Meditate at Eight

How Faith & HOPE Intersect - Ponderings: Last Sunday, we lit the Advent candle of hope and, as we end this week's meditations, I'd like to "ponder" on how faith and hope intersect. In our daily lives, hope is uncertain. I hope for health and happiness, for myself...

It Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect - Ponderings: I was thinking about my need to do some Christmas shopping and came across this online question. What should you not buy someone else for Christmas? Here are some of the answers: socks, underwear, lingerie, a scale, a...

The “Holy One of God” - Ponderings: Does the thought of God's holiness frighten or intimidate you? The central promise of Advent is that, just as Jesus came into the world over 2,000 years ago, he will come again. Except it will be different. He came as an infant...

The Threshold Moment - Ponderings: Today seems like one of those "most excellent" days to stay inside, huddle under a cover, read a good book, and enjoy a cuppa (or two) of tea. But alas ... This morning, when I opened the door to let Tori out, even she, who usually...

Do You Want More? - Ponderings: “God's grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9) It’s December 1, and winter has already made itself far too comfortable. Ten or so inches of snow are piled up outside—and apparently that wasn’t enough, because we’re expecting...

Thanksgiving Becomes Sacred - Ponderings: Are you ready for today? Many of you are probably already up and about, putting final plans into action. But no matter what your plans are for the day - whether your house is about to be filled with guests or you are traveling...

Gratitude Grows From The Smalls - Ponderings: It was inevitable, I suppose. Winter has arrived. The sound of howling wind woke me up around 3 am, and a few minutes ago, when I opened the door to let Tori out, she stared at me as if I was trying to kill her. Such a...

The "Don't Forget To..." - Ponderings: The Tuesday before Thanksgiving is often a strange kind of busy. Preparation has been in full swing for a while, but suddenly the big day is too close for comfort. The grocery lists get longer, with last-minute additions or...

The Old Unchanging Truths - Ponderings: Monday mornings are, at least for me, a mix of reflection and a desire to start the new week right by getting some practicalities out of the way. I think about Sunday's services and reflect on what I might have done differently....