   (…continued) This story of Isak is not from the Bible, but it is certainly consistent with what the Bible says about thankfulness. Isak is a man who deeply appreciates what he has received. He not only expresses his thanks in words, but he lets his gratitude shape his whole life, including his obedience […]
1688) Reminders to Be Grateful (pt. two of two) Read More »
From Stories for Telling, a collection of folk tales by William White, 1986, Augsburg Publishing House, pages 96-100.    Isak was King Olaf’s most trusted friend and advisor. When the royal court was in session, Isak always stood at the king’s right hand. Very few people realized that only a few years before this, the
1687) Reminders to Be Grateful (pt. one of two) Read More »
Above: My Life as a Dog, 1985 Swedish film (with subtitles); 100% rating from Rotten Tomatoes; not for the kids) ———————————-    (…continued) Do you spend more time being grateful or making comparisons? But do we have any right to be envious of God’s generosity to someone else (Matthew 20:15)? After all, what makes us think
1630) What’s the Deal? (c) Read More »
Painting above: The Red Vineyards, 1888, Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), (believed to be the only painting he ever sold). ————————–    (…continued) The story of Alan Tucker in yesterday’s meditation is not a true story, though it is based on what many people have experienced after winning the lottery.    There are several
1629) What’s the Deal? (b) Read More »
Matthew 20:1-15:   (Jesus said), “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in
1628) What’s the Deal? (a) Read More »
What do you think– Is the world getting better or worse?  How about some ‘good news’ on how things are going? By Eric Metaxas and Shane Morris, September 7, 2017, at:  www.breakpoint.org ————————————    It’s been a summer of rough news for America.  Racism, riots, and political violence.  Communities on the Gulf Coast continue
1613) Better or Worse? Read More »
   (…continued) Ernie was able thank his neighbor in person for the money. But how do we thank God, who we cannot see, for all he has given us? Prayer is one way, but the emphasis in this Psalm is on worship—“Worship the Lord with gladness,” it says. “Enter his gates and his courts
1532) Psalm 100 (b) Read More »
   Once upon a time there was a single dad named Ernie, who had two kids in elementary school. His ex-wife had abandoned the family, was nowhere to be found, and contributed nothing. Ernie’s factory job paid the bills, but just barely. As long as there were no extra expenses, he was able to
1531) Psalm 100 (a) Read More »
   Jesuit priest Pedro Arrupe (1907-1991) tells of visiting his brother Jesuits who were working in a desperately poor slum in Latin America.  During his visit he celebrated Mass for the local people in a small, decrepit building; cats and dogs wandered in and out during the Mass.  Afterward, Arrupe was invited to the
1511) A Simple Gift Read More »
Above painting: “Home Sweet Home” Diane Dengel  (1939-2012) ———————- From an old story, told by Aaron Zerah in How Children Become Stars:  A Family Treasury of Stories, Prayers, and Blessings, Sorin Books, 2000. ———————————-    A poor man lived with his wife and six children in a very small one-room house.  They were always
1495) Perspective is Everything Read More »
