W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”  – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better. I do believe the above scripture verse and advice. Yet, I pondered today how often I say I can do something myself. I can be stubborn and like to be self-sufficient. I have experienced trying to go it alone, or with a “second.” I try to remember that Jesus sent the disciples out two by two. Jesus even had twelve around him. As I go about my day (putting the canoe on the Acadia, wood chips in the grotto…) I will remember that all is done better with two. Many times my husband and I travel together, even if one of us doesn’t need to be there. It allows us time alone to chat. He balances me, and I balance him when shopping. We both see things differently at times, and so when we each express our views, we have a fuller vision. As you go about your day, remember to include another on the path…

  “ Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always. What a hard statement to live out. Today, we can rejoice in Fatherhood, which has blessed the world with such a unique population! Pray without ceasing, knowing that prayer isn’t just about sitting or kneeling somewhere and talking to God, but about our actions that also reflect a prayer to God. Today, I feel the blessed Mother weeps for her children. Guadeloupe is distraught over her children's fighting and inability to rejoice in each other and be thankful for the uniqueness of each other. I am reminded of Cain, who kills his brother and asks God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Yes, we are a community and we are to help each other, rejoice in each other, pray for each other…through our words and actions on the path…

    “ I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 (NABRE) The Light. Yesterday, I spent a good portion of time sewing. My sewing area is in the basement, which isn’t ideal. I like the light. It brings me happiness, and my patio doors provide light but also a view of the yard. My happy place is creating. Peace is found in a task taking form. Yesterday, I had the news on and reminded myself that Jesus conquered the world, and as humanity's ugly head rears, God is always strong when we seek God out. I have not perfected making ice cream yet, but I know where peace is found and my courage is in Him, who conquered the world, the light on the path….

Yesterday wasn't a writing day. I spent the day antiquing with my husband and my dad. Today, I wanted to reflect not on a scripture verse but on Fathers. Ever-present God, our Father, has many biblical qualities. Each of us has a father. Some, I know, don't think much of their fathers. I happen to think I have a good father. I like to go to antique shops with my dad. I find antique stores a sort of history lesson. Luckily for me, my dad or my husband usually knows what something was used for. Yesterday, my dad reflected on how the treasures found now are starting to come from the 50s and 60s, where before we would see items much earlier. Yesterday, we laughed when we found items that we still actually own. I guess we are antiques! Scripture is about relationships. It starts with us and God the Father. The relationship expressed in scripture was rocky at times, but it always gets worked out. I am thankful for my dad and for my husband. As Father's Day approaches, take time t...

“ Perfume  and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend     springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 Friends. At work, I have people I can go to for advice. In life, I also have people to whom I treasure their advice. Today, I am thinking about friends and how you know a good friend because of their advice. When they listen, they don’t do it to tell you about themselves. They may use an experience they had to explain their advice, but the advice isn’t about them, but what they have learned. I tell my students you were born because of a relationship and into relationships. God is part of those relationships. It is our goal to form healthy relationships because we were created for and into communities. One way to do so is by listening to a person’s advice to you or their response, or comments when you are chatting. Are they positive? Do they point out the best for you? Do they help you to grow in the right ways? Sometimes advi...

Yesterday was the Feast of Pentecost. Jesus ascends, and the Holy Spirit fills followers. I decided to look for the Holy Spirit in my life. I spent some time at a church festival and on the Patio before all the rain. So far, summer is proving to be different. Normally, summer is steeped in gardening. This year, I put a few plants and seeds in and haven't weeded my strawberry patch, which desperately needs it! Right now, I am trying to perfect making homemade ice cream. Yet each day starts with finding a scripture passage to guide my day. Today I am reminded of one of my favorites: Micah 6:8 " You have been told, O mortal, what is good,   and that the  Lord  requires of you:  Only to do justice and to love goodness, and  to walk humbly with your God" If I live by these words, I believe I am striving to what God would have me to do. Back to my original question, where do I find the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit guides me to be just, love goodness, and with God...