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Sabbath Devotional :: Jesus and the Bent Woman
The Gospel of Luke shares an intriguing story in Chapter 13:10-17. For the last recorded time in his ministry, Jesus teaches in the synagogue. Among the listeners is a woman. In that day only men’s presence “counted” for quorums, so there may not have been many women in attendance. This woman is unique not just because she’s in the minority, but because she suffers from an ailment that has curved her spine so severely that for the last 18 years she hasn’t been able to stand up straight “at all.” She constantly faces the ground, the dirt, the trash and debris. She can’t look people in the eye. Imagine how…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Three Words
My husband Chris (a wise man, as opposed to a wise guy) directed my attention today to the transcendent scripture Psalm 46:10 (KJV): “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you transliterate that into Hebrew you get these three words: raphah yada’ ‘elohiym These are the meanings of those words: raphah: to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, withdraw yada’: to know, learn to know, perceive, find out, discriminate, distinguish, know by experience, recognize, admit, acknowledge ‘elohiym: gods, The God, judge, goddess, divine one, godly, great If ever there were a need for me to ruminate on this scripture and its rich, holy and layered meanings, it is…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Healing Power of Gratitude
Today I woke up with a fog and congestion of what promises to be a miserable cold. I’m sluggish, dopey, achy and — hidden under all the sinus issues and sore throat — empathically grateful for this wonderful life. I recently reconnected with dear friends. I have a house that works (for the most part, although I am a little troubled about the boiler). My spouse is alive and for the most part healthy. My children are alive. My grandchildren are alive. My parents and in-laws WERE alive and blessed my life in so many ways. I’m sitting here, Kleenex in hand, singing “Count your blessings, name them one by…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Feathers
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and protection.” Psalms 91:4 I love the image of Christ as Mother Hen. There are also verses in 3 Nephi 10 in the setting immediately after the Nephite destruction where Christ uses the same metaphor — rich, compassionate, consoling. We see ourselves as chicks threatened with spiritual attack but confident that we will be protected by our Redeemer. Christ as Mother Hen will swoop in, cover us with his feathers, and his sacrificed body and protect us from destruction, like a hen protects her chicks from devouring hawks. Christ…
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Sabbath Devotional :: The Art of Discernment
I have a tiny painting of Jesus on my wall. It’s by J. Kirk Richards and is reminiscent of the shroud of Turin. There are no distinct features — no piercing eyes, no contoured lips that spoke “Our Father, who art in heaven. . .” or “Blessed are the poor in Spirit. . .” or “It is finished.” I walk past it many times a day. These fleeting, peripheral glimpses linger with me, settle into me, are becoming integrated into my soul. Constant exposure feels like the wisps of a breeze or a tune. They are gracious nudges toward something too real to be adequately conveyed. There is nothing sternly…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Getting Acquainted
One of the things I love best about MWEG is our hope for a thoroughly integrated organization. We are intentionally not hierarchical. Whether as founders or occasional post readers, we each contribute to the sap that runs the system. In an effort to let you know a little about me, here is a quick sketch of my early years as a Mormon. My son Chase once described me as a “committed misfit” in the Church. I think he nailed it. I don’t fit the mold, but I’m here to stay. I was brand new to Mormondom in the early 1970’s. As a student at Wellesley College, I waited for two…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Thoughts on the Lyrics of Liberty
In many churches and chapels around the U.S. today, congregations will sing patriotic songs. One probable candidate is “America the Beautiful,” which was quickly drafted by Katherine Lee Bates in 1893 when she visited Pikes Peak. She wrote of the experience: One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse. The…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Buds if not Buddies
We recently concluded our Operation Purple Rain. Every day since May 1st, I, like many of you, sent letters to Congressman Jason Chaffetz in purple envelopes to urge him to act aggressively as Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform committee to explore Russian ties with our current administration. I wanted to add a little creative zest to the task so I wrote my messages in haiku. That choice made me focus on finding out more about the man and his actions. Since I’m only recently a resident of Utah, I didn’t know anything about him — including how to pronounce his last name. While looking for photos to accompany…
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Sabbath Devotional :: The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with…
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Sabbath Devotional :: Emojis, Gandhi and God
It has been another busy week in our country. Town Halls convened — some raucous — some civil. Phones and faxes rang. Citizens wrote, stamped and sent post cards and letters. Grassroots organizations — many with goals overlapping MWEG’s — sprang up. Merriam-Webster reminded the country, despite sound bites to the contrary, that the definition of feminism is “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.” Articles and actions collected likes, hearts, wows, as well as weepy and angry faces. I caught myself after clicking on the angry icon related to some new irksome development. What am I doing with the anger I just admitted to…
