St. Luke's Blogs

In 2016, I had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Rev. Wendy Lambert and a group of about 40 people from St. Luke’s. We went to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, see the places our scriptures talk about, and grow in our faith. It was an incredible, life-changing trip. I always tell people you never read scripture the same way after seeing with your own eyes the places we read about in the Bible.

Traditions among family and friends can be really meaningful. When we come together, we are able to remind ourselves of important people or important moments. These celebrations often come with something we do every time – maybe a birthday banner that has been taped up throughout the years, a favorite food dish that is always prepared, or a story that is told again and again. While some things may change throughout the years, we cling on to the traditions.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode′mus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicode′mus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit.” Nicode′mus said to him, “How can this be?”

John 3:1-9

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I adore my grandchildren! I see the goodness in them; I love them even when they make poor choices, I forgive them over and over, and I delight in them! There’s nothing they can do to make me not love them. Because of my relationship with my grandchildren and others, I can understand God’s great love for me. He sees the good in me. He forgives me time and again. He delights in me!

In 2009, Ralph and I experienced for the first time the joy of becoming a grandparent. We were both so excited, and while we did not live close to our daughter at the time, we looked forward to babysitting and experiencing all the firsts. During our daughter’s pregnancy, I wrote a daily prayer journal; when we learned that she was expecting a baby boy, I began to personalize the prayers. Writing a prayer each day allowed me to be a part of her pregnancy journey in a special way.

I remember playing with neighborhood friends many years ago during summer break, and our mothers would take turns making lunch for us. One of the mothers would always watch a soap opera called “As the World Turns.” It began with a picture of the world spinning against a dark background. That image stuck with me as I entered 3rd grade and noticed a rather large globe sitting on a table at the front of the classroom. I remember being fascinated with the visual of seeing the various continents and vast bodies of water. The realization set in that I was but one tiny speck on this massive planet Earth.

In 2016, Suzanne and I were blessed to be a part of the St. Luke’s team that went to Jerusalem to see firsthand the locations of the Bible. We were able to stand on the Temple steps in Jerusalem, sail on the Sea of Galilee, step into the Jordan River, and experience the Via Dolorosa.

I can remember the exact moment John 3:16-17 struck me as more than a nice verse to memorize, but as something that speaks to the fundamental truth of who God is. It was one of those rare moments of clarity we experience through music that changed something deep within me.

Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”

Luke 23:32-35