Presbymom

  As we hear the word proclaimed from the book of James together for a few weeks, I try to classify and describe this book. Maybe it is a letter, some say not. Maybe it is prophecy, some say not. Maybe it is wisdom literature – the only wisdom book in the new testament – some say not. Maybe it’s prophecy or even eschatology or apocalyptic – maybe not. Even with all the disagreement, we do know what it IS – Listen to the living Word in scripture from   James 3:1-12 3  Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  4  Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a v...

Dear God, We praise you with thanks, “that you have placed a harmony of lights in the heavens that night is followed by day and the glowing of the moon by the glistening of the sun thanks be to you, O God.” Too many days dawn with a people divided. What causes some to rejoice leads others to fear and regret. That which divides us continues to tear at the seams of the fabric of our nation. We are a Disunited States. The beauty of this nation stretches out before us, across wheat fields and deserts, from the mountains to the prairies, from sea to shining sea. Remind us, O God, that as different as the moon is from the sun, they balance against one another in the skies – shining in turn, moon reflecting the light of the sun, sometimes appearing together, seldom eclipsing one another before quickly moving back into balance. Move us into balance when we feel jumbled and confused, angry with one another, fearful of what the world holds in store. Thank you O God, “that you have placed a harmo...

Dear Sydney,  When I went to bed last night it was full of anticipation, full of worry, yet also full of hope. On this your birthday I have soooo much hope. Hope for you and hope as we swear in the first female vice president of our nation. I am relieved that my worst fears of violence and division did not materialize in our country's inauguration this morning. I am not one to be overly worried about appearances, but today I got dressed carefully thinking not only of the job to which I go serving a congregation following a call from God, but also planning carefully each item and how I have become privileged to have the freedoms to go through the motions of each piece of my attire by those brave women who have come before us. I remember the words of Galatians 3:26-28 " for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.  As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or ...