Hello. My name is Hope Moran, and I am a diabetic. My diabetic coach suggested that after every meal I take a 10-minute walk. She said new research has shown that this small act will reduce blood glucose levels.

Every St. Patrick’s Day I cringe a bit.  This dear saint who:  “…..was a Briton and a former slave in Ireland, was born in 389 and lived until 461.  He became the ‘Apostle to Ireland’

Growing up right in the city of Detroit, I never saw a chicken or knew the difference between the various types of chickens, hens, and roosters.  Of course, we ate chicken (not very often though, mostly beef) and eggs (more so in recipes), but I never, ever thought of where they originated.

My Little Grandma was from the Ukraine, a largely Polish part near its border with Poland.  She immigrated here for a better life, coming through Ellis Island in 1910.  She was a very austere woman and     married Anthony, who had come over from Poland in 1908.  They had twelve children.  My father was near the tail end.  

As a Lutheran, and a member of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and as many other denominations do, today we observe Ash Wednesday.  The worship service we use has an “INVITATION TO LENT.”  I find this interesting every time I read it.  Growing up we never gave up anything for Lent.  As an adult, I thought I should, although I never did.  I’ve let go of that should and followed the “Invitation” more.  You may read it for yourself below; and, as is said in the church often, “inwardly digest it.”  

Homesick for? What are you homesick for? Or, possibly, who are you homesick for? Some I know at Messiah are homesick for the way things used to be before the Pandemic. They speak of how it used to be, how many people they miss, how they long for it to be that way it was. This shows us that homesickness doesn’t have to be only for a place. It can be for relationships.

Advent and anticipation come hand in hand. There is something to be said for anticipation, whether in the Carly Simon song “Anticipation,” or in a church sanctuary. The serenity of the sanctuary when winter is near, when all is silent, and when anticipation hangs in the candle-lit air awaiting Christmas Eve. When “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” will soon change to “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

My friend Bob Skinner has an extremely knowledgeable eight-year-old grandson, Liam.  He is fascinated with tall buildings, and seems to know everything about the tallest buildings, not only in this country, but the whole world.

In each of the readings for this Sunday, November 7, 2021, (Isaiah 25: 6-9, Revelation 21: 1 - 6a, and John 11: 32 – 44),  tears are mentioned.  When I think of crying, I think of my grandmother who always had a hanky she had embroidered tucked into her sleeve.

When life gets tough, sometimes it is all we have to cling to: the kindness of others.  That kindness is exemplified in the kindness Jesus showed to others, even when he did not have to be kind–like when he called to Zacchaeus.  He could have simply walked on by; but Jesus took the time to notice him, greet him, and say he would have dinner at his house. 

Today I remember the deeds of the Lord through Todd touching the lives of so many with laughter, joy, even philosophical discussions above my head, and God’s love!

Recently I was in Nebraska for a continuing education event, “Boundless Compassion."  One of the takeaways from this training was how at times we just have to do something fun, even something that is outside of our comfort zone...

Being a diabetic, I always take something for a snack in my carry-on just in case my blood sugar drops too low. This time I took Jif To Go, shown in the picture.  Airport security had a dilemma when my bag went through their scanner.