W.I.S.E. Bible Study

 Today is Pentecost. Although the reading I picked is lengthy, it is worthy of the time. The point of the Holy Spirit is to guide us, protect us, and walk with us. The Holy Spirit doesn’t give us superhuman strength but gifts from God to navigate our lives. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: “   There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.   Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,    to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to...

 For a teacher, summer means a new routine. As I woke up this morning, I thought about new routines, but for me, it means it doesn’t change in August. There are certain things I did in my morning routine that I am now placing into an everyday routine. On the way to work, I listened to and prayed the Mass. This was a quiet time to also pray the rosary. I enjoyed the early-morning wildlife, too. I’m working on my Marian grotto and hope to get a bench or chair in there when it’s done. A quiet morning prayer area. I continue to light candles and write people's names on rocks and driftwood. If you are in need of prayers, reach out and I will add you or a loved one to the prayer list. This scripture verse will help me to create new routines: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) As you carve out your day, know that routines are important, but so is rest on the path….

Today, the word that comes to mind is wonder. Yes, wonder. “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.” Job 37:14 Pause. Reflect on God’s wonders today. God says, “Go and multiply” our gifts, our talents, and love for others. God says to have dominion over that is to care for those gifts, talents, others, and the earth. God says to subdue the world that is to create, get messy, make mistakes, and learn from them. Make the world a better place than you found it. Wonder. Wonder that God gave us free will. Wonder that God asks us, us-humans to be part of the evolution of the world and others. Yes, there is a lot of wonder. Wonder that God loves each of us in our messiness to lay down his life, so we have life. Today, stop and consider God’s wonders on the path… 

 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall one will lift up his fellow,” showing the practical support friends provide.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 Some marry their best friend. Some have friends at work, or other family members. Regardless, friendship is important. Tomorrow is my last day at work. I started teaching religious education at 16 and have worked for the church in a variety of roles since then. About 48 years, and I don’t feel I’m done, just changing venues. Today, I reflect on all the friends I have made along the way. Friends that I know I will keep in touch with no matter where I go or what I do. Friends are an important part of life. This morning, reflect and pray for those friends who walk with you, support you, and have your six, on the path….

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2 To my readers, may these words of scripture fill you with hope and promise as light fills the day. I find it help to start my day with prayer and list the things I am grateful for. Yes there will be messiness in the day but hope, faith, gratefulness will sustain as they surround me with love…positive energy. Start your morning with that favorite drink list all the good, even if it’s that you have another day, clean slate…ok go start drawing on your slate make it colorful and don’t forget to add HIS presence on the path…

  John 16:33 “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.” Yesterday was the first time at the beer garden this summer. Opening weekend. Even though I had water, it was about gathering with friends. As I head to work this morning, I pray for my students. There are more lessons to be learned than a grade on a paper. Courage to do the right thing, for instance. Finding peace when your grade isn’t where you wanted it. Holding yourself accountable by being honest that late assignments and rushed work were on you, not the teacher. Take courage, Jesus conquered the world, and you will find peace in knowing Jesus, his ways, and applying them to your life. Trouble is something to reflect on. What is my part, what is the outcome I want, and is there a way that this trouble can point to His glory? Today know Him and know peace. As you do your walk-about find ways to take courage, hold yourself acc...