A surprising truth
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Psalm 23:1-2 NIV
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
I haven’t been to the Middle East, but someday I would like to visit Israel. It is difficult for us to envision the meaning of scripture unless we also have a good understanding of geography and culture. The truth explained in this short video about understanding green pastures in Psalm 23 is eye-opening! And it explains so much about the meaning of the Psalm. It also helps me connect this Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer – that part about “daily” bread!
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Matthew 6:9-11 NIV
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
An uncomfortable truth
Scott Sauls says in a recent essay, “The commitment to feel 1) right and 2) wronged seems to be a fairly common phenomenon. … A disagreeable spirit is not the way that Jesus intends for his followers to engage in disagreements and debates.” The culture war still wages on in our country. How might we better represent Christ by being “gracious, inviting and endearing in our treatment of others?”
If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?
Luke 6:32 ESV
A beautiful truth
A funny poem
My husband asked if I had time to listen to a poem the other day. “Well, sure, I’d love to,” I said. He pointed me to a piece of a Johnny Carson show, a bit of cowboy poetry that made me giggle. I hope you enjoy it — A Vegetarian’s Nightmare or A Dissertation on Plants Rights.
A favorite soup recipe
This recipe is in our dinner rotation every month! It is super tasty, has a southwestern flair, salty & sweet, and is healthy!
A favorite prayer –
By the miracle of mercy,
Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms
I am ushered into Your house:
clothed in Your righteousness;
welcomed as a friend.
You have filled me with joy and gladness;
my tongue is loosed with praise.
You have loved me into life—
faithful in my wandering,
steadfast in my unrest.
Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt
