W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31      Red Sky. This morning, the sky was red and pink. My grandpa taught me the saying, “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors warning.” The vibrant colors of the morning sky was helped by the Canadian wildfires. Reading the sky or the situation is important to our survival. The faithful of Christ gathered in a room because they knew they needed to stay together. They “read” their sky and felt that without Christ, they were in danger. They knew they were stronger together. Their reward was the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave them courage and wisdom to continue the work of Christ. Together, we can create a red sky at night for others to see. We can help them to see the delight in following Christ. As I wait for the “littles” to come out so they get a ride home...

  Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lied down, your sleep will be sweet” Proverbs 3:23-24. New Places. Sometimes the biggest things that holds us back is ourselves. Yet the world is there for us to have dominion and subdue. We are to explore and go out and discover. We are meant to bring order to world through our defining it and treasuring it. I remarked to my husband this morning that we had not even gone fishing yet this year. Heck, I don’t think we even have our fishing license. This is very late for us. Part of the reason is because we have been consumed by projects around the house. Taking time to get away reminds us that we are to spend the summer not with lists but with each other. Today think about travel and how God is with you and calling you from your four walls on the path…..

  “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 Walking Miss Molly. Miss Molly is a golden doodle. When in a camping area, or even a new area, her golden retriever side comes out. Miss Molly has to explore everything with her nose. Her exploration can make for an interesting walk to say the least. Yet because we love her immensely, we allow her, her diversions. Last night I slept on the sofa bed because she had to bark at each new sound. She even growled once or twice. The things we do for love. Today, a little tired, a little sore, I think about the big three from the passage. Faith, do I have faith? A genuine faith from the spaces of my heart and soul? Do I hope? Hope is something of imaginations. To hope for….place anything in there…big dreams….big ideas…big wants…it takes a good imagination to hope. Finally, how do I love? Do I love with joy? Do I love with patience? Do I love with faith and hope? Today as you wander...

  “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 Christmas. Yesterday we had family over for a meal. My autistic granddaughter announced that it was Christmas. The joy of everyone being together meant it was Christmas! For her, it wasn’t about presents but about sharing a meal. She has special numbers for each family member and uses them instead of names. Yesterday she gave her uncle his special number. Christmas. Easter is about the risen Christ. Soon we will be celebrating Pentecost. The birth of the church. The gift Jesus gives us is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit seems like this silent partner we don’t think about, but the Holy Spirit is with us and given to us as our “Christmas” present. Eucharist is our sharing of a meal, and the Holy Spirit is ever present for us to call upon, and include with us as we journey on the path…

 “ One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, *  listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying.” Acts of the Apostles 16:14 Pay Attention. From softball games to beer gardens, I am reminded that God sends people into our lives, and we need to “open our hearts to pay attention.” For his final this year, I had a student write about the people God had placed in his path so that he could graduate. He wrote about how he finally listened and could “lock in.” His concluding prayer was to ask God to continue to put people in his path. At the softball game, I listened. I found offense in the dugout chants of the opposing team. I was proud of my team's sportsmanship. I took my grandson to his first softball game and taught him how to cheer. His enthusiasm was great! Sitting at a beer garden, being outside with family and friends, does the soul wonders. The importance is listening to the ...

  “So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:15.   Summer Vacation. As I begin my summer vacation, I am reminded that rest is needed and that I can reflect on the past school year, knowing that God walked with me. I don’t really have any plans. (LOL)   I will be camping here and there and hanging out with family and friends. I am teaching a new course next year on Comparative Religions, so I will be creating the curriculum. I also have areas of the house to organize, but I must remember to “eat, drink and be merry.” This is important for someone like me who likes to plan and have check lists. Perhaps this summer will be a summer of wherever the wind takes me on the path…. (stay tuned!)

  Isaiah 26:3  ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Because. Growing up, if you asked why you had to do something, my mom’s response was, “Because I said so.” God on the other hand does not wait for me to ask the why question. Instead he let’s me know the because right away. Maybe that is why I appreciate scripture so much. God is direct. God doesn’t beat around the bush. Nope. If I keep God in perfect peace because my mind is on God it is because God trusts in me. Many times we talk about trusting in God. Today thought we are reminded that God trusts us. Why do I walk with God? Why do I do his will? Not for me, but because God trusts me to do so. I love that. Even when I fall short, God trusts I will make amends. Today as you think about God, and struggle for peace ask yourself if you truly trust in him as he trusts in you on the path…

  Lamentations 3:22-23 "Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” Cup of Faith. I will be the first to admit that I usually have more than one cup of coffee in the morning. Yet as I do so, I also have a cup of faith! I am reminded, with each new sunrise that God’ love and compassion are renewed every morning. I go to God each morning, not because I believe he isn’t there, but because I believe he is there, and I want to acknowledge his presence.  My cup of faith each morning is to talk with God, to sit with him and to plan my day, with him. As you have your morning tea or coffee, add a cup of faith. Talk with him, walk with him, plan with him before you step foot on the path.

  This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17 The rhythm. School years have a certain rhythm. We are in finals and on Friday graduation and summer break. I like the rhythm of life and I like the rhythm of a school year. I have learned that a key to success and enjoyment in this rhythm is to love one another. I, at times might not like a person or their actions, but I try to remember to love them. Not the love of feelings but the love of sacredness. Each of are created in Gods likeness and image therefore each of us, through his breath of life is sacred. I am not perfect, but I try to be compassionate, kind, joyful and grateful. I also try to ask for forgiveness when I have fallen short. I humble myself to know the rhythm of life is not all about me. Today remind yourself of your rhythm and ask if you need to change the rhythm or if you are all good on the path…

  Jeremiah 33:6:  Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security. Healing. We all could use a little healing in our lives. Sometimes we don’t even know we are wounded until something happens. As a fire department chaplain I thought I could do anything. I was on top of the world. A series of events triggered my PTSD. I was out of control and knew I needed to tap out . I never realized there were areas where I still needed to heal. I couldn’t help others if I couldn’t help myself. Today, I can look back and be thankful for the healing. I still pray for the men and women who serve. They are close to my heart. My doctorate is on fire chaplaincy because of the lessons learned . People who count on you deserve your best. Be thankful for times of revaluation and healing. Today feel loved and let yourself be vulnerable before God so he can heal you on the path…

  “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men(and women).” 1 Timothy 2:1 Intercessions. Praying for others is something we are all called to do. Why? As a community, believer or not, we should care for each other. Prayers give hope, and prayers are also heard. How do you do this? “Yo God, you haven’t heard from me in a while, maybe never, but I’d like to pray for….” It is important to support one another. I think I always teach better, and I am a better wife, mother, and grandmother when I have people praying for me. When my mom was alive, all I had to say is “Mom, I need some extra prayers,” and she’d be right on it. Today: God, I pray for all my friends. You know their needs, please be kind and gentle with them. I ask prayers for those traveling and those away from family, that you hold them tight. I pray for my family, please help them to know your love, my love and your will for them. In Jesus name ...

  “Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders.” (Job 37:14)   Fog. Today I drove to work in heavy fog. Fog prevents you from seeing all your surroundings. I know my path, so I knew where I was going and the markers along the road. I don’t particularly like driving in fog. I don’t like not seeing the way. Life can be like that. A fog is a time when we just can’t see the way. Today’s scripture verse reminds us to spot and consider God’s wonders. Why? Because when we remember all that God does, the fog lifts. Knowing that God is with us means that no matter what: fogs, storms, joys etc. God is with us and will help us navigate. Therefore, do not be afraid because truly God is with us on the foggy path…

“ Let us search and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40 NABRE) Tests. As the final exams approach for my students, I am reminded that we, too, are called to examine our lives. In some ways, we do this at the beginning of Lent before we choose our feasting and fasting. Hopefully, during this Eastertime, you are living as a new daughter/son of Christ. Yet, it is important to do an examen. The Jesuits have a daily examen. This is the examen: How to Pray the Examen 1. Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you.  2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.  3. Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings at the time.  4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away?  5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the...

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  – Psalm 27:14 On the Move. The last week of classes and next week are exams, so I'm almost done with this year! I can’t wait. I use the tag at the end of my blog and writings “on the path” because I believe faith needs to be on the move. However, sometimes, one must wait, finish what has been designated, and then take a step. Today, I will be patient until the end of the school year. I have one more time to go! I will pray that this summer brings healing, refreshment, and enough direction to get me through another year of teaching. I will seek the Lord this summer, and wait for the Lord so that I will continue to be strong as I move on the path… 

  “ Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV) Love. I think sometimes love has come to mean a lot of different things to a lot of people. For many, love is an emotion. To me, though, Jesus showed us that love is a verb. Even when he wasn’t feeling the greatest about people, he still forgave them, he still healed them, and he still acknowledged them.   I love my husband for instance, not because of a feeling, but because he draws out the best in me, he challenges me, and he has accepted me for who I am. Love. Today, think about what love means to you. Commit yourself to be love to others through commitment, healing, and rejoicing on the path….

  John 20:21 : "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you'"   The opening words of Pope Leo XIV were the words: “Peace be with you.” These words were significant. I believe he is signaling that we are to continue the phrase and send us to be the disciples God has called each of us to be. If you ask me if I am excited about the new Pope, I would say yes, but not because he is from America or a Peruvian. No, but because of how his life journey and all he has said yes to have led him and hopefully will guide him in this new role. He understands Canon law, hopefully, changes about clerical abuse can be made at that level. His doctoral study will aid him in helping to fulfill his role as Pope, leader of the church. Picking Pope Leo XIV signals that he will continue Pope Leo XIII work of social justice, addressing modernism, relativism etc. Lines that have been blurred may come into focus now. He was a missionary, so the voic...

  “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.   I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)   Contentment. Today’s verses remind us that contentment can be found through any situation if we do it through Christ who gives us our strength. I am reminded today that a new Pope needs contentment. It doesn’t come down to his views on issues but that he navigates with Christ. The only thing I pray for is a Pope who has that deep connection with Christ, will listen to him and let the holy spirit guide in order to navigate any waters he finds himself in. Today, remind yourself that you too can find contentment if you walk filled with Christ and guided by the Holy ...

  During Lent I focused on one word. It really helped me to apply it to my life. My word - joy. It has reminded me that it is the simple and little things in life that bring joy. A kiss from a husband, an animal you don’t normally see, a snuggle from grand kids, texts and calls from children. The simple everyday things. I am blessed and filled with joy. When trails and tribulations happen I need to remind myself of the joy around me and fill myself with it. What word do you need to cling to until you can own it on the path…

  “‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce.” Jeremiah 29:5 Gardens. Yesterday, I spent a good portion of the day preparing my gardens. I have already had fresh asparagus from the garden, and I see one or two strawberry blossoms. I must make room for two peach trees and a plum tree. However, the weeds have already taken over! As a gardener, I know that weeding is essential. I know that I always need to have a watchful eye out. I do take measures to lessen the weeds, but there are always weeds that want to take over and choke out the plants I want in my garden. Today, look at your inner garden and see what weeds have encroached on your faith. Take preventative measures, put down weed barriers. In places you can’t be vigilant in your garden, on the path…

  “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” ( Isaiah 43:18-19)   New Things. It is not easy to move forward. It is not easy to make your way through the wilderness and streams to the wasteland. The wasteland, to me, is the unknown. Yet to grow, to be fully alive, we must venture into wastelands. Sometimes we are thrust into it: a child comes along, when aging parents face their decline; job changes, or retirement can all be the time when we find ourselves in the wasteland. Forgetting former times isn’t about forgetting memories, but more about what we thought it would be like when we reach the wasteland. The ideas, ways things should be. Be situationally aware and embrace the joys, the difficulties, LIFE, for it is in the wilderness we face ourselves and find out what we are made of and who we really are as a child of God on th...

  Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.”   Teach me. I have the above words on stone, reminding me I must always be about learning. I learn every day. Trust is about faithfulness and not being divided in heart. In scriptures, to fear God's name means to hold it with reverence. The awe and wonder of what God is. God states: I am. The rest of the I am is for us to discover. To me, God: I am the one who walks with you; I am the one who loves you unconditionally; I am the one who will carry you… There is always something to learn. Today, venture out and see what you can learn and what you can add to your litany of God’s I am …. On the path…..