Category Archives: Uncategorized

November 22, 2020 Someone recently remarked that perhaps we shouldn’t celebrate a new year before we have had the chance to see how it plays out; maybe we should celebrate the year after it proves itself – not before.  I f that were the case, 2020 would perhaps be the least celebrated year ever – butContinue reading “Thankfulness in 2020: Where, exactly?!”

November 15, 2020 ‘Because I said so’ – the words of a parent about to be defeated by a two-year old.   I really didn’t love that explanation coming from  my parents when I was little, and I couldn’t believe it when I heard those same words coming out of my mouth as a parent to myContinue reading “Because I Said So…”

November 8, 2020 Today the election was decided.  Today many folks are ecstatic and many are despairing.   Today we are being given an opportunity to reflect on what was and consider what we want to become going forward. These last few months and years, the shadowy places in our hearts and minds, our families and ourContinue reading “What Now? Take a Good Look!”

November 1, 2020 These days so many people are taking so many stands about so many different things.  Folks hear a slogan, get wind of a cause, and jump on the train – oftentimes without thinking through the responsibility that comes with whatever they have chosen to support.   Most causes begin with a core of well-intentionedContinue reading “Taking A Stand Means More Than Wearing a T-Shirt and Carrying a Placard”

October 18, 2020 Genesis 1:1-2:  In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.  Just imagine:  creation not yet defined; chaos (typically denoted by ‘waters’ in the Hebrew Bible) everywhere; the windContinue reading “Finding Goodness in the Midst of Chaos”

October 11, 2020 I don’t know about you, but sometimes, during my devotions – or when talking with folks – I find myself being held accountable by the Holy Spirit. I will read a devotional that catches me up short as I hear in my spirit the Holy Whisper – “Catharine, you might want toContinue reading “Yokes and Holy Whispers”

October 4, 2020 I use to find it sardonically amusing to think about some of the mixed messages we send our children:  Don’t take candy from strangers!  Yet, it’s okay to run up to a stranger’s house, say ‘trick or treat’ and get some candy!  Don’t talk to strangers and absolutely don’t tell them anythingContinue reading “Mixed Messages and Our Children”

September 27, 2020 This past week, as I was sitting on my porch, the weirdest thought came to mind: why don’t birds hurt themselves when they’re flying in, out, and among the trees?  I mean, really!?! Think about it. They’re flying so fast – but they never run into anything!  They don’t crash into tree trunksContinue reading “The Focused Life Flight”

September 20, 2020 It has been a long several months for us ‘church-going folks.’  We missed Easter in our beautiful buildings. We missed confirmation celebrations, Vacation Bible School on the lawn, weddings, baptisms, baccalaureates, celebrations of lives lived among us that are now gone, potlucks, winter sheltering of the unhoused, fundraising opportunities for community needs. AllContinue reading “Where Church Is”

September 13, 2020 I have been feeling particularly grumpy over the past several days.  The news has made me feel so angry, so powerless, so hopeless to do anything at all and I find myself mentally wanting to lash out – punch something – just give the world a piece of my oh, so wise mind!…..WhatContinue reading “The Lesson of E-meetings”