stored up in a bottle

*Today’s post comes from a beautiful reflection in the Be Still Devotional written by Lisa Brenninkmeyer. You can continue to follow along with these daily devotions on the Hallow app or by purchasing a copy of Lisa’s book through her organization Walking With Purpose.

“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under.”

Matthew 2:16

Herod had paid attention to prophecies of Jesus’ birth, but instead of responding with worship, he felt threatened by this Jewish king. When the wise men didn’t tell him who or where the baby was, Herod had all the male children in Bethlehem and in that region age two years old and under murdered.

The Catholic Church remembers the loss of these precious children on December 28, the Feast Day of the Holy Innocents.

It’s a horrific scene to imagine, and something we might want to turn away from. Focusing on the massacre of babies, most especially during this time of year, is the opposite of bringing Christmas cheer.

But the Church insist that we not look away.

Continue reading “stored up in a bottle”

and now ya’ know

I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

I knew there were some pretty intense judgements and feelings swirling about kicking up all sorts of dust around me, but God had not yet moved away the thick dry-haze enough to see it clearly.

But then it happened.

In one sentence as she said, “Karma’s a bi$$$,” everything became crystal clear.

They’ve all been gloating!

\ ˈglōt  \

gloatedgloatinggloats

Definition of gloat

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1: to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight gloat over an enemy’s misfortune

Merriam Webster Dictionary
Continue reading “and now ya’ know”

be better!

Passing along a little ditty which appeared in our Church bulletin recently.

As Father encouraged us – these are all important points to reflect upon.

I know several certainly gave me great pause and self-examination.

Are there any you need to address in your life?

It’s Strange

It’s strange how twenty dollars seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when you go shopping.

It’s strange how 2 hours seem so long when you’re at church, and how short they seem when you’re watching a movie.

It’s strange that you can’t find words to say when you’re praying, but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend.

It’s strange how difficult it is to read one chapter of the Bible, but how easy it is to read a popular novel.

It’s strange how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts, but they want to sit in the last row at Church.

It’s strange how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks before the day so we can include it in our agenda, but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute.

It’s strange how difficult it is to learn a fact about God and share it with others, but it’s easy to repeat gossip.

It’s strange how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say, but we question the words in the Bible.

hugs n’ blessings for all those seeking to be and do better.