Lv 25:1,8-17; Psalm 67:2-8; Mt 13:1-12

the Baptist’s head
served up
on a plate
gives pause
to the morning
filling me
with questions
of our capacities
as we listen
to commands
and desires
to please
ourselves
or another
some fear
of shame
rejection
or retribution
praying
deeply
into the Spirit
our God
who saves us
from ourselves

How do you feel intimidated by the world’s demands?

Lv 23:1-16,27,34-37; Psalm 81:3-11; Mt.13:54-58

losing sight
in the familiar
we do not see
what is
in front of us
God working
in all of God’s ways
for Good
following
the sacred path
we journey
with others
singing
with joy
to God
who is our help

Where do you see God in the familiar?
Where do you see God in what is in front of you?

Exodus 40:16-21,34-38; Psalm 84:3-6,8,11; Matthew 13:47-53

caught
by Heaven
we are found
our dwelling place
secured
by the one
who has followed us
Spirit guide
of our life
traveling through
the cloud of unknowing
to the light
of faith
our heart
and soul
that cried out
to the living God
has been heard
and answered
in ever surprising ways

Have you been caught by Heaven?
How has God surprised you?

Exodus 34:29:35; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 13:44-46

we find
a pearl
of great price
in God’s word
leaving all
to follow
what we see
as Truth
not turning back
we are drawn
by the radiance
of God’s presence
and love

What draws you to God?

Exodus 33:7-11, 34:5-9,28; Psalm 103:6-13; Matthew 13:36-43

seed of wheat
and weed
sown
in our soul
we suffer
the proximity
reaching
as wheat
for the light
of God’s love
and mercy
ever aware
of the harvest

Does your soul reach for the light of God’s love?

Exodus 32:15-24,30-34; Psalm 106:19-23; Matthew 13:31-35

yeast
of faith
growing
in our heart
and mind
and soul
we turn away
from all
that keeps us
distracted
and confused
worshiping
not in illusion
but in the Spirit
of Love and Truth
we receive
our daily bread

How easily are you distracted and confused?

Kings 3: 5,7-12; Ps: 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; Romans 8: 28-30; Mt 13: 44-52

not for ourselves
not for long life
not for riches
do we ask
but wisdom
knowing
your revelation
and your light
that all things
work together
for good
in you
we sell
all we have
for your treasure
holding nothing back
you teach
us generosity
we give all
for you
letting you judge
our goodness
from evil
casting out all
that is not
truth
into the fire-
we live
in your
compassion

What is your heart’s desire?
Do you give yourself completely to God?
Do you love God’s commands?

Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 50:1-15; Luke 10:38-42

sitting
at His feet
we hear
the words
that relieve
our anxiety
and worry
trusting
in God alone
who provides
through our willingness
to listen
we are blessed
over
and over
through God’s love
and compassion

Do you take time to sit and be still in God’s presence?

Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 13:18-23

God’s law
rejoices
in our heart
giving us
light and love
for the journey
guiding us
through all
that would cause
unfaithfulness
killing
stealing
bearing false witness
coveting others lives
and possession
creating idols to worship
not honoring parents
not creating Sabbath
the time to be still
and pray
to remember
who we are
and from where
all of God’s love
and goodness flows

Does your heart rejoice in God’s law

Exodus 19:1-20; Daniel 3:52-56; Matthew 13:10-17

through a cloud
of unknowing
through thunderous storms
fire
and trumpet blast
we are overwhelmed
by a higher power
at once
in awe
and fear

we take pause

until a voice
of one who knows
our God
of love
and peace
tells us
who we are
through ears
that can hear
eyes
that can see
hearts
that can know
the heaven
that lives within
and among us

What guides you now?