W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  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…

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Youth. As a person gets older, they will say they are young at heart. Youth is something the word perceives as a good thing. Yet the older I get, I find the wisdom that comes with a messy life is something I cherish. Today’s verse is asking that even if our faith is still growing and in it’s youthful state we are to be examples to others. All of us are to be an example to others. Our speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. You want to make the world a better place? Start here with this verse. Live your messy life, but do it with dignity, and remember youth is a definition of those who fall into the timeline before adulthood, but we are all called to be youth as Jesus asks us to be children of faith on the path…

  Yesterday, in my corner of the world, it was a rainy day. Ditches were full of water. In other areas, there were tornado warnings and sightings. I am reminded of part of today’s readings: The Two Foundations; Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the wind blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined. How is your house built? Will you withstand rain, winds, and disaster? I have gone through dark times; the golden thread I cling to is hope found in my faith. Love of family and friends, and knowledge that God doesn’t make junk, so I am worthy enough to keep the good fight. We all have struggles, ...

  My mother was a devoted Catholic with a deep faith. When she was dying, we had conversations about purgatory and other religious topics. As the conversation progressed, I thanked her for raising me Catholic, but in my very bones, heart, and soul, I knew I was called to be a Pastor. It is something I cannot help but do, nor could I separate myself from it. My mom responded that she couldn’t fault me for being a pastor. She understood.   When I hear Isaiah 49:1, which is part of the Lectionary readings today, “Hear me, coastlands, listen, distant peoples. Before birth, the LORD called me, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.” I think we are all called to something; mine just happens to be a servant. My ministry is called “A Wing & A Prayer Ministries,” which  I can now work at more of, now that I am retired . One thing I am sure of is this: God didn’t call me because of my gender or my sexual preference. God didn’t call me because I am the smartest, most gorgeous...

 Summer evenings provide time for stargazing, campfires, and the patio. Stars, planets, and the moon seem so close, and a person can feel so small. Psalm 8:3-4 states: When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? I am reminded of this Psalm when gazing at the heavens. When going north, the heavens seem brighter and larger, and one can feel smaller. The author of the Psalms asks why God cares for humans as they are insignificant compared to the vastness of the world. God does care for humans. God cares so much that God has asked us to help in the care of the world. The world and heavens are vast and will take all of us to care for it. As heatwaves plague Europe, and summer heat will return to Wisconsin, talk of global warming escalates. Each of us must help with the care of our part of the world so that the beauty and vastness will be the...

 Did you ever want to do something only to have a friend or parent caution against it? Today’s Our Father’s verse is “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Even if we went headlong into doing something that we were warned against, note that God will deliver us. “Lead us not into temptation,” isn’t about God testing us but about God advising us not to do something that will lead us astray.  In the Our Father, we learn to address whom we are praying to, and to acknowledge our belief through praise. We then give our petitions, along with the note that we must come to God in prayer without impediments. I think in many ways this is an example of how to communicate. We address the person as a person, not “dude” or “brah,” but by name. We acknowledge the good in them. We ask for or address what is needed, but only if there are no “impediments” between you and the person. True forgiveness leads to action of true love and respect for another. Today, more than praying t...

“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” These words of the Our Father remind us of a loving, forgiving Father we have. Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers out there and in heaven. The forgiveness of God is a wiping away of the trespass; it is forgiven, forgotten as if it didn’t happen. The remnant lies within the transgressor that allows the transgression to shape one. If we believe in the forgiveness of God, then we let it shape us in positive ways, never going down that path again. The intimate remnant that we carry will prevent us because we have received true forgiveness. Something then we are called to pay forward by forgiving those who have trespassed against us. On this Father’s Day, let us dwell on true love, seeing the best in a person and not lingering on past hurts or dwelling on negative aspects of a person. Shine love this day on the path..

 In the book of Exodus 16, we find the Israelites in the desert and hungry. God provides them with manna. The people are to gather only the amount to be used for the day, except on Saturday, when they have to gather for Sunday also. The instructions were a test to see if the people would follow directions. These verses point to what Jesus will say later on in the desert when being tempted by Satan: “Man can not live on bread alone but must by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” The point of these Exodus verses is to show trust in God’s provision; guard against self-reliance; set aside time for rest and receiving of blessings from God. Also, remember that manna is temporary, but our true bread, which is forever, comes from heaven. Eucharist. Why do I talk about Exodus when I was talking about the Our Father? Today’s verse is “Give us this day our daily bread.” When we pray this, Jesus takes us back to the Old Testament, threading through to his time. He reminds us to be th...

  Today I’d like to talk about two lines from the Our Father prayer: thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. These lines are a petition and a statement. A petition for God’s kingdom here on earth, which will only happen if we allow God’s work, “thy will be done,” through us. The most humbling thing for me is God’s love for me and God’s confidence in me to be part of his co-creator here on earth. God is always greater than me, but God's work through me will allow God’s kingdom here on earth to shine through. Great responsibility. Something we need to use our ability to respond by asking for God’s will for us. Sometimes, I sit on my patio looking at the flowers, kids' toys strewn all over, and feel like this is a slice of heaven. Looking at the face of a loved one, remembering those who have gone before me, reminds me of “as in heaven.” Spend some time thinking about your respond-ability towards God and God’s will for you to help create heaven on earth for...

 Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 6:7-15. This reading is where Jesus gives us the prayer: The Our Father. If you need to know where to begin your prayer life, start here. Jesus mentions that God doesn’t want us to babble on, so he gives us the Our Father, which is a very succinct prayer. Don’t know where to begin in prayer? Start with the Our Father. A friend needs prayer? Say the Our Father. This prayer is universal, and because Jesus gave it to us, it is one we know will be listened to. So, what are we saying when we pray this prayer? We start with specifically who we are praying to: Our Father; that is right, a universal father for all. Our links us together forever. Where is this God we pray to: “who art in heaven”. God is above us in the sense that we acknowledge God is where all stems from… Next, we give praise and reverence, knowing it is God’s name that is “hallowed,” that is sacred. To call upon God’s name is to acknowledge God’s all-powerfulness and worthiness of our su...

I checked my garden area yesterday before the hail, and it amazes me how quickly plants grow. I look at my grandson’s popcorn plants and hope he grows at least enough popcorn for one batch. Life is good. Today looks like a rainy day. Boy, do I need a rainy day! A rainy day means baking today.  Life is good. Today I can pray from the heart, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Psalm 16:9. Currently, I am in the new-to-us RV working on research and writing, watching the rain clouds creeping towards us. Faith isn’t something we do, but something that is us. I’ll watch Mass this morning, say my prayers, then do my “work” as I feel called to accomplish. If your faith is who you are, what do you do to live it out loud? Start your morning with His word; listen to Christian music; gather with others and pray? Live your faith boldly today on the path… 

There are signs that read: Family, Friends and Faith. Signs are good reminders of what is important. In the messiness of life it is important to remember Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” There are family and friends that I don’t see everyday, but are in my heart and mind. Sometimes just thinking of the good memories gives a smile to my day. I have friends that make beautiful music. Music sticks in your soul. I have family with the same passion of fishing I have. There is so much to be said about each friend and family member, but my point today is that in faith we must be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. I have family in Minnesota who are Packer fans, yeah, I forgive them…Ha Ha. Seriously, today reach out and remind your friends and family that they are important to you or say a prayer for them on the path….

  In my Marion grotto, the honeysuckle and wisteria are in full bloom. The roses are fragrant and make you want to say: “O L ORD , our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!” Psalm 8:10. Recognizing the hand of the Lord, or a kiss from heaven in our day, gives lift to our day. Today is a day of cleaning, organizing, and hopefully enjoying some downtime. However, I know it is important to let the Holy Spirit guide me.   Today, find ways to shout the Psalm. Lord, guide, bless, and walk with me today and always on the path…

 Each day is a good day to remember: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24. Let me encourage you to do good deeds today. Simple things. A quick note to someone, a smile, or just helping. We hear this message often. Do good to others. Yet how do we not just make this a message of the day, but a way of the heart, mind, and soul?  It isn’t by wearing “rose colored glasses” nor by using religion as a crutch, but by accepting the way of life of love and good deeds no matter the difficulties. My mother-in-law was always making something. Lap quilts, doll clothes, mittens, etc. They were always to give; that is, to help someone else out. She had a heart of gold. Sometimes the act of love, good deeds, comes in just being who God created us to be. Like my mother-in-law, we give witness to others on the path…

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 58:8 There are days when a person waits for the light to shine. Sometimes on the path presents difficulties and it is helpful to remember that righteousness will go before you, and the glory of God has your back. We said good-bye to “Big Blue” our RV to welcome our newer RV to the family. We brought it home during the storms, which was my autistic granddaughter birthday. She had the honors of naming the rig. “Big Star.” It is a Bay Star and silver with darker gray design so I all makes sense. I pray that the many hours spent will bring about writing, and family fun with many memories. I picked today’s verse because knowing that the light will shine through anything is important. Sometimes events, people, situations feel overwhelming, but know that “the Lord will be your rear guard,” or have your bac...

 Have you ever thought that you were created for good works? Philippians 1:6 states: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God is not finished with us, and if we are open to it will continue to help us to carry out the good works God has begun in us. How can God do this? We need our free will to open ourselves to God’s vision of us. Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you have done for me. Help me to overcome any obstacles, darkness, or stubbornness that is in the way of my seeing your vision of my life’s journey. In Jesus’ name Amen. Today, renew your commitment to Christ; our salvation is our participation in creating heaven on earth. Find your way by entering into confidence of God’s commitment to you on the path….

 Storms are plaguing these early days of summer. Summer in Wisconsin means there will be good days and stormy days. Sounds a lot like life. It is a good day to remember Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Last night we visited with someone who used to have a common career. That person left that career and has carved out a wonderful life. Change takes one to be strong and courageous. This person made the change, and what a difference and testament to all of us. A great day to remember that when we don’t get discouraged and are courageous, taking that leap of faith, great things can happen! Think about today: what change you need to make, and remember God is walking with you; the Holy Spirit will provide the strength and courage to guide you to new beginnings on the path…

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your path.” Psalm 25:4. Close your eyes and breathe in, hold it, breathe out, repeat three times. Now breathe in saying “show me your ways,” hold it: Lord; breath out “teach me your path.” Your mantra during the day. Take moments to pause and repeat the mantra. It is important to pause, as I have said before. Adding a mantra to help focus your mind, body, and spirit will help focus your attitude, attention, and physical being. God is calling you. Will you answer the call through mantra practices on the path…

 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 The five actions listed in Colossians are actions worth striving for each day. Each can be challenging. Compassion can be easy to put into practice for someone we know, or people we sympathize with, but to someone we dislike or a group we dislike, it can be difficult. The same holds with kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Yet, as God’s chosen people, we must continue to keep these five actions at the forefront. My husband and I have been working with a specific RV dealer since January. The reason we keep going back to her is that she exhibits those five qualities. People do gravitate towards people with those qualities. It’s a great day to be holy and dearly loved. Today, make your outfit compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience on the path…

 My wisteria, honeysuckle, roses, and lavender are in bloom in my grotto. Fragrant perfume for my Marion statues and prayer time. As the morning begins, this Psalm can lead the way: “Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.” Psalm 5:8. Soft rain greeted me this morning, along with the blooming flowers. Yesterday, a hummingbird buzzed my head, reminding me of God’s beauty. Today, prayer starts with the words “leads me…” Each morning, we face many different paths to travel on. Sure, we have our routine, but within that routine, and as the day unfolds, we make choices. Each day should start with “lead me Lord” so that we make good choices each step of the way. Welcome the morning, and welcome God to your day on the path…

  “ Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?   Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 We share the one loaf so that we can be one with Christ. Our very cells become linked with Christ. The world is our family, with all its messiness. Yet to God, there is beauty; there is love, and there is order (hope). Participating in the “cup of thanksgiving” and the bread of Christ’s body is the link that binds us to each other and God. The link is our strength, our yes. There is no division; only the focus of salvation through God, not through man nor woman. All are welcome. All are called to live as a Christian. This means participating in the cup of thanksgiving and the body of Christ. When we do so, we realize that our “yes” means “no” to worldly ways. Give thanks today. Fi...

 Renewal. I can’t believe school's been out for two weeks. Summer is a time of renewal. Yet it can be fast-paced with lots of fun activities. I try to remember this scripture verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2. Even amongst summer fun, it is important to remember to do God’s will. What is God’s plan for me? God has given me another day to continue the work He/She has started in me. I need to light another candle in my grotto and pray for those who need prayer. I hope to renew my mind by resting, reading, and spending time with family on the path….

 Today we will receive some much-needed rain. Rainy days are good days for reading. They are also good days to do a quick check-in on our habits. My family is having a rummage sale, and this reminds me of how important it is to get rid of the clutter in our lives. We sift through items that no longer are important or needed and put them out in a rummage sale. Our lives also need sorting to make room for the important things. On this rainy, stormy day, perhaps remember this: 2 Timothy 3: 16 *  ‘All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Spend time with Scripture. If you don’t know where to start, start with a gospel or letter. Nowadays you can listen to the bible through an app. Make room for this habit.  Challenge yourself to set aside time to hear God’s word today on the path…

 Yesterday our Taos had to go into the shop for a factory recall. It had something to do with the computer system. As I sat waiting, I wondered what it would be like if we humans had a factory recall.  2 Timothy 15-17a tells us what we should be, and what will happen if we go down the wrong path: “Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless, and their teaching will spread like gangrene.” Find yourself gossiping…factory recall; find yourself talking profanely…. factory recall. I think for Christians, in a way, we do have a recall when we go to confession; that is, when we take a knee before the Lord and ask for forgiveness, guidance, and help when we stray. Luckily for humans, we have a moral compass that should provide us with a sense that we are becoming more and more godless. I am lucky that when I am less than wh...

 As the Sun’s rays reach my backyard and heats it, I look for refuge. During April’s tornadoes, my basement provided refuge. However, I don’t think we think about a refuge for our faith. Psalm 90:1-2 states: “Lord, you have been our refuge through all generations. Before the mountains were born, the earth and the world brought forth, for eternity to eternity you are God.” God provides a refuge during difficult times, but most importantly, God provides refuge during all times. He provides shelter to keep us full of hope, faith, and love. Being with God is like having our family and friends with, they act like an umbrella protecting us from all the elements of the world that give us stress and anxiety. This morning we ask God to continue to be our refuge as we journey today on the path….

 My five-year-old grandson loves to plant and water the garden. Now comes the hardest part of gardening. Waiting. It requires patience. Life has many moments where we have planted seeds and must wait for them to grow, mature, and have their product ripen to pick and enjoy. A lesson for a five-year-old. Yet we have times of finding ourselves in places with no paths. Where do I go next? I can’t see my way through or out of the mess in my life.   Isaiah 43:19 states: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Let God sow a new path for you. Discern, and He will make a way through your wilderness, river, or desert. I started creating a path in my Marion garden that leads to a back garden that is now planted with watermelon, cucumbers, melon, and squash. The path is made of old stones and bricks I had lying around. It isn’t that pretty, but it is functional. Hopefully, it...