Contemplating Grace

Life Notes—December 23, 2009  “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:6-7   I am told one of … Continue reading A Room With A Phew

Life Notes—December 17, 2009  “…My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant…”  Luke 1:46b-48a    These words are the beginning of a passage called, The Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46-55.  It is Mary’s song of praise as she reflects … Continue reading Humble Appreciation

Life Notes—December 10, 2009  “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.”  Luke 2:8-9  One of the counterintuitive directives of the Bible is to … Continue reading Terrifying Encounters

Life Notes—December 3, 2009  “…I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in … Continue reading Conditional Contentment

Life Notes—November 26, 2009  “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.  People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be … Continue reading Reading the Signs

Life Notes—November 19, 2009  “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ …indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Matthew 6:31-32  “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double, Don’t worry, be happy!”  … Continue reading Don’t Worry, Be Thankful

Life Notes—November 12, 2009  “She made this vow: ‘O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his … Continue reading Bargaining With God

Life Notes—November 5, 2009  “For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.”  Matthew 25: 29                                    The above passage is the conclusion of the parable of the talents.  I remember wondering, as a younger … Continue reading Talented Use of Talents

Life Notes—October 29, 2009  “See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 There are many passages in … Continue reading Rejoice Always

Life Notes—October 22, 2009  “He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him; because he was going to pass that way.”  Luke 19:3-4                                    When I was in college I … Continue reading Great Encounters