Have you ever looked at someone with intent and wonder?   This is a look that moves beyond judgment and looks deep into the mystery of Who is here in this person.  When this happens, you begin to become aware of how wondrous this person is – the untold stories of strength, pain, joy, fear, and everything else that may never have surfaced even in behavior.  …

Pain Perdu is French for “lost bread,” which is a recipe for re-enlivening stale bread.  Not only does the recipe save what would normally be thrown out, but it flavors it up to a delicacy even, with a uniqueness that transforms simple stale bread into a sweet flavored treat. …

I have to admit that many times I squirm when I hear someone say, “it is the will of God,” when referring to something that has happened, many times something inexplicable and very painful.  I feel certain that many times this statement is given with the best intentions and is given as an expression of solace and condolences especially when there has been a great loss. …

And so the story goes….Ahab, the King of Israel, wanted the vineyard owned by Naboth.  When Naboth refused, Ahab told his wife Jezebel, who then arranged to have Naboth killed by writing letters to the elders and nobles.  Afterwards (I KGS 21: 17-29), Ahab went to take possession of the vineyard, when the Lord sent Elijah to Ahab, with these words,

“After murdering, do you also take possession?”…

How close is God to us?  What can we do to get closer to God?  What is it that puts us at a distance from God?  Can we really be at a distance from God?  How do our intentions and actions effect our relationship with God? …