For some people there is a tradition to go around the table on Thanksgiving and say what they are thankful for. For others there is a moment of relief to be able to have a meal while others are not able. There are some that dread being home for Thanksgiving for a variety of reasons and others that prefer a ‘Friendsgiving.’ This year is different - I hope. I hope that this year is different because we are making the difficult choice to keep ourselves, our friends, and our fami

It's mid-November, and it's starting to look like Christmas. I saw a Facebook post that someone has already put up the Christmas tree. Holiday lights are starting to show up on houses. Christmas fabric is on sale at Joann Fabrics, and Fourth of July fabric is out. Only in my adult life did I encounter people who don't put up Christmas trees until Christmas Eve or forbid the playing of Christmas carols until December 25. December is Advent, and Christmas must not intrude. I'm

“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.’” (Genesis 12). We too are blessed, when we cross ourselves or when we are blessed at the end of services on Sundays. But we are also blessed as children of God through our baptisms and through the life and death of Jesus. In the sermon th

I fell in love with Simon and Garfunkel when I saw them on the Smothers Brothers TV Show. My brother gave me the Sound of Silence album as a gift, and I was hooked. I loved all of the songs on the album, but one of my favorites has always been I Am a Rock. It’s an anthem for introverts. I have my books and my poetry to protect me I am shielded in my armor Hiding in my room, safe within my womb I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a Rock, I am an Island. Like many Simon