May 20, 2012

“No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us.”
1 John 4:12 (NAB)

This week, my wife and I celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary.

Jobs, hobbies and housework fill our week days. A sympathetic ear at the end of a tough work day, an unexpected bouquet of flowers, words of appreciation for taking care of a house chore, “I love you” and a kiss before falling asleep — these are the highlights of ordinary days.

Darkness visits our marriage from time to time. Losing my job. The death of a beloved grandmother. Disagreements, misunderstandings and other inevitable pitfalls when two people live together. We share healing by expressing fears, tears and forgiveness.

Ten months ago we welcomed our first child. Many people tell us that Elaine’s features are an equal mix of her parents. In her face, and in how we work together to take care of her, we’re coming as close as ever to bringing God’s love to perfection.

Marriage is only one example. God invites us to perfect his love in any relationship — mother, father, son, daughter, friend, coworker, significant other, stranger. The list is endless. Loving one another is the greatest commandment.

Happy anniversary, Laura.

Prayer:
Lord, remind us that whenever we are in the presence of someone else, your love is waiting to be perfected. Amen

Question:
How can I reflect God’s love?

Written by Eric Morse

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com

May 13, 2012

“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11 (NRSV)

Today I have a silly grin on my face. I’m remembering Mom, her sister, and one of my dad’s sisters — The Giggle Girls.

When they gathered — at family events, on a trip, in their homes — conversations frequently turned into giggle sessions. The chain of laughter started with a beloved story, an ordinary observation viewed with a twist, or simply a silly comment that tickled them.

Those of us around them caught the giggles too. We couldn’t help it! An impish look turned into a smile, a smile morphed into giggles, and giggling burst into full-blown laughter. Sometimes we laughed so much we shed tears of pure joy.

The Giggle Girls faced plenty of tough times. But they found patience and strength in their faith, in their camaraderie with family and friends, and in their ability to put positive spins on what life dealt. They turned life’s lemons into laughter.

Prayer:
God of Laughter, on this Mother’s day and every day, fill us with gratitude for those who bring us joy. Amen

Question:
What about me makes God giggle?

Written by Ronda Armstrong

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com

May 6, 2012

“He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.”
John 15:2 (NSRV)

I have loved them for as long as I can remember. In a pie. Over ice cream. Or just piled into a bowl ready for me to pop in my mouth. Raspberries! Red, delicious raspberries – my all-time perennial favorite fruit.

Recently I purchased several raspberry plants that will go in the sunny part of my garden and become my very first raspberry patch. I’m an expert at eating raspberries, but I have a lot to learn about growing them. Come spring I must remember a step that is new to my gardening experience: pruning. I read with great interest the instructions: “The main purpose of pruning is to get rid of older canes in favor of newer canes that will produce fruit” (from finegardening.com).

Without pruning, my raspberry harvest will be meager. John reminds us that we, too, need pruning. I am grateful I have God to help me prune away grudges that keep me from forgiving, stereotypes that keep me from understanding, and self-involvement that keeps me from seeing the needs of others.

With care and persistent pruning, my raspberry harvest will continue to grow. With God’s help in pruning away qualities that weigh me down, I will continue to grow into the abundant life of sharing and joy that that I am intended to have.

Prayer:
Lord of new life, thank you for the excitement of growth and help us to be open to the need for persistent pruning. Amen

Question:
Which canes sap my energy and keep me from growing?

Written by Ellen Fisher

The Bridge is a collaborative ministry by four Downtown Des Moines churches. The Bridge Meditations are part of the ministry of The Bridge which is working to enrich the lives of those working, living and visiting downtown Des Moines. Programs developed by The Bridge offer spiritual formation and development, professional counseling, holistic health and family support. The Connection Cafe is a Bridge ministry which provides a free mid-day meal five days per week. The Connection Cafe is located next to the YWCA on Grand Avenue and is supported by many churches and civic organizations in its ministry. For more information, or to volunteer to help with The Bridge, The Connection Cafe or other Downtown Des Moines ministries contact Rob Hoover at 515-771-1481 or by email at theconnectioncafe@hotmail.com