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Planting seeds

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“ As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:9-10 Yesterday, my son, my husband and I went to the State Fair. I wanted to see the horses but the barn was closed. I did see the cows and other animals. I am struck by how much of the fair is vendors though. We did get caught in a thunderstorm that pushed us into a build with, you guest it, more vendors. Wisconsin has 72 counties, perhaps each county could have an exhibit telling us about them I might want to visit. It was a good walk though and I got many steps and spent time with family. I did have a meltdown when it comes to food. For me, I have to make sure I know all the ingredients…sometimes I just want to be a person that can eat anything. Oh, well. Bread for food takes on a whole knew meaning…but today’s verse reminds us ...
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Whispering

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At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake— but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire— but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a The whisper. Today’s reading is a reminder to listen for the whisper of God. Like Elijah, we need to find the moment when we know God is passing by. That God is with us. I think because of the influences of movies, TV shows etc. we think that only in the largeness, dramatic, action pack is where the best is found. God, however, comes in the...
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Understanding

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Have you ever run into a situation where someone really doesn’t understand you? I think at one time or another, we all have. Our journey is full of moments of trying to be heard or understood. John writes this in 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us it that it did not know him.” If we are to be understood, then one must understand God. A person must know God to know us. As a disciple we walk in the way of the Lord, and no the world will not understand that. As I go about my day, I try to remember being understood isn’t necessarily a goal. Instead, my actions point to another so that they know God and God’s ways. Today, think about how you can let your actions speak and not use words but deeds to point to the kingdom of heaven here on earth on the path…  
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Be courageous and strong

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  As I get started on my day, I am reminded by 1Corinthians 16:13 what my mindset should be: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”  You never know the twists in a day. One thing can hold true and that is always being on guard, standing firm in our faith being courageous and strong. I received a retirement letter from the Archbishop of Milwaukee. It was nice to be recognized and it reminded me how much we need to uphold each other. Who do you need to uphold today? Thank them, guide them gently, or even remind them of what being one of faith means. Be on guard today, that is surround yourself with positive, kind, those of Christian character. Don’t let those threads of negativity and unhealthy creep in. Instead stand firm with courage and strength so that the words of the Gospel are being lived out on the path…
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Hospitality

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  Today’s part of the reading states: Matthew 17:4 “Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents *  here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Hospitality. I think of myself in this scene. Jesus invites me to go to a place and when we get their Moses, and Elijah appear. Jesus appears in his glory. Peter’s first instinct is to offer hospitality. I wonder if I would fall to my knees in awe and wonder. Would I run? What would my reaction be? I hope, like Peter, I will offer hospitality. In life we are greeted with situations where we must remember (as my mother would quote) perhaps we are entertaining angels. Taking the approach that we want to make those we encounter comfortable is a characteristic to have. Today I pray that I remember to entertain everyone, that is, make them comfortable as if they were sent by God on the path…
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New

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  Ezekiel 36:26 “   I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” As many start new school years and new beginnings, I find Ezekiel’s words helpful. A new heart, a new spirit for a new year and one that is directed towards God’s will by removing a heart of stone. It is now that the reality of retirement is becoming real. New school years, new jobs, new friendships and new direction from God. Today, think about where your heart is still one of stone. Where do you not allow God in your life? Are there parts where you still say, “I’m doing this” or “This is the way I need to go, act, believe or participate without others telling me what to do?” Spend time with God, ask for God’s direction, his will allowing God to breath into you a new heart, new spirit and remove stones from your heart on the path…..
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Words

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 Matthew 15:10-11 “He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles that person; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Words are powerful. What comes out of our mouth says a lot about us. In this time of political campaigns, I am struck by words. I wonder if they understand the duties of a Governor? Promises from the mouth that tell me a lot about who you are. Everyday we encounter words every day. Today, think about your words and what they say about you. Use language to build up. Do fall into the fowl mouth that makes me look cool syndrome. Words. Deescalate, by being kind. Be truthful with courage and words that do not destroy. Yes, this means we have to think before we speak, but Jesus wants us to use our words for building the Kingdom here on earth. So speak, write, use words for the betterment of society, for education, truth and justice on the path…
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