July 14, 2020

Daily Devotions


Meditation, Prayers, and Assorted Stuff for July 14, 2020

Henri Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, “Being Blessed”

Jesus is the Blessed One. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River a voice came from heaven
saying, “You are my Son, the Beloved; my favor rests on you” (Mark 1:11). This was the blessing
that sustained Jesus during his life. Whatever happened to him—praise or blame—he clung to his
blessing; he always remembered that he was the favorite child of God.
Jesus came into the world to share that blessing with us. He came to open our ears to the voice
that also says to us, “You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter, my favor rests on
you.” When we can hear that voice, trust in it, and remember it, especially during dark times, we
can live our lives as God’s blessed children and find the strength to share this blessing with
others.

Today’s prayer is from “Prayers” by Michael Quoist.

God says: I like youngsters. I want people to be like them.
I don’t like old people unless they are still children.
I want only children in my Kingdom; this has been decreed from the beginning of time.
Youngsters—twisted, humped, wrinkled, white-bearded—all kinds of youngsters, but youngsters.
There is no changing it; it has been decided. There is room for no one else.
I like little children because my image has not yet been dulled in them.
They have not botched my likeness; they are new, pure, without a blot, without a smear.
So, when I gently lean over them, I recognize myself in them.
I like them because they are still growing, they are still improving.
They are on the road; they are on their way.
But with grown-ups there is nothing to expect any more.
They will no longer grow, no longer improve. They have come to a full stop.
It is disastrous—grown-ups thinking they have arrived.
I like youngsters because they are still struggling, because they are still sinning.
Not because they sin, you understand, but because they know that they sin,
and they say so, and they try not to sin anymore.
But I don’t like grown-ups. They never harm anyone; they have nothing to reproach themselves for.
I can’t forgive them; I have nothing to forgive. It is a pity, it is indeed a pity, because it is not true.
But above all, I like youngsters because of the look in their eyes. In their eyes I can read their age.
In my heaven, there will be only five-year-old eyes,
for I know of nothing more beautiful than the pure eyes of a child.
It is not surprising, for I live in children, and it is I who look out through their eyes.
When pure eyes meet yours, it is I who smile at you through the flesh.
But on the other hand, I know of nothing sadder than lifeless eyes in the face of a child.
The windows are open, but the house is empty. Two eyes are there, but no light.
And, saddened, I stand at the door, and wait in the cold and knock. I am eager to get in.
And he, the child, is alone. He gets stout, he hardens, he dries up, he gets old. Poor old fellow!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Open, all of you, little old men!
It is I, your God, the Eternal, risen from the dead, coming to bring back to life the child in you.
Hurry! Now is the time. I am ready to give you again the beautiful face of a child,
the beautiful eyes of a child. For I love youngsters, and I want everyone to be like them.

Dad Jokes

Did I tell you I used to have a job raking leaves? I was raking it in!

Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was a salted.

Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? He woke up.

Today’s links! 


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/nonprofit-donates-wedding-gowns-to-health-care-workers-on-pandemic-frontlines/ar-BB16qXIbBrides Across America, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, is donating wedding gowns to health care workers on pandemic frontlines.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/good-news/small-act-of-kindness-meant-so-much-to-us-newlyweds-search-for-good-samaritans-who-rescued-marriage-certificate/ar-BB16pFPi And, while we’re on the subject, these newlyweds are looking for the good Samaritans who rescued their
marriage certificate.


https://7news.com.au/news/world/man-detained-by-police-after-biting-seagull-who-wanted-his-mcdonalds-meal-c-1160501The headline says it all: “Man Detained by Police After Biting Seagull Who ‘Wanted His McDonalds Meal.’”


https://twitter.com/tasty/status/1280966608933003264This Twitter video shows some of the most unusual, realistic-looking cakes you’ll ever see.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoMbeDhG9fUCheck out this scene from the movie 1943 movie “Stormy Weather:” Cab Calloway and his orchestra perform “Jumpin’ Jive” and the Nicholas Brothers’ do an unbelievable tap dance routine.

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In person worship resumes this Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Please call the church office at 475-2947 to make your reservation.

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Zoom church will continue – Sunday worship at 9:15 AM, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/815064120, Meeting ID: 815 064 120

****************************************** Dial in to participate at +1 312 626 6799.

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Copies of “Our Daily Bread” have arrived in the church office. Feel free to stop by and pick up a copy, or help distribute them to others.

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Warnecke Building Restoration has started work here at the church. Feel free to stop by for a look, but PLEASE keep a safe distance!

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Stay safe and stay well! 

Bob