Have you ever wanted life to stop to you could catch your breath?  Maybe it was on the Mind Bender at Six Flags, or possibly something more consequential like a job, relationship or (you fill in the blank).  We have all likely been there at one time or another.  Sometimes we get off and are afraid to get back on.  Jesus always uses love to cast out fear and today’s readings are no exception. Proper 14 - Readings: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Luke 12:32-40

We live in an age of me and mine.  We often confuse what we want with what we need and even deserve.  These feelings can cloud our view of fairness and justice.  They sometimes lead to broken relationships and violence.  Today’s Gospel shows Jesus peeling back the veneer of fairness and uncovering greed.  Proper 13 - Readings: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9, 43; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21

Conjunction, junction what’s your function?  Conjunctions are a part of our everyday speech.  Sometimes, we pepper them in when we are trying to avoid something or talk about something we see as unfair.  BUT Mooooommmmmm.  The conjunction in Jesus’ encounter with the lawyer in Luke’s Gospel shows us the door to true compassion.   Proper 10.  Readings: Amos 7:7-17, Psalm 82, Colossians 1:1-14 and Luke 10:25-37.

It’s easy to allow the nattering voices in the world and (even worse) those in our own heads to psych us out before we even begin.  We often succumb to fear and shame allowing the voices to control us.  God’s action in the lives of God’s people (especially the Elijah and the man from the Gerasenes country in the readings for this day) say something powerful about the voices that psych us out.  God’s action and involvement psych us UP.  Pentecost 2 - Proper 7. Readings: 1 Kings 19:1-15a, Psalm 42, Galatians 3:23-29 and Luke 8:26-39

The questions of why and what if can be real killers.  While they can be useful, more often than not, they lead to paralysis and bitterness.  What new thing do you stand on the brink of this day?  Are you plagued with questions of why and what if that keep you rooted in yesterday?  God’s “deeds of power” have an answer for these questions.  Pentecost - Readings: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:25-35, 37, Romans 8:14-17 and John 14:8-27.  

There are times when platitudes just don’t do it.  Jesus leaves us with more than words of encouragement.  This is what gave the early disciples and gives each of us the courage to look at the mountains in our lives and keep calm...and carry on.  Ascension Day.  Note: This was taped outside, so sound is pushed a bit.  Readings:  Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23 and Luke 24:44-53.

Do you scroll through the lives of others wondering why your life doesn’t look as shiny and accomplished?  Do you use the images from others in the world to set your goals and direction for “fear of missing out.”  When we do this we may be exchanging an illusion for God’s plan.  Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part...(Shameless appropriation of Tom Petty song) - Easter 6 - Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22:1-5, John 14:23-29. The wonderful concept of “Grace for the race” inspired by Christine Caine.

What or who has you covered in the dark moments of life?  The security blankets of our childhood are frayed reminders of our constant search for security and safety throughout life.  We find hope in one of the best known and recited Scriputre passages in the world.  It’s not just a comfort at funerals anymore...Readings Psam 23, John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43 and Revelation 7:9-17 - Easter 4

We all love a second chance. Are we willing to give others the opportunities we enjoy? Readings: Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, and John 14:23-29.

Easter Sunday - - Readings:  Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, and John 20:1-18.