W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Tomorrow, we celebrate a milestone in American history. If you are old enough, you will remember the 1976 celebrations. As we prepare to celebrate and move forward for the next 250 years, it is helpful to remind ourselves who the first settlers were and why they took a chance to come to an unknown land. I thank all those who have served and are serving, as they are the reason we still stand. Politicians come and go. But the “We the People” stand. It is our voice, not billionaires, that needs to be heard. Yet in doing so, we must heed 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Take a day or three to celebrate, but as we move forward, let us do so in faith, solidarity, and courage to create an America worthy of our forefathers and foremothers on the path… 

  “  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 There are many ways we learn and strengthen our knowledge. Camping, we try to help the littles identify birds and trees. We teach them how to stay safe from bugs and even plants. I think it is important to have our littles learn about nature. Yet I know that faith is also something important to keep strengthening. No matter how old you are, spending time strengthening and building up faith is important. I like that these verses from Colossians end with “overflowing with thankfulness.” Life is different when we can see it through the lens of thankfulness. Our glass is full, and we can drink from the living waters of faith. Weave your threads of thankfulness today on the path…

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” “If we do not give up.” This morning I took Molly the dog for a walk, and my grandson came with as the “littles” were camping with us. As we made our way around the loop (which is over a mile) and the temperature was over 80 even though it was early morning, my grandson said to me at one point, “Oma, we should just give up.” Of course we didn’t, but I think there are many times in life when we feel like we should give up. Sometimes we are the ones always giving, doing the right thing, and feel like everyone else is getting ahead, or having a better life. Yet, Galatians reminds us that we will reap our harvest at the proper time. This evening, remember that we must keep doing good, even when we are tired. Pray for God’s courage and strength to keep going, for it is the good deeds that we continue to build this country and make it one to be proud to call home on th...

  First blog from our maiden voyage of “Big Star.”  I was thinking about how a maiden voyage is a lot like starting something new. You need to find the quirts and need to keep notes on what works, what doesn’t and a list if you are in need anything. My new summer schedule has been very like it. I used to listen/pray mass on the way to work, finishing off with the rosary. Now, I am figuring out best times. Of course, besides working out bugs the heat has been oppressive. I think of Psalm 121:5-6 “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” Camping helps you to remember life is simple so pack simply. It also reminds you to be adaptable. We were up early to get a walk in. Today think about how to simplify your life, keep track of what works and what doesn’t. Mostly though remember that the Lord does watch over you and will be your shade and your right hand on the path….

“For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall” Isaiah 25:4 I picked the scripture verse from Isaiah today because I think it is important to know that we don’t go through life alone. Isaiah talks about the poor. When we think about the poor, we think about people who don’t have “things.” Yet, poor can be in spirit; poor in health; poor in friendships, or other ways we can be poor. In addition, think about being needy. There are times I find myself thinking about sharing something with a person who would have “loved” that, but that person isn’t around to share it with. Needy for loved ones that have gone before us. Needy in distress. Weather reporters are warning about extreme heat; but in reality, when life heats up, God will be our shade. God is the wall to which any storm can pound against. For me, Isaiah gives me comfort and he...

  Yesterday was Farmer’s Market and meeting family at the beer garden. Today, I need to get “Big Star” ready for its maiden voyage after more time with family. Life is good. Yet there is something I need to work on this week. Mercy. The Psalm today is 89. “I will sing of your mercy forever, LORD, proclaim your faithfulness through all ages. For I said, “My mercy is established forever; my faithfulness will stand as long as the heavens.” Psalm 89:2-3 In the midst of the business of life, mercy must shape my actions. Mercy is a term that is so familiar that it has become a word on a poster. Something we think is nice, but is it our heart’s calling? It is time to make mercy avant-garde by updating our use of it and contextualizing it in our lives, using it as a lens through which all passes. God does not expect anything from us that God does not model. Therefore, update your merciful life. Make it new and modern through which you live on the path…