It’s been awhile. I have already seen and heard a lot in 2025. Christmas was well underway when I returned from Prague with a segway to Baltimore. I still miss Cousin Susie. Cards did not get written but I haven’t given up on a New Year’s note. I’m back from chilly north Idaho but the…
Astronomical Star
There are many temporary closing scenes attached to the nativity in the book of Luke. I’ve been summarizing a few thoughts. The last four chapters seem to bring me back to the beginning. In Prague there is the oldest working astronomical clock completed about 1410 AD. Note the ‘AD’ because the birth of Jesus is…
Encouraged By The Son
It has been two weeks since my return from Prague and the ambitious plans of keeping up the walking has not happened – yet. The return week is a blur but I remember sleeping, doing laundry, rejoicing in the simple and familiar. The second week Christmas (minimally) unfolded and today I took a walk. Two…
The Great Divide
I think the great divide is the Scribes and Pharisees vs the followers of Jesus. Today that would be the people who think salvation is either unnecessary or non-existent and against those who still follow Jesus. Luke Chapters 19 and 20 show the great divide. The Triumphal Entry on one day and they crucify him…
The Joy of Jesus
Advent Luke 15-18 Jesus was about 30 when He began His short ministry. He chooses the 12 in Chapter 6 so I’m guessing these chapters, from ‘The Lost Coin’ to the ‘Blind Man at Jericho’, to be about 2/3 through His ministry. Does Jesus feel His time winding down or does it read like a…
The Kingdom of God
For advent I have been reading through Luke. It is so rich – and you do not need a retelling but here are a few things I’ve noticed in Chapters 9-14. I’ve also been watching a few Christmas films and visiting with friends. This will be scattered but you can read it at your own…
Go and Report
Luke 7 and 8 Advent (meaning ‘Arrival’) This is a simple call to evangelism from Luke 7. Our call does not require extensive knowledge of the Bible or training. Tell someone what you know about Jesus. The rest is up to God. As we read the last verse of Chapter 6 and then Luke 7:1,…
Anchoring Arrogance
Every time I drive through Brier, I feel sad. I feel like a failure because I remember my mistakes and those of others. It is an adorable community that makes Seattle feel friendly. My very first Washington State listing was in Brier and I got lost on the way. It is very windy (not the…
Unlimited
Sometimes I think we picture God as just a bigger and stronger version of us. No wonder we have difficulty believing, trusting, praying, and expecting miracles. The examples, during advent, of examining the scriptures concerning the incarnation point to what the meaning of “overshadowed” might entail. For Mary the incarnation excluded a man and the…
Returning From Baltimore
Luke 5 Sometimes we need to just set out from the shore. In Luke 5 (again, reading for advent) Jesus sees crowds of people. Because all things were created through him (John Chapter 1), I don’t think he was avoiding people. Jesus wanted to position Himself to be as useful as possible in the moment….