We read and reflect on Matthew 8:28-34. I talk about the voice that expects to be judged and condemned, and where it comes from. I also talk about moving on, even when the work has been good, and rose my hand to try to let go.

We read and reflect on Matthew 8:18-27. I talk briefly about the storms in my own life. I wonder about fear and faith and what we marvel at. And then I give up and go to bed. Ha!

We read and reflect on Matthew 8:5-17. I talk about the miracle of an authority figure who cares for someone he needn’t. I also talk about where I need to ask for the healing of others. I end by talking about being willing to have my own heart broken.

We read and reflect on Luke 10:17-24. I talk about not being able to see the thing I long for, even when it is present to me. I also talk about learning to rejoice in my existence itself, not to put myself up for my gifts and strengths or tear myself down for my failures and faults. Just to be. I commit to reach out to two people from my recovery group.

We read and reflect on Matthew 7:28-8:4. I talk about authority, criticism, and wonder who I would bow down to in spite of my fear. I also talk about giving gifts and commit to giving money away.

We read and reflect on Matthew 7:21-27. I talk about being angry at Jesus for rejecting people who did things in his name. I also wonder about the foundations of different things in my own life.

We read and reflect on Matthew 28:16-20. I talk about the apostle John and my first mentor and the command that Jesus gives his disciples. I also talk about giving money to a woman begging on the corner.

We read and reflect on Matthew 22:41-46. I talk about Jesus taking control of the conversation, and ponder where maybe I should do the same. I also talk about maybe starting to read and reflect on the Psalms.

We read and reflect in Matthew 13:18-33. I talk about my frustrations with Jesus and my u healthy relationship to money. I also share my hope to cultivate love within myself and to give it to myself so that I can create a home for many others.

We read and reflect on Matthew 13:1-16. I talk about sitting by the sea (well, the lake) in a hammock and how that helps me remain genuinely myself - to not just do something, but to sit there. I also talk about wanting to find God in my own life, not anywhere high and lifted up. I pray a prayer and variations from Alcoholics Anonymous.