Sunday, 14 June 2020      
2nd Sunday after Pentecost Today: inner peace

 The assigned scriptures for today are: Genesis 18:1-15; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Romans 5:1-8 and Matthew 9:35-10:8.

Romans 5:1-8 (CEB) Therefore, we have peace with God
5 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through his faithfulness, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory. 3 But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope. 5 This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 7 It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person. 8 But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

The Message
1 By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us - set us right with him, make us fit for him - we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.

2 And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand - out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.

3 There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us,

4 and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.

5 In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

6 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway.

7 We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice.

8 But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

 This section has been given a title of “Therefore, we have peace with God.”  This past week was filled with ups and downs for many of us.  We all want justice for everyone.  We have witnessed peaceful protests throughout the world.  We have watched as some individuals decided that rioting and looting needed to happen in the midst of the peaceful protests.  We are seeing an increase in the Covid 19 cases in many states.  Is it because of Memorial Day observances where social distancing was thrown out of the equation?  Has our government moved on from the pandemic?  No wonder we are suffering.  In the midst of the brokenness around us, trusting God to provide us peace is a whole lot better than worrying.  I like verse 5 from the Message.

 God of Love, thank you for continuing to work in us and use us for your purposes even if we are damaged.  Thank you for giving us your peace when we need it most.  Lord, hear our prayers.  Amen
​
 

Day 86 | Saturday, 13 June 2020 – From the Church Mouse  

Today: Pets

 “Good people are good to their animals.” Proverb 12:10 (The Message)

 This is really not a true story.  It is just something that I thought of when the Shepherd was talking about the baby ducks and how the mother duck instructs them . . . but sometimes our animals instruct us.

           It is said that when we feed our dogs, provide them with water and buy them toys, they think that humans are God.  ON the contrary, when we feed our cats, provide them with water and buy them toys, they think that cats are God.

           Such is true of Ann’s dogs: Winnie and Rusty and our cat Max, Maximus the Great, our orange tabby.  Here is my small parable entitled “outsmarted’.

           I was proud and self- satisfied with my cat, Max.  He had allowed me, after much neck massage and baby talk, to put his medication in his mouth.  Just as I was leaving the kitchen, something whizzed past my ear and bounced off the floor.  It was the pill!  “Max”, I exclaimed, “How could you?”

           Now Winnie is Ann’s little black poodle and Rusty is the little ginger one.  You have seen how they bravely guard their mistress.  They also try hard to obey her, including the no dogs on the couch rule.  However . . . each time All leaves the house, her loving little guys listen for the car to start and the garage door to open and close.  Then Winnie and Rusty exchange looks and hop into forbidden territory.  Later, when our two couch potatoes hear Ann’s car pull into the garage, they evacuate the couch, and Ann finds them at the door, tails wagging, to obediently welcome their mistress home.

           I have learned something from my pill-spitting Max and Ann’s shrewd little poodles, Winnie and Rusty.  God does not create “dumb animals,” only smart ones: perhaps more intelligent than we “owners” will ever know. 

           Loving Lord, thank you for enriching our lives daily with our animals whose ways of doing things forever surprise and amaze us.  Help us be more sensitive to their unique traits and giftings, so we can connect better with them, reaching new depths of mutual love.  Amen

 Recipe: Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

Ingredients: *4 portobello mushroom caps; *2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; *1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; *1 tbsp olive oil; *1 tbsp chopped rosemary; *1-1/2 tsp steak seasoning; *4 thick slices red onion; *4 oz reduced fat Swiss cheese (Alpine lace); * 4 thin slices tomato; *1/2 Avacado, slice thin; *baby spinach; *4 whole wheat low calorie buns.

1.   In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, oil, rosemary, and steak seasoning.

2.   Place the mushroom caps in the bowl and toss with sauce, using a spoon to evenly coat.  Let stand at room temperature for 20 – 30 minutes, turning a few times.

3.   Heat grill or indoor grill pan over medium heat.  When hot, brush grate with oil or lightly spray the grill pan.

4.   Place the mushrooms on the grill, reserving marinade for basting.  Grill 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until tender, brushing with marinade frequently.

5.   Top mushrooms with cheese during the last minute of cooking.

6.   While mushrooms cook, grill onions about 1 minute on each side and gill the buns.
​
7.   To finish, place the spinach and grilled mushrooms on the buns, top with onions, tomato and avocado.
 

Day 85  |  Friday, 12 June 2020

  An update on the Corona Virus in our Battalion.  As of June 10th, there were 28 cases in Battalion 3 which is up 3 cases from June 5th.  This brought the total cases in the county to 105.

 It appears that Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and the 10 ducklings have moved to another location.  I have not seen them since Tuesday.

A couple more translations of Psalm 23 with comment.

 Psalm 23 – Young’s Literal Translation (YLT)
  “Jehovah is my shepherd, I do not lack, In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth lead me.  My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake, Also–when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff–they comfort me. Thou arrangest before me a table, Over-against my adversaries, Thou hast anointed with oil my head, My cup is full! Only–goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life, And my dwelling is in the house of Jehovah, For a length of days!”

Psalm 23 – Wycliffe Bible (WYC)
   “The Lord governeth me, and nothing shall fail to me; in the place of pasture there he hath set me. He nourished me on the water of refreshing, he converted my soul. He led me forth on the paths of rightfulness; for his name. For why though I shall go in the midst of shadow of death; I shall not dread evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff; those have comforted me. Thou hast made ready a board in my sight; against them that trouble me. Thou hast made fat mine head with oil; and my cup, that filleth greatly, is full clear. And thy mercy shall follow me; in all the days of my life. And that I dwell in the house of the Lord; into the length of days.”

Would we claim the LORD as our shepherd? Then we need to let go. We need simply to rest in the presence of the LORD, seek the LORD’s guidance in prayer, both personal and collective, let go and let the LORD lead. If we would have the LORD as our shepherd — let us first off acknowledge that the LORD is our shepherd.

            And then — may the LORD lead us forward, to green pastures, still waters. May the LORD take us down our right path. Even if our right path takes us into the very Valley of the Shadow of Death — we in our humility will be bold, in that we will fear no evil, for we will know our shepherd, and we will know that the shepherd — our shepherd — will be with us always.  We know we will be safe in our shepherd’s arms.

 Prayers for Marianne Schnell and her continuing recovery.  She came home Wednesday evening.
​
 “Surprising and persistent God, you never give up on us. You seek us, follow us, call us. We cannot escape from your yearning for us, and only when we turn to you, do we find the sweetness of life, the reason for living, an ever-flowing fountain of joy. Thank you for your amazing grace that surprises us, comforts us and renews us. Give us hearts of gratitude and forever singing your praise. Amen.” Lord, Hear our prayers.  Sourcebook of Worship Resources, Vol. 3, p. 116
 
Today: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
 
 

​Day 84  |  Thursday,  11 June 2020
Today I am sharing some information shared by Ann Lawson

Decision Making During a Pandemic

As the world is reopening in June 2020, we are faced daily with decisions about what we should or should not do.  It was almost easier in March, April and much of May, when the decisions were made for us – stay home and remain safe.  Now it is different.

Thinking about this for myself and how I can plan my days -- and after listening to countless talking heads on the television -- I have decided that for me, it comes down to five factors that will guide me.  Specifically, they are:

1.        What is happening in my surroundings, i.e., are new cases of the virus popping up around me and by how much.

2.       The relative danger associated with different activities that I engage in regularly.

3.       My control over my own behaviors, specifically, can I remain diligent about wearing a mask, washing my hands or wearing gloves, and social distancing in different situations calling for caution.

4.       My personal vulnerability to the virus given my age, general health, and any special condition; and

5.       My tolerance for risk.

Factors 3, 4, and 5 are personal and require self-knowledge and acknowledgement – in other words, I am the one that needs to seriously take stock of these areas of my life.  These factors are unique to me and need to enter into my decision-making. 

For factors 1 and 2, however, there is information available to help us. For information on changing trends in our immediate area, the Church Mouse will be providing regular updates, or you can check for this information yourself on the Chautauqua County web site. 

That leaves factor 2, the relative danger associated with different everyday activities, which can be difficult to determine as more options become available daily. That being said, for me, I look for guidance from experts, which I found in Monday’s issue of The New York Times. The article, “When 511 Epidemiologists Expect to Fly, Hug and Do 18 Other Everyday Activities Again,” by Quoctrung Bui, Claire Cain Miller and Margot Sanger-Katz, June 8, 2020, was exactly what I have been looking for in recent days.  A summary table with results for the 20 activities is provided below. If you would like a link to the full article, please send me a request and I will forward it.

When epidemiologists said they expect to do these activities in their personal lives, assuming the pandemic and response unfold as they expect
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