You surprise me, God. I didn’t expect that at all. You bring love and hope and new life into moments of despair. You bring possibility and potential into places that seem desolate. You bring light into the dark corners of our world, and of my soul. Help me to see you in places, events, and people where I don’t expect …
26In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was much perplexed by his words and …
Peter Horn, alum of Penn State and Lutheran Student Community, visited New York City with the Youth of Grace Lutheran, State College, PA. “We were there to serve and learn, for, as we learned, where there is one extreme (wealth), the other extreme (poverty) also exists.” read more below In the summer of 2019, the Grace Lutheran Youth went …
I am re-sharing a reflection I posted a while ago. I hope that it speaks to the stress you may be feeling as you work on those final things for the semester in this strange and difficult Covid world. -ara Take a deep breath. Have dinner with your roommate. Go for a walk. Listen to music that gives you energy …
O God, When I am overwhelmed, help me to see my way forward. When I am distracted, help me to focus and accomplish things. When I am distressed, help me to find support. When I am panicky, help me to be calm. When I am uncertain, help me to choose well. When I am disappointed, help me to set it …
Carla Rossi, PSU alum who majored in Accounting has worked for Penn State since graduation. Carla serves on the Lutheran Council for Campus Ministry board and visited Ireland in September 2019. “From the majestic cliffs and crashing waves, to the historic ruins and rolling green hills, the beauty of God’s creation was everywhere.” read more below In September 2019 my …
Every November, I make sure to have four deep blue candles for our Advent wreath. My family sings “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” as we light one candle this first week. In the words of the song, we call to God to come close and sing the story of God’s care and connection to God’s people. Each week, we’ll add …
Come, Emmanuel. In these times when night is too long, help me anticipate your arrival and your transformation. In the face of sorrow, brokenness, pain, and death, let your presence fill me with hope and expectation. Your light brightens the deepest night. Your faithfulness enfolds me in healing and new life. Your faithfulness enfolds the whole world in healing and …
Becky Horn, pastor and alum of Penn State and Lutheran Student Community, visited Corolla, North Carolina with her family in the summer of 2019. “God is certainly present throughout each day, but I was truly reminded of God’s beauty in the impeccable sunsets and sunrises experienced.” Read more below In the summer of 2019 I went to Corolla, NC with …
This is going to be an unusual holiday. Typically, my family will travel to spend time with family who live in the Midwest. If we are at home, we spend the day with my elderly mother. Those options are not possible this year. We’ll spend Thanksgiving with the three people who live in my house. We’ll zoom with family members …
