What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

The echo of cheers still hangs in the air, a fading memory from yesterday’s celebration. Palm fronds, once vibrant symbols of hope, now lie scattered on the dusty ground, their green already tinged with brown. We walk beside Jesus, a heavy silence pressing down where excitement crackled just a day ago. The joy of Palm Sunday feels like a dream – a beautiful, fleeting dream that leaves you a little lost when you wake up. The bright Jerusalem sunshine that cast hope on the city walls seems to mock us now. We can still almost hear the cheers of the ...

The weight of knowledge, the burden of responsibility, the ever-present hum of doubt. These are just some of the feelings that may accompany your journey as a theological student, or even in other institutions where deep reflection and purpose-driven pursuits take center stage. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to question your place, and to wonder if the path you’ve chosen is the right one. But take a deep breath, dear friend. You are not alone. Throughout history, countless individuals have wrestled with the same anxieties and uncertainties as you. From prophets grappling with divine messages to philosophers seeking ...

As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, it’s fitting to turn our gaze to scripture, for the Bible paints a vivid picture of these life-giving landscapes. In the very first book, Genesis, we encounter the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters, bringing forth creation. Water becomes a symbol of life, renewal, and God’s creative power. We see this echoed in Psalm 104, where the psalmist praises God for “sending springs into the valleys, to flow between the mountains” (v.10). These “springs” and “valleys” are, in essence, the wetlands – teeming with life, nourishing the land ...

Seeds in Shallow Soil: Finding Fertile Ground

As we gather together in this season of Advent, we dive into the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark, chapter 13, verses 24-37. 24 “At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.[a] 26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man[b] coming on the clouds with great power and glory.[c] 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over ...

On this blessed All Saints Day, we gather to celebrate the communion of saints, the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. And the saints among us, striving to live out the beatitudes as we embrace the teachings of St. Francis. Revelation 7:9-17 reminds us of the countless saints from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the Lamb. They wear white robes, symbolizing their purity and dedication to God’s ways. As Franciscans, we seek to imitate their holiness by living lives of simplicity, love, and service to all. Psalm 34:1-10, 22 calls us to ...

Mental health is a precious gift that deserves our care and attention. In the midst of life’s challenges, we often find solace in the words of Psalm 23:1-3. This blog post explores the significance of these verses and offers practical tips for nurturing our mental well-being. Verse in Focus: Psalm 23:1-3 (New Living Translation) ???? “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” The Shepherd’s Care for Mental Health: In these verses, we find a beautiful metaphor of ...

On this beautiful first day of Spring, I’d like to share a reflection on renewal, a theme that transcends individuals and touches the very essence of life itself. Spring is a season that symbolizes renewal, rebirth, and hope. As the cold of winter recedes, and nature awakens in a burst of color and vitality, we are reminded of the profound truth that no matter how harsh the previous season has been, there is always the promise of a new beginning. In the Bible, the concept of renewal is beautifully encapsulated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, “Therefore, if ...

In the quiet moments of life, where the threads of spirituality, creativity, and passion intertwine, we find our true purpose. It’s a journey that often requires a leap of faith, but in that leap, we discover the most profound and beautiful aspects of ourselves. The Leap of Faith: Taking a leap of faith is not merely a physical act; it’s a spiritual one. It’s trusting that there’s a plan beyond our understanding, a purpose that guides us even when the path seems unclear. Just like a quilt begins with individual pieces stitched together to create something ...

In the bustling world we live in, where change is a constant, our spiritual homes must also adapt and grow. I am thrilled to share with you the exciting journey our Diocese in Natal, South Africa, is embarking upon. It’s a journey of revitalization, vision, and multiplication—a journey rooted in faith, prayer, and a deep commitment to the mission of our Lord. The Bishop’s Charge: Our journey begins with a heartfelt letter from our Bishop. In it, he sets forth a vision for our Diocese that is both inspiring and challenging. He draws from the wisdom of ...

Today, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, we not only honor the incredible life of a remarkable leader but also embrace the teachings of the Bible that inspire us to love, serve, and bring positive change to the world. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Nelson Mandela’s journey was a testament to the endurance and unwavering spirit of doing good. In the face of adversity, he tirelessly fought for justice, equality, and reconciliation. And in our own ...

On this World Day for International Justice, we have the opportunity to reflect on the importance of justice, fairness, and accountability in our world. It is a day that calls us to take action and advocate for a more equitable and just society. As we embark on this journey, let us find inspiration from the wisdom of the scriptures. Micah 6:8 reminds us, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” In these words, we discover ...

In the pages of the Bible, we encounter numerous accounts of Jesus’ miracles, each serving as a testament to His power and compassion. One such extraordinary event is found in Matthew 9:18-26, where we witness the awe-inspiring miracles of healing and restoration. Let us delve deeper into these remarkable stories and discover the profound lessons they hold for us today. The Desperate Father’s Faith: In this passage, a desperate father approaches Jesus, kneeling before Him and pleading for help. His daughter had tragically passed away, but the father’s faith remained steadfast. Despite the seemingly irreversible circumstances, he ...

Today, I find solace in the profound message of forgiveness echoed in the words of Jesus found in Luke 6:37: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” These words resonate deeply, reminding us of the transformative power of forgiveness in our lives.” In a world that often thrives on judgment and condemnation, Jesus invites us to embody a different way of being. He calls us to release the weight of judgment, to let go of the impulse to condemn others, and instead ...

Today, I would like to share with you a powerful practice known as the Welcome Prayer. This beautiful prayer invites us to embrace a state of inner peace, surrender, and openness to the presence of God. Join me as we explore this transformative prayer and learn how to incorporate it into our daily spiritual journey. ✨ Step 1: Begin by finding a peaceful and quiet space where you can comfortably sit or kneel. Take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and center your mind. Step 2: Close your eyes and bring your awareness to the present moment. Feel the ...

In a world filled with bustling cities, constant connectivity, and never-ending distractions, it is crucial to find moments of solace and connection with the divine. One such sanctuary is readily available to us all—the embrace of nature. As I long to venture into the great outdoors, I am repeatedly reminded of the profound connection between nature and spirituality. Join me on this reflective journey as we explore the harmonious interplay between nature’s beauty and the nourishment it provides for our souls. The Sacred Symphony of Creation:Nature, like a symphony, resounds with an intricate melody that harmonizes seamlessly ...

When Jesus says that those who obey won’t die, he is talking about spiritual death, not physical death. Even physical death will eventually be overcome. Those who follow Jesus will be raised to live eternally with him. The great “I am” statement is one of the most powerful statements uttered by Jesus. When he said that he existed before Abraham was born, he was undeniably proclaiming his divinity. Not only did Jesus say that he existed before Abraham, but he also applied God’s holy name to him self. This claim demands a response. It cannot be ignored. The ...

Jesus himself is the truth that’s sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from continued slavery to sin, from deception, and from deception by Satan. He shows us clearly the way to eternal life with God. Thus; Jesus does not give us freedom to pursue harmful actions or dangerous beliefs but freedom, to have new and overflowing life as we follow him. As we seek to serve God, Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all that he created us to be. Sin has a way of ...

Evening reflection from John 5:19-29. Because of Jesus unity with God, Jesus lived as God wanted him to live. Because of our identification with Jesus, we must honour him and live as he wants us to live. Eternal life, living forever with God, begins the moment you accept Jesus Christ as our Saviour. New life begins in us, God completes the transaction. The rest of your life on earth will go better for you, even though you might face hardships, because your are living in fellowship with the Almighty Creator, who loves you. And though you will still face ...

Righteousness means having a right love for God leading to a right relationship with him and others, producing right actions. The Pharisees were exacting and scrupulous in their attempts to follow their laws. They thought that was what they needed to do to please God. So how could Jesus reasonably call us to greater righteousness than theirs? The Pharisees weakness was that they were content to obey the laws outwardly without allowing God to change their hearts or attitudes. They looked good and acted piously, but they were far from the kingdom of heaven. God is concerned about our hearts ...