W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  As I drove to work, I had to chuckle to myself. Drizzle and rain dropped from the sky. Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena, and I think every time at St. Catherine’s high school when we walked to St. Richard’s for the feast day mass it rained! I told students the rain was a blessing from heaven. Well, today we are blessed again. A quote from St. Catherine of Siena that has always inspired me is: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Today is a good day, amongst blessings to ask yourself if you are true to who God has meant you to be. Some of us are called to be handyman or women; some of us are called to keep places safe; some of us are called to train first responders and others. We are all called to do something…first though, we are called to be sons and daughters of God. Our life’s work,  careers should reflect the call to being who God meant you to be. We all can set the world on fire through being exactly the unique reflection of ...

Gray skies. Today as I drove to work, the sky’s were gray. Yet through the grey, drabness of the ride I encountered joy. A deer on the side of the road just standing there waiting for me to drive by. A granddaughter up early with lots of joyful energy. The online mass I listen to was all in a female voice…even if I am shrouded in gray, I will look for the joy. Finding joy includes acknowledging those who walk with you, today I borrow from scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:2 “ grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” As you travel today, doing all your activities, meeting with people etc. Know that grace and peace surround you and bring you the light of Christ on the path….

There are a lot of things we do for one another; to which gives hope and joy. Yet, there is one more step to contemplate: to what and to who would you lay down you life for? John 10:11 states: I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This is part of today’s readings. It has inspired me to think on what I would lay down my life for? We fight to stay alive, but to what would we give that all up for? Life is short enough, but what would you be willing to give it all up for? Something that helps put life and death into perspective. Something to help focus one’s life. For it is the things we are willing to lay down our life for, that we should focus on, protect and be our priority on the path…

  Sometimes I am amazed at how much energy people use to get around the rules. Students spend more time thinking of ways to get out of something, around something, or finding an easy way to copy. John 10:1-2 states: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.” John presents two kinds of spiritual leadership. Jesus is the shepherd because he enters through the proper gate. A gate makes walking through easy to get to the sheep. Yet there is another kind of leader. One who tries to jump the fence or get in without using a proper gate. You can’t just spout scripture as a way to enter through the gate. You need to have a deep and abiding personal relationship with God. The gate makes getting into a sheep pen easy, but getting to the gate and opening it is not as easy for some. Today, stand at the gate, open it, and walk through to gather...

  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24 Today is a service day at school. My students dusted, washed, and polished the chapel and are now making prayer cards for people. I think going into a service day, mentally is difficult. One more thing on a teacher's plate. Yet, I know I must do this with a joyful heart, not a check list mind. I find when doing service picking something I enjoy helpful, yet I know God calls us to go outside our comfort zone. Good deeds come in all shapes an sizes. Today think about one thing you can do for someone else or a group of people. Life is about community, and community means we stand together reaching out with a helping hand on the path….  

  A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. Gentleness. It is true that a response that is gentle turns away wrath. But what is a gentle response? It isn’t about being quiet, or submissive. It is about showing respect to the other person or persons that we need to provide an answer for. It is about accepting both parts in a situation. I know that many times I am part of the problem. I reacted, or said something that angers someone. Or someone does something to me or does something that makes me angry. I need to stop, take a deep breath. Pause before movement to ensure gentleness. For me gentleness isn’t about getting my way, but understanding the other person’s response or actions. It truly is about walking in their shoes. I still might not like something, but by doing this compassion and empathy may lead my answering. Today this is my whisper as we are coming to the end of the school year and students are getting bold, and results. Alas, t...

 After all the storms, now cooler weather (yes, possible snow flurries), I think about moving forward. “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” Psalm 16:11. I see lots of flowers that seem to have grown inches in the last week. Spring is a time of hope and new growth. It is also a time of allergies and storms. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had a song, "Stand a Little Rain," that I think speaks to me as I think about how we need to remember that those plants that all of a sudden grew by inches did so because of the rain. It turns my stomach when I hear politicians and others quote scripture all for their own purposes. I quote scripture for you to know God, and be assured that you can stand a little rain and grow through it. Today, know that the Psalm, not me, speaks of truth. God will walk with you, today, tomorrow, and through any storm on the path…

  Today as I drove to the work in the fog, the psalm was “The Lord is my light…” I thought how reassuring it was to hear that. The priest on the online mass I listen to, talked about being a ministry of Matthew 25:42-43. We are called to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite strangers in, clothe those without, and help the sick and the prisoner. The gospel today was on the multiplication of loaves and fishes. If each person brought food and shared…that in and of itself is a true miracle. We tend to hang on to our stuff. What if, like the loaves and fishes we ask Jesus to multiply our gifts and talents to give us strength to do His work like Matthew 25 in our encounters during the day, sharing…our loaves and our fishes on the path…

As I sat in my “safe tornado shelter” twice this week, I was reminded of Mark 439-40 “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,”Quiet! Be still!” then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no Faith?” Storms come and go, but when we are in the midst of them, we need to hear God ‘s whisper to us: “Quiet, be still!” For God is there and can calm our nerves. My autistic granddaughter yesterday morning, told me “praying.” Her word of the day. She was up early and as my husband and her drove me to work, she repeated multiple times: praying. A reminder that it is through prayer storms are told to be quiet and still on the path…

As we were traveling and in Minnesota, we saw several eagles. No matter how often I see them, it still excites me. My husband is good at pointing out the various wildlife and especially eagles. Eagles remind me of many scripture passages. Like this one: “But they who wait for the Lod shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) Everyday is a good time to grab that favorite drink and sit for several minutes asking the Lord to be with you in your day. Of course, conversing with the Lord through out the day is also helpful. Easter break is over, and I will have good memories of places and conversations with loved ones that will carry me through the next six weeks of school. I will think often of the eagles and be reminded to wait for the Lord and not to go it alone on the path…

  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:34 Easter shines light on the promise of peace and overcoming difficulties. A message we all can use. My Ipad decided it doesn’t want to charge. So, I am writing my blog from my phone. Not ideal, but it works. There is irritations and difficulties that we all have to overcome. Some are monumental and some inconvenient like an iPad not changing. Peace is found in Christ walking with us; sometimes even ahead preparing the way and other times just there like a good friend or faithful husband. Today explore the word of God, the love letter to humanity reminding us of a faithfulness that never ends and brings peace on the path…    

Yesterday, like many I watched the splash down of Artemis II. I was struck by the theme of unity and inclusion. I think, at times unity is lost and Romans 12:17-21 is ignored. “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” The words expressed throughout the Artemis II journey has been one of unity, some the world needs and something we all need to bring with as a goal on the path…

  “  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19 As I travel, I try to remember Gods love. Yesterday at supper, looking out the window I watched snow fall brightening everything it covered. Many are tired of this cold white stuff but to me it is a reminder of a changing season and new beginning. It is now 55 degrees and sunny. Being filled with Christ is being open to what life begins and seeing hope and new possibilities. Snow in April isn’t the end but a pleasant reminder not to rush seasons nor life on the path… I’m 

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36 As I travel I am struck how certain songs bring back memories. A life put to music…peace be with you as the road offers adventure and hope. Possibilities on the horizon. Peace is a frame of mind letting go of tension. When my blood begins to boil I tell myself this too shall pass and my respond  ability will not be given over to letting others control me. Instead, a deep breath of not dwelling on others actions only actions I can take. I choose peace and something 100 year old Dick Van Dyke said “Sing like nobody can hear you, dance like nobody can see you, and love like you have never been hurt.” Today make some music, kick up your heals, love passionately and find peace on the path…

  I will be traveling for several days. That means planning. Who will watch the dog? What will the weather be? What to wear? And so on…planning. I think planning is good, and checklists can be helpful, but I always give caution to Proverbs (16:9): “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” So, as I watch the news, prayers being prayed, I write this thinking about how I allow the Lord to “establish my steps.” Am I fluid enough to change my course to fit the Lord's walk? I ponder the openness to the Lord and how, at times, I have a rebellious spirit and stubbornness that guides me. Life’s path twists and turns. The path has boulders, rock faces, and sometimes easy meadows. Through this journey, I must be open to allowing the Lord to establish my steps. Seasons change, weather is fickle, and life is messy. Yet with all of this, my Lord is with me, sometimes leading, sometimes carrying, and sometimes well, sitting still with me as I ponder on the ...

 Sometimes I can be intense or driven. I have time off, and I have a checklist of things I want to get done. Yet I have forgotten the most important thing, “just be”. Sometimes I worry about what is happening in the world. Do I become a prepper? Do I become consumed with worrying about having enough and everything I think I would need if disaster struck? I find this can become consuming. I’m a list maker…make a list: what to get for the garden; what to pack for travel; what is to be accomplished. I married this wonderful guy who tends to bring me back to earth and squelch the madness. He reassures me of what Galatians 6:2 speaks of: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” No matter what comes our way, the two of us will face it. Remember that is why community is important: together we will carry each other’s burdens so that they don’t way anyone down. Today, know that you are part of our community and together we will shoulder, with Christ...

  As the Easter season continues until Pentecost, it is helpful to remain in the Joy and Glory of Christ’s resurrection. The Psalms continue to remind us of the refuge we find in the Lord. “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” (Psalm 16:1-2) The Psalmist is talking to the Lord, their friend, protector, and benefactor. Likewise, we too should talk to the Lord. My autistic granddaughter is still silent most of the time. We have to remind her to “use her words, or use her sentences.” We don’t always know what she needs or wants. Yesterday she asked, using her words to fly a kite. Watching her fly the kite brought joy to all of us! Her use of words was the key to unlocking the event. She reminded me that even though we think God knows our wants and needs, we must use our words! As you walk your path today, remember to use your words wisely and carefully, but most importantly, use them to talk to God o...

 A very blessed Easter to you! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his mercy endures forever.” Psalm 118. He is risen; He is risen indeed. I pray you have risen anew with Christ on this glorious Easter morning. Bells are ringing, and fresh starts are beginning. You breathe; a mental check to frame your new year, new beginning. Set the tone for the new year, no matter what it brings, to you or your loved ones. You set the frame. Mine is set in rededicating myself to the Lord; God’s will engraved upon my frame. Whispering, encounters, and knowing God’s loving arms will wrap around me, protecting and comforting. His footprints intertwined with mine. My roadmap always includes faith, family, and friends. This year, I will focus on writing and uncluttering the cluttered. Words on my map include trust, hope, joy, and exploration. There are many more words to be placed, but the new year brings new beginnings and new possibilities with Christ on the path….

 Good Friday. Quietness after storms. Stillness, as life rights itself. Today’s psalm speaks to the storms and where to go. “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” Psalm 32:2 How could Jesus walk the walk towards death and suffering on the cross? I ponder if psalms did not run through his mind as a mantra, focusing his endgame. What a witness to us. Keep handy in your mind or turn to the psalms and use them as a mantra during times of darkness. I started spring break at 3:15 yesterday and am grateful to have time to spend with my Lord and family. Yesterday was noisy as students were eager to have a week off. I pushed myself to have all my work done for the rest of the school year, including the finals. My mind was mush, but the task was done. Considering I have three different sections, three different grade levels, it was a monumental task to create the last two units and the final for each class. I tell you this, not t...

God loves us so much that God became human, not as an adult but as a vulnerable babe. God trusted humanity that much to be that vulnerable. During the Jesus’ time the infant mortality rate was 30 to 50 percent; yet God came. I think of all the blessings I have received from this loving God; this God that “gets me” as a human. The Psalmist for 116:12-14 asks “How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.” During this Holy Week as we walk closer to the suffering and death of Christ, I think about what can I do for Christ? How do I repay the wonders? The blessings? The times God has held me when suffering? For me, I will continue to witness God’s presence; God’s whispering. On a different note, yesterday, during stations of the cross I was struck by something. Jesus falls three times, Peter denies Jesus three times; yet both show love and for...

As I walk the path of Holy Week with my Lord, I am reminded of today’s Psalm “God, you know my folly; my faults are not hidden from you.” Psalm 69:6. I am reminded of Judas because today is known as spy Wednesday and the readings talk about Judas’ betrayal. I confess to my Lord, my faults, my actions, and vices which he knows but I need to be upfront with him by confessing. That is good communication and being a good friend. By getting the “stuff” out of the way, I clear the path to be full of Christ’s presence. In class, I took a cup and put stones in the cup to stand for the “stuff.” I then poured water in. As I took the stones out students could see how little water was really in the cup. Once the cup was empty of stones I filed it. Getting rid of the stones is important. Today take time to talk with God, throw away the stones, un-harden your heart and walk closely with Christ on the path…