JOY, GENTLE FRIENDS!
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JOY, GENTLE FRIENDS! *
Rev. Tyger Penson is a retired teacher, missionary, mission developer, and pastor. She lives in Alderbrook and is a member of Faith since 2018.
All The World’s A Stage
The Scriptures are like a whole bunch of plays where human activity is revealed for what it is, and God is characterized as calling us to repent and be part of the solution to the problems around us.
A Sharing Heart
When we share what we receive and what we have with others, we are welcoming them and showing them what it means to be a follower of Jesus. May this be our mission…
GOD’S PERFECT PLAN
We who are ALL created in the image of God (humans only have that distinction) come in a variety of nationalities, skin tones, sexual identities, spiritual or religious preferences, sizes and shapes. Some have experienced hardships, devastations, and unknown challenges that have impacted them. Others have temptations to think they are better than others. But not one of God’s human creations is better than any other! It is hard to comprehend such a wide, inclusive people who are all created and loved equally by God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Spirit. It is God’s Perfect Plan.
Wide, Wide as the Ocean
I love to go to the ocean where I often collect shells or shiny rocks. The ocean is huge, filled with all kinds of things which the waves wash up sometimes from thousands of miles away. As I walk along the edge, the waves wash up over my feet. But just think! That same ocean is also washing up waves on the shores and onto people clear on the other side—thousands of miles away!
Never Alone (John 14)
I received the Holy Spirit as probably most of you, at my Baptism. Waters of life were poured upon me “in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit”. I was an infant but at that moment, I was made a Child of God and received God’s Advocate, the Holy Spirit. That gift of God’s presence with me now and forever has been both a powerful motivator as well as a great comfort to me throughout life.
Can’t Get Away with Anything (Psalm 139)
“Take O take me as I am; summon out what I shall be;
Set your seal upon my heart and live in me.” Amen.
Dogwood—Symbol of Easter Hope
The dogwood tree becomes a visual reminder of God’s love for his world in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus--his gift of hope and life. Jesus said in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Dogwood flowers symbolize rebirth, resurrection, purity, and deep affection. And so, we sing, “Alleluia!”
Discerning God's Ways
But reaching for my Bible first, reading God’s Word to find hope and courage, better equips me to discern what it means to live in God’s world. It helps me separate the things that are from God and those things that are opposed to God’s Kingdom living.
Easter Living
Easter is not just one day, but a lifestyle of living in hope that carries us through the year.
New Life, Again!
This spring we have been watching the earth come to life—again! It always amazes us to see what seemed to be so dead, slowly bring on life. The trees begin their budding process before bursting into white or pink flowers or that bright green that just screams “new life!” The rhododendrons are beginning to bud—and today, the one in our backyard is bursting into a brilliant red and another is in full bloom in brilliant lilac colors!