The kingdom is like...

The kingdom is like a sower who has various results when he sows the seed. 

The disciples would find the same results when they sowed the seed of the Word. 

Face this reality, Jesus said. 

The kingdom of heaven is like a seed that falls where it may, and you have no power over what happens to it after it is sown. 

But you can be sure that some of it will fall on rich ground and that it will grow. 

 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure in a field. 

Don’t be so concerned about convincing people of the value of your message, 

Jesus taught the disciples. 

People will give up everything they have to obtain the treasure you hold out to them. 

The kingdom of God is like a man how sows seed in his field. 

Then, as he sits back and watches it grow, he has no idea how it is growing. 

He even sleeps, and do you know what? 

It still grows.

---Gospel motivation by Robert J Koester

spring boys

"I don't reach forward and I don't reach back 

and I weigh the moment down with full attention here."

One Thousand Gifts, by Anne Voskamp

Fresh spring air. 

I am drawn out of the house, camera in hand;

boys at my ankles.

Let's capture some of this life in bloom.

Pretty, aren't they Pete? 

Don't pick them.

Don't eat them.

Just enjoy them.

I like these purple flowers.

I remember looking for signs of spring, like these,

with my mommy.

I lay on the ground to take the above picture.

New life, new flowers, and my fuzzy little boy-chick in the background.

What's mommy doing on the ground? he wonders.

She must want to wrestle.

He climbs on me.

My camera and my heart focus on him.

Do you see fish in there?

Please Marcus, don't push him in!

Yes, the water is wet.

And cold.

Marcus!

Stay away!

Gross!!!

I smile, click, and give thanks.

I am a squirrel, storing moments.

“I wish I could leave you certain images in my mind, 

because they are so beautiful that I hate to think 

they will be extinguished when I am. 

…It is a strange thing, after all, to be able to return to a moment, 

when it can hardly be said to have any reality at all, even in its passing.  

A moment is such a slight thing, I mean, that its abiding is a most gracious reprieve.” 

Gilead, Marilynne Robinson 

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Blessed Easter Day!

Alleluia!

I know that my redeemer lives!

What comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, he lives who once was dead!
He lives my ever living head!