Do you run? If so, how does running make you feel? If you do not run, how does your movement of choice make you feel? Running makes me feel free. This December, I experienced a sudden onset of adult epilepsy, which has since been successfully treated. Because of my seizures, I could not drive forContinue reading “How Running Makes Me Feel”
Author Archives: joyperkett
Love Struck
Soft dirt cushions my feet The aroma of pine fills my nostrils Is it too soon to say: “I love you”? The birds cheer me on The wind crews for me, keeping me cool with her breeze The creek fills my water bottle The roots and rock form a labyrinth of play beneath my toesContinue reading “Love Struck”
For Good
John 10:1-10 [Watch sermon here.] Jesus declares, “I am the gate.” A literal translation reads: “I am the door.” Jesus as a door is one of my favorite images in the Bible. Doors intrigue me. I am always wondering, What lies on the other side? Doors open to surprising spaces. They transition us to aContinue reading “For Good”
Peace Party
Luke 19:28-40 [Watch video here.] It’s a celebration! Jesus comes home to the people. Jesus, the tender-hearted. Jesus, the liberator. It’s the moment everyone is waiting for. This moment of reunion. Lover and loved, liberator and liberated, together, united. How will they greet each other? The people are so happy! “Praise God!” they shout. TheyContinue reading “Peace Party”
All the Light We Cannot See
John 9:1-41 [Watch sermon here.] On the road, Jesus and the disciples walk by a man born with blindness. This man has depth and wisdom. Brilliance abounds as this man can listen to the world more thoroughly than anyone born with sight. A certain spark, and sparkle, occurs when Jesus approaches the man. In contrast,Continue reading “All the Light We Cannot See”
Journeying in Stages
Exodus 17:1-7 [Watch sermon here.] Is God with us? The question burned the Israelites’ parched souls as they lay down their packs. They had hiked in stages through the wilderness. As they trekked in the hot sun, with their belongings on their back, I imagine them wondering, Where will the wilderness take us today? ToContinue reading “Journeying in Stages”
Nic at Nite
John 3:1-17 [Watch sermon here.] Is Nicodemus having a midlife crisis? I wonder. Perhaps Nicodemus is nearing middle age, thinking this is just how life is. Nicodemus has found his place in the in-group. He is part of the Sanhedrin. He has found his daily grind. This is the life! This is the life? ThisContinue reading “Nic at Nite”
Moving Home
Exodus 24:12-18 [Watch sermon.] What makes a home? Is it the people? Is it the house? Is it the house renovations? The bells and whistles you see on HGTV? Is home simply a place where you can lay your head? The Hebrew people have been searching for a home. They have not felt at homeContinue reading “Moving Home”
Dare to Live
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 [Watch sermon here.] Moses says, “I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live.” As Moses speaks these words to the Hebrew people, they are in a liminal space. An in-between space. They are about to cross over the river andContinue reading “Dare to Live”
Let My Love Open
Mark 1:14-20 [Watch video here.] I found myself listening to the music of Pete Townsend this week,who sings, “When everyone keeps retreatingbut you can’t seem to get enough. Let my love open the door …” He continues,“When everything seems all over,When everyone seems unkind … Let my love open the door;Let my love open theContinue reading “Let My Love Open”