Santa Cruz Sundays

In light of your time in Red Rocks, I read this prayer and thought it was perfect for you. Happy Easter, Taylor!  I love you to the moon and back....  For What You Find on the Mountaintop We thank you for allowing us to journey up. That we would be able to see a place not just from within it but from a distance is a gift we do not readily comprehend. Here, as we look out at what seems as if it can fit in the palm of our hand, remind us of beauty’s vastness. In this moment may we be both large and small. Remind us that beauty isn’t merely for our consumption, but that it is something to be protected. Grow in us a wonder that is willing to bow to the beauty of the natural world, that it would be a path to humility and not ego. That we would understand it does not exist for us, but it is our divine fortune that we would be moved by it. And we are moved, God. May this view form us and keep us, as we allow our souls to remain stirred when we return to the ground we’ve known. May it...

Reflecting on the beauty you've seen scuba diving, on the trails where you have been mountain biking, and where you are headed for spring break, I read this and thought of you...  The sun was too intense. I could not take in the view without raising my hand to block the disc of the sun. Now I could continue to praise the God who made the light, which, reflected on the water, appeared like a million diamonds. The sun hidden behind my hand was still dominant and strong, with its rays dancing on the sea’s surface. My heart filled with a sense that God was right there with me. And that’s when I became aware of God’s voice within.   I heard not exact words but experienced more of an immediate insight: “I am your Creator, too powerful for you to comprehend. Just as you cannot look directly at the sun, you are not ready to look directly at me. But you see me reflected in myriad ways all around you.” All I could do was marvel and rejoice.   —Loretta Pehanich, " Reflecting Go...

 In light of your last push at the end of the quarter, I wanted to remind you of these verses:  6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   7  And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding,  will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 NIV  6-7  Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concern s . Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:4-7 The Message  Do not let your hearts be weighed down with anything. Instead, with every step you take, send your voice to the Great Spirit, asking him for the things you need. And in all your prayers remembe...

I read this passage this week and thought of this picture we’ve had in our kitchen for years with the same verse from the Message: Salt and Light 13  “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16  “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.   Read this a few times this week and consider the following promp...