My Alaskan vacation/retreat from September 23 to October 1, 2025, was a complete success and blessing. I thank God for this. Here’s the link to my photo dump. Feel free to ask questions or make comments. 💕✌️🙏
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dfU138NBTJzOgfJWcAgkNTJg
Dear Spirit of Unity and Renewal, We lift up all places of worship— from quiet meetinghouses to vibrant sanctuaries, from the Champaign-Urbana Society of Friends to every community gathered in Your name.
Bless the hymns that rose at 10:00 am., simple and joyful, echoing through the commons. May each note prepared the heart for the silence that followed— a silence rich with listening, where Your Spirit stirred and spoke.
We trust You where present at the Meeting for Worship at 10:30, among those who where gathered in person and online. May the spoken ministry flowed gently, born of truth and led by love. Bless all the little ones that were First Day School, and we hope they felt Your wonder in every story and smile.
May our steps as we walked the land— from Sola Gratia Farm’s new property to the original acreage at St. Matthew Lutheran Church be blessed. Each tree, each patch of soil, reminded us of our sacred call to stewardship. May our sack lunches shared was with laughter, and fellowship bloomed like wildflowers.
We give thanks for Faith in Place and the vision of the Lumpkin Family Foundation. Bless the 27 native trees and shrubs planted with care, and the stories that were shared at 2:00. Let this celebration be a testament to what faith can grow when rooted in love.
As we enter this week, may we be led by purpose, nourished by community, and blessed by Your abiding presence. Amen 💕✌️🙏
I recently returned from an exhilarating dream trip to Alaska last Wednesday morning. Last Saturday, I pulled off the road to take pictures along a scenic river. I heard fish splashing and, without a fishing pole, rolled up my pants, took off my hat, and coat, and rolled up my sleeves. In no time, I caught a fish. The hotel clerk took a picture of me, looking like a mountain man in fighting mode. There’s more to the story, but this is the short version. God is good!
“You can now call me Jeremiah Johnson. It’s officially recognized! I the man has conquered and defeated his adversaries! I arrived and effortlessly traversed a rocky stream barefoot, enduring the cold of glacial streams and returning in a single day. I’m truly a true mans man!” 💕✌️🙏
Robert Michaud’s post—drawing from Thomas F. Torrance’s profound theological insight—offers a rich and deeply Christ-centered perspective on the nature of being “born again.” It challenges the common view of conversion as a personal milestone and reframes it as a participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Highlander’s question—“When were you born again?”—is often answered with a date, a moment of personal decision. But Torrance’s response reframes the question entirely: our rebirth is not merely personal—it is cosmic, communal, and Christ-centered.
To say “I was born again when Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and rose from the tomb” is to affirm that our transformation is rooted in His incarnation and resurrection, not in our own striving or emotional experience. It’s a theology of union: we are not just followers of Christ—we are participants in His life.
Colossians 3 reminds us that our true identity is hidden with Christ. That means our conversion is not a self-improvement project—it’s a revelation of what God has already accomplished in Jesus. Romans 6 echoes this: we were buried with Him, raised with Him, and now live in Him.
This doesn’t negate personal repentance or spiritual awakening—it grounds them. It means that when we turn toward Christ, we are stepping into a reality that already exists. We are not creating new life—we are receiving it.
Dear Christ of New Creation, thank You for taking my broken humanity and making it whole. Thank You that my rebirth is not a moment I earned, but a mystery I live into—rooted in Your incarnation, sealed in Your resurrection, and hidden in Your glory. Teach me to live from this truth, to turn toward You daily, and to see myself and others through the lens of redemption. In Your name, Amen 💕✌️🙏
More information reguarding Robert’s Facebook post can be found following this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E8E8vLYF4/
Dear Eternal Spirit of Light and Love, we lift up all places of worship this week—chapels, temples, mosques, synagogues, meetinghouses, and quiet corners where hearts gather in reverence. May each space be filled with peace, purpose, and the gentle movement of Your presence.
We hold especially in the Light the Champaign-Urbana Society of Friends, as they prepare to gather in song, silence, and shared discernment. Bless the hymn singing at 10:00 AM with joy and unity, as voices rise in harmony and hearts open to grace.
At 10:30 AM, as Friends settle into the sacred silence, may Your Spirit guide each soul—those in the meeting room and those joining from afar. Let the stillness speak, and may each person feel held, heard, and led.
Bless the time of introductions and announcements at 11:30 AM. May it be a space of welcome, clarity, and connection. Watch over the children in preschool care, that they may be safe, nurtured, and joyful.
As refreshments are shared and fellowship deepens, may laughter and kindness flow freely. And as the monthly meeting for worship for business begins around noon, grant wisdom, humility, and unity to all who participate. May decisions be made with integrity, compassion, and a shared sense of purpose.
We pray for all who enter these spaces—longtime members, first-time visitors, seekers and servants alike. May they find belonging, inspiration, and the courage to live out their faith in the world.
Guide us through this week with open hearts and steady hands. May our worship be sincere, our fellowship rich, and our service rooted in love.
In the Light that knows no bounds, Amen.
In the Light that knows no bounds, Amen 💕✌️🙏
Dear God of mercy and mystery, You who dwell in the tension between power and humility, In the courtroom and the quiet friendship lost— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the headlines of a world in upheaval and awe, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and all creation.
We lift up the economic decisions unfolding in our nation, As longstanding financial-reporting practices face dramatic change. O God, may transparency not be sacrificed for expedience, And may the reshaping of systems be guided by justice, not ambition. Let truth remain the foundation of trust, And may those most affected be heard and protected.
We pray for peace in Eastern Europe, As Russia conducts major war games in Belarus amid rising NATO tensions. O God, may this not be a rehearsal for conflict, But a call to diplomacy, restraint, and wisdom. Let nations seek resolution over rivalry, And may the people of Belarus and Ukraine be shielded from harm.
We hold in prayer the community mourning Charlie Kirk, As the suspect in his shooting prepares for court. O God, may justice be pursued with integrity, And may grief be met with compassion. Let this tragedy not deepen division, But stir reflection, healing, and a renewed commitment to peace.
We give thanks for the voice of Pope Leo XIV, Who speaks boldly against billionaires, polarization, and war. O God, may his words stir conscience and courage, And may the Church be a beacon of justice, mercy, and unity. Let faith not be a fortress, but a bridge, And may leaders of all traditions speak truth to power with love.
We reflect on the near-tragedy of a man nearly lost to error, Saved only by the intervention of a vigilant doctor. O God, thank You for the sanctity of life, For the courage to question, and the grace to act. May every life be treated with reverence, And may our systems be shaped by care, not haste.
We grieve the quiet heartbreak of a friendship shattered, Over a dog-show disappearance that left more than a ribbon missing. O God, remind us that relationships are sacred, And that trust, once broken, can be mended with humility and grace. Let forgiveness be possible, And may love outlast misunderstanding.
And in all these things— In every policy and protest, In every sanctuary and surgical room, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:
May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏
Dear God of mercy and mystery, You who dwell in the silence between headlines and the heartbeat of every soul, We come before You with reverence, Carrying the weight of a world shaken by violence, transitions, and awe, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our leaders, and all creation.
We mourn the death of Charlie Kirk, And the outrage and firings that have followed, exposing deep divides across our nation. O God, be near to the grieving, the fearful, and the angry. May justice be pursued with integrity, And may our reactions be tempered by compassion. Let this moment not deepen our fractures, But call us to healing, humility, and truth.
We lift up the meeting between Senator Rubio and Prime Minister Netanyahu, As they discuss the Hamas war and operations in Gaza City. O God, may diplomacy rise above destruction, And may leaders seek peace not as a tactic, but as a sacred calling. Let the suffering in Gaza and Israel be met with mercy, And may the voices of the innocent guide the path forward.
We honor the long service of Representative Michael McCaul, As he prepares to retire from the U.S. House. O God, bless those who serve with integrity, And may transitions in leadership be moments of renewal. Let new voices rise with wisdom, And may public service remain rooted in care for the common good.
We cry out for those affected by toxic fumes leaking into airplanes, Sickening crews and passengers in ways unseen but deeply felt. O God, protect those who travel and those who serve. May safety be prioritized over profit, And may every breath be free from harm. Let truth be uncovered, And may healing come to those who suffer in silence.
We pause in wonder at the track world’s surprise, As Noah Lyles earns bronze in the men’s 100 at the World Championships. O God, bless the spirit of competition, Where victory is not only in medals, but in perseverance. May every athlete find dignity in the race, And may we all learn to run with grace, even when the outcome surprises us.
And in all these things— In every courtroom and stadium, In every meeting room and airplane cabin, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:
May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏
Dear Holy and Ever-Present Spirit, as a new week unfolds, we lift up every place where hearts gather in reverence—every sanctuary, chapel, mosque, temple, synagogue, and meetinghouse. We especially hold in prayer the Champaign-Urbana Society of Friends, whose rhythm of worship reflects the quiet beauty of listening deeply and living faithfully.
Bless the hymn singing in the commons, the silence in the meeting room, and the sacred connections formed both in person and through the gentle reach of Zoom. May each voice lifted in song, each soul settled in silence, and each hand extended in fellowship be a reflection of Your love.
Be with the children in care, the seekers in worship, and the learners in Adult Religious Education. As they explore the testimonies of Equality and Stewardship, may Your Spirit illuminate their understanding and inspire their actions. Let these values not only be studied, but lived—woven into the fabric of their community and carried into the world.
Guide every announcement, every introduction, every shared refreshment with grace. Let laughter and conversation be vessels of healing. Let unity grow not from sameness, but from shared purpose and mutual respect.
And for all places of worship—those bustling with activity and those tucked quietly into corners of the world—may this week be filled with peace, clarity, and divine encouragement. May Your presence be felt in every gathering, and may Your light guide every step.
In gratitude and hope, Amen 💕✌️🙏
Hey friend, let’s take a look at Psalm 119:14. Imagine you’re living in the kingdom of God, and money isn’t a thing. What would you do? 💕✌️🙏
Dear God of mercy and mystery, You who dwell in the depths of suffering and the heights of discovery, In the chaos of violence and the quiet dignity of service— We come before You with reverence, Carrying the headlines of a world aching for justice, And seeking Your guidance for ourselves, our communities, and all creation.
We mourn the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk, As the race to apprehend his assassin unfolds amid mass chaos. O God, be near to the grieving, the fearful, the shaken. May justice be pursued with integrity, And may peace rise from the ashes of violence. Let calm return to our streets, And may every life lost be honored with truth and tenderness.
We lift up the families relying on Obamacare, Now bracing for higher health care premiums in the coming year. O God, may compassion guide our policies, And may care never be out of reach for those who need it most. Let healing be a right, not a privilege, And may our systems reflect Your love for the vulnerable.
We cry out for the people of al-Fashir in Sudan, Where shelling, hunger, and humiliation have driven residents to flee. O God, shelter the displaced, feed the hungry, and restore dignity to the broken. May the world not turn away from their suffering, And may peace come to a land long scarred by war. Let aid arrive swiftly, And may hope be rekindled in the hearts of those who remain.
We honor the incarcerated firefighters of California, Who risk their lives for just $1 per hour, And may soon receive a long-overdue raise. O God, bless their courage and sacrifice. May their labor be recognized with justice, And may redemption be written into every opportunity to serve. Let dignity be restored, And may second chances flourish in the firelight of service.
We marvel at the golden shark discovered in Costa Rica, A one-of-a-kind creature shimmering in the deep. O God, thank You for the wonders of creation, For the reminders that beauty still surprises us, Even in a world weary with grief. May we protect what is rare, And live with reverence for the mysteries of the sea.
We reflect on the question: How do you prove your citizenship? O God, may identity never be reduced to paperwork alone. Let belonging be rooted in love, in contribution, in community. May borders not become barriers to compassion, And may every person be seen as Your beloved.
And in all these things— In every courtroom and coastline, In every shelter and street, In every act of courage and every cry for help— We ask:
May peace prevail. May love be our compass, May truth be our foundation, And may grace be the rhythm by which we live. Amen 💕✌️🙏
Whispers of Grace 