some comfort and joy

Joy for Fall: Pumpkin Pie (Psalm 126:6)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

He who goes out weeping,
carrying seeds to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him. Psalm 126:6 NIV

This week consider choosing an activity that evokes the season for you:

Take the time to bake something pumpkin or maybe apple
Perhaps light a candle with a fallish scent
Pick up a warm drink and pay attention to the smell
Enjoy a family campfire this weekend

As you engage in one of these activities take a few moments to focus on the aroma of fall and be reminded of the balance of the holiday season. Sometimes it will be wonderful, and sometimes it will not. Remember that God is with you through life’s ups and downs.

In our family it’s not really fall without pumpkin pie. Here is a family favorite from my mother, Catherine Ramer Stoltzfus.

Pumpkin custard pie

1 cup cooked pumpkin or butternut squash (my mom prefers the squash)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup white sugar
2 cups milk scalded
3 eggs separated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
Pastry for 1 (9 inch) crust

Measure and blend egg yolks, sugar, salt, spices together. Then add milk and vanilla. If you choose to, separate eggs beat whites till they’re stiff then fold them in pumpkin mix.

Pour into unbaked pie crust.

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce to 350 and continue baking for 30 minutes or until custard is set.

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Comfort for Fall: Peril and Promise (Joel 2)

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“The threshing floors shall be full of grain, the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. -Joel 2:24-26

This week our friends to the north are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving. Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing/stuffing/filling, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie will be passed around the table at family gatherings.

For some, the idea of gathering with family and celebrating the holidays is a delight. It evokes a warm heart and big smiles in anticipation of the time together. But for many, the holiday season is a complicated mix of emotions. There is so much cultural pressure on us to be grateful and blessed, merry and bright.

The words of the prophet Joel are a contrast to the vortex of toxic positivity. The longer passage names the grief and sorrows that precede the promised time of restoration and satisfaction.

As you consider what the coming weeks hold, name your lament and pain honestly before God. And, find ways to hold on to the hope and promise of joy and provision.

God, make space in my heart to hold the hurt and the hope; may I be in honest about what is while also living with joy and openness to possibility. Amen.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Joy for Fall: “Setting aside our doing”

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“God, brilliant Lord,
Your name echoes around the world.” Psalm 8:9

Setting aside our doing to be with God

Sunset whispering pink threaded with blue and yellow
What human might
What effort
Could out-do this temporal painting?

Waves returning to shore
Swaying an ancient rhythm
Vast
We cannot control the sea.

Stars prick the night sky
Limitless universe
We bow beneath
The weight of God’s glory.

Our to-do list melts
Under Your holy gaze
Pass by here, Lord
So we can catch a glimpse
Of your might.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: God’s artwork (Psalm 8:3-5)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,
your handmade sky-jewelry,
Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,
Why do you bother with us?
Why take a second look our way?
Yet we’ve so narrowly missed being gods,
Bright with Eden’s dawn light.” Psalm 8:3-5 The Message

The Psalmist reminds us that we are part of God’s beautiful, creative work. Writer Emily P. Freeman refers to us each as a poem written by God. Each of us with gifts to share and connections to make it this world. Each of us – a work of art.

For me, creating connection means slowing down to listen to my children when they speak. It means taking time for coffee and stories with others, and checking in with lonely friends in a more intentional way. Becoming God’s work of art in the world isn’t only sharing the good news with words, it is also forging and maintaining connections with people around us. What a comfort to know that even everyday caring and connections matter in the Spiritual realm.

In what ways do you foster connections for yourself, your family members and for others in your community? Who might God’s Spirit lead you to hold dearly?

God of connections, Hold us closely in your arms. Give us diligence and endurance as we seek to be faithful enactors of your love and co-creators of life poems. We ask for creativity and inspiration to share Your love in our walk today. AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Joy for Fall: Breath Prayer (Psalm 19)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” -Psalm 19:14

Cultural self-help encouragement echoes the wisdom of the Psalms: what we give our attention to grows; our attitude impacts our perspective.

For the day, choose a breath prayer or mantra to focus your thinking towards gratitude.

I have what I need for today
There is good in every day
I am grateful for this moment (it’s gift, it’s lesson or it’s passing!)
My life is abundant

When you feel worried, anxious or stressed, repeat your prayer. At natural pause points during the day– meals, washing your hands, crossing a threshold– offer your prayer of gratitude.

And as you close your day, reflect on how having a prayer of gratitude impacted your day.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: Autumn Praise (Psalm 19:1-4) NIV

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

The autumn season is filled with burgeoning excitement. The air is crisp and the sky is blue. The holiday season is upon us and the recent fresh starts of the school year still hold us in the hope of all things new. Fall also whispers of winter. Our gardens are mostly harvested and the days are cooler. Leaves spiral off the trees with a burst of color and then turn brown. The air feels both full of death and possibility. How do these hold the same space?

The Psalmist declares that creation tells us of God’s ways. What might the fall season, the change of weather, the dying, ending and transitions of autumn reveal to us?

Death and resurrection. Endings and new beginnings. Perhaps fall can bring us this comfort: out of our sometimes painful changes, Christ can bring new life.

God, Some days the mystery is too great for us to comprehend. Thank you for the wonder of autumn that reminds us of the beauty in change. Help us to embrace the mix of death and resurrection that surrounds us. Continue your work of transformation in our lives, we pray! AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Joy for Fall: Partners in the Kingdom (Psalm 54)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“But surely, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil. In your faithfulness, put an end to them. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you; I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. For he has delivered me from every trouble.” -Psalm 54:4-7

Whether a proclamation of hope or a sigh of relief in gratitude, this Psalm reminds us of God’s care for us.

At times, God’s timing is not our own. And sometimes (often times?) instead of miraculous intervention or resolution, there’s a lot of discernment, hard work and trying things to bring change to our circumstances.

For better or worse, God has chosen to partner with humankind to bring forth the kingdom. What an awesome opportunity and responsibility! The work you do in nurturing others, using your training and skills to create, care and contribute to the economy and your very presence are part of spreading Good News in the world.

As you move throughout your day, doing routine and mundane tasks and as you do the work that energizes you and uses your unique gifts and skills to make a difference in the world, offer thanks to God:

You may choose to make a gratitude list in your journal,
invite others to join you in a practice of reflective gratitude by taking a few minutes to go around the table at meal time and share something each one is thankful for,
listening to your favorite music that sparks recognition, honor and praise in your heart.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Comfort for Fall: God’s Inevitable Kingdom (Psalm 54:1&7)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“For your sake help me!
Use your influence to clear me.
Listen God – I’m desperate.
Don’t be too busy to hear me.
. . .Thank you God – you’re so good.
You got me out of every scrape,
And I saw my enemies get it.” (Psalm 54: 1&7) The Message

Reading this Psalm almost made me laugh out loud. David reminds me of a petulant child who isn’t hearing the answer he wants, or certainly not soon enough. David isn’t afraid of God in his moment of need and is comfortable laying out his calamity. He doesn’t talk of other world problems that are much bigger or the worry about the greater good. He is honest with God and pleads for God to finish off his enemies.

Sometimes, perhaps it is just that simple. We don’t need to bring all our answers to God and explain the best way to solve the problem. We won’t have it all figured out. God’s kingdom will come anyway – that is inevitable. It doesn’t rely on us to have the perfect path forward. It doesn’t rely on our good works, perfect attitudes, or solutions.

Instead, may we like David, remember to lay our petitions before God, knowing that He loves us and that His kingdom is here now and coming again soon!

God, thank you for hearing each of us. Help us to lay our complexities aside, at least occasionally, and place our sincere petitions before you. AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Joy for Fall: Morning Sky (Psalm 116)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“Morning Sky”

I never tire of the morning sky

New artistry each day

Clouds play with mountains

Sometimes sunshine, rain

At times blazing yellow, blinding white

Others muted and shadowed

A reminder of faithfulness

In the steady rhythms

Uniqueness and change

Held in the frame of routine

A fresh breath

A warm smile

Commencement of a new day

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Fall Comfort: Cry for Help (Psalm 116: 1 & 12-13)

Scroll to the bottom for a link to listen to this post on our Some Comfort and Joy podcast!

“I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:1, 12-13

Years ago the members of the adult Sunday school class I was a part of in my home congregation, took turns sharing their personal testimony with the group. We were pretty young at the time, but we still had varied life stories. The common thread in the stories that were shared was the realization of God’s faithful presence and work in each of our lives. Amazingly, some of the toughest stories revealed, the strongest voices declaring God’s goodness. God was beside me when my child was stillborn. God was with me when I fled an abusive husband. God guided me from one career change to another.

Often when I get angry with God I am looking at a situation or story from far away. Perhaps a world tragedy or a story of a friend of a friend. But when I hear someone’s own recounting of a personal trial, I am surprised by their words of declaration: God has been good to me through this difficult time.

Life will never be always, completely good or perfect. But as we pause to reflect and look back over our shoulders, we can sometimes catch a glimpse of God’s good work in our lives over time.

Where have you experienced loss in your life? When you look back on times of pain and transition what do you see?

God, How can I repay You for Your goodness to me? I will lift my voice and call on the name of the Lord! AMEN

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Joy for Fall: Pumpkin Pie (Psalm 126:6)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: Peril and Promise (Joel 2)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Joy for Fall: “Setting aside our doing”

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: God’s artwork (Psalm 8:3-5)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Joy for Fall: Breath Prayer (Psalm 19)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: Autumn Praise (Psalm 19:1-4) NIV

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Joy for Fall: Partners in the Kingdom (Psalm 54)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Comfort for Fall: God’s Inevitable Kingdom (Psalm 54:1&7)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Joy for Fall: Morning Sky (Psalm 116)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy

Fall Comfort: Cry for Help (Psalm 116: 1 & 12-13)

Fall Wrap Up – Some Comfort and Joy