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Author Archives: Gretchen
If only…
This morning as I am writing this, I’m sitting in a car service department being exposed to the noise of one of our many network morning shows. I stopped paying attention to morning shows and really most commercial television a few years ago. I just couldn’t take all of the noise. So when I find … Continue reading
Be Perfect
Matthew 5:38-48 38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your … Continue reading
RSA Shorts, The Power of Empathy
Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She speaks and writes about her research into the areas of vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Every time I hear something from her my own experience in pastoral care echos with a resounding, “Amen.” This short animated clip is … Continue reading
Overload
I could see this collision coming from a mile away. As I was walking out of the gym, trapped between the door and a handful of people navigating in and out of the cold, a young woman plowed into me. Even for one moment she couldn’t be bothered to look up from her phone. She … Continue reading
Eucharisteo
In the beginning was this Word. This Word that grew and swelled bursting seams and cracking the hard fickle coating. Like an idea growing that cannot be ignored this Word came to the lips of humanity. Some choked it back and swallowed deep tears, others turned their backs and denied its power. But still others dared … Continue reading
In a Crowd of Lonely
Life in northern Minnesota has its challenges. You may encounter a blizzard by Thanksgiving and you may end up rushing through your Christmas shopping in -15 degree temps. When the desperate and cold mumble under their breath something about wondering why they are living in such a God forsaken place, the heartier stock say, “But … Continue reading
Staring into the Dark
It’s not often that I can’t wait for a movie to come out. But when the latest installment of “The Hunger Games,” came out, it was all I could do to keep myself from getting in line for that first midnight showing. I finally found a time when I could get to the movie. I … Continue reading
What Happens Next
I heard a story recently about the last Christmas that a colleague spent with her family. Her brother, having considered himself graduated from the church at his confirmation, had only made it back infrequently for things like weddings, funerals, and the occasional Christmas service. But none-the-less, his mother decided that a very appropriate gift for … Continue reading
Kingdom of God
Take a moment and read this short piece from Frederick Buechner. http://www.frederickbuechner.com/page-group/landing/blog/Blog-Christs-kingdom “I have it in me at my best to be a saint to other people, and by saint I mean life-giver, someone who is able to bear to others something of the Holy Spirit, whom the creeds describe as the Lord and Giver … Continue reading
Stir 