“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

It is cold in most parts of the United States, even way down here in the Gulf of Mexico. We are not used to temperatures in the 30s and 40s as “highs.” I know that is wimpy compared to you in the north, but that is how it is in south Texas! So please share… Read More

This was the first Nativity scene I ever had. My cousin Margaret sent it to me from France when I was in first grade. I still put it out every year, a tradition I love. (Notice how Mary is holding baby Jesus!) For today’s Friday Five, choose any five things about this upcoming Christmas that… Read More

Thou son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into our world. Wherever there is war, wherever there is pain, wherever there is loneliness, wherever there is no hope, come, thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings. Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the dumb beasts adored, be… Read More

We are your people and mostly we don’t mind, except that you do not fit any of our categories. We keep pushing and pulling and twisting and turning, trying to make you fit the God we would rather have, and every time we distort you that way we end up with an idol more congenial… Read More

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Your angels and saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Your weary ones. Bless Your dying ones. Soothe Your suffering ones. Pity Your afflicted ones. Shield Your joyous ones, and all for Your love’s… Read More

This week I spent the first 1 1/2 days on a jury panel being questioned so that the formal jury could be formed. This being a murder trial, there were eight rows (of ten seats) in all. I was #67 out of 80. It was interesting to see how the potential jurors answered the questions,… Read More

May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be… Read More

A Prayer of Waiting In my anxiety, reassure. In my impatience, endure. In my discomfort, soothe. In my frailty, strengthen. In my waiting, remain. ~~Elisa Cottrell This poem is found on the last page of the October 1, 2014 issue of “The Christian Century.” This page has art by Paul Soupiset and features the poem… Read More