Spiritual Sounding Board – This is your place to gather and share in an open format.
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Luke 8: 1-21
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
While in a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’ This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.”
Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”
Mark 16: 9-11
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
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May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you from the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.
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Feel free to join the discussion.
You can share your church struggles and concerns.
Let’s also use it as a time to encourage one another spiritually.
What have you found spiritually encouraging lately?
Do you have any special Bible verses to share, any YouTube songs that you have found uplifting?
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photo credit: Brian – Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn, OR
Spiritual Sounding Board 
Thank you for this post. I am alone yet not alone as Christ is always with me. Blessings and ((hugs)) to all true Christians who unite to proclaim the Great Resurrection!
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Amen healinginhim! You are not alone, for Jesus is with you too! May our LORD be with you in proclaiming Jesus’ Resurrection, most precious child of God!
Love this post as well.
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Happy Easter everyone!
I decided to keep going with the text and loved how it included Mary. It fit well with the Easter story.
I am working till 2 then we have to take my daughter back to school because her car died. We’ll most likely be eating burgers for Easter dinner. Always something different.
I hope you all are able to have a peaceful and enjoyable day. I know that holidays can be difficult for some, so take special care if you need to.
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He is Risen!
Kathi, even through obstacles, your family is together at Easter 🙂
I’m at the Oregon coast with 4 of my boys. They return home today and I will hang out in Portland for a couple of days. I hope to see Kathi 🙂
I’m LOLing because 3 of the boys just went out to collect shells (instead of Easter eggs?) at low tide and right now it is absolutely pouring.
This is one of those holidays that can cause challenges to those who have been harmed by church leaders. Take care of yourselves. Jesus is alive. He is our comforter.
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Kathi, Julianne and others who are celebrating Easter in what some would term “non-traditional ways:
Christ is more concerned with “true fellowship” and one which offers loving relationships.
I’ve met so many who are confessing to be being burnt-out by attempting to keep up with expectations of “traditions”.
How wonderful of a loving God to create us all in His image which portrays His uniqueness — It’s great to hear how God orchestrates His way of how we honour and glorify His name. Tradition can kill … true love and fellowship spring forth growth!!
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I’m now working at a Catholic nursing home. It has been nice seeing people come in to visit their loved ones and go to mass. On the other hand, it’s also be a bit sad to see those who don’t have regular visitors still not have visitors on a special day. So, today I’m even more conscious about making sure to smile at and say hi to all that I see. Oh, I was offered communion too, which I gratefully accepted.
I’m not upset about having to work or know that we’ll spend the rest of the day in the car. It’s different than usual and I will get to be with my family.
Julie Anne – I hope to see you too! Let me know what trouble you’re up to. 😉
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Kathi,
I spent many a Sunday afternoon at nursing homes where my mom went to play for them to have church there. She had the same concern for those who had no visitors. May He use you as an instrument of His peace there.
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Happy Easter to all!
It’s been a hectic week for me. I quit my company here in Japan, and have decided to strike out on my own (more or less). I had to move out of my apartment on Good Friday, since it was leased by my employer, and my contract with them ended on Thursday. It was a really crazy day, but I’m renting from an acquaintance, and getting settled gradually.
It’s a bit scary not having a job to look forward to — at least, nothing definite right now. But I think there are plenty of opportunities in this region, and God has already put good people into my life here.
Here’s to new beginnings. I hope God will bless all of us who are looking for a fresh start!
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Serving Kids in Japan,
It does sound like last week was a challenging one. Do you hope to stay in the same “business?” I’m glad you have good people around you. Praying you have a smooth transition and can find work soon.
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Julie Anne,
Thanks for asking. I won’t be teaching in public schools for the time being, but there are local businesses that run English conversation classes. I will definitely be looking into those, since they’re close at hand and many of my students from the past year attend them. And the woman from whom I’m renting has been asking around regarding employment opportunities for me. I’m hopeful.
The “challenge” of the past week came mainly from my own somewhat disorganized nature. Packing and cleaning on the last day was a real pell-mell affair. Couldn’t possibly have managed it without the help of some kind friends at church. God is good!
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Serving,
I’ve never heard of anyone being organized during their move! Yea for church friends! One time we moved across the States and into a rental (with 5 bambinos). The plan was to stay in the rental for a year while we got used to the area and eventually purchase a home. Turns out the rental house was in foreclosure. We had to leave 6 weeks after we moved in. Not fun! I don’t know how we did it without our new church friends. Hey, look, we both have 2 good church stories! I’m looking forward to the “I got a job” announcement soon. 🙂
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A few years ago, I had to move twice in the space of four months. I thought that was bad.
Twice in six weeks!? Yikes!! 80
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