RG AUDIO 121419   Psalm 80:1-7 My grandfather was a prayer warrior. Every time he escorted us to the door, he included, “Now remember, I am praying for you.” I now understand that others were praying for me as well. The difference? No one reminded me like Grandpa. I cannot say I fully understand prayer. […]

RG AUDIO 121319   John 10:7-18 A few years ago, we found ourselves experiencing some major life changes. Our son and his family moved away, my pastoral role changed, and we had to leave our beloved faith community. While all the changes were for good, they created unique places of grief. So, we did what […]

RG AUDIO 121219   Ezekiel 34:1-12 Margaret used to be strong. She could move a piano, lift two toddlers, or do just about anything needed to get the job done. But lately, she’s weak. She has to ask for help when getting things from her car. she doesn’t have the strength to lift above her […]

RG AUDIO 121119   Ezekiel 34:1-12 During my mom’s Alzheimer’s journey, I often brought her to our home for an overnight visit. This allowed us time to run errands while also creating space to help in days of decline. Once while shopping I was pushing the cart and she was following—or so I thought. I […]

RG AUDIO 121019   Micah 7:14-20 A fairly common practice in parenting happens when one child offends another and instructions are given to apologize. Though the offender can usually force the words, it is the begrudging tone that indicates an absence of remorse and lack of desire to forgive. The words of the prophet remind […]

RG AUDIO 120919   Micah 5:1-6 It has been nearly ten years ago, during the season of Advent, that I was invited to reflect on the coming of the Christ child. He is the one the prophets named as the Giver of Peace. As I sat in an Alzheimer’s unit next to my mom, I […]

RG AUDIO 120819   Psalm 68:1-6 The King is coming! This announcement, accompanied by trumpet blasts, would call crowds to attention as they strained for a glimpse of the royal procession. In these days leading up to Christmas, we celebrate the coming of a newborn King. Jesus’ birth was not heralded by trumpets in the […]

RG AUDIO 120719   Proverbs 8:12-30 Christmas is a time of memories. Each decoration taken out of storage, each family tradition, carries with it a story. Recently, extended family gathered around a dining room table and the conversation turned to favorite Christmas memories. We laughed a lot that evening. But we cried as well. Many […]

RG AUDIO 120619   Proverbs 8:12-30 “They’re here!” They could hear her shout through the heavy front door. The lock turned and the door opened. Judith’s granddaughter threw herself in her arms as she and husband walked into the house. This was truly a joyous reunion after months apart. During the season of Advent, we […]

RG AUDIO 120519   Isaiah 54:1-8 “New traffic pattern ahead, use caution.” The sign alerted me to road construction and yet another change in my daily commute. Change seems to be the one constant reality in our world. Every day, it seems, new discoveries and technologies alter our daily routines. Life seems to constantly shift […]