Tag Archives: hope

Advent 2 A: Christ is Here! Christ Shall Come Again!

The lessons for the Second Sunday of Advent are: Old Testament      Isaiah 11:1–10 Psalm                    Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19 New Testament     Romans 15:4–13 Gospel                   Matthew 3:1–12 I’m willing to bet that when the prophet Isaiah pronounced this famous … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Featured, John's Posts, Pandemic Blog, Reflections on Sunday Readings, Social Political Issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Living on God’s Timeline

It’s that time of year on Heatherhope Farm. We eagerly await and methodically make preparations for the arrival of newborn lambs beginning in a couple of weeks. Of course, to mark time, we also anxiously consult our human contrivances. The … Continue reading

Posted in Farm Diary, Featured, John's Posts, Pandemic Blog, Sheep | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“It’s Life!” Happy New Sheep Year!

Do you want a hint about the secret to hopefulness in dismal, pandemic times? Talk to a shepherd or a shepherd’s family looking forward to lambing time. They may anticipate days or even weeks of hard work and sleepless days … Continue reading

Posted in Farm Diary, Featured, John's Posts, Pandemic Blog, Sheep | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pentecost B: Groaning Our Way through Covid

The New Testament Reading Option A for Pentecost B: Romans 8:22–27 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the … Continue reading

Posted in Church and Social Movements, Featured, John's Posts, Pandemic Blog, Reflections on Sunday Readings | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Epiphany 3 B: Trust Joe Biden; but Verify!

I write and publish this blog on January 19, 2021. Tomorrow, Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. Thanks be to God! Now, it is our job to trust but verify. We are moved … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Church and Social Movements, Featured, John's Posts, Pandemic Blog, Reflections on Sunday Readings, Social Political Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dare I Share This Photograph?

I can’t help but share this photograph, though I have strong reservations. Yes, I know people use their smart phones to share countless pictures every day of their precious children. But it’s also no secret that there are not-so-nice folk who … Continue reading

Posted in Faith, Featured, John's Posts, Prayer, Social Political Issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thinking of Death Surrounded by Life

On this sixth day of May, 2019, Connie and I have just come off of hosting a four-day, Gordon Watt-led training clinic for sheepdogs, and leading two days of sheepdog demonstrations at Kline Creek Farm in DuPage County. And like … Continue reading

Posted in Border Collies, Faith, Farm Diary, Featured, John's Posts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections on Lessons for Lent 2 B: Hope Against Hope

Lessons for Lent 2 B: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 Lord, God, I think about, work for, and set my spirit upon today, and perhaps next year or so. I am human. My vision and my … Continue reading

Posted in Church, Faith, Featured, John's Posts, Reflections on Sunday Readings | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment