Sometimes the little things can become the big things. If you have ever disagreed with someone, if you have ever had an argument, you know what I mean. If you have ever added a teaspoon of the wrong spice to a recipe, you know what I mean. But a little thing becoming big can also be a very positive thing – could be the highlight of your day. About 4 -6 weeks into the COVID 19 quarantine in Montgomery County, I began to find flowers by the church back door. The second time,

There is excitement in the air, and a bit more hope. Folks are talking about the colors of the stoplight and what will open next! Then why am I still unsettled? A friend posted on-line, "The COVID 19 virus has not gone away. When your area opens, it means there is now a hospital bed available for you." St. James is moving slowly toward being together. Too slow for some – too much for others. But it is out of concern for those among us who are at risk. I do not mind the

My two grown children are "essential" during these crises. (They have always been essential to me!) Thomas is a pharmacy tech. He dons his protective gear and helps others obtain the medications they need. When a med is late, when it is too early to refill, he is cursed and yelled at. Wearing a mask 8 hours a day, breathing in too much carbon dioxide, gives him migraines. Michael is a police officer in Philly. Wearing protective gear, he has worked almost non-stop in since

The United States is in unsettled times, to say the least. The CDC predicts 140,000 U.S. COVID 19 deaths by July. Racism rocks us again … when we would rather think it was behind us. So when I read that someone thinks the virus is not that bad. When I hear someone say, just because I am white, I am not racist, I cry a little. I put on my mask. I keep my distance. I confess how the privilege of my race has hurt so many. Is it possible to stop hating and oppressing others

"God of justice, look on your people, all of your people, with love and mercy. Guide us in ways that are fair and respectful. Be close to us as we mourn the death of George Floyd, and mourn the racial divides that still exist. Where we face systemic sin, enlighten us and strengthen us to change, for the sake of all. Bring us together as one people to pray for equality, inclusion and peace. Be close to us as we mourn the thousands who have died during the pandemic. We pr

Birthdays have certainly been different the past weeks. First my Mom. An organized Zoom. She wore the hat we sent, had the cake in front of her and had already opened most presents. (Our family has a habit of doing that!) Every child, grandchild and great grandchild was part of the celebration. I was part of a "parade" for one young man's birthday. What fun, just to lay eyes on his smile, his sister and parents. I didn't worry about my car being the lamest in terms of