W.I.S.E. Bible Study

  Seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Yet the seed is always bigger than what it produces. Even the human seed is small. Today I am looking at the mustard seed. He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use? It is like a mustard seed that, when sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” Jesus also stated that the kingdom of God was at hand. So, when I see these verses, I think about how we are co-creators of this world and workers for the kingdom. It makes me ask what my “branches” look like, what “bird” comes to perch on them, and to whom I give shade. I love nature because of how much it can teach us. What kind of branches do birds sit on? Or what kinds of trees do birds make their nests? What type of trees offer the best shade? Do I apply those principles to my life? I...

  The other day, I came home from work and noticed that my autistic granddaughter had lost one of her front teeth. I asked her what happened to her tooth and her response was “Oops.” I turned to my son who told me that they thought she swallowed it. “Oops” for her, is when she thinks she did wrong and was in trouble. I told her not to worry, it would be ok as a new tooth would grow in. At three in the morning, I was awakened by my granddaughter at the side of my bed tugging on my sleeve. She kept asking, “New teeth?” One scripture passage that bothers me is this: Mark 4:24 “He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you and still more will be given to you.” I did not exercise the first part of the passage: Take care what you hear. I heard a normal 6-year-old and responded as such. When talking to an autistic child simplicity is best. All I needed to tell her was that she was ok, Oma loves her. Sometimes we measure or judg...

  Morning Path. I drive the same way to work most mornings. It’s a more country path, dark and less traveled. I like this path because it affords me time to pray (I pray the rosary), and at times I am blessed with seeing wildlife, such as deer or turkeys, or even an owl. Sometimes the moon lights my path, and the stars bless me with their brightness. The path is so familiar that last year during a bad storm, in which my car was being pummeled with hail, I was assured of the path. I could tell myself where safe places to pull over were. I didn’t have to deal with lots of other cars, only focusing on the storm. Today’s reading is from Mark. The Sower scattered seeds on different paths.   “Hear this!  A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, “Mark 4:3-4a This reminded me of my journey in this morning. Life happens but having a familiar path is important. One that allows you to enjoy the beauty and joy around you is desired. A path that allow...

On this Tuesday, I find myself sifting through life. The purpose? Separating those things that need to be put to rest. Lessons learned, to shape me for good. Bad situations are moments to learn from and likewise are good moments. Sifting moments can help one unclutter their mind to allow for focus and energy. As you move on the path it is always helpful to sit on a rock, or bench to take a swig of water and enjoy the path you have been on, reflecting on all, so that you can sit and enjoy the moment. The here and now is important. Tuesday is a good pause day. Tomorrow is midweek; from there, it is downhill to the weekend. So today, pause and reflect on your path. Are you still on the right path? Look at the markers and signs and find the right path even if that means a new one. As I sit at my desk to write this, I enjoy the peacefulness, stillness, and quietness so that I can ponder my path, where I have been, and where I am going. More importantly, I choose to welcome the day and remin...

  The cold and flu season is upon us, and as I write this, I am at work, and I have left those at home sick. No, they aren’t terribly sick, just that winter cold. Yet I am torn. I was fortunate enough to be called as my vocation: marriage. It is a sacrament of service. My husband would be the first to say, no go to work, I’m fine. Yet it tugs at me.   Mark 3:24-26 states: “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.” I know what you are thinking. How can your husband being sick divide your house? It does divide me. My internal compass of being of service to him. When I am not focused on the role at hand, I am divided. Being divided weakens me. There are times in our lives when we are torn. Yet, we must put things in God’s hands. We must prioritize as God would. My husband will...

I love Sunday mornings. My house is quiet, so in the stillness, I have time to think. Today, I asked myself, what should I share about my faith journey? What about my life’s messy path should I reveal? Being faithful to God doesn’t mean I give up my free will. It doesn’t mean I am a puppet waiting for the puppet master to awaken me and manipulate my strings. No. Obedience and trust in God means I realize there is something more to me. The characteristics of scripture and other followers point to ways of leading my life. Ways that accede any potential I would think possible. I maintain that life is messy. Yet there is so much beauty, joy, and goodness to behold. Even in my deepest agony, when I walk with God, I can find comfort and peace. This week, I have been tired. I get on the scale only to be disappointed. There is no snow, so the landscape looks desolate. I’m at a crossroads, mulling over my next chapter. Life’s weight sometimes weighs you down. This week has been a week. My puppy...

  Today’s reading: Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (USCCB) The gospel is more than about a historical character. It is about love, kindness, and interacting with others that will promote healthy and positive ways. The gospel is a way of life. To proclaim it means I must live it! Each day to proclaim the gospel, means I recommit to living out the Gospel, won’t you join me, on the path….