a prophetic voice-

Immigration reform continues to be a hot-button issue in many segments of our society, so I was particularly gratified to find an article on the subject in the latest issue of our denominational publication, The Lutheran. Written by Jose David Rodriquez, a professor of global mission and world Christianity at the Lutheran School of theology in Chicago, the article includes the following information (which I quote): On Nov.14, 2009, the ELCA Church Council approved a social policy resolution regarding immigration, "Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform". The text reflects the rich legacy of the Lutheran church's concern for the neighbor,  particularly the uprooted, the alien, and the stranger. The biblical and theological donations for the resolution lie in core commitments based on hospitality for the displaced as a means to practice the gospel's call to live our neighbor in response to  God's love in Christ. Rodriquez goes on t

I must confess that purchasing gas at $2.04 per gallon has been giving me a frisson of delight lately, helping to stretch my Social Security monthly "raise" of $29 for 2015 just a little bit further. And as I'm trying to be truly and deliberately frugal this year in order to save for a 2016 trip to Africa, most likely my last to that beautiful and much loved but far-away place. So one part of me is rejoicing, truly relishing the money saved. But another part of me- the responsible, environmentally- concerned part, the part that cares deeply about the care of this benighted planet which is our home- can't help but ask what the price of these low prices really is. The proposed Keystone pipeline, fracking, expanded off-shore drilling all have or will have a detrimental effect on our "home", yours and mine. And what is even more important to me is the question of what kind of environmental legacy we will be leaving to our grandchildren and future

Mo rning blessing... Attention rides on the breath In   Out   Slowly   Deeply Opening as the petals of a flower To receive the dew-filled blessing      of the day   In   Out   Slowly   Deeply Sinking deeper, ever deeper, into the earth Rooted, firm, connected In   Out   Slowly   Deeply Arms spread wide, reaching high      toward the sky Perhaps to fly, at least to dare In   Out   Slowly   Deeply Settling into the peacefulness of      being fully at rest Here     Now    At this moment