Where We Go from Here – Easter Sunday - When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already… ...
Saturday, March 30 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS On this journey into the “Dark Woods” we are asked to look around to acknowledge the kin-dom of family. As I was growing up and going through college, I always had one or two best friends with whom I could share all my troubles and dreams. Then as a young married woman, away from family and friends for the first time, I somehow became convinced that I could, and should, handle all my problems by myself. At some point… ...
Good Friday, March 29 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS It is difficult to put my foot inside the shoes of those who followed Jesus. Their lives were changed, and many would say at the time, not for the better. They left what they knew and gave up security, for the unknown. The outcome is known to us, but it wasn’t known to them at that time. Those disciples had one common thread, trust. It is a difficult prospect in our time. To trust another, to… ...
Thursday, March 28 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS I puzzled over this topic…Could I relate? I was thinking and thinking about this. Then Sunday rolled around, and I’m in church listening to Keith Calera’s awesome sermon, when his last statements struck me ...He said: “So, what does it mean to be known as fishers? I guess it means being known as messy people Who reach out to other messy people So that we can learn how to be messy and loving people together.” Messy… ...
Wednesday, March 27 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS Who is to say who is the misfit? Is a misfit someone who is out of place in a particular situation? Are they the one who doesn’t believe in birthdays when there is a birthday party going on? Or the one who sits on the sidelines in a room full of people and doesn’t participate in the conversations, but is content to just sit and observe and listen? Are they a homeless person who has made… ...
Tuesday, March 26 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS How many times have I stood on the edge? Hesitated to take that step into someplace/something new and or frightening? Afraid and anxious. Feeling and being physically alone. Wondering if I am strong enough, smart enough, wise enough to go it alone. I can recall these feelings/experiences in my life and see that I have always been surrounded by support and love from my best friends, some in my extended family, and my church family - my personal… ...
Monday, March 25 - THE GIFT OF MISFITS It has always been my thinking that the kingdom of God is here on earth, (Luke 17:21) and that each of us is tasked with the purpose of helping others to make it a living reality. We all have been given gifts to share. When you are depressed or feeling down the easiest way to lift your spirits is to help someone else. That is always a win-win situation. It helps the person you help, and… ...
The Gift of Misfits – Palm/Passion Sunday - After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee announcing God’s good news, saying, “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” — Mark 1:14-15 As Lent in the Dark Wood begins to come to a close, we look around us to acknowledge the kin-dom — the family — that has always been and is already right here with us. Sojourners in the Dark Wood do not go it alone but… ...
Saturday, March 23 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION Simply put, temptation comes down to making choices and facing consequences. No matter how serious the temptation, the inner struggle triggers feelings of self-doubt, guilt, weakness, unworthiness, shame. These struggles can direct us on a positive path to humility, compassion for self and others, strength to overcome challenges, pride in making good choices, and to allow us to accept God’s grace. Temptation can take us from darkness into enlightenment if we allow ourselves to work through… ...
Friday, March 22 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION A few years ago, we bought a new car that had a lot of built in computerized extras. Along with lots of electronic sounds the car did an interesting thing: If the radio was on and I put the car into reverse, it reduced the volume of the radio. I was surprised to notice that I could back up more easily. It turns out that one can learn a spiritual discipline from your car: specifically, reduce… ...
Thursday, March 21 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION When we think of temptation, we usually interpret it to being lured into doing something that is outside the bounds of accepted behavior or that is bad for us. Indeed, in the Lord's Prayer we ask God to “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”. We also read of Jesus being tempted by the devil while in the wilderness. So, how can temptation be a gift? If we think of our everyday lives,… ...
Wednesday, March 20 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” James 1:17 When I hear the word temptation, it makes me think of many things I am tempted by, drinking, eating, and shopping. This year I participated in Dry January and wasn’t really tempted to drink a glass of Champagne. I thought, “This is good, I can overcome a temptation with the right willpower.” I don’t think this is the type of temptation God is trying to talk… ...
Tuesday, March 19 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION Temptation as a gift was a foreign concept to me. I always thought of it as a roadblock to doing the things I know I should be doing. My dictionary defines temptation as the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. I have struggled with the idea that it could be a gift. Finally, I realized that some temptations can be an invitation rather than a barrier. The best example I’ve seen of this… ...
Monday, March 18 - THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION Temptation: The Bible is full of examples. In the Book of Genesis Eve is tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted by Satan to show off his super-powers. And Paul confesses, “I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate." So, there is temptation all around — temptation to stray from the righteous path. It is a familiar sensation, experienced… ...
The Gift of Temptation - From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God… ...
Saturday, March 16 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I… ...
Friday, March 15 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST When I moved to Napa in May, 2018, following my husband's death, I felt lost and scared about living alone, dealing with my own health issues after caring for my husband. Then one day I was introduced to the mother of my daughter's friend, Jen Herbert, Pat Davis, who promptly invited me to attend church with her the next Sunday. We've been good friends ever since and I found a church home that lifts my… ...
Thursday, March 14 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST My husband George has Parkinson’s Disease. He was diagnosed at the age of 40, and was told it was slowly progressing. Well, we had 22 good years. The year 2023 was like a speeding train. He started using a walker and is now in a wheelchair. His memory and his cognition have been greatly affected. He forgot his medications. The list is long and distinguished. I wrote them out and put them in a plastic… ...
Wednesday, March 13 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST Several weeks ago, the Congregation celebrated New Years with a Dress-up brunch. At one point we were asked to reflect on what we were grateful for about Napa Methodist and it got me to thinking. Bonnie and I moved to Napa in 1976, following my graduation and accepting a Physical Therapy position in Vallejo. It was a chaotic time, buying our first home, settling into a new job, finding health and reliable child care, etc. Then we began… ...
Tuesday, March 12 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST Loss, regardless of the confusion and pain can also be a catalyst for growth, resilience, and deeper understanding; it can also foster empathy and compassion, personal growth and maturity, and community and connection. One of my good friends, a choral music college professor once did a wonderful lecture on gratitude and how important it is to be thankful for all things--not only the happy, easy, comfortable things, but also the difficult, embarrassing, and painful things that occur… ...
Monday, March 11 - THE GIFT OF GETTING LOST In my life, I have been lost, physically and emotionally. Both are difficult! Driving down the road is a scary thing when you’re not sure where or when to turn next. Road signs are not always there, and GPS can be spotty. What do I do? Having anxious moments without answers to help navigate through the panic is devastating. These moments challenge our very being. The fight or flight response kicks in making the situations… ...
The Gift of Getting Lost - As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me continually, “Where is your God?” — Psalm 42 NRSV The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you… ...
Saturday, March 9 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK My new kitty, Willow, loves to chase her tail. She has only three legs and sometimes she chases it long after I think it’s good for her. I find myself worrying about her. (If God is reading this, I’ll bet God is smiling at me lovingly and saying, “Now you know how I feel!”) You see, when I was a very young adult, I was given a second chance at life. Once all the fearful… ...
Friday, March 8 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK Thunder demands our attention. It cannot be ignored. It is loud and forceful, and sometimes a little frightening. In Exodus, God used thunder to get Pharaoh’s attention when He sent the plague of hail (Exodus 9). In Revelation, “flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder“ are associated with God’s throne (Revelation 4). The thunder reminds us of the infinite power of our mighty God. Sometimes thunder comes into our lives in the form of… ...
Thursday, March 7 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK As a college student I spent a summer working at a camp in Estes Park, Colorado. Although I had grown up as a member of a Methodist church and attended the Wesley Foundation at my University I was at the age when young people often question everything! I remember questioning my faith somewhat at that time. On one of my free afternoons another camp counselor and I hiked up a mountain and when we arrive at the… ...
Wednesday, March 6 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK I don’t use the term “thunderstruck” much, as most of my life experiences seem to be less awe inspiring than that. But yet, it seems to be in the small things of my life that I am most likely to feel the most impact. Things like a beautiful and complete rainbow that my mind takes a picture of so that I can recall it later, but more phenomenal are experiences connected to my “people experiences”.… ...
Tuesday, March 5 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK As I sit here at my desk Sunday afternoon listening to the storm raging outside, it seems a fitting setting for writing about the storms of life and being “thunderstruck”. I can’t say that I’ve personally experienced having that “sudden flash” of insight—that “aha!” moment. My insights usually come from being backed into a corner, wrestling with finding a “way out”, and finally asking God for help. The comforting and uplifting thing is, that God… ...
Monday, March 4 - THE GIFT OF BEING THUNDERSTRUCK Wonder and confusion; life-changing; guiding us down a new path; blessing our lives in some amazing new ways……. being spiritually thunderstruck! I have had several “thunderstruck” moments in life, but the first one I recall is getting married which to be sure is life-changing and creates a new life journey for everyone. However, my experience involved leaving my family (parents, grandparents and 3 younger brothers), my friends, my hometown and familiar surroundings, and relocating 3,000… ...
The Gift of Being Thunderstruck - At this also my heart trembles, and leaps out of its place. Listen, listen to the thunder of [God’s] voice and the rumbling that comes from [God’s] mouth. Under the whole heaven [God] lets it loose, and [God’s] lightning to the corners of the earth. — Job 37:1-5 NRSV Ancient civilizations and religions all metaphorically describe the voice of the divine coming through thunder and lightning. We often describe experiences of insight as a “sudden flash,” “seeing the light,” or… ...
Saturday, March 2 - THE GIFT OF EMPTINESS After being sick for 6 days, I am feeling pretty empty. I have no energy or strength. I have tried to do everything I expect of myself. Bad idea. I have decided to trust what God is telling me through my body. When I am tired, I lay down and take a nap. When I can't walk around anymore, I sit and rest. I am still frustrated, but I am learning that the best thing right… ...
Friday, March 1 - THE GIFT OF EMPTINESS Empty=the opposite of full My life is full to the max with responsibilities, obligations, and stress. But spiritually empty? Absolutely not!!! I couldn’t possibly function without my faith and the support or my family, and church community. I picture Jesus either walking with me or carrying me through life’s journey. Right now I’m being carried! Prayer: Creator and ever-present God, I thank you for being my guide and comforter through life. Help me be more aware… ...
Thursday, February 29 - THE GIFT OF EMPTINESS Emptiness can be frightening, exciting, illuminating or depressing. One of my first thoughts is the emptiness you can feel when you are counting calories. It can be difficult and stressful and you may hear your stomach growl. This feeling can also make you happy that you are not stuffed, and you might feel lighter and more energetic. This can lead to feelings of accomplishment and empowerment. Then there is the emptiness of your wallet. When you… ...
Wednesday, February 28 - THE GIFT OF EMPTINESS Emptying oneself is vital to surrendering to God’s will and leaving the bondage of self behind. Only then can the steps I take, the thoughts I think, the love that shines through me can happen, unfettered by worldliness and conditions that swirl around me. Thank you Lord, Creator, for loving me and leading my life journey. I am grateful. Prayer of St. Francis: Lord make me a channel of thy peace—that where there is hatred, I… ...
Tuesday, February 27 - THE GIFT OF EMPTINESS Emptiness,…some may like it - some may not like it. Sometimes it just depends on how you define the word. For many they may not like the feeling of emptiness. Being alone, or empty on funds, and in so many other ways. Yet some may never really feel that way much. Being so busy with so many people; so much to do and so much going on in the schedules they have to do with business or… ...
Monday, February 26 - EMPTINESS, by Jill Ross, A poetic musing, Lent 2024 Embracing emptiness, Almost unimaginable in a world stuffed with fullness. Full house, full plate, full pantry, full bank account, full tank, full throttle, full course, full until overflowing, and yet? There is understated joy in slowly washing off the excess, quieting the stirring, pouring out heaviness, touching tree roots as they enter the earth. Inhale, exhale, listen as the fullness of the day subsides, listen until there is nothing more to… ...
The Gift of Emptiness - “Whoever tries to preserve their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life will preserve it.” — Luke 17:33 CEB Our journey through the Dark Wood invites us to the gift of emptiness. Many of us sometimes feel empty inside and we fear that there is nothing there of worth. But what if we let go of our obsession with worthiness and released into the idea that if we want to be filled—to find God—getting empty is the best… ...
Saturday, February 24 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY When I found out I was pregnant with Brandon it was definitely a time of uncertainty. What was I going to do? I was already a single parent of two kids struggling to make it. His birth father wanted me to get an abortion. This option just didn’t feel right to me. I’m pro-choice but I had a voice inside me telling me that I was strong enough to choose adoption. I did a search online… ...
Friday, February 23 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY Anyone else here a "control enthusiast"? I use that turn of phrase because somehow, it sounds better than "control freak". Self-deprecating humor? From snarky 'lil me? Maaaaybe. But seriously, now. Due to my traumas - Brad's accident, my husband and my accident, and so on - any change to the status quo is viewed as a threat to my flight-or-fight mind. I'm a recovering perfectionist too. Back in college, if I wasn't able to have done… ...
Thursday, February 22 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY We came to Napa from southern California with a new baby, a new master’s degree and a new job. We knew no one—but came on faith with the knowledge that Lou would be using his master’s degree as an elementary school principal in Napa, and that life would be good. And life was good. We had a second child; I was mainly a stay-at-home mom—although did a little substitute teaching—and was active in vicarious community organizations and life did… ...
Wednesday, February 21 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY We all have a lot of uncertainty in our lives that can cause us worry and stress, but it sometimes brings excitement and anticipation! We might wonder what birthday or Christmas gift we will receive or anticipate and look forward to spending time with a special friend or relative. We have no way of knowing exactly how things will turn out! Can we find a way to let go of the worry and stress linked to… ...
Tuesday, February 20 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY The scene is the beginning of the children's movie Frozen 2. Elsa receives a siren call from beyond. The angst provoking melody pulls you in as she belts out the song "Into the Unknown"... I can hear you, but I won't Some look for troubleWhile others don'tThere's a thousand reasonsI should go about my dayAnd ignore your whispers Which I wish would go away I'm sorry, secret siren, but I'm blocking out your callsI've had my… ...
Monday, February 19 - THE GIFT OF UNCERTAINTY When I graduated from high school, everyone was subject to a publication called “The Prophecy” in which there were five words to describe the person. One of the words was “pastime.” For me that was “worrying.” I doubt my personality has changed all that much, but with age and some wisdom I have figured out some healthy and unhealthy ways of managing. Uncertainty is part of life and most people don’t like it. However, I know… ...
The Gift of Uncertainty - Says Paul, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.” — 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 NRSV When we allow ourselves to accept the… ...
Saturday, February 17 - WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES Take some time today to imagine what your “Dark Woods” look like. How does it make you feel? Are you ready to continue your journey through this Lenten season? Painting by Katherine Robertson ...
Friday, February 16 - WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES The year 2023 was a kick in the butt for me. I felt like every adjustment I made to accommodate George was too late. It started out with the shower. We had a sunken bath tub in the master bathroom. I had that removed and changed into a handicapped accessible shower. When it was done his disease had progressed so he couldn’t shower independently. I did a lot of his shower in the beginning. He now… ...
Thursday, February 15 - WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES “Come, follow me”, Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” And, at once, they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:20 I cannot imagine how much faith that took to walk away from family, friends, home, livelihood and follow someone who was a stranger. Yet, they did, and we all know how that turned out. I have heard it referred to as “a leap of faith”. Many years ago, I had to… ...
Ash Wednesday, February 14 - WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES I consider myself truly blessed. As early as I can remember, I have felt loved. First by my mother, father and my 3 wonderful sisters. Then, at 17 years old, to find the love of my life and be able to marry, raise a family together and share a wonderful life together…blessed! I also feel blessed to have had all these blessings put into a clear focus and perspective for me while still a very young… ...
Where We Find Ourselves - Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus… he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” Matthew 14: 22-33, The Message Prompt Thought of the Week: “Sometimes… you need to step away from the security of your boat onto the stormy sea of your own awakening to discover that a sinking stone is… ...
Gifts of the Dark Wood – Lenten Devotional - This booklet of stories was created by members and friends of Napa Methodist Church in response to the Lenten worship theme of “Gift of the Dark Wood” created by Marcia McFee and Worship Design Studio. Grateful acknowledgement is made to all of the authors who accepted the challenge to write about their experiences of being loved and cared for by God. Cover art was provided through Canva licensing; the artwork for February 17th was done by Katherine Robertson. Unless otherwise… ...