Look out at those hills and mountains. They are strong, beautiful, and tall but they cannot protect you.

Look at the hills again. Even if trouble should invade, come sneaking, thundering over the hills, God will help you.

Even if we start to feel over the hill – Still God is our help – especially then.

We each have our own stories wherein we feel small and afraid and helpless. Then there is the BIG STORY, of what God is doing, in which we are truly small, yet loved, protected, cherished, and invited in to participate with whatever small barley loaves and sardines we can offer.

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Pictures of people taking pictures of people taking…

Did you ever get a song stuck in your head? That catchy tune by Jack Johnson? Hallelujah, by Leonard Cohen? Something from The Lion King? A Christmas carol? Gabriel’s Oboe?

Whatever song might get stuck first seems delightful, but then something seems odd, as if the shuffle setting on your media player keeps selecting the same song over and over and over. Then it gets downright annoying, to the point that evasive action is required.

You try a different song. sing it loud, recite a poem or prayer. Then when it seems that you’ve got it licked… “Pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures … The feed back loop is closing in so tight”. it sometimes seems impossible to change the song, OR you end up with another, more annoying song stuck. How do I get this solved? Psalm 40:3 talks of God putting a new song in my mouth.

16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!

If I have to have something stuck in my head, I hope that it revolves around God’s goodness and grace.

Pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures of people taking pictures …