From Luke 18:31-34: “Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, ‘Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For He will be handed over to the gentiles, and He will be mocked and insulted and spat upon. After they have flogged Him, they will kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.’ But they understood nothing about all these things; in fact, what He said was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.”
First published in 1811, “What Wondrous Love Is This” shares a traditional American folk hymn (author unknown) which expresses the deep wonder of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial love. You are invited to listen to the Concordia Choir from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Quote from Irish theologian, Alister McGrath: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 17:7-8: “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes,and its leaves shall stay green;in the year of drought it is not anxious,and it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Sitting in our new apartment, surrounded by waiting boxes of life’s contents, I am struck by the peace found in God’s precious gifts.
As my own journey has stretched from July into August, I find myself embracing the divine connections of being rooted with our heavenly Father.
Travels to my see my Montana family always provide a testament of God’s love. The light of Christ maps out tomorrow’s steps.
This summer’s trip was filled with bittersweet emotions. My mother, Martha, struggles with the early stages of dementia. Yet, she remains physically healthy while her mind deals with daily challenges.
Returning from my Montana roots, the Buckeye state always welcomes me back. I am thankful that Colleen and I are now living in a ground level apartment. Those dreaded, unforgiving stairs of our former home will slowly become a fading memory.
Quote from Alister McGrath: “True love involves a willingness to change, to become more like the ones we love. Love is dynamic, not static. God may accept us just as we are—but He isn’t going to leave us there.”
Scripture from Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,His mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Nearing the conclusion of our move, Colleen and I faced one more challenge—softened by Christ’s own healing grace.
Making a final trip down the stairs of our soon to be former apartment, Colleen lost her balance and tumbled down several steps. Landing on the floor in front of the door, she was injured and bleeding. After an overnight stay at the hospital, it was revealed that she sustained a concussion. The nasty cut on the back of her head was treated. Fortunately, she sustained no broken bones or brain trauma.
Quote from American writer, Matthew Edward Hall: “Heal the roots, to see the tree grow vibrant.”
Scripture from Jeremiah 30:17: “For I will restore health to you,and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion; no one cares for her!’”
Colleen is healing, and our ground level apartment is fully functional. We both praise God’s mercy as we move forward into the next chapter of our lives.
I have appreciated my many readers and guests who have been patient during my absence these past several weeks. Beginning with today’s post, I am eager to renew my writing journey with you. God’s peace be with each of you.
From Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is He, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
From Zechariah 9:16: “On that day the Lord their God will save them, for they are the flock of His people, for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on His land.”
