Tag: Jesus

OUT OF THE CHAOS 05.03.2021

Solitude and silence are not easy things to choose. Five years ago, I drove to Kentucky to a monastery and spent five days in silent retreat. I read; I journaled; I attempted to learn to draw; I attended the daily hours of prayer; I walked; I slept. It was during a difficult time in our …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.30.2021

11To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. . . . 18I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.29.2021

The story of the prodigals is told in Luke 15. Jesus uses the story to expose the self-righteous behavior of the religious people contrasted with the lavish, reckless, unconditional love of the Father for those who have wandered away. The cliff notes version of the story can be found in Tuesday’s blog post. The older …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.28.2021

In the story of the Prodigal Son which I believe would be more aptly named the Prodigal Father, there are three characters. There is the father who owns a large estate and two sons. You can read the whole story in Luke 15 or check out yesterday’s post for the Cliff Notes version. The outstanding …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.27.2021

Prodigal means to use or spend in a wastefully extravagant manner and to be lavishly generous. While one is irresponsible, the other is received with joy. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells three stories to his listeners regarding lost items — the sheep, the coin and the son. In the first story, the shepherd …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.26.2021

My friend recently purchased a new vehicle. As often is the case, she wanted to keep it “new” as long as possible. As also is often the case these days, not all restaurants are open for inside dining. While on an all day outing, we needed to get some lunch. Do we eat in the …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.23.2021

1The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. 2For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Psalm 24:1-2 April 22 every year is Earth Day. It is a day set aside to raise awareness of the increasing need …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.22.2021

There is an idiom that interests me. An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of it’s words. For instance, over the moon has nothing to do with the moon or going over it. Rather it refers to a feeling of extreme delight and happiness. Hit the …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.21.2021

Suddenly. It describes events that take place quickly and unexpectedly. They can be both wonderful and tragic; overwhelming and welcome; exciting and terrifying. From experience, a driver running a red light and crashing into the side of my vehicle is tragic and terrifying. It changes a person for many years. One of the Greek words …

OUT OF THE CHAOS 04.19.2021

Sunday afternoon Dave and I sat on the deck waiting for friends to come and go for dinner with us. As I sat with my face toward the sun soaking up the late afternoon rays, I remembered that I needed to write this post. Knowing we were leaving soon, I expressed my consternation to Dave …