Browsing by Sharron R. Blezard

Congregational Discernment and Stewardship

The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

For Granted–Frugal Finds

JUST LIVING Blog
No more will our blogger take for granted her spouse’s ability to find useful and frugal items that meet a need perfectly. Read on for the story of the $3.00 food processor. (Photo: Rob Blezard)

In the Company of Saints

Lectionary Reflection for All Saints Sunday
November 6, 2011

Beloved Children of God, rejoice and be glad! When we gather at God’s table, when we share God’s love, and when we are God’s hands and feet in the world, we are in the company of saints. (Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Christians in the Catbird Seat?

20th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper A26, Lectionary Reflection October 30, 2011 “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:3 Do you sit in the “catbird seat”? If so, at least according to Jesus, you may soon find yourself in for a mighty fall. Jesus offers a […]

For Granted–Halloween Candy

Just Living Blog
For Granted–Halloween Candy
Just how “just” is that candy in your Halloween bag? Read on to find out. (Photo by respres used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

The Truth About Freedom

Reformation Sunday Lectionary Reflection, October 30, 2011
What constitutes real freedom? Jesus has the answer…if only we will listen.
(Photo by cliffjamester used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Living the Gospel of Love

Lectionary Reflection for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost
How can so few words be so difficult to live? It sounds pretty simple on the surface: love God with all you are and have, and love your neighbor just like yourself. The challenges comes in letting go of all that hinders love. (Photo by Coolm36 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

For Granted… Soap and Water

JUST LIVING Blog–This is the first in a series entitled “For Granted” that will examine the many things we take for granted amidst our abundance in North America. Plentiful access to soap and water is a good way to “come clean” and kick off the conversation. (Photo by the Italian voice used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!

The New Financial Reality

It is fact that our children are not destined to inherit our standard of living and financial ease. Trent Hamm, author and blogger, runs a series of numbers in response to a reader’s question that show the extent of how our financial situation has changed and the present and future generations face. The question is […]

American Idols

18th Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection – For great is the LORD, and greatly/ to be praised;/he is to be revered above/all gods./For all the gods of the peoples are/idols,/but the LORD made the heavens. Psalm 96:4-5 Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are […]