The Thread Holds

Today’s worship service, in its entirety, may be viewed here: If you’d prefer to listen to the gospel reading and sermon, you may do so here: Today’s sermon  is based on Psalm 34:1-9 and Luke 1:46-55. Psalm 34:1-9 I will……

Given: Advent Day 22

Psalm 80:5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure. There’s something about honest lament in a culture whose discomfort with grief is palpable, though I’ll have to admit the……

Proclaiming: Advent Day 2

PROCLAIMING Blest are they who in the Lord’s name announce the holy gospel, proclaiming the good news that our liberation comes. This is the last line, translated into English, of Guillermo Cuéllar’s Santo, Santo, Santo (part of his  La Misa Popular Salvadoreña……

Lament

I’ve been spending time recently in the psalms of lament. What a gift: the assurance that we’re not alone in our doubts and fears; the permission to express even our anger toward God; words to pray, and to sing, when……

Storming

Listen to this song at https://soundcloud.com/stacey-nalean-carlson.

 

Storming

 

I want a gentle rain that comes in time to nourish life.

I want a soothing word that whispers truth without a fight.

I want the journey’s end to be so clear we cannot stray.

I want to know your love, the length, the depth, the breadth, the height…

 

But instead it’s storming.

And I don’t know which way to go.

Are you here beside me?

I want to trust you’ll lead me home.

 

I need grace tangible: fresh baked bread and warming wine.

I need your word to claim: You are my precious, lovely child.

I need your promise kept: I am with you. You are mine.

I need to know your peace, the brokenhearted reconciled.

 

But instead it’s storming.

And I don’t know which way to go.

Are you here beside me?

I want to trust you’ll lead me home.

 

I know I’m not alone. You’re not going anywhere.

I know what’s broken now will be made whole and beautiful.

I know that death is real, but it will never be the end.

I know the song goes on and dancing feet are powerful.

 

So we sing through the storming

Until we know the way to go.

You’re right here beside me.

And when you’re with me I am home.

Justice: Advent Day 4

Image is of quotations hanging in the Iowa State Capitol: Courageous confidence in the intelligence of the community is the sure sign of leadership and success (G.W. Curtis) and  The ideal state – that in which an injury done to……

Joy

I carried the weight of her

lament

until the trail invited my

full attention

and the gentle trees

illumined by brilliant sun

freed my hands to hold

joy