Joy Lutheran Church, Ocala, Florida

I am thinking about sleep and what a gift from God it is. Now, don’t laugh. I know that my friends are rolling their eyes and thinking, “Yes, we know that you think about sleep!” 

I do enjoy sleeping and do it whenever I feel the need. This summer has been especially restful for me. I stopped doing water aerobics (3 times/week at 8:30 AM) that ended up at McDonald’s for about two hours. No practices to attend. Few doctors’ appointments, and I play Mahjongg only once a week.  

It’s been great to rise at a reasonable hour and take on the day. Of course, my reasonable hours don’t coincide with many folks. I have been like this since childhood. Oh, I would get up early as a child. We had a bus to catch. High School meant being ready for a 45-minute ride that left at 7:30AM. College was more flexible, but work life and children slapped reality back in my face. 

So, retirement and being able to sleep late or take a nap in the afternoon are true gifts from God. Sleep is wonderful example of the wisdom of God. It is during sleep that your body repairs, grows and regains energy for the upcoming day.  

For those who have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, I wish that I had a magic answer. I have had those nights, usually when I have something important going on early in the morning. They are distressing and frankly, very tiring.  

What about God and sleep? Well, we know that He rested on the seventh day of creation. Even the “all powerful” had to take time to repair and reflex. Perhaps more as an example to His creations than a reality for God himself. Jesus is found asleep in several New Testament passages with a clear message to His disciples of His human need to rest and recover from the ongoing ministry that was leading to His death.  

The Bible frequently portrays sleep as a gift from God, essential for physical restoration and spiritual peace. Psalm 127:2 states, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved,” emphasizing that human effort is insufficient without God’s provision and that sleep is a divine blessing. I am so grateful for this blessing in my life.  

The Bible teaches that sleep is not merely a physical act but a spiritual opportunity to surrender worries and rely on God. Sleep reminds humans of their limitations and encourages trust in God’s care, offering both rejuvenation and spiritual reassurance. Verses like Matthew 11:28–30 invite believers to find rest in Christ, linking physical sleep with spiritual renewal. Gregory Norbert’s beautiful hymn uses Matthew’s words as lyrics to portray this point. Listen to the hymn and know that God is always with you. 

So, it seems to me that sleep in the Bible and in our daily lives serves multiple purposes: it is a divine gift for physical restoration and a symbol of trust and peace in our God who loves you unconditionally awake or asleep. Sweet dreams!  

Terri 

I don’t blame you if you never heard of Hildegard of Bingen. She wasn’t mentioned when I was in seminary.  Hildegard (1098-1179)  was a German Benedictine abbess writer, composer, philosopher, mystic, visionary, and a medical writer and practitioner. I’m ashamed at how little I’ve accomplished compared to her.

From the time she was a young girl she had visions. At the age of 42 she had a vision in which God instructed her to “write down that which you see and hear.” The result was her first theological book Scivias (from Latin Sci vias Domini—”Know the Ways of the Lord”). Her technique in writing about visions was to describe what she saw and then give words of explanation that she believed came from God.

Here she writes about humility: “For humility caused the Son of God to be born of the Virgin, in whom was found humility, not eager embraces or beauty of flesh or earthly riches or gold ornaments or earthly honors. But the Son of God lay in a manger, because His Mother was a poor maiden. Humility always groans, weeps and destroys all offenses, for this is its work.”

She was also a prolific composer. There are more surviving chants by Hildegard than by any other composer from the entire Middle Ages. Here’s a sample of “The Holy Spirit” sung by St. Stanislav Girls’ Choir in Slovenia.

I hope you find inspiration in this amazing woman, but don’t be overwhelmed by how much she did. Just use the gifts and opportunities God gave you.

Read Romans 12:6-8 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

Recently I had the pleasure of listening to the Gaither Vocal Band sing “We Have This Moment Today.” I was touched by the message. I’d like to share the chorus with you.

“We have this moment to hold in our hands and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand; Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow may never come, But we have this moment today.”

What a poignant reminder of the passage of time. Yes, I have only this one day to live. My past is gone; I can’t change that. My future is never guaranteed. But I am here today!  I can “be here” for my friends and family today, for this moment will never return.

The lyrics are a moving reminder to me. Is there a phone call that could be made, a note that might be sent,  encouraging words to share?  Are there “texts” that could be sent off to my techy grandkids, just little reminders that I’m thinking of them and love them to the moon and back! It’s little things that build the relationships, make them solid and loving. Now maybe I’ll just wait ‘til tomorrow – oops, but “tomorrow may never come. We have this moment today.”

And how about our relationship with God? Will we make time to nurture that relationship today? Today’s prayer is unique to this day, the thoughts of this moment. Don’t miss out on today’s opportunity.

Our Lord is waiting to hear from us today. He wants our relationship to flourish. He’s listening. And why? Because He loves us unconditionally.

Judy

What other book can compare to the Holy Bible? Regardless of whether you consider it to be completely, literally factual or fantastical fiction, no one can deny its’ influential grip on history and humanity. Even the most atheist skeptic acknowledges that certain events did indeed occur, mostly as described. As a formative guide, the believer should rely on it before any other source.

It is a living, breathing testament of God’s people. Many of us love to study it in depth, beyond what the worship experience gives us. You can go to any part of it and receive enlightenment, courage, peace, affirmation, and relatability to its’ characters. Their stories, as part of God’s covenantal story of relationship, get added to our stories; in other words, what the text says to us.

Above all, it is true.

Truth goes beyond historical verification or myth. How it affects us is what makes it truer than any other book. It is true because it comes from The Word made flesh. The most human experience and example of who God is. I am a Star Trek geek – the original series, and the original six movies based on those characters. The most poignant, heart-wrenching moment comes near the end of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”. Spock gives his life for the ship and his crewmates. We see his deep friendship with Captain Kirk as Spock dies. In his eulogy, Kirk says, choking up: “of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most…human.”

May we be like the two disciples walking toward Emmaus on the Day of Resurrection who said to each other after realizing who the “stranger” was who had joined them. “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32). It is in unconditional love that the Living word comes to us as part of our living story.

Pastor Art

A New Moon appeared in the sky last Friday.  The New Moon held special significance in biblical scripture, often marking the start of a new month in Hebrew tradition.  The new moon is mentioned in the Bible as a time of celebration, worship, and reflection, symbolizing new beginnings and God’s creation.

The New Moon was observed in ancient Israel with offerings and celebrations.  In Numbers 28 specific sacrifices were instructed for this occasion. “On the first of every month, present to the Lord a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect.”  And, Numbers 10:10, “On the days of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings.” 

Celebrating the new moon was a beautiful tradition grounded in the recognition of God’s creation. The new moon signified renewal and a fresh start. By taking time to honor this event, they felt connected to God’s plan and the rhythm of His creation.  A new moon was a reminder to express gratitude for blessings received and to look forward to what was yet to come.

As we consider the new moon, we can also take comfort in God’s promises. The new moon symbolizes new hope and fresh starts, reminding us that God’s promises are fulfilled in every season. He assures us that no matter how dark our path may appear, His light will see us through. With the new moon, we can look forward with confidence, resting in the unwavering promises of God’s unconditional love

Judy

Have you ever seen a bouncer? I’m talking about the big, burly (usually a guy) “bouncer” at a club, or event.  They are hired to make sure the too rowdy attendees are escorted out…some, unfortunately, need to be booted out.

I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.” Sarah Young, in her book Jesus Calling for Moms, (a great book, given to me by my son) mentions this verse.  A summary of her thoughts:  If you are ever dwelling on the “what-ifs,” or laden down with fear, or feeling troubled, call on the Holy Spirit to be your “bouncer” and cast the fear/worry to the curb. Obsessively worrying, allowing fear to attach itself to you is a no-win waste.  Ask your personal “bouncer,” the Holy Spirit to boot those issues away, so God’s unconditional love can fill you.

Allowing the fear and worry to burrow into your mind and heart is such a waste of time and so unproductive. Feeling God’s strength, power, love, forgiveness, grace and care is so comforting. Grow in Him and you will bounce into joy! Strive for a love-filled life, a love-filled mind, a love-filled “bounce” into our Lord’s everlasting arms.

Jill

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of attending the movie Respect based on the life of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.  I have always loved her music and admired her talent.  Her voice control and interpretation of the songs she sang were impressive.  I did not know much about her life before seeing the show, but I did know she started singing in a church where her father was the minister.  He encouraged her to use her talents to praise God, but he was not always the best father and role model and certainly lived by the motto “Do as I say and not as I do”.  In Aretha’s young life, her family was surrounded by such people as Etta James and Dion Washington as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. who were often house guests.

Aretha’s life was difficult from a young age, enduring sexual assault, teenage pregnancy as a result of this assault and a problem with substance abuse.  At times she was able to put away the alcohol, but her trials as a young teenager followed her and made it difficult for her to navigate her life in a positive way.  She associated herself with men who tried and usually successfully controlled her personal life and her career until she could no longer function.

On the outside, Aretha seemed to have it all.  She was a successful performer with many number one hits, wore beautiful clothes and had a beautiful home and lots of money, but something was missing and her substance abuse began to overtake her.  Her family tried to intervene, but by this time she was tired of people telling her what to do.  While performing one night, she finally collapsed on stage and everything came to a head.

You probably wonder why I write about Aretha Franklin in this blog. Well, it was at this time she had to confront the “demons” of her past that haunted her.  At the lowest time in her life, she prayed for help and got the answer she needed. She decided to record a gospel album against her producer’s wishes because it would not make money.  She told all of them she needed to return to her roots and to the Lord.  To me, the most important line in the movie came from the organist and old family friend from her father’s church.  He told her she would never be okay until she faced her demons and gave them over to God.  Until she did that, they would continue to chase her and control her life. 

Of course, the movie didn’t show the difficult process she went through to get her life back together, but she ultimately did with God’s help. Her gospel album was her most successful one ever. She was deeply affected by the death of her family friend and mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and went on to be a leader for civil rights, using her strong foundation in God’s love to do good works.  God’s unconditional love brought the Queen of Soul back to Him, He shouldered her demons and freed Aretha to be the best version of herself.

He will do the same for us if we only ask and turn our problems over to Him.  This is his promise to us.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall fine; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh is shall be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8 KJV

Patty

I was babysitting for my 2 ½ year old granddaughter when the planes hit the twin towers. We had just returned to Vermont from a lovely weekend wedding in Rhode Island. Mollie’s parents had flown to Ireland for the destination wedding of Shawna’s friend.  

Rich, Brad, my mother, Mollie and I attended a nephew’s wedding In RI, complete with amazing fireworks. It was like a family reunion with relatives from all over the country. We were delighted to have Mollie for a few days in Vermont. The bride and groom were scheduled to fly to Europe on Monday for their honeymoon. 

Needless to say, many plans were disrupted, changed and cancelled on that September morning. Seth and Shawna had to stay in Ireland for an extra week because there were no flights to the U.S. Tyler and Treesa had to delay their trip until planes were allowed to fly to Europe. Mollie had to stay with me for a longer visit. 

The shock and sadness of that day still stay with me. My illusion of the safest country in the world was destroyed. The cruelty of the deception made it difficult to move past the anger at another country and its people. 

However, while watching the second tower come crashing down, little toddler Mollie spoke out. I had no idea that she would follow what was happening and I wasn’t paying attention to what she was doing. Well, she was watching and assessing the actions on the television. I heard her voice and I couldn’t believe what she was saying. She did understand what was taking place.  

She announced to us in words like this: those bad people broke that castle down, but don’t worry they’ll build it back up. Out of the mouths of babes-how did she know? Well, she has always been very savvy. Now 25 years later, she has a career path that will be enhanced by that intuitive knowledge. She is in law school. 

As happens often in times of tragedy, people turn to God and give blood. Two actions that we should do all the time (if you can give blood). God was there. God was crying. I know people ask, “Why here, God?” “Why my child?” “Why this violence?” 

9/11 was not an act of God. It was an act of men seeking to cause harm and damage. It was an act of free will. As hard as it may seem, we need to pray for the perpetrators and their governments that God may turn their hearts; that we may come to live in peace with each other as I believe is God’s goal for all of us. 

All those whom he calls children, he loves unconditionally.  

Terri

I wrote last week about spiritual dryness and about it’s most severe form, the Dark Night of the Soul when God seems to have vanished. Even Christians with the greatest spiritual depth can experience this.

Here’s why the Dark Night happens. Many spiritual practices like prayer and meditation produce results that give us comfort. These are often called consolations and we feel very good about them, so good that we want them to go on and on forever. There are two problems with this. The first is that we think that we are doing something special to cause this good feeling. That turns the focus on us instead of God. The second problem is that we come to seek the feeling rather than God.

To move us beyond this inward turn, God withdraws the feeling of the divine presence, the consolation. That doesn’t mean God isn’t present, only we don’t have the feeling of the presence. This isn’t punishment. It is a necessary condition for us to develop our relationship with God. I know it’s trite to say “no gain without pain,” but that’s how many things work in life.

What do you do when the Dark Night comes upon you? You go on with life. Especially you go on serving God even if you’ve come to question whether there is a God. This is a profound act of faith–complete, utter dependence on God. That’s where God leads us.

When your spirit seems to have gone dry, continue to trust God all the more.

Read Psalm 22:19 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

Most of us have probably been accused, at one time or another, of joining in an endeavor but not giving it our best effort! The common expression for this is “dialing it in!”

I’d like to share with you a little story about a work experience.

When a water main broke, I needed to act quickly. It was my job. My supervisor was out of town one day when a pipe burst. I was still new at this and couldn’t locate the crucial valve to shut down the leak.

What to do! I called my supervisor, but I had to leave a message explaining the problem. Now I needed to calm down. So I prayed to God for His help – help to settle down, think clearly and make wise decisions. In a cooler frame of mind I shut off the water to a larger section of the neighborhood; that would minimize the damage. When my boss called back he gave me the information I needed to locate the faulty valve, isolate the leaky pipe and repair it quickly.

I never forgot that experience. That hectic situation had forced me to rely on God so I could calmly assess what I needed to do.

Thinking back I recall other tricky situations; times when important people weren’t available to help; times when I leaned on God’s help to “calm me down and get me through.”

I think of the loss of our child in the 4th month of my wife’s pregnancy. I remember facing cancer (and being healed). I think of our struggles as both of us face chronic illnesses. And in every case, when I turned to Abba Father God, He was always instantly available.

My prayers weren’t always answered as I thought, but by embracing His loving answers I was calmed and able to muddle through. Better yet, I would be able to share His love with others when they went through similar situations.

You see, God doesn’t just “dial it in.” He’s there. In his ever-present intervention He shows us what we need to do. He’s there when we need Him. Amen?

Remember, God loves You unconditionally.

Joey

Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”