Passion, Heartbreak, and Hope – The Start of Holy Week

With the procession of palms, Christians around the globe start the celebration of Holy Week. For the western church, Palm Sunday (or Sunday of the Passion) is tomorrow, marking the beginning of the week that ends with the resurrection on Easter. We remember Christ’s passion, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We remember and join with the chorus of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who … Continue reading Passion, Heartbreak, and Hope – The Start of Holy Week

Wall

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 28th was  “Wall.” Today, I am thinking about walls. Walls are barriers. They are built for safety or in response to fear. Lately, the idea … Continue reading Wall

Ruler

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 27th was  “Ruler.” I am sure that the word for today was meant to be about kings and politicians. But I think about those positions … Continue reading Ruler

Fruit

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 26th was  “Fruit.” Messiah Lutheran Church passed a remarkable milestone this weekend. For the past six years, the congregation and volunteers have brought bags full … Continue reading Fruit

Clean

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 25th was  “Clean.” Growing up at my home congregation we used to sing a version of “Create in Me a Clean Heart O God,” after … Continue reading Clean

Tree

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 24th was  “Tree.” I grew up Washington, also known as “The Evergreen State.” It’s a state with beautiful trees, woodlands, and forests. In my backyard … Continue reading Tree

Heart

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for February 23rd, was  “Heart.” “Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.” – 2 Corinthians … Continue reading Heart

Glory

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Glory.” Glory isn’t always the word that comes to mind during Lent. But there is one Lenten hymn in particular that paints a picture. John … Continue reading Glory

Mock

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Mock.” “The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ … Continue reading Mock

Rock

As I have done in previous Lents I am sharing a daily reflection as part of my Lenten discipline. This year I am using the “Wilderness Wanderings” theme compiled by the “Lent Photo a Day” group. The word appointed for today is “Rock.” On a clear day, as I drove to the north Clark County site where I am serving as mission developer, I can look out … Continue reading Rock