Sunday, May 31, 2020

Enduring Word Bible -Pentecost 2020

Enduring Word Bible 
#61
Pentecost 2020
Come Holy Spirit Come
Surprise us.
Fill us.
Remind us of the gift 
we received at our Baptism.
Let us be reminded of the 
Ingathering of the Harvest-
for there are hearts to gather for YOU.
On this first Pentecost Day-
  at least 3000 souls were baptized.
Lord, we ask that in these days of the darkness
of Covida19 and unrest in our nation,
please bring healing of all kinds.
Bless hearts with hope and move hearts
 to seek unity and justice.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.

On this Pentecost Day,
 I also wanted to share the prayer
 that my husband John wrote to share with
the congregations and the leaders he serves.

A Pentecost Prayer for Minneapolis and Beyond                                                   Holy Spirit – Holy Breath - we remember
                How You entered the molded clay statue, lifeless on the ground
                                   Filling Adam’s lungs with his first deep holy breath
                            As he inhaled this precious gift of love and life and then
                                        He exhaled - waiting the grace of another breath
                               Holy Spirit, while we wait - breathe on us once again!


                                                 Holy Spirit – Holy Breath – we remember
                                How Satan poisoned Adam and Eve’s lives with a lie
                Infected by his deadly virus of discontent and desire to be God
      Soon gasping for their own breath of life - their spirits now strangled
           But then the Lord rushed in with inspired promise of One to come
                              Holy Spirit, while we wait - breathe on us once again!


                                                Holy Spirit – Holy Breath – we remember
                           Lives infected by a deadly virus that steals breath away
                    Those mourning the precious lives of those who died alone
                    Others anxious and afraid for the unmet needs of tomorrow
                            Sustain our spirits with the promise of Your presence!
                           Holy Spirit, while we wait – breathe on us once again!


                                                Holy Spirit – Holy Breath – we remember 
                                                                     The people of Minneapolis – 
                           bearing the breathless moment shared with other cities:
                    Ferguson, Charleston, Charlottesville, Sandtown, and more
    Heal our cities as you sent each of us to meet each person in our path
           With the life-giving, life-changing, Kingdom presence of Christ!
                            Holy Spirit, while we wait – breathe on us once again!


                                                Holy Spirit – Holy Breath – we remember 
                                           How the sound of rushing wind drew people
                                                             together that Jerusalem morning
         Where each one heard the story of a last breath taken on a cross -
                                                                                   God’s gift for them 
 Drawn together by uncommon love their diversity stood as a signal of
             One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.
                          Holy Spirit, while we wait – breathe on us once again!


Pentecost, 2020 
John R. Denninger


Saturday, May 30, 2020

Enduring Word Bible- With all Your heart

Enduring Word Bible- 
#60
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 
do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him 
and He will make straight your paths."

Today I attended my first
 ZOOM Women's Retreat-
HIDDEN,
 which was led by my 
friend Jessica Robinson.

In our quiet reflection time 
this was one of the Text choices to ponder.
These verses are very meaningful to me,
and I pray that the Lord allows me to 
grow into  invitation.
WITH MY WHOLE HEART.

Supplies:
Enduring Word Bible
Colored pencils
Washi tape




Friday, May 29, 2020

Worship into the Week-In Truth

Worship into the Week-
 John 17:1-26
This section is generally known
 as the Farewell Prayer or the 
High Priestly Prayer.
It is an intercession for the coming Church. 
It is by far the longest prayer of Jesus 
in any of the Gospels.
A key theme of the prayer
 is the glorification of the Father.

Jesus prays this after He finishes
 His final instructions to the disciples
 and before He is betrayed, 
arrested and crucified. 
First, Jesus prays for Himself, 
then He prays for His disciples. 
Then He closed the prayer
 by praying for all believers. 
Jesus models here the importance
 of praying for others.
There is so much to pray 
for right now in our world-
 COVID19  patients, businesses closed,
the riots in Minneapolis and beyond.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
 Lord, have mercy.
You HEAR US.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Printable
childrens-bulletin-1-peter-510-52420
Prisma Colored pencils
Magazine cutouts
Fine-point Sharpie pen
Scrapbook paper
    






Tuesday, May 26, 2020

May Garden- Golden Hour

A simple recording of a walk
 in my gardens at dusk-
the golden hour.















What a blessing in these days of quarantine-
to see such beauty- 
right outside my door.
Thank you Lord. 
#dengardens on Instagram

Monday, May 25, 2020

Charlie is Two


 This guy recently turned two.
Charlie is a bit expressive.
Mr. Construction worker.
 Funny guy with a sandwich.
 And a kiss from Momma.


What a great looking cake!
This little family has many May birthdays-
in fact- a shout out to Momma 
for her birthday today on the 25th.
Brother Jack is a fireman 
and ready to play.
We love you sweet little guy.
Many Birthday blessings to you!

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Worship into the Week- Ascension Day

Worship into the Week-
The Ascension 
Luke 24: 50-53

Jesus led His disciples out as far as Bethany
and lifting his hands- he blessed them.
Then he parted from them 
and was lifted up into heaven.
His time here on earth was finished. 
He had completed his task
 of love and redemption.

Yes- We feebly struggle
 but He in Glory Shines.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Printable
childrens-bulletin-acts-111-52120
Watercolors
Washi Tape
Magazine Cut outs
Scrapbook paper





Friday, May 22, 2020

Worship into the Week- Not Orphaned


Worship into the Week-
John14: 15-31
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

Some of the writing of John
 is simply the words of Jesus.
Red Letters.
You can sit and think about each sentence.
There is so much there.
I like this section in particular,
 since the death of both of my parents.
Literally- when I became an orphan.
There is much comfort here-
"I will come to you."
An Historic Love- for me.
v.26- "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, 
whom the Father will send in my name, 
he will teach you all things 
and bring to your remembrance 
all that I have said to you."
The Helper-  I often just cling to that-
The Helper.

Supplies:
Visual Church Year Printable
Watercolors
Colored Pencil
Magazine Cut outs
Canceled Stamps
Fine-point Sharpie pen



Thursday, May 21, 2020

Jack is Four


 Getting a new bike for your birthday
 is a pretty big deal.
Finding a bike ANYWHERE 
during COVID19 shortages is a
REALLY BIG DEAL.
But, when you are turning four- 
mom and dad handle all of THAT stuff.
It is very fun waking up in the morning 
to see that something special
 has happened for your big day.

Presents. Presents.
 Who doesn't love presents?
Whoo hoo and a new helmet too!

Fun to eat cake-
and lick frosting...
and a finger or two.

Birthday blessings to you sweet Jack!
We love you!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Quarantine Time- Vintage Style

Spent some time over the weekend---
putting things away, cleaning out and 
straightening up in the carport.
This area is sort of screened in porch.
It also stores gardening things and supplies.
Things for littles to do a bit of digging.
Praying that they are coming back soon.
 Spring things went away. 
 Now it is that get ready for summer time.
Memorial Day, Fourth of July
 and right into Labor Day.
Just wonder how different
 this will all be this year.
 It is a red, white and blue time right now. 
Time to turn on the party lights.
Even if it is just us for now.
The long, long drawer storage is a piece
 from the late 1800's from Germany.
 The "garage" door lets in lots of light-
 so if it is chilly or too windy,
it makes a quiet spot to chill a bit.
 I love the bright green of the Lunaria plant.
 Who says you can't grow money?
    It is everywhere this year.
 So, we have set up a social distancing spot.
For drop-in visits and well-
just to be ready.
 Seems like I find enamel 
coffee pots here and there.
 The door goes up and the breeze filters in.
So I'm ready. 
There might be a friend nearby ...
A comfy chair, 
some old rusty things,
just gathered together.
 Think I'll add a good book
 and a cup of coffee.
Quarantine waiting..
vintage style.

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Reaching for the Light

My neighbor walked up to our carport on Saturday 
and brought me this lovely handful of iris stems.
They have an amazing curve to them as they
bend so gracefully.
I use to have them in my yard 
but they have died out and not been replaced.
Flowers grow this way when they are planted
 in a shadier spot but are full sun lovers.
They will reach and stretch 
and bend as they seek more light.
 Everytime I see stems that have bent this way,
 I am amazed at their strength and agility.
They do what they need to do,
to bloom their very best.

It reminds me of how the work of the Holy Spirit
 seeks to move me closer to the light of Jesus.
Sometimes I have to be bent a little,
sometimes I don't react with much grace.
Sometimes I am happy to sit in the darker corners.
Always I am thankful for any movement
of growth to become more like Jesus.

Psalm 43:3
Send out your light and your truth; 
let them lead me; let them bring me 
to your holy hill and to your dwelling!