Uphill idealist

For Alden and Gertrude on Memorial Day weekend 2018 Living in the “NOWS” was the only way they knew how: with gardens, chocolate chip cookies, flowers, baseball, dancing and accompanying dogs. Holding hands, encouraging hearts, living in the “NOWS” even when bending a brow. In sorrow, in joy, living “do not worry” was the tempo to each step,  and carries them to the dance we can’t see yet. Living the “NOWS” is the legacy they leave, beckoning us with sunshine, flying birds and warm breeze. Calling us to live our “NOWS” bound in the promise of God’s love - Now is our dance of love to lead.  NOW. Copyright 2018 T.L. Eastman

A little guy told me about a collision in gym class. "I crashed into -----, it was an accident. My lip was bleeding. I cried. But I got an ice pack - I'm fine now." Sometimes we bump heads. With foes as well as friends. Perhaps if we remember each noggin' is precious - we would't have so may hurts that are delayed in healing. All noggins bump. All noggins are precious. All noggins can heal. If only we give ice packs for each other, like preschoolers. Amen, Preschoolers, ice packs. Amen.

(Inspired by Psalm 23) Shepherd in the light of day, Share with us your whole heart. Loving people today - make us a new start. Jesus’s blessing we carry – a blessing we are called to share. Good Shepherd, lead us all along the way; from each new beginning and in the midst of the fray. We are bound up in God’s presence – in the dark valley and fields of green. The Good Shepherd guides us on high ground, low ground and all places in between. Shepherd in the light of day, Shepherd in the dark of night Give us your “Good Shepherd” heart. Help us love people always… Jesus, make us a new start.    Copyright 2018 T. L. Eastman

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day where Christians all over the world participate in a public expression of faith. Many, as part of this worship, prayerfully choose to give something up as an act of sacrifice and discipline. Also, many will attend worship services, much like ours tonight, and have ashes marked upon their foreheads; remembering Jesus – fully God and fully human. There is much of this day that is public and open. It’s a day, that as a pastor, I look forward to; as people seem more open to spiritual things like receiving ashes and prayers. So it’s a little paradox, or a big one, that our gospel reading for today begins with this statement: “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6 As we take part in worship, in this public place, we will pray – proclaim and yes we have already received ashes; but Matthew’s warning against public acts of worship is a warning – a warni...

What if I…think on what isn't sinking and ponder what is fine. Can I focus on what is present, what is pleasant and what is kind? What if I…think about today and cherish what I hold. Draw attention to beauty and see what is sweet, rich and bold. What if I… stop and think of things that matter and last beyond today. To want what I have and not long for someone else’s way. What if I…focus on what is, instead of what’s not and know what I have – is a lot. What wonder would be discovered, what treasure would be found, if all my “What if’s” were tempered by the blessing of what already surrounds. What if? Copyright T.L. Eastman 2017

John 14: 15-21[Jesus said to the disciples:] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.   “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.” I have been a writer since about the fourth grade, when my teacher Mrs. H taught me about “creative writing” – and particularly poetry. For years after that I used the practice of writing for my own journal, for college and seminary and fo...

For bringing life to light and carrying it with you. woman - we thank you. For offering your life to nurture, teach and lead us - woman - we thank you. For the way you walk with us, care for us and teach us to care for others. Woman, we thank you. For your intellect, your grace and the millions of ways you bring the world hope... Woman, we thank you. Teacher, Parent, Friend, Strength giver, Playground supervisor, Chef, Creative.... you are impossible to define and life would be impossible without you. Woman, we thank you. Tara L. Eastman Copyright 2017