Temporary can be spectacular. Consider the Tabernacle -- the portable temple that traveled with Israel during the 40 years it took to shed slavery. Blue, purple, scarlet, gleaming gold. Linen fine enough for a bride. Yet this embodiment of God's presence on earth eventually turned to dust. Like us. All of us. Mortal bodies are… Continue reading On beauty and dust
Tag: Jesus
On Advent, 10 foot tall Bumbles and blinging all the way
There was a season not long ago when the mention of Christmas brought the same snarl to my heart as a child opening a shaker of glitter in my kitchen would. Why? Just why? "Festival of Consumption," I grumbled inwardly while outwardly going through the motions expected of the mother of small children. Then I… Continue reading On Advent, 10 foot tall Bumbles and blinging all the way
Revisiting my mother’s Jesus
My mom's been gone more than three years now. That's long enough for me to have winnowed through most of her possessions, but not all. There's still some papers. I somehow have the cemetery lot deeds for literally everyone in the family -- as if the land where they are buried might be repossessed at… Continue reading Revisiting my mother’s Jesus
On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world
“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity.”― John F. Kennedy "Did you hear that?" my husband asked. I did. A "phuff, phuff, phuff" that sounded like a dog panting --… Continue reading On bears in the woods and a Psalms 37 & 91 world
What blood can do
It is not an easy thing to be human. Our story includes such a powerful and persistant villain. This was true 2,000 years ago -- when unopposed government might and faithless religion were among Satan's works of the day. It is true today -- as anyone with any exposure to the news surely knows. This… Continue reading What blood can do
Nora Edinger -- JOY Journal 